Former Page 3 model and television presenter Melinda Messenger, 55, has shared a photograph of her natural grey hair, earning praise from fans and fellow women on social media. The former glamour model, who rose to fame in the 1990s posing topless on Page 3 before beginning a television career, now works as a psychotherapist.
Embracing the greys
Melinda, who hosted Channel 5's Melinda's Big Night In and Fort Boyard, went au naturel this Sunday (October 4), declaring she "enjoys" sporting her new look. She outlined her "journey so far" alongside a snap of herself beaming at the camera, displaying her grey appearance.
"I know not everyone wants to embrace the natural colour and I get that," she said. "I've had many wobbles, used highlights and toners to try and blend it in, and there are no rules, so whatever feels right for you is okay."
Real freedom and joy
Melinda added: "But I am enjoying staying with it and I've found my hair has never felt healthier. And more importantly for me, I found real freedom and joy in just letting myself be. I think that's the greatest benefit."
"That and not buying into the conditioning that women are not allowed to age and that beauty is confined to the expectations of those that profit from it." The divorced mum-of-three concluded with advice for others: "There's nothing wrong with colouring your hair, embracing your grey, changing your mind or doing whatever makes you feel good. And this feels good for me."
Support from fans
Responding to her post, numerous women offered their support. One wrote: "Melinda, your hair is beautiful. Well done, lovely lady. I am on my own grey journey, 10 months in and good so far... I have to agree with you that my hair feels so soft and healthy."
A second person concurred: "Love this Melinda. I did the same thing about 3 years ago and feel like there are hardly any of us in our 50s who are grey. It's nice to see." A third agreed: "Really suits you.... I've been on a similar journey and after colouring mine every 4 weeks in the end it's such a freedom to not having to." While a fourth proclaimed: "Wonderful. I did it 5 years ago. I've never looked back. I love flying in the face of 'convention'. Who wrote these rules anyway?"
New career path
After completing her master's degree in psychotherapy in 2023, Melinda told Daily Star: "I'm training to be a dream guide. I'm developing it and I'll be working with people to understand their dreams. Dreams are so powerful… they can tell you so much about yourself. They can tell you things you weren't aware of and things you might be struggling with."
"They can be a medicine and a diagnostic tool. Helping people understand their dreams can help them understand themselves better. It also helps them navigate through life and heal certain things. It's exceptionally powerful."
