I Refuse to Dye My Gray Hair for My Wedding; I’ve Had It Since I Was 16

Confidence is key on a wedding day, and this bride radiated it in abundance. She challenges society’s perception head-on, using her wedding day as a platform to demonstrate that gray hair can be a striking and elegant feature to behold.

Gray hair is beautiful, and this bride is proof.

On July 2, a heartwarming moment captured the attention of millions when Miami makeup specialist, Tia Codrington, shared a TikTok video featuring her client, Kadeja Baker, radiating beauty as she embraced her natural gray hair on her wedding day.

In the accompanying caption, Codrington expressed her admiration, stating, “I loved my bride’s natural gray hair. She’s had it since she was 16.” Little did they know that this extraordinary display of self-acceptance would soon set the internet abuzz, amassing an astonishing 1.4 million views and over 170,000 likes.

The makeup artist didn’t expect that the video would go viral.

“I initially didn’t have any expectations when posting the videos other than to share her beauty through my eyes,” Codrington said. “But witnessing how she embraced and embodied the beauty of her hair was something I felt compelled to share.”

Codrington added that it was “amazing” to know that Baker had the option to change her hair color for her wedding day, but chose to be herself and wear her natural hair color.

Nor did the bride.

Before her wedding planning process, Baker was not active on any social media platforms. In an interview, she admitted to feeling genuinely “shocked” by the overwhelming attention her video received, describing the response as “plentiful” and heartening.

Reflecting on the unexpected viral fame, Baker humbly shared, “I did not expect for the responses to be as plentiful as I look at myself in the mirror every day and did not think it was that big of a deal that I was embracing my natural hair and look.”

It took Kadeja years to embrace her silver hair.

The 38-year-old bride expressed her surprise at the overwhelmingly positive comments on social media. Kadeja shared that it took her many years to fully appreciate her own hair after the onset of graying during her teenage years.

Despite her initial reservations, she was deeply moved by the support and inspiration her video brought to others. Grateful for the kind words, she humbly said, “They’re saying I’m embracing myself, but I would tell them, ‘Thank you for taking that on and seeing it that away and allowing it to inspire them. Thank you for embracing me.’”

TikTok users recounted their personal experiences of accepting their gray hair.

The video’s impact has been significant, resonating with a growing trend of celebrities embracing their gray hair, such as Andie MacDowell and Paget Brewster.

In response to Kadeja’s inspiring clip, TikTok users expressed their own appreciation for their gray hair. One user wrote, “I’m gonna embrace my gray hair, I think it would look fire with my curls.” Another shared their personal journey, saying, “I was 15 when I started to get my gray hair. Hated it but love it now.”

The comments poured in, highlighting the diversity of experiences with gray hair. One person said, “I had mine since I was 10. I pray it gets like that 😩 She’s so beautiful.” Another user saw a resemblance in their own family, commenting, “Just like my mom, she’s gray at 15 though.” The excitement for embracing natural gray hair continued, with someone eagerly expressing, “I think gray hair looks so amazing like I genuinely can’t wait until my grays start coming.”

Bonus: Celebrating a radiant bride’s journey of self-acceptance!

The Bright Side team extends heartfelt congratulations to the stunning Kadeja Baker on her wedding day, where she gracefully embraced her natural gray hair, radiating beauty and inspiring hearts worldwide!

As our bride walked down the aisle, her silver tresses shining brightly, she symbolized the strength and confidence that come with embracing one’s true self. Let’s celebrate her inspiring journey and wish her a lifetime of love, joy, and continued empowerment.

The heartwarming celebration of Kadeja Jackson Baker’s natural gray hair on her wedding day leaves us yearning for more stories of self-assurance and elegance. Stay tuned for our next feature, where we explore the captivating journeys of 11 famous women who have made gray hair their signature style.