A model gets ready backstage for the TRESemme and Batsheva collaboration at the Starrett-Lehigh Building in New York City on February 13, 2024. The Globe and Mail
For the Fall 2024 fashion season, Batsheva Hay made headlines with a remarkable runway show in New York, where she highlighted models over the age of 40. Through a unique casting approach that involved street casting and recruiting her friends, Hay showcased an array of styles that celebrated natural grey hair. Celebrity hairstylist Justine Marjan, collaborating with Tresemme, tailored each model’s hairstyle to emphasize their grey tones, creating a striking celebration of aging.
The runway featured diverse grey looks, from tight salt-and-pepper curls to sleek, pitch-black ponytails that accentuated white strands. Other models sported shiny waves where grey roots merged with blonde highlights, creating an eye-catching effect.
But Batsheva wasn’t alone in spotlighting age-positive beauty. At JW Anderson’s show in London, hairstylist Anthony Turner adorned many models with charcoal and silver wigs. This playful twist was complemented by bold orange-red lips created by makeup artist Lynsey Alexander, offering a quirky take on the grey hair trend. While these models weren’t typically of an older age group, their silver styles made a memorable impact.
Models at the JW Anderson Fall/Winter 2024 runway showcased a range of grey hairstyles, from elegant to fun. The Globe and Mail
The silver trend also appeared on other notable runways. At Balmain, several models over 50 strutted in structured trench coats and dresses. Miu Miu featured 70-year-old Qin Huilan, a retired doctor from Shanghai who had become a fashion influencer, walking the runway in Paris. Meanwhile, Thom Browne showcased 90s supermodel Kristen McMenamy, whose striking white hair was styled into gravity-defying braids.
Hairstylist Sarah Amson from Bang Salon in Toronto praised the trend, noting that showcasing older models allows them to represent a demographic that can afford high fashion. She emphasized the importance of visibility in helping people feel confident and beautiful in their natural grey hair. With the rise of social media, which often focuses on younger generations, seeing older models in the spotlight helps bridge this gap and encourages broader acceptance.
Pinterest Canada has reported a significant increase in searches related to grey hair, reflecting the growing interest in embracing natural silver tones. From July 2023 to July 2024, searches for terms like “grey blending” and “going grey transition tips” surged dramatically. Amson suggests hair colour transitional services that blend grey roots with darker ends, avoiding harsh lines and ensuring a smooth transition. She recommends lowlights over highlights for a more natural look, as silver hair tends to have a cool tone compared to the warm tones of highlighted hair.
A model gets ready backstage for the TRESemme X Batsheva show at the Starrett-Lehigh Building in New York City on February 13, 2024. The Globe and Mail
The haircare industry is also adjusting to this shift. Products initially designed for blonde hair, like purple and blue shampoos, now cater to maintaining natural grey tones. Amson has observed an increase in products aimed at strengthening and preserving white hair.
However, there is still a gap in products targeting a younger audience with grey hair. While many products are geared toward individuals over 60, there is a growing number of younger people embracing their silver strands. Amson expresses a desire for more inclusive marketing that represents a wider age range.
In summary, the Fall 2024 fashion shows have highlighted a trend toward celebrating grey hair, with prominent designers and hairstylists embracing age-positive beauty. This movement is reflected in increased interest in grey hair care and a growing acceptance of natural aging, though there is still room for more inclusive representation across all age groups.
