KEY POINTS:
After decades of trying to cover up signs of premature ageing, New Zealand men are copying Hollywood heart-throb George Clooney and declaring themselves glad to be grey.
Some younger males are even having $70 grey highlights added to their temples after Clooney was named the 'sexiest man alive'
for the second time by a top US magazine.
Older men are reportedly proud to be 'silver foxes' while younger men believe a hint of grey around the temples can make them look more mature and distinguished at work. Peter Mochrie who stars in Shortland St is cited as NZ's own silver fox.
Hair salons are also reporting a drop in customers wanting their grey hair dyed a darker hue saying they now want to keep their natural colour.
Top Auckland stylist Rodney Wayne said: "I started getting a wee bit of silver in the temples seven years ago and I just enhanced it a little bit more. I quite liked it.
"I am olive-skinned and certainly didn't want to keep colouring my hair black. Now I am silver. Some people put blond lights in their hair but someone perhaps a little more sophisticated would sooner have a bit of silver.
"I wouldn't say there a big queue but there's been a few for a while who want flecks of silver.
"Some young men think it makes them look more distinguished and are asking to have touches of grey added.
"If it's just a few round the temples it's probably not very much money at all - probably $50-$70."
Jamie Walker of Auckland salon Durham Hair said: "We do have people who used to come in and have their grey hair coloured who are now saying they are happy with it the way it is.
"I think George Clooney is a role model for many men and they realise that if grey hair works for him, it could work for them too," she added.
And freelance hair stylist Adrian Evans said: "George Clooney is a good looking guy and people are buying into that look.
"Men are increasingly accepting their grey status and now regard it as something positive.
"Nothing looks worse than someone who has obviously had their hair dyed to make themselves look younger - it's not a cool look."
TV presenter John Campbell said he was happy with his "peppery hair" and would never consider resorting to hair colour.
"I am 10 per cent grey and am profoundly indifferent to it although I am aware of people in this profession who dye their hair.
"I think women are judged more harshly in terms of age and are under more pressure which shows the profound double standards that exist."
National leader John Key said he too was comfortable with grey hair.
"I wouldn't consider dyeing my hair. I am going a bit grey around the temples but it's a nice balance between youth and middle age. There's not much you can do about it anyway.
"I am more worried about my hair falling out."
National's Rakaia MP, Brian Connell, said: "I am told I look very much like George Clooney so I am gratified to hear grey hair is in fashion.
"George and I are both good looking men with our six packs so I'll stick with it."
Melanie Cummings, NZ product manager for Redken said: "The trends seems to be that men are happier with the natural look."