While women are encouraged to embrace their natural hair texture and colorists are busy inventing new techniques for creating natural-looking color schemes, the same approach rules supreme when it comes to graying. Mature and older ladies do not feel awkward wearing their well-earned silver anymore, and gray shades have been trending over the past few years even among younger generations. So, let’s have a closer look at a current take on gray hairstyles and learn how to adapt them to your personal needs.
Customizing Gray for Different Face Types
Lucky for us, today’s hairstyles for gray hair are versatile enough to choose a couple of flattering options for each and every face shape. And this is vital, as older faces need a more thoughtful approach to the framing and balancing because of the age-related changes they undergo. Generally, older ladies are recommended to stick to softer hairstyle lines in order to offset the loss of skin elasticity. “Consider side-swept bangs if you want to make your face look a bit rounder and your cheekbones stronger,” Eva Scrivo, NY-based hairstylist who worked with a long list of celebrities before publishing her Eva Scrivo on Beauty book, says in her comments for Oprah.com. And what if your face is round? Take a look at our tips for all the main face types.
via @vancityhairgirl
Due to the deep side part, this sleek bob delivers a bit of asymmetry to interrupt the circular accuracy of the round face.
via @hairinzoeyschair
This cut arrests the eye with its outstanding and well matched color combination, while soft bangs and sideburns give a flattering frame for the oval face.
via @sarzmahal
This gamine crop is really youthful and fun thanks to its choppy fringe and salt-and-pepper color. And it works well to shift attention away from the square bone structure, too.
via @hairbyvanre
Shining with a soft silver hue, this cut has just enough volume on the sides to add some width to the long face.
via @alchemyorlando
Textured waves below the chin are a go-to for heart-shaped faces, as they balance the lower part of the face and create plenty of movement.
Choosing Gray Styles for Different Hair Types
Whether you like it or not, but graying comes not only with a color change, but also with transformations in the hair texture caused by the age-related process. “It is unclear why, but the biological process that affects the color of the hair likely also affects the structure of the hair being produced as well,” says Joshua Zeichner, Director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology at NY-based Mount Sinai Hospital, to Allure. That’s why an old lady might feel her hair coarser and even thicker, while actually, it becomes thinner. And that’s why you need to discuss your hair texture with a hairdresser prior to getting a cut, since your tresses might require some treatment to hold the style or it might be even better to opt for another ‘do. Here are some options to consider for various hair types.
via @curlsrock_hairstudio
The mix of random white and gray adds fun to this curly hair, and we know that curls are also great for creating volume.
via @hair.by.ashmichelle
This crop cracks the problem of fine hair ultimately, leaving the strands to sit close to the scalp for a denser feel.
via @textures_llc
It’s a nice idea to embrace frizzy hair by making the texture a part of a quirky twisted hairstyle – both dimension and low maintenance are guaranteed.
via @sahairasalon
All you need to tame your thick coarse locks is a bulk-removing layered cut and messy styling. Sure, it will look sassier with those dark streaks.
via @thelostkiiddoeshair
A textured pixie works fine for thin tresses, and you can hide the scarcity by pulling the locks frontwards. Don’t miss this cute piece-y baby fringe – it’s truly age-slaying.
Rocking Short Gray Hair
Short haircuts do a good job for gray hair because of that thinning we’ve mentioned. The more you chop off, the thicker is part left, since your hairs tend to grow thin and brittle towards the ends. Short cuts leave your hair with its stronger part and lighter weight to look denser and hold a lift better. Besides, going short is a good idea when you’re trying to grow out your gray. “Grow the gray roots long enough and get a short haircut so you can go directly to gray hair that way,” says AJ Lordet, color director at one of the signature Frederic Fekkai salons, to Huff Post. Look through our pictures to find a couple of trendy cuts for inspiration.
via @happyhairsara
This shaggy cut is perfect for showcasing a thick mane and radiating the awesome silver fox shade. Spice it up with a side-swept fringe.
via @hairby_jlynnlowe
This cute pixie is a nice fit for a lady over 60 with a wavy hair texture. We love both the lift at the roots and piece-y bangs, softening the face.
via @biohemian_concept
When wearing glasses, make sure your face is not overwhelmed – this rejuvenating spiky pixie is a case in point thanks to the lovely micro bangs.
via @erm_styles
This is a longer version of modern pixie, catching the eye with its dense fringe and a shiny color, accentuating the texture.
via @andrea_gildedfox
The curly chin-length bob with bangs is so Frenchy, and it has that bouncy feel, making older women look younger and flirtier.
Nailing Long Locks
While short haircuts for gray hair promise low maintenance, long styles require an ongoing hair care routine, but it really pays off. Healthy silver locks look stunning and oh so feminine, also offering lots of ways to play with updos. To get things done, you need to focus on moisturizing, while avoiding hair care products that can make your tresses even drier. “I always recommend a cleansing milk. I find it much more moisturizing and it keeps the hair from getting too dry. […] A cool blonde conditioner is great — the shampoo tends to dry out the hair but the conditioner deposits the tone, conditions the hair, and adds moisture,” Aura Freidman, colorist who worked with Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj and M.I.A among other A-listers, tells Allure. Meanwhile, we have a chance to enjoy healthy-looking and stylish long locks.
via @hairbyalliecollet
This is a great example of a lady over 50, embracing her beautiful natural silver, refreshed with some wispy layers.
via @lifeandcoloursalon
This lady prefers rocking her long hair wavy – a clever move to soften the look, while the sliced tips add texture and a modern touch.
via @loveyourlife.hair
The long bob is never out of fashion, especially when it’s customized through face-framing layers and highlighted with white streaks in the front.
via @officialhairbynat
When choosing a hairstyle with bangs, don’t hesitate to ask for a cropped fringe that is seriously trending now, including when paired with long hair.
via @silverstorm777
This stunningly lengthy and heavily layered hair makes us feel jealous! This proves that disconnection rules when it comes to thick or medium textures.
Bang-On Options for Black Women
Natural hair is a strong trend, and it goes well with natural graying. In fact, if you used to dye your hair and now you’re going for your gray, the curly texture of Afro hair can make the transition less visible. But even if your hair is relaxed, the growing out is not all doom and gloom.”Within five months or six months, you could be really near to your goal. But (with) the line of demarcation, we need about an inch, and then we can start putting some highlights throughout, especially if you’re dark, to try to mimic the silver. It breaks that line up, so it’s not so garish. And all you need to do sometimes is just the top few layers,” Lorraine Massey, renowned hairstylist and author of both Curly Girl: The Handbook and Silver Hair: A Handbook, tells in her interview for Chicago Tribune. And here are just a few hair goals to get inspired.
via @contactevie
This African American gal nails graying, packed into an elegant short hairstyle with an astonishing flipped out fringe.
via @cosmocady
This ashy hair is natural gray with lowlights. We love the bounce enhanced through heavy layering on the bottom.
via @hairnlove
Crown braid hairstyles are not for young girls only! This lady proves that silver and grey locks can look really crisp when braided.
via @sasshayhair
Yes, crochet hairstyles are also doable, blending well with graying. These gypsy locks shaped into an inverted lob that plays with colors and textures are just fascinating.
via @giviniv
Bold enough for a very short cut? Steal this bang-on teeny weeny afro, adorned with a fun splash of white.
10 Best Hairstyles for Gray Hair We Cannot Resist
Do you still think that a gray hairstyle will make you look older? But it’s not about the color! “I’m working with people who are celebrating their natural gray, but at the same time, 20-year-olds are coming into the salon wanting to be bleached with gray applied on top,” says Josh Wood, Redken’s Global Color Creative Director, to Refinery29.With so many young girls striving for silver and with a bunch of older celebrities rocking their gray, who can say it’s not crisp and trendy? The key is to take good care of your hair and to find a flattering age-slaying hairstyle – and we have 10 more looks to prove this is doable.
via @jackmartincolorist
This silver bob with shadow roots is just the thing for thin-haired women. It builds the required depth, while layering adds dynamics.
via @frostannas
This lady sports her white hair with a side-swept fringe and laid back wavy styling, supplemented with a fancy loose braid in the back.
via @vancityhairgirl
The salt and pepper solution is one of our favorites for gray hair, and this voluminous hairstyle looks vibrant with its messy curls.
via @saloncyan
If you are not blessed with natural curls, go for perm to juice up your tresses with trendy beach waves.
via @hairbykristenh
This shoulder length shaggy bob sparkles with an icy shade of blonde and boasts plenty of texture due to the sliced ends.
via @aviancechablishair
What an elegant ‘do you can have by pulling your silver locks into a perfectly polished ponytail, curled to get an impressive bounce!
via @francescogroupeccleshall
This pink streaked pixie is miraculous! It blends perfectly with natural white and gray, and creates a dramatic contrast between the shaved sides and long top.
via @nelsonstylist
And this crop is ash gray with platinum highlights, but it’s by no means flat thanks to the razor-cut texture, some lift in the back and a layered fringe.
via @christinavita.hair
If you want to look rather edgy than elegant, opt for a bolder pixie cut coupled with cool tapered bangs and shaggier layers.
via @t.neklyudova
Here is a nice example of face-framing pieces, softening facial contours, creating dimension and bringing in a romantic touch.
From coveted silver fox to funky gray and pastel color combinations, gray hairstyles are versatile, modern and sexy. Though the transformation can be challenging, the result will be rewarding, provided that the style is chosen smartly. Take one of the pictures with you to your salon, and don’t forget to share your new look with our age-embracing gang.
FAQs
Is gray hair still trending in 2022? ›
Gray is the hair color of the hour and the hot trend for 2021-2022.
What is the trend for gray hair 2023? ›Lowlights, which are darker than your base hair color, will be another 2023 gray hair trend, Crisci says. Lowlights are done just like highlights, with foils or by using the balayage technique, he explains. After that, he recommends a regular gloss service.
How do I look glamorous with grey hair? ›- Wear blush. It makes every complexion more vibrant, says Roncal. ...
- Line your lips. ...
- Pick a rich lipcolor. ...
- Brighten up your eyes. ...
- Forget basic black. ...
- Pay attention to your brows.
A classic bob
"There's no contest that the best hairstyle for gray hair is the classic bob," Gwenda Harmon, hair and beauty expert at Power Your Curls, tells Best Life. For starters, she says, the shorter your hair is, the easier it is to style.
- Red-Brown Hair: Chestnut + Copper. Before dying your hair, you should consider several factors, such as your colour goals and natural shade. ...
- Mocha Color Melt. ...
- Glossy Mocha. ...
- Seamless Balayage. ...
- Sunkist Highlights. ...
- Honey Blondes. ...
- Vibrant Colors.
Here, designers, decorators, and color experts reveal why beige is replacing gray for 2023, and how to decorate with beige for a beautiful scheme every time.
Should grey hair be layered? ›For short gray hair, stacked layers cut from the middle of the back to the nape of the neck are a great way to add volume and texture. You will be able to see the color depth in your hair, even with the gray! The levels of layers give your hair a lift, and an ashy shade of blonde allows blending in your graying hair.
What is the best age to go gray? ›It's most common for graying to begin in your 30s, though some people spot a few grays in their 20s. If you think you're going gray unusually early, there are a number of possible reasons why.
What makeup colors look best with gray hair? ›Neutral colors (like rose or nude) have a tendency to fall flat against gray hair. Instead, go for bolder hues like a bright berry or a pink-y peach; shinier or satin finishes also tend to be more flattering than matte lipsticks.
What color glasses frames go with gray hair? ›Shades like gold, brown, and red can complement greying hair and give a vibrant pop of colour to your face. Another option is to choose glasses with transparent frames or pastel frames, which have a softer, more delicate look.
How to look vibrant with gray hair? ›
- Use a hydrating shampoo regularly. ...
- Swap in a clarifying shampoo. ...
- Use a purple shampoo and conditioner. ...
- Use a serum for shine. ...
- Use hairspray the right way. ...
- See a hair stylist for a keratin treatment. ...
- Do weekly deep conditioning masks. ...
- Get a gloss treatment.
Not only are older women embracing their naturally gray hair, but younger women are even dying their hair gray to emulate the look. What's the reason behind the trend? For some women, it's about empowerment. Gray hair has long been associated with elder age, and that's why they've always felt the need to cover it up.
Can gray hair be attractive? ›According to the survey by the online dating site, women like men with grey hair as long as they do not look too old. Also, attractiveness depended on the pattern of greying as well. As per the participants, they find a certain level of grey hair more appealing than a full head of grey.
What shampoo is best for GREY hair? ›Purple and Blue Shampoo
Celebrity hairstylist Peter Butler says violet- and purple-based shampoos, such as Kérastase Blond Absolu Bain Ultra-Violet Shampoo and L'Oréal EverPure Sulfate Free Brass Toning Purple Shampoo, are super helpful in keeping gray, silver, white, and blonde hair bright and manageable.
Grey blending is a subtle way of handling your greying hair. It is an approach that blends the grey with colours similar to your natural hair tone. It's an option that allows you to embrace and enhance your greying hair, rather than hiding it. Your natural hair colour is the inspiration for the final effect.
What colours go with GREY hair? ›Chocolate, deep caramel and toffee, rich auburn reds and deep blonde tones all work, but try to avoid going too light or insipid feeling with colours. Grey is usually naturally warm, and it's usually best to embrace and even enhance this rather than trying to cool things down with blue tones.
What hair color makes you prettier? ›Which hair colour do women think is the sexiest? Most women think brunette hair is the sexiest, as 25% of those polled favoured this option. Womens' second preference is blonde, which was voted as the sexiest hair colour by 19.6% of women. Again, red took third spot, accounting for 11.8% of womens' votes.
What is the prettiest hair color ever? ›#BLONDE! The contest for the most attractive hair colour is obviously won by the blonde color with 35% of the overall vote, followed by the brunette. The bronze goes to Pippi Longstocking (people 30 and above will understand 👩 ). And the fourth place is for black hair colour.
What is the hardest hair color to look good? ›First and foremost, ICY, PLATINUM, GREY OR SILVER is certainly the most difficult hair colour to achieve. This is the most difficult tricky colour on any level. This applies to platinum, icy and white as well as any silvers, greys, or dark slate grey.
What is the new color combination for 2023? ›Digital Lavender, Luscious Red, Sundial, Tranquil Blue and Verdigris are the color names for 2023. Who chooses the names of the new colors?
What colour is instead of grey? ›
Beige is often considered a bland, uninspired choice, but it needn't be. It's an excellent alternative to white and grey if you want to create an understated look, and it encompasses a huge range of shades – everything from pale creams and taupes to richer camel, honey and sand hues.
What color trend will happen in 2023 2024? ›For the Fall/Winter 2023/2024 season, the color trend is represented by “Fiery Red“, a vibrant and intense shade of red that captures attention and conveys a strong emotional charge.
What should you not do with gray hair? ›"The most common hair care mistake that can damage gray hair is over-washing it," says Lauren Udoh, hair creative director of Wig Reports. "This is bad because it can strip the scalp of its natural oils, which are essential for keeping hair healthy and protected."
Who should not get layered hair? ›If your hair is on the thinner side, you may want to steer clear of layers. Layers can be a disservice to thin hair because taking away hair from the longest length can leave this section looking sparse and straggly.
When should you stop coloring your hair and go grey? ›Gray Hair Returns in Less than Two Weeks
If your client can't seem to keep their gray hair or roots covered for long, it may be time to discontinue using hair dye. Going to the salon every two weeks for treatment is too often, and along with all the damage it can do to their hair, it can also be expensive over time.
Typically, white people start going gray in their mid-30s, Asians in their late 30s, and Blacks in their mid-40s. Half of all people have a significant amount of gray hair by the time they turn 50.
Does GREY hair suit everyone? ›Our expert colourist David Inman has some advice for you: “Grey hair will always suit you, so don't worry about embracing your grey. What you need to do is ensure the texture and shine of your hair is optimised, giving you depth and dimension.
What color should eyebrows be if hair is gray? ›"Even if the hair on your head is silver or gray hair, I suggest dyeing brows light brown," says Petrescu.
What lipstick goes with grey hair? ›For the lips, pink, rose, and coral shades are perfect complements to gray hair. Just be sure to choose the shade that best suits your skin tone.
What color eyeliner is best for gray hair? ›“Navy is great for women with white hair.” For people with medium-toned skin and gray or white hair, she suggests using a dark brown liner. For those with dark skin, she said black liner will help the eyes stand out.
How do I know what color looks best on me? ›
For your most flattering look, place the color that works best for your skin tone closest to your face and work the other color in further away. For example, if you're cool, choose the cool tone for your earrings, necklace, or top and the complementary warm tone for your bottom, shoes, or bag.
Does grey go with everything clothes? ›True to its "neutral" title, gray really goes with almost every other color.
What color eyeglass frames make you look younger? ›Generally, warm-colored frames can make you appear younger. Warm tones suit most faces, especially browns, burgundies, berry tones, and jewel tones. Of course, you should choose a color that suits your skin tone. It can also be helpful to choose shinier materials to give your eyes an extra sparkle.
What color glasses are most flattering? ›For a subdued and understated look, choose frames in a colour that match with the neutral tones in your eyes, such as brown, beige, or black. If you want to channel a fun, statement-making look, choose a colour that's contrasting but complementary to your eye colour.
What glasses look best on gray eyes? ›Best Glasses for Gray Eyes
Instead, dare to be different by choosing frames in bright, bold colors. Just about any color looks good with gray, making this one of the most fun eye colors to accentuate. Some of the most popular vibrant hues include ginger orange and sunny yellow.
Since baking soda is a scrubbing agent, washing your hair with it can gradually strip the dye from your locks. Baking soda can lighten all hair colors, but it might take a few washes to get your hair to the desired color.
What makes gray hair soft and shiny? ›A deep conditioning hair mask once or twice a week will bathe your hair in softness and moisture. A few drops of argan oil can help with shine while also adding a little weight and control to wiry strands. A leave-in conditioner will help tame gray flyaways and make wiry gray hair feel softer.
Is Purple shampoo good for gray hair? ›There's no need to panic though! Using a purple shampoo on grey hair can help to remove brassy yellow shades, leaving you with a flattering silver undertone.
Is grey hair Fashionable now? ›Gray may have been just a sign of old age in the past, but now it's a trend of the NEW age! Try different haircuts for gray hair and spice them up with bright money pieces.
Do grey hair make you look younger? ›A lot of women find that gray hair makes them look younger because of the flattering glow that silver hair gives to the complexion.
Do guys notice grey hair? ›
Depends on the quality of the coloring. As long as it doesn't look tacky or bad, it's typically preferred. Unfortunately, men discriminate against grey hair.
Is silver hair out of style 2022? ›Silvery sheens were popular among blondes throughout 2021, but brunettes embraced ashy shades in 2022. said Novak. Coined mushroom brown, this color uses strategically placed highlights and lowlights to create an ashy, cool-toned hue.
What is the latest age to get GREY hair? ›Gray hair develops as melanocytes decrease in number, but exactly when those cells begin to wane differs for each individual. However, there are some general trends. According to the article, “graying typically begins in the mid-30s for Caucasians, the late-30s for Asians, and the mid-40s for Africans."
Is the grey trend over? ›After years of seeing all-gray-everything, it seems interior trends are officially shifting away from the palette that became a staple in the early 2000s. According to some experts, there isn't a moment too soon to say goodbye to gray. But, don't bust out the paintbrushes quite yet.
Is Grey hair Fashionable now? ›Gray may have been just a sign of old age in the past, but now it's a trend of the NEW age! Try different haircuts for gray hair and spice them up with bright money pieces.
What's the difference between gray hair and silver hair? ›People use “gray,” “white” and “silver” interchangeably to describe hair that is turning or has turned. Its appearance — whether it looks, gray, white or silver — depends on how much natural color, or pigment, remains, experts say.
What is the hottest hair color trend for fall 2022? ›Luxe Copper Tones: From Bright To Subtle
Although shades of red and copper dominated most of this year, it's a color we undoubtedly expect to see a revival of every fall. For clients who want to go warmer for fall, but don't want to commit to a rich red—copper tones are the perfect trend.
- Platinum Blonde for 2022. This content is imported from instagram. ...
- Dressed-Up Ponytails for 2022. This content is imported from instagram. ...
- Sun-Kissed Balayage for 2022. ...
- This Pixie Cut Trend. ...
- Strawberry highlights in 2022. ...
- This Modern Shag in 2022. ...
- Mid-Length Bob Haircuts for 2022. ...
- Bobs With Center Parts for 2022.
Gray hair is one of the universal signs of advanced age. More likely than not, at some point in your life, your hair will start to go gray. Some individuals can maintain hair color well into their older age, but most do not.
What is the difference between white hair and gray hair? ›Gray hair comes down to melanin, or rather the lack of melanin. Melanin is the pigment that gives hair its color. Gray hair has reduced melanin, while white hair completely lacks it. This occurs because of a gradual decline in the number of stem cells that mature to become melanin-producing cells.
What is the next color trend after gray? ›
It's beige. Yes, beige is coming back in style after years of being synonymous with boring or bland. Warm neutral paint and upholstery colors are now taking favor over grays, with shades like tan, taupe, ivory and beige (even brown!) rising in popularity.
What is the color for 2023? ›Rounding out a year of blush-tone selections, Pantone selected Viva Magenta 18-1750, a bold pinkish red, as its 2023 color of the year, calling it "an unconventional shade for an unconventional time."
Should GREY hair be layered? ›For short gray hair, stacked layers cut from the middle of the back to the nape of the neck are a great way to add volume and texture. You will be able to see the color depth in your hair, even with the gray! The levels of layers give your hair a lift, and an ashy shade of blonde allows blending in your graying hair.
Why is gray hair so hard to style? ›Is gray hair easier or harder to style? Mistry explains "Once you've gone gray styling hair can become a little more difficult because the texture changes. If you are airdrying, it wont make much of a difference, but if you are trying to smooth it, it will require more moisture."