Excellent thinking through this. As you say, there are larger considerations to wrestle with (environment). There is also what you call a woman’s “vanity”, which in moderation, isn’t a bad thing — and for many women, (perhaps you understand this especially with your nod to cultural differences), a woman’s hair may be her glory. For me, going gray was huge. I have experienced both freedom and prejudice — both good teachers in their different ways. I never advise any other woman to go gray — we are women after all and gray is not met with the same respect that it is in men. However, depending on your time of life, time of career, and time of relationships, going gray can lead you to your other great point in your essay here — identity. Choosing to go, let’s call it au naturale, can lead to a new and somewhat “elementally” different identity. It takes a bravery that you may need for other arenas right now. Be ready for it and when you are, embrace it. Until then, feel beautiful.