The Woman Behind the Silver Women

Full disclosure: One of us would really like to ditch the dye and become one of those boldly authentic, confident and celebrated women of the Graynaissance. But while said person is brave about many things in her life, this isn’t one of them.

So for a shot of courage, we spoke with Simone Silverman, the creator of the artful and inspiring website The Silver Women about her own hair journey, how she captures the genuine fabulousness of each woman featured on her site, and the best way to pose for the camera at any age.

GG50: When did you stop coloring your hair?

I stopped two years ago - almost to the date. I’m a massive Debbie Harry fan and for the past decade, she inspired my look. I kept the bottom layers as they were and had a double process on the top half of my head which gave contrast and edge. It was definitely high maintenance.

GG50: What made you stop?

I wanted to simplify my life. I was also very curious to see my natural color which I hadn’t seen since I was 16. It turns out the underneath is dark and I have big chunky silver streaks and sandy and brown pieces. Right now, the ends are still blonde, which is slowly being cut out.

My natural hair color is still a bit of a mystery. The other day I had to list my hair color on a form and it was a struggle. I suppose that’s the best thing that happens when you stop dyeing your hair. Your color is completely unique!

GG50: How has that changed how you look at the world and how the world looks at you?

Quitting the dye was insightful and provided a real understanding on people’s thoughts on aging. If anything, it has certainly put forward the outdated views on how we should present ourselves.

I’ve received some comments: “Oh you can get away with it because you don’t have wrinkles,” or “You’re Brave!”

For centuries grey hair has symbolized old age. However, some women are beginning to turn this ancient belief around. Women are working grey hair and giving it a sexiness that it has never been known to have. Do I think grey hair is for everyone? Absolutely not.

Grey/Gray/Silver/Salt &Pepper is simply just another hair color choice in my eyes. If it suits you and it makes you happy, make it happen. Go for it!

GG50: What does being a Silver Woman mean to you?

The biggest misconception is that my platform is solely for silver-haired women (my name just happens to be Silverman). That’s not the case, and it was never my intention. My goal was to highlight and celebrate women over 40 and beyond. I wanted to hear women’s life stories and so 4 years ago I began the platform. I wanted it to sound collective and inclusive so I settled on “The Silver Women”. A play on my surname.

GG50: What’s the best way to go silver?

There is no best or easy way unless you shave your head and start from scratch. I’ll be honest, it’s an ordeal. I feel you need a good year to see what’s really going on. An understanding hair colorist can help with the transition and ease the dreaded skunk look. It’s particularly harder for women who are growing out a solid dark color.

Headbands, turbans, and hats will become your new best friend.

GG50: Tell us about your background as a photographer.

I am a visual person. I was a model for many years and then went on to work as a producer and casting director as well as an agent for photographers. So, somehow, I’ve always been around the world of image-making.

I have always documented my life and things that inspire me and I became more passionate about it with The Silver Women. It was very important for me to put my visual stamp on the platform and have original photography that captured the subjects in all their glory. Photography has allowed me to express how I view all the fabulous women I feature.

GG50: Give us tips for looking our best in photos post-50

Simple. No matter what your age you need to feel comfortable. The camera is not kind to people who don’t like it. I know that sounds wacky, but I have photographed some spectacular looking women who dislike having their picture taken. They say they never look good in pictures. Well, you won’t if you are uncomfortable and tense. A strained face is never appealing.

One of the main reasons I have been able to capture some great portraits is due to taking the time to sit with the women and give them a little modeling lesson. I make the shoot very casual. I am getting quite good at figuring out the best angles on peoples faces very quickly.

GG50: What’s the most challenging thing about midlife? What’s the best?

I think every stage in life brings a different set of challenges. I see it as perpetual movement and change. Life is not a straight line and you need to roll with the highs and lows. If I was to say what has been the best thing about midlife for me? It would be the surge of creativity. Founding The Silver Women was an exercise in bravery. It’s been a lightning rod, workhorse, and source of inspiration.

GG50: How has your 40s and now 50s changed you?

Self knowledge. I now feel I can be of good use to the world. I have a greater understanding of others and I roll with the punches. I am living in the moment, not focused on small things but trying to be conscious of my friends and family and people that inspire me and move the world forward.

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