Q. When I was a boy men who dyed their greying hair were something of a laughing-stock. Now I notice that many 50- and 60-something politicians, rock stars and television presenters have apparently failed to age in the normal way. I wonder whether I should prepare to follow their lead, Mary, or risk looking past it by contrast to my peers? I am only 36, but rogue white/grey hairs are starting to appear in my normally all-black thatch.
D. d’F., London SW10
A. It is acceptable for males who appear on television to have had their hair coloured. Note the passive clause. These men can often claim, quite truthfully, that it was simply done to them while they were in the hands of the make-up artists, who prepare everyone for the cameras, and that, before they even realised what was happening, their hair had been subjected to an ‘organic vegetable-colour rinse to brighten its natural colour’. A non-media man could do this, especially if the revered organic vegetables have been involved as they would be at the Jo Hansford salon in Mayfair, headquarters of natural-looking hair colour where premature greyness can be subtly halted in its tracks. Top men in the real world, however, go natural.
Q. I recently stayed at the bijou Hotel de L’Abbaye in Paris where I found that one of my heroes, Alan Bennett, was a fellow guest. I did not want to be intrusive by bearding him in this private place to convey my respects. But when I got home a mutual friend suggested Mr Bennett might well have wanted to meet me. I, too, am a writer, although certainly second division rather than first. I feel sorry that I missed out on this unique opportunity for us to bond.
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