Salma Hayek, 56, Is Proud of Gray Hair, Doesn't Want to Pretend She's Younger & Proves Age Is Just a Number in Pics

• Despite the status of a world star, Salma Hayek does not hesitate to post photos without makeup or with gray hair.

• She embraces her body and hair, aging gracefully.

• She wants to instill the same values in her daughter.

• Netizens accuse her of having Botox, but she mockingly denies it.

Salma Hayek is a highly successful Hollywood actress, director and producer. Born on Septemeber 2, 1966 in Veracruz, Mexico, the triple-threat has come a long way to make a name for herself in the US. After having worked in daytime Mexican TV, Hayek moved to pursue a film career in America and landed a small role in "My Crazy Life" in 1993, before landing a part in the movie "Desparado" two years later.

Her performance opposite Antonio Banderas in the Robert Rodriguez action flick was just an introduction. The entertainment world took notice when she played a sultry temptress in "From Dusk Till Dawn" with the same director, alongside George Clooney and Quentin Tarantino.

Natural Beauty

Hayek who is now 56 years old has been known for her acting ability as well as her looks, with her long, dark curls and curvacious body. But that sex-symbol title can become a burden. Real life does not include full time glam squad and editors. And with age Hayek has come to the accept the natural changes in her appearance saying:

"You've got to have a sense of humor about who you are and give yourself a break. You've got to be kind to yourself. And it's not easy, you know?"

The "Some Kind of Beautiful" actress has shared that the secret lies in putting in the work to reveal what makes one beautiful and unique from the inside. When the hair starts going gray, the skin is not as plump and the youthful shape is gone, what matters is the content of your mind and your heart.

The "Fools Rush In" star has been known to share candid photos on her Instagram account, and the captions express the varied thoughts and emotions that come with loving herself just as she is. From a bikini shot on the beach just before her birthday, to photos showing how the greys stand out from her darker locks, Hayek is very comfortable in her skin.

Whether the producer was considering having any cosmetic interventions is no one's business but her own.

A netizen was so bold as to comment on one photo, claiming that Hayek had indulged in "too much Botox," and declaring that it was unecessary. But the actress was quick and civil in her reply, thanking the "fan" for the input because she had been wondering if it was time.

Whether the producer was considering having any cosmetic interventions is no one's business but her own, but what a classy way to resolve an awkward exchange. Whether it is her skin, her weight or her hair, the actress has a healthy level of self awareness. Speaking of how she manages her grays, she said:

"One of the reasons I don’t dye my hair is because I don’t have the patience to sit through it. I don’t want to spend what’s left of my youth pretending I’m younger and then not enjoying life. I get my hair cut wherever I’m working or doing publicity."

Her simple approach to beaty inspired her to develop a skin care and makeup line called Nuance which she uses on her hair and skin. When not working, she applies makeup sparingly to enhance her features. The actress has admitted to not having much of a fitness or diet regimen but that she would love to one day be disciplined in that regard.

Hayek's Happiness

Needless to say, Hayek is a beauty inside and out with brains to match. This season of her life has brought wisdom to match those cute, gray strands but one part aging she is not a fan of is having to wear glasses. She siad, she doesn't mind the wrinkles or menopause as much as the diminished ability to read or see.

Pinault loves Hayek's natural beauty while she likes to be adventerous and don a random pink wig.

But needing reading glasses has not affected her ability to be a superhero, a villian or a heroine on the movie screen and to her family. The "Eternals" star hopes to show her daughter Valentina Paloma Pinault to spurn beauty standards and become her own woman. The 15 year old has much to look up to in her mom.

Hayek, and her husband of 13 years, François-Henri Pinault don't always see eye-to eye when it comes to fashion. They both have strong opinions he as a luxury fashion executive and she as a movie star and fashion icon.

The source of their disagreement was that Pinault loves Hayek's natural beauty while she likes to be adventerous and don a random pink wig. But the couple are united in their love for their daughter and one another. Explaining what she considers to be the secret to happiness in life, Hayek said:

"Being present and being inspired, especially by simple things."

As she grows older, Hayek has said that she desires to become a more organized person, a trait that has eleuded her so far. But what might seem like an easy fix to others has been outside the Hollywood powerhouse's reach.

Salam Hayek hopes this would make her a better wife to Pinault and mom to Valentina. When things get tough and her patience is wearing thin, she plans to take a breath, meditate, even have a beer to take the edge off.