Valerie Bertinelli Embraces Her Gray Roots and Unfiltered Self at 63
Valerie Bertinelli champions aging, authenticity, and self-acceptance with a makeup-free, filter-free Instagram message.

Valerie Bertinelli, the beloved actress and Food Network star, is renowned not only for her decades in television and food media but also for her candid openness about topics many celebrities avoid. Most recently, at 63, she has made headlines and inspired thousands by openly discussing her gray roots, the use of filters on social media, and the pressures of public judgment regarding women’s appearance as they age.
The Instagram Video: A Powerful PSA on Authenticity
On a recent Tuesday, Valerie Bertinelli took to her Instagram feed to post a video that quickly gained attention. In this unscripted moment, she appeared makeup-free and filter-free, speaking directly to her followers. The caption read: “PSA about filters and gray roots 😂”—a clear invitation for honest discussion and a signal of what was to come in her message.
- Valerie addressed comments from followers questioning her hair and the apparent perfection of her online look.
- She clarified that she sometimes uses filters—but not always.
- She confronted rumors about her wearing a wig, humorously asking if anyone could provide one “without flipping gray roots”.
- Her video emphasized the emotional and physical labor many women face in maintaining certain beauty standards, such as getting roots dyed every two weeks.
Direct Quotes from Valerie’s Video
Bertinelli’s words struck a chord because of their sincerity:
- “I am filming with no filter today because some of y’all get really bent out of shape when I choose to use a filter, which I’ve told you about. Sometimes I use a filter and sometimes I don’t.”
- “Most of the time I do use a filter because this is me with no makeup and this is no filter, okay.”
- Confronting wig rumors, she bent down to show her gray roots and quipped, “Can you get me a wig without flipping gray roots then, please? Because I’m tired of getting my roots done every two weeks.”
- She concluded with gratitude to her supportive fanbase: “Thank goodness 99.9% of you are like really kind, sweet people and don’t give a flying flip whether I have roots or I put a filter on. But some of y’all need to chill out, okay? I mean seriously.”
The Conversation: Filters, Gray Hair, and Modern Beauty Standards
Bertinelli’s Instagram post sparked wider conversation about how women, especially those in the public eye, navigate beauty norms and social media.
- Filters and Authenticity: Valerie openly admitted to using filters, noting there is no shame in occasionally wanting to present a softer, curated version of oneself online. She emphasized honesty with her followers about when filters are used and highlighted that these tools should be a personal choice, not a demand from critics.
- Navigating Gray Hair: Her exasperated humor about gray roots underscores a shared experience among women who choose to dye their hair to meet expectations of youthfulness. Valerie’s willingness to show her natural hair and discuss upkeep demystifies the process and challenges the shame often associated with aging visibly.
- Facing Public Scrutiny: Celebrity life comes with constant commentary from the public. Valerie’s acknowledgment of both criticism and kindness reflects the spectrum of feedback women face online, and her resilience encourages others not to internalize negative commentary.
Breaking the Taboo: Aging, Gray Hair, and Self-Image
Valerie Bertinelli is no stranger to vulnerable discussions about aging, self-image, and self-acceptance. Her approach is grounded in realism and humor, offering comfortto fans who may feel similar pressures but lack the platform to speak out.
- After turning 63 in April, she posted a joyful video from Amsterdam, celebrating having survived what she called the “hardest six years” of her life—a testament to her perseverance and gratitude for good times.
- She frequently discusses issues like sagging skin and her decisions around cosmetic procedures, including open dialogue about her relationship with Botox and other beauty treatments.
- Valerie often champions body positivity, reminding followers that changes in appearance are natural rather than things to hide or battle against.
Celebrity Friends and Follower Support
Valerie’s message resonated with fellow celebrities and everyday fans alike. The comment section of her video filled with warm encouragement and solidarity:
- Makeup artist Jacque Mgido jested, “I think you need to just play the song It’s my prerogative. Don’t forget to tell them about the wings—they have no idea you an 😇.”
- Actress Tiffani Thiessen commented, “Don’t give that any energy, friend. It ain’t worth it. I literally erase and ignore that noise. Did that for my sanity a long time ago. lol Happy New Year gorgeous ❤️❤️.”
- Many fans shared their own struggles with beauty judgment, expressing gratitude for Valerie’s honesty and vulnerability.
The Meaning Behind the Message: Why Valerie’s Honesty Matters
The significance of Valerie Bertinelli’s video extends beyond internet drama:
- Encouraging Self-Acceptance: By choosing to appear filter-free and makeup-free, Valerie provides a relatable and reassuring example that authentic beauty is valuable.
- Normalizing Aging: By discussing the realities of gray roots and changing skin, she normalizes the visible signs of aging—something women, especially celebrities, are often told to combat or conceal.
- Challenging Stereotypes: Valerie’s transparency pokes holes in unrealistic standards set by social media, filters, and pressurized beauty industries, encouraging more honest representations for all women.
Gray Roots and Filter-Free: Changing Conversations on Beauty
Valerie’s post is part of a broader shift toward embracing natural aging and self-image. Increasing numbers of women and public figures are pushing back against restrictive beauty standards that demand perfect hair, flawless skin, and perpetual youth. Instead, authenticity, aging, and imperfection are slowly becoming more accepted and even celebrated topics.
Gray Hair: A Symbol, Not a Flaw
- For many women, gray hair has long symbolized aging—something to be avoided or hidden.
- More women, like Valerie, are now embracing their natural hair color or openly discussing the maintenance involved in covering grays.
- This normalization helps reduce stigma and empowers women to make beauty choices based on personal preference, not societal pressure.
Social Media Filters: Tool or Trap?
- Filters can be fun and useful, enhancing photos and allowing creative expression.
- But unrealistic or hidden filter use can perpetuate unattainable beauty ideals and cause self-esteem issues.
- Valerie’s transparency about her own use of filters helps demystify them and reminds followers that not every photo is reality.
Celebrity Solidarity: More Than a Trend
Valerie’s post is not an isolated moment—it’s part of a wider trend among Hollywood veterans and newcomers embracing authenticity. Stars like Jamie Lee Curtis, Andie MacDowell, and Helen Mirren have also shared their gray locks and filter-free selfies, opening up about their journeys with self-image and aging.
Celebrity | Topic Addressed | Famous Quote/Message |
---|---|---|
Valerie Bertinelli | Gray Hair, Filters, No Makeup | “PSA about filters and gray roots” |
Jamie Lee Curtis | Aging, Unfiltered Photos | “I’ve been an advocate for natural beauty for years.” |
Andie MacDowell | Embracing Silver Hair | “I want to be proud of my age.” |
Helen Mirren | Graceful Aging in Media | “Aging is a natural process, and it should be honored.” |
These candid conversations reflect a growing movement toward personal authenticity, diversity in beauty, and mental health around body image and aging.
Valerie Bertinelli’s Ongoing Advocacy
Beyond the most recent viral video, Bertinelli has become a key voice in the conversation about aging, body confidence, and mental well-being. Her willingness to discuss former struggles with self-worth and ups and downs in her personal life offers comfort and camaraderie to fans facing similar journeys.
- Valerie has written and spoken extensively about transitions, grief, and personal growth—especially in the wake of personal loss and divorce.
- Her advocacy includes encouraging a healthy relationship with food and body, reflecting her work on cooking shows and lifestyle platforms.
- With every unfiltered post, she challenges the idea that confidence and beauty are a function of youth or perfection.
Media Impact and the Future of Beauty Standards
- Social Influence: Celebrities like Bertinelli who “show up” authentically help shift societal attitudes about what is attractive, valuable, and acceptable for women of all ages.
- Encouraging Younger Generations: Younger women exposed to such normalized, candid dialogue may be less likely to internalize the demand for perfection and more able to extend grace to themselves as they age.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why did Valerie Bertinelli make a no-filter, no-makeup video?
A: Valerie posted the video in response to comments about her appearance and filter use, wanting to show her real self and address rumors about wearing wigs and hiding gray hair.
Q: How often does Valerie Bertinelli dye her roots?
A: Valerie humorously mentioned being tired of getting her roots done every two weeks, highlighting the demands on women to cover gray hair.
Q: What has been the public reaction to Valerie’s message?
A: The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with fellow celebrities and fans applauding her honesty and encouraging her to ignore negative comments.
Q: Does Valerie always go makeup-free on social media?
A: No, Valerie explained she sometimes uses filters or wears makeup, but she is transparent about when she does, encouraging choice without judgment.
Q: What broader meaning is there in Valerie’s post?
A: Valerie’s video is emblematic of a movement where women, especially in the public eye, are rejecting unattainable beauty standards and promoting self-acceptance and authenticity at any age.
The Takeaway: Valerie Bertinelli’s Real, Relatable Beauty Revolution
Valerie Bertinelli’s candid video is far more than celebrity gossip or a viral moment—it’s a cultural statement. By bravely admitting to both her insecurities and her strategies for coping with society’s endless scrutiny—using filters, dying hair, but also going barefaced—Valerie shows that beauty is inseparable from honesty, humor, and resilience. In doing so, she empowers people everywhere to embrace who they are at this moment, with or without gray roots, and with or without a filter.
References
- https://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/a46274702/valerie-bertinelli-grey-roots-instagram-filters-no-makeup-video/
- https://www.aol.com/valerie-bertinelli-63-opens-using-162200903.html
- https://www.prevention.com/beauty/a46275487/valerie-bertinelli-filters-gray-roots-makeup-free-instagram-video/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbmXZzNG664
- https://www.imdb.com/news/ni64388199/
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