Vain of his hair, which was blond and thick, he didn't commonly wear a wig, choosing instead to bind and powder his own for formal occasions. The present occasion wasn't formal in the least. With the advent of freshwater aboard, Tom had insisted upon washing Grey's hair that morning, and it was still spread loose upon his shoulders, though it had long since dried.
In the story, a character named Grey takes pride in his blond, thick hair. Instead of wearing a wig, he typically styles his hair himself for special events, using binding and powder to enhance its appearance. However, on this particular occasion, he finds himself in a casual setting where formality is not required.
That morning, thanks to the arrival of freshwater, Tom has made it a point to help Grey wash his hair. As a result, Grey's hair is now loose and flowing over his shoulders. Although it has dried since the washing, the choice to let it remain untamed reflects the relaxed nature of the day.
