Am I too old to bleach my hair again?

Truth is, this gentleman prefers blonde. But when is it right to say “you’re too old for that shit” when it comes to a wild bleachy lewk.

Willkommen! Bienvenue! Welcome!

I’m 44. Not that old. Well, in gay years I’m, like, 128. We are like cats and dogs with our ageing.

Each time I visit my barber he says “still going strong” as he runs his comb through my hair like it’s the thickest weave he’s touched all day. I like that feeling. I like feeling like I’m not heading into an older age bracket.

I knocked my botox routine on the head towards the end of last year and I’ve never had more compliments about my skin since. It was a revelation that people actually wanted to see my manly wrinkes in the flesh. But they did. They wanted movement in this lil’ face of mine. I’m not saying I won’t return to a touch up on the face from time to time but it gave me headaches for the first two weeks and made me feel a bit ‘meh’ and I couldn’t be arsed with that.

When it comes to my hair, there’s no doubt when the light catches my head in the mirror I can see greys appearing. Quite a lot. My brother – two years my junior – is fully embracing his salt and pepper look with gusto. But I’m not ready for greys. I’m not ready to admit my days of youthful hair are behind me.

I’m fully aware I’m particularly lucky in the fact I still have a full head of hair at my age. Some of the men I went to school with are properly bald now. Some have been bald since they were barely out of university.

I used to have fun with my hair. I’d go blonder from time to time with my friend Carl the hairdresser encouraging me to go white blonde or silver blonde depending on the season.

If I’m on holiday and in the sun all day I go back to my blonde roots and there’s no issue. It’s a proper turn back time scenario where I can see the natural blonde of my youth literally reappearing before my very eyes. But when you’re in your mid-forties and you long for that youthful carefree blonde of yester year can it be seen as tragic? Maybe is the answer.

My life isn’t like all ‘normal’ 44-year-olds though. I’m not breeding, I’m not married, I’m not tragically divorced and I’m not exhausted. I feel pretty fucking fabulous to be honest.

I’m probably in the best shape of my life. I’m definitely the healthiest I’ve ever been - aside from the fags – fuck, I wish I wanted to quit! My workouts are going better than ever before. I’m still able to dress young and not look like a try hard. I’m still doing young things. Festivals, gigs, parties and events. So why not give the blonding another go? Especially during these dark months when we are all indoors all the time, not getting enough Vitamin D and feeling like we need a brightness injection.

I saw Jake Shears getting blonded the other day and thought “I miss having fun like that with my hair”. So, should I go for it? Before my barnet shrivels up and dies preparing for the inevitable thinning out period?

Stay tuned to see what happens. It’s very tempting…

In the meantime, I wanted to highlight some products I can’t live without. I’m very much into skincare and ensuring my skin is supple, youthful and being looked after. Here’s a handful of my best go-to products. I’ve used these for years. Call them my secret weapons, if you will. Ladies, these make excellent gifts for your men.

Also, I’m on the hunt for a great clean light men’s facial moisturiser since my girl Amanda Harrington’s business went under. Her face cream was the best product but I’ve finally run out of the stuff – I was literally scraping the last pot for scraps for WEEKS. But I’ve had to admit defeat. Any tips? Please do shout!

MY TOP FIVE SECRET MEN’S GROOMING WEAPONS

1. I love Better You product and their Magnesium Sleep Body Lotion has been awesome to use this winter. You know, we are all indoors for so much time with radiators killing out skin and drying us out. Think stuff slathered on before bed is a Godsend.

2. Coola, Factor 50 Clear Sunscreen Spray. As you know, I go on holiday a lot. Well, I’m abroad in the sunshine a lot. Everyone thinks I’m just swanning around in Ibiza like I’m on holibobs. The reality? I’m indoors working running two companies mostly. This product is excellent. High protection, ocean friendly and 70% organic. I’ve loved Coola products for years.

3. I’ve used Dermalogica’s Multivitamin power recovery masque for over a decade now. Each time I shave I slather this on my face and leave it for 30 minutes if I have the time. It’s an excellent hydrator and leaves your skin feeling plump, fresh and supple. I seriously couldn’t recommend this product enough. Men should be using this mask weekly.

4. Protecting your face in the sun is super important these days. I’ve been hooked on the SkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense Sunscreen (Factor 50) since I was introduced to this product by my Dr Wassim Taktouk of the Taktouk clinic in Knightsbridge. If he recommends a product, I immediately start using it. He’s a wizard.

5. Bio Effect EGF Serum is a product I’ve used for a good few years now. I love this brand. Pop it on at night and wake up in the morning to see your skin actively glowing in comparison. It does the work whilst you’re asleep. Joyous.

Any products to recommend for me? Leave them in the comment below! Happy grooming, boys.