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.