Hair dye, or “colouring” in modern parlance, is a money-spinner as far as parlours and salons in India are concerned. Gone are those days when one took pride in having an avuncular image or when a ‘grey eminence’ symbolised intellectual achievement. The best option is to have a clean shave (‘Open page’ – “Looking for that silver lining”, July 2).
J.V. Reddy,
Nellore, Andhra Pradesh
It is true that leaving one’s grey hair as it is gives those who are middle-aged a respectable and dignified look. But what about those who go grey even at 20? Such people do face a dilemma and they mostly have no choice but to dye their hair. In my case, for instance, I developed greyness on both sides near my ears, at 28. I refused to follow the suggestion of family and friends to reverse matters. A relative began dyeing his hair at an early age and developed health problems which were traced to the dye used. When it comes to one’s looks it is better to leave it to nature.
D. Sethuraman,
Chennai
