Andie MacDowell Says She ‘Instinctually’ Knew She Wanted to Go Gray (Exclusive)

Andie MacDowell is the most authentic on the red carpet.

In 2021, Love after love star, 65, debuted her salt-and-pepper curls, redefining the term “going gray” and bringing a sense of empowerment to aging gracefully.

Now she’s talking about all the wonderful feedback she’s received from her community.

“I knew instinctively that it was something I wanted to do. I’m so grateful that L’Oréal Paris has supported me and that everyone has been so good to me and positive. The response has been really good,” MacDowell tells PEOPLE exclusively at the L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth celebration in Los Angeles. “I’m just grateful that people let me be the person I am without question. I think people also agree that silver hair probably suits me.”

Andie MacDowell Goes Gray While Attending Daughter Margaret Qualley’s Wedding — Check Out Her Look!

Andie MacDowell at the L’Oréal Paris Women Of Worth 2023 celebration.

Gregg DeGuire/WireImage

The actress was the spokesperson for the global beauty brand for almost 40 years and looks back on her journey with gratitude.

“When I started [working with L’Oréal Paris], I was young. When I signed with them, I found out I was pregnant and I was afraid I would lose my contract. However, this did not have any negative effect. I did commercials when I was eight months pregnant and I did commercials literally right after I gave birth. So I grew up with L’Oréal Paris and it was a big part of my life,” she tells PEOPLE, adding that having the company stand by her commitment to owning her silver hair was an “amazing” part of her journey.

Andie MacDowell is gray and glamorous on the runway during her appearance at Paris Fashion Week

MacDowell, along with fellow ambassadors Eva Longoria, Aja Naomi King, Camila Cabello and Helen Mirren, is giving back to other women who are changing the world through the L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth initiative.

“I think this is a wonderful opportunity to find women across the nation who are amazing people who are making a difference or getting involved in their communities in a very dynamic way. It always makes me feel like I’m not doing enough, but I love shining a light on them by supporting them and listening their stories,” she says.

Andie MacDowell walks the L’Oréal Paris show during Paris Fashion Week.

David Fisher/Shutterstock

Andie MacDowell’s daughters think she looks ‘dangerous’ with her natural gray hair

When it comes to making beauty decisions for herself, like embracing her natural gray hair, MacDowell certainly listens to her gut — and encourages everyone to do the same.

“I think it’s a personal choice. My two oldest sisters will dye their hair forever. So I think everyone has to decide how they feel about getting older, what they want to do as they get older, and what they’re more comfortable with.”

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Andie MacDowell at the premiere of the TV show ‘The Way Home’ in New York on January 1, 2023. Gregory Pace/Shutterstock

The philosophy follows the general life lessons she passed on to her three children: son Justin Qualley and daughters Margaret and Rainey Qualley, whom she shares with ex-husband Paul Qualley.

“I try to instill in them the feeling of being themselves and trusting their instincts not to follow the crowd, but to be exactly who they are. I think it’s the way I live my life. I think that’s a really important lesson for your kids, because it gives them a sense of stability as individuals.”

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education