Is gray hair a badge of wisdom or a sign of aging? PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT founder Aeshia DeVore Branch and author Porsche Thomas dive into the conversation, sharing their personal journeys, cultural perceptions, and the evolving beauty standards surrounding silver strands.

Is going gray a power move or just another sign of aging? Whether you’re rocking silver strands with pride or keeping your color routine tight, one thing’s for sure—beauty is personal, and confidence is key.

That’s exactly what PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT founder Aeshia DeVore Branch and author Porsche Thomas unpacked in a recent Instagram Live conversation—a real, unfiltered chat about graying hair, self-acceptance, and rewriting the rules of aging.

Porsche? She’s all in on the silver life, fully embracing her natural grays—because, as a mom of twin boy actors, model, co-host of the We Need a Nap podcast, and author, she’s tired of being a slave to dyeing her hair all the time. With a schedule as full as hers, she’s ready to scratch another to-do off her list for good and let her silver strands shine.

Aeshia? Still, team color (for now!)—as a mom of two teen daughters and founder of PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT, she gets that the upkeep can be exhausting and expensive. But instead of spending hours in a salon chair, she saves time and money by coloring her hair at home with affordable, easy-to-use products that get the job done.

For quick touch-ups in between color sessions, she swipes on RED by Kiss Quick Cover Root Touch Up ($11.99 | 2-pack), while Clairol Root Touch Up ($15.47 | 2-pack) is her go-to for refreshing the front of her hair. And when it’s time for a full-color refresh? She reaches for Garnier Nutrisse Nourishing Creme ($8.47), a drugstore favorite that delivers rich, vibrant color without breaking the bank.

And that’s the point—it’s all about doing what makes YOU feel your best.

Porsche’s decision to ditch the dye and embrace her natural gray wasn’t just a personal choice—it sparked a much bigger conversation. After years of feeling tied to constant touch-ups, she decided to let go, and her candid take on the journey went viral.

In the clip below, Porsche shares why she finally said enough is enough, the freedom she’s found in embracing her silver strands, and how that moment led to an eye-opening discussion with Aeshia about beauty, aging, and self-confidence. Watch the video that started it all:

Gray Hair: A Sign of Aging or a Badge of Honor?

Let’s be honest—the world has conditioned us to think that gray hair = getting old. But guess what? Science (and a whole lot of women) say otherwise.

A study found that many women actually “risk” going gray because it makes them feel more authentic despite societal pressure to cover it up. And once they let it grow in? Most of them feel even more confident. (ScienceDaily)

Meanwhile, in a survey of women who ditched the dye, 75% said they were just tired of the upkeep, while others felt it was part of their overall journey to embrace a more natural lifestyle. (Katie Goes Platinum)

But it’s not always easy. Studies show that women with gray hair can sometimes be perceived as less competent in professional settings (cue the ugh). That stigma is real, and it’s something Porsche and Aeshia discussed in their chat—how gray hair is often seen as “distinguished” on men but not on women? A sign that we’ve “let ourselves go.” (TandFOnline)

Breaking the Beauty Rules & Owning Your Look

Luckily, the tide is turning. More and more women—especially women of color—are rewriting the beauty narrative and embracing their natural gray.

Trailblazers like Mara Brock Akil, the powerhouse creator behind Girlfriends and Being Mary Jane, have publicly shared their journeys with letting go of the dye and stepping into their silver era with confidence. Actress Salli Richardson-Whitfield has also embraced her grays, proving that silver strands can be just as stunning as any other shade. And let’s not forget THEE Rihanna, who had us all shook with her iconic gray wig era—a moment that made silver hair feel undeniably fresh and modern.

Watch the Full Conversation!

Aeshia and Porsche kept it real, and you don’t want to miss this convo. Press play below to watch the full IG Live and join the discussion!

More women are showing that gray isn’t just a sign of aging—it’s a symbol of strength, authenticity, and self-acceptance. Whether you’re letting your silver shine, keeping up with color, or switching it up whenever you feel like it, the bottom line is this: beauty is YOURS to define.

What’s your take on going gray? Are you all in, still on the fence, or keeping that appointment booked?

About Porsche

Porsche Thomas, a Brooklyn-born multi-hyphenate, has made her mark in modeling, television, comedy, and writing. She co-hosted TV One’s New Soul Kitchen, wrote and starred in the web series Hungry (All Def Digital), and contributed to Nike’s Put You On web series. Her debut children’s book, Twins, But Different, is set to be published by Random House in 2025.

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links, which means PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Your support helps us continue to create empowering content—thank you!