Andie MacDowell's Gray Hair Challenges Beauty Ideals

In a sea of Hollywood conformists, Golden Globe nominee Andie MacDowell is a breath of fresh air. After debuting her salt-and-pepper hair on the red carpet at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival, she caught the world's attention—in the best way possible. After all, choosing to embrace aging rather than fight it? Let's just say it's not a popular philosophy in Tinseltown—or most places, for that matter. But it's what's made MacDowell a role model to women of all ages. In fact, she's ready for the world to start glamorizing women of every age.

"I think it's badass to embrace where you are [in life] and be fearless," she tells InStyle. "That is exactly what I am doing. I am stepping right into where I am with no shame, and it feels good." We'd have to agree, especially after seeing her strut down the runway at Paris Fashion Week.

Ahead, she shares her thoughts on how the beauty industry has evolved, the secret to her gorgeous gray curls, and the products she stands by.

Her Parisian Power Lip

Despite MacDowell's undeniable Hollywood glamour, the Sex, Lies, and Videotape star comes from humble origins. "I grew up in your average tiny Southern town [Gaffney, S.C.], so I didn't know anything about high fashion," she says. However, that all changed when she moved to Paris in 1979. "[I] learned a lot about clothes and beauty while living there," she says.

That should come as no surprise since the French are inherent masters at effortless beauty. There's a certain sophistication to letting your natural beauty shine and accentuating it with classic staples, like a swipe of mascara and a red pout—of which The Way Home actress is a fan.

"When applying lipstick, I was taught to cover your lips with a thin Kleenex and press powder on top to set it. Even when I was very young, I would put on a red lip and maybe a pinch of mascara. It was just a cool way to feel feminine. My favorite shade now is L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Satin Lipstick in Maison Marais."

Silver Belle

MacDowell's "less is more" approach to beauty also applies to her hair. And if we're being honest, the Four Weddings and a Funeral co-star has become one of our favorite silver-haired muses. "It was really important to me [to go gray] because my transformation helped me accept my authentic, true self," she says. Of course, this is easier said than done, especially in an industry that doesn't take kindly to aging. Still, it helps to have support—and MacDowell did.

"When I first started wearing my hair gray, my daughters [Margaret and Rainey Qualley] kept saying I looked badass," the Ready or Not actress recounts. "It was heartwarming to see such a positive reaction because I had some resistance to the idea in the beginning."

So what's the secret to maintaining her gorgeous gray mane? "I dump buckets of conditioner on my hair. I don't even shampoo, which I would not suggest to anyone without curly hair," says MacDowell. "I use the L'Oréal Paris EverPure Brass Toning Purple Conditioner because silver hair can get kind of yellow. It makes all the difference in the world," she adds.

Healthy Hobbies

As L’Oréal’s longest-serving spokesperson (she's been with the brand since before her daughters were born!), this Hollywood beauty knows a thing or two about, well, beauty. Perhaps one of the major lessons she's learned over the years is that beauty is not only about aesthetics. Beauty starts from the inside out, which is why adopting a healthy lifestyle and habits is key to aging gracefully and enjoyably.

It just goes to show why the health and wellness industry is thriving. As InStyle editors, we fully admit to drinking its Kool-aid—as does MacDowell. "I love anything that keeps me feeling my best," she says. That includes drinking green juices and smoothies, eating "clean," and staying abreast of industry news and products, she says.

Ageless Attitude

Hollywood's history of ageism is long and blatant. However, the industry has made recent inroads into reversing this trend—or at least pumping the brakes. (It still has a long way to go.) Actresses are finally getting more roles post-menopause which seems to reflect a greater societal shift in beauty standards and ideals.

"The idea of beauty has become much broader. The industry has evolved so that everybody has an opportunity to feel beautiful. It especially helps my generation, because I feel like we have always been left out," MacDowell tells us.

Andie MacDowell

You can't be young forever, but you can always be considered beautiful, fashionable, and glamorous.

— Andie MacDowell

"In the past, it has been normal and acceptable [for society] to cut women off at age 40. I think young people today are very supportive of glamorizing mature women. We do have something unique to offer. You can't be young forever, but you can always be considered beautiful, fashionable, and glamorous."

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