Sarah Jessica Parker once embraced her natural gray hair, a decision that sparked significant public criticism. While she stood firm in her belief that everyone should have the freedom to choose what makes them comfortable, the reaction from her admirers was less than supportive. Over time, Parker’s response to the feedback evolved, and she eventually returned to dyeing her hair, but her journey reflected her personal convictions.
During the summer of 2021, while filming the “Sex and the City” revival, And Just Like That, Parker, then 56, took a break to enjoy some downtime. In July of that year, she was spotted dining at Anton’s restaurant in New York City with her close friend Andy Cohen. For the outing, she wore a sleeveless blue top and a chain necklace, styling her gray hair in a braid that showcased its natural hue. Despite her confidence in embracing her natural look, public opinion was divided, and the actress faced a wave of criticism.
Critics voiced their opinions openly, with one reader of the Daily Mail suggesting that gray hair didn’t suit her and claiming that only a few individuals could wear it without appearing “old.” On Instagram, another commenter remarked on her appearance, claiming Parker looked closer to 70 than her actual age of 56. One Daily Mail reader even expressed surprise upon learning her real age, guessing she was closer to 86 and speculating whether she might be unwell.
Amid the harsh criticism, some voices stood out with more positive perspectives. A fan of Parker’s work in Honeymoon in Vegas commended her for aging gracefully, noting that she didn’t appear to be in her seventies and didn’t need cosmetic enhancements. Another admirer suggested that Parker had always seemed older than her chronological age but appreciated her natural appearance, emphasizing that she looked poised and elegant.
Despite the negativity, Parker initially held her ground, continuing to wear her hair gray. However, over time, she seemed to shift her stance, appearing with dyed hair once again. This change reignited discussions among her fans and critics alike, with opinions as varied as ever.
In September 2023, Parker, now 58, attended the ATG Summer Party at Kensington Palace in London. For the occasion, she wore a stunning green gown with flowing cape-like chiffon sleeves that gracefully covered her arms. The dress featured a daring thigh-high slit and a plunging neckline, paired with metallic heels that completed her elegant look. Her hair was styled to fall gently around her face, complementing her sophisticated ensemble. Accompanying her at the event was her husband, actor Matthew Broderick, who is 61.
While many praised Parker’s dazzling appearance at the event, others couldn’t resist commenting on her hair. Some social media users remarked that she looked better after dyeing her gray hair. One commenter on a Daily Mail article observed that Parker appeared to have “freshened up” and speculated that she had dyed the gray strands along her hairline. They also complimented the color of her outfit, describing it as “fabulous.”
Throughout her career, Parker has been no stranger to public scrutiny, particularly concerning her appearance. In a June 2023 interview on The Howard Stern Show, the actress addressed the ongoing fascination with aging and the increasing trend of cosmetic surgery in Hollywood. She shared her perspective on the societal pressures women face to maintain a youthful appearance, noting that while she didn’t feel “unpresentable” or harbor negative feelings about her looks, she was keenly aware of the double standards at play.
Parker acknowledged that women often face harsher criticism than men for their choices regarding aging and appearance. Reflecting on the release of the first season of And Just Like That in 2021, she noted the surge of articles discussing the concept of aging gracefully. These societal pressures, she explained, influenced her decision-making process, though she stopped short of taking a definitive stance on whether cosmetic surgery was the right choice for everyone.
Interestingly, while Parker’s gray hair attracted significant attention from tabloids and social media, the same wasn’t true for her friend Andy Cohen, whose head was completely gray. This double standard didn’t go unnoticed by Parker, who pointed out that women’s appearances are often scrutinized far more intensely than men’s. Despite the challenges, she remained steadfast in her belief that women should have the freedom to pursue what makes them happy, whether that involves embracing gray hair, dyeing it, or choosing cosmetic enhancements.
Sarah Jessica Parker’s journey with her natural gray hair serves as a broader reflection of the societal pressures and expectations placed on women. Through her decisions and responses, she has sparked conversations about self-expression, aging, and the importance of allowing individuals to make choices that align with their personal values. While public opinion may remain divided, Parker continues to inspire others with her resilience and authenticity.
