In the red, feeling blue, but not going gray

There have been a few stories about the “salt” that has appeared in Barrack Obama’s hairline lately. Comparisons of current photos to those taken during the early Primary races suggest that gray hair comes with the job of getting elected, and holding the job of President. But don’t expect everyone to gracefully accept the gray.

I started thinking about this when colleague Sophie Fry sent me a Today Show story asserting that, even in a rough economy, hair coloring is one cost that is unlikely to see the chopping block. (You can read the story for yourself at the Today Show web site.)

[Writer’s note: There was another fun story in last week’s NY Times on the evolution of hair coloring. The topic is almost a trend unto itself.]

Implications: There are many aspects of aging that people cannot control. This one, they can. “You’re as young as you feel” has long been the mantra of both middle-age-and-older adults.

But there is a reason this issue caught my attention at this particular time. A lot of pundits are hammering on the idea that people have abandoned their “want” purchasing, and have move strictly to a needs-based buying discipline. I don’t disagree. But I believe the word “need” is open to interpretation.

Artificial hair coloring is another one of those things that is far from having a place on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. But if someone “needs” to cheer herself up, and a lighter shade will do the job, don’t stand between her and the Clairol aisle. If or someone “needs” to feel younger to survive their re-entry into the job market, don’t be surprised when he reaches for a bottle of Just for Men. And don’t be shocked when that coloring comes not from a bottle, but from a high-priced salon. Price is relative… and lots of people are still quite willing to put a premium on perfection.

Is hair coloring a “Need?” That’s arguable... unless you’re screaming into middle-age or beyond.

Mike Anderson