Jackie Burger

FOUNDER & OWNER OF SALON58

‘My hair represents all of me – my personality, my moods, my style and a total acceptance of my self.’

‘Ifirst started going grey in my early thirties, but at that stage I was still colouring my hair – it was the eighties and the era of the peroxide blonde, as in Madonna and Debbie Harry. It wasn’t until my father passed away a few years later and I shaved my head as an act of mourning (perhaps even anger) that the regrowth yielded an all-over silver hue: a replica of my father’s signature mop of silver hair. It was a genetic inheritance I embraced from that moment on.

‘My decision was a confident one, which might be why many of my peers responded positively to it. Some felt uneasy because it heralded a sign of early ageing in their minds; others (especially on my international travels) thought I’d purposely dyed it and wanted the shade name, only to give me wonderful praise once I shared with them that it was actually au naturel.

‘In today’s world, grey hair is definitely far more accepted than before. More and more women (and men) are opting for their natural grey, regardless of age. It’s also a ‘cool’ shade for younger people, who tend to play with many nuances of the colour. In addition, creative style and cut options add another layer of personal expression, and what with the beautiful images of older women holding their own being shared on social media, I reckon grey hair has become quite the crown of grace and glory.

‘Growing out the grey can be daunting, so it’s absolutely non-negotiable to have a knowledgeable, supportive hairstylist and colourist guiding you and keeping your cut and colour on point during the transitional phase. For most women it’s a difficult process but it becomes incredibly liberating at the same time.

‘Dawid Kriel of Institute Aesthetic in Somerset West has been doing my hair for the past 10 years. He is a friend, a confidante and the most caring human being. He’s exceptionally creative and brings me the most beautiful hairpieces from his annual trips to the US which he uses to create incredible up-dos for special occasions. Grey hair gives you the leeway to be more creative – I would recommend experimenting with unusual cuts and layering your natural shade of grey with perhaps a darker or lighter silver to create interest and texture.

‘This might also be the perfect time to re-evaluate the way you dress and do your makeup. It’s important to go grey with confidence.’

MAINTAINING THE LOOK ‘Diet and exercise are very important – stress or lack of certain nutrients results in hair loss or dull-looking hair. I opt for natural products and wash my hair only once a week. The hair salon uses a silver-enhancing shampoo and my stylist will often dry my hair using a paddle brush technique, which stimulates the scalp and avoids too much heat exposure: grey hair can easily take on a yellowish tone if it’s exposed to too much sun or heat styling.’