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Embracing aging is something that doesn’t come too easily to me (hello, existential crises) but the one thing I’m super excited about is all of the gray hairstyles I’ll one day get to sport. This intricate range is multi-dimensional—from platinum to ash all the way to metallic shades. And you don’t even have to have grays growing in to rock this color trend, you can ask your colorist to do it for you. But before you make that appointment—here's what two experts have to say about wearing gray hair and how to take care of it.
Meet the experts
- Richy Kandasamy is a celebrity colorist and R+Co Collective Member who's worked with artists like Llane and Erick Brian from CNCO.
- Krystel Cuadra is the senior colorist and Creative Director of Color at Fekkai Salon in SoHo, New York City.
How to you get gray hair color?
If you're looking to experience gray hair, celebrity colorist Richy Kandasamy definitely recommends going to an expert "because the color can change based on the natural color and texture of someone's hair." Krystel Cuadra, the senior colorist and creative director at Fekkai Salon, says that getting a gray hair color involves a global lightening or bleaching, which lifts the hair to a pale yellow. Then she applies a blue or gray-based toner or color to give the appearance of gray hair.
How should you take care of gray hair?
Taking care of any color is important work, but Cuadra says that for natural gray hair, occasionally using a purple shampoo to eliminate any yellow overcast or brassiness is a great first step. Both Cuadra and Kandasamy recommend using a conditioning mask and protecting hair from the sun, as natural gray hair can "tend to be drier than other hair." Kandasamy says that most of the time "gray hair can feel more coarse, almost like a different texture compared to your natural hair. Because there's less melanin, hair follicles also produce less sebum (the natural oils that hydrate hair).
A fun tip from Kandasamy? Try a curly or wavy hairstyle, as your new hair type will be able to hold curls a little more easily. But if you dyed your hair gray, Caudra cautions that you will have to come into the salon for maintenance more often that not. This usually includes a root touch-up every four weeks and a gloss treatment to keep your gray tint vibrant every two weeks. And now, from a cotton candy curly bob to short silver braids, keep reading for the 39 of the coolest gray hairstyles.
1
This Silver Streak Gray Hairstyle
Not ready to try a full head of color? Dip your toes with this face-framing gray streak. It’s versatile and a simple way to experiment and see if this shade suits you.
2
Purple, Blue, and Silver Short Layers
Yes, you can still rock color if you want to try a gray hairstyle. When you have gray or blonde hair, you’re able to easily add color without having to beach your strands. This pastel purple and ice-y blue is giving Frozen vibes and I love it.
3
This Shaggy Gray Wolf Cut
I don’t know about you, but all I saw on my TikTok feed was this exact haircut last year. This gray hairstyle embraces what is coined by Gen Z as the ‘wolf cut’—this haircut has the texture of the traditional mullet but most of the volume around the top of the head. When asking your stylist for this shaggy haircut, go for choppy layers and blunt bangs.
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4
This Lob with Gray Highlights
I’ve heard of brown hair highlights, but I’ve never seen gray before. I love how the hairstylist worked with and embraced this client’s natural color to really make that gray pop. Gray hair often grows in streaks, so creating a pattern around the hair can make it look very natural. The blunt bob just adds to how ~glam~ this style is.
5
This Platinum Gray Crop
If you're into something light and fun, try this platinum gray crop. It feels light and breezy, but could strut down any runway at a given moment. BTW, the best way to keep this hairstyle from turning brassy is to switch to a silver shampoo.
6
This Long, Gray Ombré
Another way to test out a gray hairstyle before fully committing to it? Tape-in hair extensions. This stylist used gray strands to add to this client’s hair, which is naturally dirty blonde. The result? This cool-toned, yellow to muted gray ombré effect.
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7
This Purple-Gray Bob
A dark purple, gray bob? So pretty. But be warned, you have to be blonde or naturally gray to achieve this look. However, if you are a brunette, it will take two to three sessions to achieve this color. Even though this hairstyle is very high maintenance, it’s worth it IMO.
8
This Icy Titanium Gray Hairstyle
A combination of titanium and mint is another unique twist on a gray hairstyle. The secret to this 3D effect? Guy Tang, the stylist, used a charcoal shade for the roots to really ensure there was vibrancy and shape.
9
This Teal Tip and Gray Ombré Combo
Listen up: this color combo isn’t just for those of us who often dye our hair—gray to teal may have just become one of my favorite ways to transform hair. If embracing ombré is too much change for you, ask your colorist to do a dip-dye—it’s a lot easier to do, but you’ll still get the same effect.
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10
This Cotton Candy Curly Gray Bob
This gray hairstyle just screams roaring ‘20s, doesn’t it? I love the pink and purple peek-a-boo strands, they almost look like cotton candy. Again, maintenance is heavy duty with this type of color—you’ll need to come in every four to six weeks for color and wash your hair with a purple shampoo.
11
This Silver, Blue, and Lilac Gray Blowout
I’m calling it now: this colorful gray hairstyle will be the next spring 2022 hair trend. The key to keeping this color in tact before your next appointment with your colorist is to use products that protect: shampoo and conditioner for color-treated hair, as well as heat protectant.
12
These Black and Silver Ombré Braids
The attention to detail in this gray hairstyle is just … perfection. From the beaded detailing to the cornrow technique, it’s one of a kind. The black to silver ombré blends together seamlessly and is nothing short of dazzling.
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13
This Metal Gray Hairstyle
I’d call this metallic turquoise gray hairstyle almost space-age, IMO. I can see a few shades of gray here, with a subtle blue melting into the middle. I love how futuristic this look is—The Fifth Element meets The Jetsons.
14
This Wavy, Prismatic Gray Hairstyle
The only word I have for this gray hairstyle is ~dimension~. I know that you have to take this photo to a skilled colorist to achieve this fantasy level look, but you can check out our beach wave tutorial round-up to mimic this hairstyle at home.
15
This Gray Statement Pony
If you’re on the hunt for a cute way to style your gray hair, take this statement ponytail hairstyle for a spin. This look is great for a night out or an important event.
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16
This Prismatic, Rainbow Gray Hairstyle
Even though this has got to be the most difficult hairstyle to achieve on the list, it’s got to be my absolute favorite. Rainbow hair is not easy to maintain, but it’s the most striking to look at. BTW, with a gray base, you won’t need to lift the hair to add color. So if you’re already rocking a gray hairstyle, ask your stylist to add on some boldness next time you’re in the salon.
17
These White, Gray, and Black Braids
If you can’t decide what shade of gray to dye your hair, how about trying all of them at once? This braided ponytail proves that you don’t have to commit to one color and that they look excellent all together.
18
This Platinum Gray and Purple Straight Hairstyle
Because gray is a cool-toned color, it’s important to note that it can wash you out a little bit. Adding a pop of color, like the lilac purple here, can bring some brightness back to your face.
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19
This Afro for a Gray Hairstyle
In the mood to switch up your hair color? Gray, although not the obvious choice for a bright dye job, can be a fresh take on platinum blonde or purple hair.
20
This Colorful Bang for a Gray Hairstyle
Money-piece highlights are always a cute-AF look to try if you’re not ready to attempt a full-on gray hairstyle. All you have to do is commit to dying the front strands that frame your face—an unexpected accent detail.
Valeriya Chupinina
Valeriya Chupinina is a freelance beauty and wellness writer exploring the multifaceted connection between the aesthetic and internal. You can find her work in outlets like Coveteur, HYPEBAE, and NBGA. In addition to her editorial work, she consults on social media strategies for brands. You can keep up with her on Instagram @valeriyaliyevna.
