When American Idol contestant Taylor Hicks, 29 years old, was recently named the next American Idol, many viewers rejoiced, but perhaps none as loudly as those with gray hair. In one interview following his win, Hicks noted, “I didn't have any idea that America would embrace gray hair as much as they have."
Although Hicks is only 29, his gray hair has touched a cord with many older folks. Most notably, the baby boomers who are nearing the retirement age and struggling to accept the inevitable signs of old age, have been inspired by Hicks’ choice to not dye his hair. According to a recent article in the Los Angeles Times, Hick’s win can be viewed as an indication that Americans are embracing the mantra that for men, “it is okay to be gray.”
Given the fact that American culture is image obsessed, especially in Los Angeles, Hicks’ win could indicate a new trend in the male grooming business. The last two decades have marked a big shift in the male grooming market. Although traditionally the male grooming market was limited to basic items, such as soap and shaving products, the acceptance of metrosexulaity by mainstream culture has helped the male grooming market expand rapidly. Today, there are many more beauty products available to men than ever before and big name companies, such as Neutrogena and L’Oreal, have developed skincare and hair care lines specifically for men to capitalize on this trend.
If Hicks’ win is an indication that Americans are slowly embracing the fact that men with grey hair can be just as, and if not more so, charming and stylish than their dyed counterparts, then it is highly likely that the beauty and hair care brands will quickly take notice and cater their advertisements and products accordingly.
Although many older folks and individuals with premature gray hair have been quick to argue that Hicks’ win is proof of the resurgence of silver haired males in the entertainment industry, skeptics have been just as quick to point out that only time will tell though if American men are truly ready to banish peroxide and embrace their inner gray.
Posted by Maryam Zarkesh on June 9, 2006 1:02 PM
| Permalink
