52 Stunning Gray Color Hairstyles For All Ages

Experiment with these trendy hairstyles to make your hair look bolder and more dramatic.

Reviewed by Laura Clark, Hairstylist Laura Clark Laura ClarkHairstylist facebook_iconinsta_icon
Written by , BTech Anjali Sayee BTech linkedin_icon Experience: 7 years
Edited by , MA (English Literature) Madhumati Chowdhury MA (English Literature) linkedin_icon Experience: 7 years
Fact-checked by , MA (English) Bhumika Daga MA (English) linkedin_icon Experience: 2.5 years
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Beautiful, modern, and chic – coloring your hair gray is the newest obsession. And we are on board with it! Keep reading to check out our top gray color hairstyles.

Gray is a sophisticated color with many amazing tones to choose from – ranging from silver fox to metallic charcoal. There is no trend quite as breathtaking as the gray phenomenon. It is such a versatile color as it gives hairstylists and colorists options to experiment with their own color mixes and styles. While you may have an idea as to what shade of gray you’d like, you might be confused about which hairstyle works for it. Look no further. Scroll down and have a gander at our 52 top stunning gray hairstyles. Trust us; the color gray will never be anything but young to you after this!

protip_icon Before You Get Started
  • Silver gray is one of the high-maintenance colors. You must use purple shampoo and conditioner to prevent yellow and brassy hues.
  • Dyeing the hair in shades of gray involves intense bleaching. Avoid using sulfate-infused hair products and excessive heat styling to prevent damaging the hair and color.
  • Colored hair requires plenty of nourishment. Use hydrating hair masks to keep the colored locks soft and minimize breakage.
  • If you are unsure about going silver, try ashy gray, silver highlights, colored hair lowlights, or gray ombre with pastels.

52 Stunning Gray Color Hairstyles

Gone are the days when gray hair was called aging hair or mature hair and was associated with old age. The ever-evolving world of fashion has open-heartedly embraced grays and silver as edgy, statement-making hair color trends. However, we do understand the hesitation some people have with it. If you are not willing to commit to this shade using chemical hair dyes, you can always try extensions.

Professional hairstylist Laura Clark, adds for those who don’t want to color their hair, “Gray extensions are now available in the market! They are full-bodied, can be straightened, and are trending for long gray hair styles. Many experimental gray tones are coming up and we love it! I suggest using either clip-ins or Halo extensions in your tone for a youthful appearance.”

Keep scrolling to check out the jaw-dropping ways in which gray can be an impressive color for your hair.

1. Silver Streaks

Silver Streaks
Image: Shutterstock

If you want to try gray without overdoing it, go for these subtle silver streaks. It is perfect for beginners and a slight touch of gray can make a whole lot of difference to the way you look.

2. Metallic Silver-Gray Waves

Metallic Silver-Gray Waves
Image: Shutterstock

These glossy, metallic waves will look gorgeous on perfectly blow-dried hair. The trick here is to use a large round brush while styling your hair to achieve larger waves and better volume.

3. Gray-Blue Double Braids

Gray-Blue Double Braids
Image: Shutterstock

Well, it is your cue to skip the usual braided hairdo for something funky and fun. This unique blend of blue and gray make it an edgy, cool hairstyle. The best part is It’s easy to achieve and looks very chic.

4. Side-Parted Silver Curls With Purple Hue

Side-Parted Silver Curls With Purple Hue
Image: Shutterstock

The silver color amazingly blends with purple which adds a delicate and breathtaking depth to the mane. In addition to that, the loose curls over the ends add to the beauty.

5. Gray Top Knot

Gray Top Knot
Image: Shutterstock

A top-knot is anything but basic. Use a texturizing spray to add texture and hold your hair in place. If our words don’t convince you, take a look at the image above!

6. Silver Pigtails

Silver Pigtails
Image: Shutterstock

Add a playful vibe to your silver tresses by going for a center-parted, double ponytail. This hairdo is not just easy to achieve but also looks super cool. Also, it’s just the hairstyle to step out in the scorching summer sun, while looking chic.

7. Gray Buzz Cut

Gray Buzz Cut
Image: Shutterstock

Take the risqué route by going for a buzz cut and leave everyone surprised by your unexpected transformation. This cool tone of gray is bold, effortless, and edgy. Yes, it’s bound to raise eyebrows wherever you go!

8. Gray Box Braids

Gray Box Braids
Image: Photo by Nicole Berro on Pexels

The cornrow braids help draw attention to your facial features. Moreover, the dramatic blend of black and gray ombre looks striking. This protective hairstyle is especially suitable for the textured mane.

9. Low Ponytail With A Scarf

Low Ponytail With A Scarf
Image: Photo by Cottonbro Studio on Pexels

Can this get any prettier? No! Collect your gray tresses at the nape and secure them with a stylish scarf to complete the look. This hairstyle can be easily recreated in a matter of minutes and is an amazing blend of retro and modern. You can also add a different hair accessory like hair clips or hair bands.

10. Gray Lob With Rainbow Streaks

Gray Lob With Rainbow Streaks
Image: Shutterstock

The gray bob is here to stay! Brighten up your look by adding streaks of pastel rainbow shades that look sublime on your gray mane. You can even add bangs to further elevate your look.

11. Reverse Gray Purple Ombre Bob

 Reverse Gray Purple Ombre
Image: Shutterstock

This funky gray bob with pleasing shades of purple at the ends is simply a visual treat, and you must add it to your list of classy purple hair ideas. It’s sure to evoke admiration from onlookers. So, we urge you to ring out the old bob style and make way for the new one!

12. Ash Brown Mane

Ash Brown Mane
Image: Shutterstock

The soft, warm tones of brown and the cool tones of gray create a stunning contrast. They also add a bit of dimension to the hair and look gorgeous on warm skin tones. Further elevate the hairstyle by adding subtle layers to the hairdo as seen above.

13. Stormy Silver

Stormy Silver
Image: Shutterstock

With jet-black hair at the roots and a gray hue on the shafts, this hairstyle gives us serious badass vibes. The best part about this hairdo is that it’s also dominating the style charts this season! So, when are you booking a salon appointment?

14. Brown To Gray Ombre

Brown To Gray Ombre
Image: Shutterstock

This is the perfect hairstyle for those who have long hair. It looks undeniably stylish and the way the brown blends into gray tones at the ends is enchanting. Additionally, it also exudes a mysterious, edgy vibe when coupled with messy waves.

15. Gray Spiky Pixie

Gray Spiky Pixie
Image: Shutterstock

A spiky pixie hairstyle might come across as daring. If carried well, it can prove to be a total game changer. It helps heighten drama and ushers in biker-chick vibes. We say don’t hold back, rather plunge into this ambit of gray.

16. Long Gray Hair

Long Gray Hair
Image: Shutterstock

Let beautiful silver strands weave magic in your long hair! It looks sexy and makes a statement. All you need is a brush to run through your hair and you are good to go!

17. Voluminous Wavy hair

Voluminous Wavy hair
Image: Shutterstock

The silver mane with mega-volume and gorgeous waves is yet another interesting way to embrace the gray-colored trend. Style them using a curling iron with large barrels to create those waves. You can also use hair extensions or hair wigs to further amplify the volume.

18. Salt And Pepper Curls

Salt And Pepper Curls
Image: IStock

Who said salt and pepper hair is boring? If you too are of the same view, then it’s time to change it! This hairstyle has timeless appeal and looks fascinating and uber-cool. You can create a similar look to the one shown above by embracing your natural hair color and texture. However, ensure you use a hair serum to hold your locks in place.

19. Gray Messy Bob

Gray Messy Bob
Image: Unsplash

The messier the look, the sassier it seems! You can opt for a side-parted, messy bob hairstyle to up your hair game. Here, the cool tones of gray pop against the black backdrop and look simply spectacular.

20. Gray Silver Ash Waves

Gray Silver Ash Waves
Image: Shutterstock

The captivating mix of gray and silver looks rich, youthful, and effortlessly cool. Further, those tousled silver hair waves help create a sense of movement.

21. Dark to light gray ombre

Dark to light gray ombre hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

Contrasts seem to captivate all of us. If you like ombre and gray, opt for this color blend. Color your roots a deep gray and transition it gently into soft light gray towards the ends. Style this color in subtle waves to finish off the look.

22. Silver Gray

Silver gray hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

Silver gray is one the most sought-after hair colors right now. This color looks the best when styled in an angled bob. To add some volume to your stunning silver-gray locks, curl the ends of your hair.

23. Dusty Gray With Blonde Highlights

Dusty gray with blonde highlights hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

Combine your love for gray and dusty shades with this stunning dusty gray hair color with blonde hair highlights. To streamline your jawline, keep the ends of your hair below your chin. Choppy, blunt-cut ends also look great with this color.

24. Platinum Gray

Platinum gray hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

Are you captivated by gray hair and want to take the plunge? If yes, consider this bright platinum gray shade. Color all your hair with this shade to create a magical hair look. Add some soft lavender shade to jazz it up further.

25. Silver Fox Pixie

Silver fox pixie hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

A pixie is the best way to shoot your cool factor all the way up to 100. It’s edgy while keeping your hair off your neck and face. If you want to look even bolder, color your pixie in a silver gray shade and slick it back.

protip_icon Quick Tip
You can take inspiration for silver fox pixie looks from global celebrities like Bette Midler, Glenn Close, Annie Lennox, Kathy Bates, and Jamie Lee Curtis.

26. Smokey Gray

Smokey gray hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

Mysterious and dramatic, smoky gray is one of those shades that make a woman look mature and knowledgeable. Style this hair in some nice curls to flaunt your cool new hair shade.

27. Steel Gray

Steel gray hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

Steel gray is a lovely metallic shade. You can pair it with deep lilac highlights to add more depth to it. You can also add a hint of dusty gray to accentuate your steel gray locks and enhance their shine.

28. Uneven Gray Bob

Uneven gray bob hairstyle
Image: IStock

Fashion is for all ages, be it for your clothes or your hair. Just check out this stylish uneven bob. The unevenly cut deep side-swept bangs make for a dynamic look. And let’s not overlook the silver fox gray at the top that creates a stunning contrast with the dark hair at the bottom.

29. Pure Gray Undercut

Pure gray undercut hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

Undercut styles and gray hair are taking the world by storm right now. Combine them to get this stunning pure gray undercut. If your skin has a cool undertone, opt for a lighter gray shade.

30. Gray To Blonde Ombre

Gray to blonde hombre hair
Image: Shutterstock

Gray and blonde create a lovely gold and silver contrast. If you have cool-toned skin, opt for a frosty winter blonde and gray mix. For warm-toned skin, opt for a soft, warm blonde and gray like the one in this image.

31. Dark Gray

Dark gray hairstyle for all ages
Image: IStock

One way of embracing your graying hair is to intensify it. Instead of coloring your hair its natural color, opt for a darker gray. This will make you look younger without being too over the top.

32. Purple-Gray Hair

Hairstyle for purple gray hair
Image: Shutterstock

Hair coloring is the best way to get a makeover. This purple-gray color looks like it was made for exactly that purpose. Get it cut in a bob, feather out the ends, and curl your hair in big curls to add dimension and volume.

33. Intense Gray

Hairstyle for intense gray hair
Image: Shutterstock

Women between the ages of twenty and thirty want gray hair but don’t want to look older. If you are one of them, this intense gray is the perfect solution for you. This intense gray shade sharpens the lines of your face.

34. Braided Gray Locks

Braided gray locks for all ages
Image: Shutterstock

If you have a particularly adventurous spirit, consider some super light gray hair styles like this. Braids are also a huge favorite among young women (thanks to Khaleesi, no doubt!). With the various types of braids you can try out, flaunting your gray hair can be fun!

35. Muddy Gray

Hairstyle for muddy gray hair
Image: IStock

There are a ton of gray shades out there, so you don’t need to stick to just the classic silver fox. You can play around with various hair color ideas to find your perfect shade. Take this muddy gray shade, for instance – it has a smoky undertone that makes it look intense.

36. Winter Gray Hair

Hairstyle for winter gray hair
Image: Shutterstock

Cool-toned dirty blonde hair highlighted with gray makes for a lovely winter-esque look. The blunt bob draws even more attention to the colors. Straighten your blunt bob to add a sleek touch to this look.

37. Curly Gray Hair

Hairstyle of curly gray hair
Image: IStock

Gray hair looks mystical and dramatic. I totally get why so many women want it. If you want to accentuate your gray locks, consider styling them in ringlet curls. Use rollers in-stead of heat styling tools to avoid heat damage.

38. Blue-Gray Ombre

Hairstyle for blue-gray ombre hair
Image: IStock

Blue-gray is a stunning color blend, and it looks totally captivating as an ombre that starts intense at the top and becomes lighter at the bottom. If you have a darker skin tone, opt for a deep navy blue with a smoky gray.

39. White And Gray Mix

Hairstyle for white and gray mix hair
Image: Shutterstock

As you grow older, it’s better to opt for softer hair colors over dark ones. This soft gray and white mix is perfect for anyone who wants to go for a change of color without looking too flamboyant.

40. Well-Defined Bob

Well-defined bob hairstyle for all ages
Image: IStock

A well-defined haircut can accentuate your hair texture and color beautifully. If you lean towards simpler styles, you will appreciate this haircut. This is the perfect hairstyle for anyone who likes experimenting with their hair without looking too extravagant.

41. Deep Dark Gray

Hairstyle for deep dark gray hair
Image: IStock

This color blend is super enticing. Dark gray symbolizes growth, strength, and sophisti-cation. Adding dusty pink highlights to it can liven up your locks. If you want to play around with this look, get it done in a balayage style.

42. Smoky Blue-Gray

Hairstyle for smoky blue-gray hair
Image: Instagram

Blue and gray make for a great frosty combination. If you’re looking for the perfect winter colors, look no further! The contrast created by the blue-gray at the top and smoky gray at the bottom looks stunning.

43. Intricate Gray Hairstyle

Intricate gray hairstyle for all ages
Image: Shutterstock

Gray hair exudes a very elegant and vintage vibe. It is best showcased with intricate hairstyles. The darker roots of this color blend make the transition seem seamless.

44. Frosted Tips

Hairstyle with frosted tips for blonde hair
Image: Shutterstock

Frosted tips can accentuate your hair color, be it natural or colored. They can also bring out the undertone of your hair. Many women think that they can get cool-toned tips on warm hair. I advise against it. Go for a shade that matches your skin’s undertone.

45. Fade-Out Hair

Hairstyle with frosted tips for black hair
Image: Shutterstock

Adding some faded-out gray highlights can accentuate your gray locks. Instead of stick-ing to one shade of gray, opt for multiple shades that blend well. Pick shades that go with your skin and hair undertone.

46. Bright Blue-Gray Hair

Hairstyle for bright blue-gray hair
Image: Shutterstock

Blue and gray go hand in hand. This gorgeous color blend is proof of that. If you’ve al-ways wanted to look like an ice queen, this is the color blend you need to try out. This hair look is tailor-made for the winter!

protip_icon Quick Tip
Alternatively, you can also experiment with different shades like pastel blue-gray, dark blue-gray, and blue steel-gray.

47. Gray Balayage With A Hint Of Lilac

Gray balayage hairstyle with a hint of lilac
Image: IStock

A balayage is a brilliant way to flaunt those gray locks. Go for a subtle lavender shade to subtly accentuate your gray hair color. Style this color blend in loose waves to add movement and dimension to this look.

48. Smoky Layers

Gray colour hairstyle with smoky layers
Image: Shutterstock

We’ve already established that smoky hair looks mystical and dramatic. Getting it cut in layers can enhance the look even more. It also makes your hair look more textured and voluminous.

49. Muted Gray-Brown

Hairstyle for muted gray-brown hair
Image: Shutterstock

If you have brown locks, opt for this muted brownish gray shade instead of going full gray. This understated hair color looks sophisticated and a bit edgy at the same time. Style it in a simple blunt cut to retain the focus on the color blend.

50. Lava Blue

Hairstyle for lava blue hair
Image: IStock

This is my favorite shade on this list! This hair color is so intense that it adds tons of depth and dimension to your locks. With a hair color like this, you can opt for a simple blunt cut and still catch everyone’s eye.

51. Gray Classic Bob

A woman with a gray classic bob
Image: Shutterstock

This timeless look effortlessly combines sophistication with a touch of modern flair. It features a graceful silhouette that frames the face perfectly. This gray-hue not only exudes confidence but also lends a chic and contemporary vibe to the overall look.

52. Ash Blonde Gray

A woman with ash blonde gray hair
Image: IStock

Want to incorporate ash blonde hair color ideas into your gray hair look? Try this look that effortlessly combines the modern sophistication of dark gray with the timeless elegance of ash blonde. The delicate transition of these two hues creates a dimensional and captivating look that is on-trend. You may also style this sleek look in loose waves or a stylish updo to match different occasions and outfits.

Grey hair is no longer granny hair but the new talk of the town! Yet you need to be mindful of your hair care and hair maintenance routine as well for the most flawless hair styling! I hope these gray color blends inspire you to take the plunge. Is there a gray shade or hairstyle you think I missed out on? Comment below and let me know!

A blogger shared her decision to intentionally go gray, inspired by the trend and her admiration for naturally gray hair. She mentioned, “However, I have been captured by the grey fad. Safe for my current bob braids, the last three or four protective styles that I have done have had a mix of grey hair in them and I have adored them oh so much (i)!”

Infographic: 7 Gorgeous Hairstyles For Gray Hair

Gray hair has become such a trendy hair color that even young women can now be seen queuing up at salons to add vivid streaks to their tresses. With the right hairstyles to hold it all together, you can also embrace it and look chic. Check out the infographic below for some cool ideas to help you join the bandwagon!

7 gorgeous hairstyles for gray hair (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I keep gray hair from turning yellow?

You can use a purple shampoo and avoid heat styling your hair too often to prevent your gray hair from turning yellow.

When dyeing hair gray, is it better to get highlights or single-process color?

It depends on the look you are going for. Single-process color is a better choice if you are going many shades lighter to achieve gray hair. However, if you want dimension in your tresses, opt for highlights.

Are there any tricks to making the transition to gray more seamless?

Try getting platinum blonde highlights first while transitioning to gray hair. Updos also make you look chic and elegant when transitioning to gray hair.

Key Takeaways

  • The silver-gray hue looks the best when styled in an angled bob.
  • An intense gray shade is best for women who want to flaunt the color without looking older. The shade sharpens the lines of your face.
  • The well-defined bob is the perfect hairstyle for anyone who likes experimenting with their hair without looking too extravagant.

Illustration: Stunning Gray Color Hairstyles For All Ages

gray color hairstyles_illustration

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Ready to embrace your natural gray hair? Watch this video to see how to transform your look with 7 easy steps!

Personal Experience: Source

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Laura Clark
Laura ClarkHairstylist
Laura Clark is a professional hairstylist who graduated from The Extension Academy in Ontario with a degree in hair extensions. With 8 years of experience as a skilled hair extension stylist, her goal is to make women feel beautiful through their hairstyles.

Read full bio of Laura Clark
Anjali Sayee
Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor
Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.

Read full bio of Anjali Sayee
Madhumati Chowdhury
Madhumati ChowdhuryAssociate Editor
Madhumati is an associate editor with seven years of professional experience. She has previously worked as an editor, proofreader, and a writer with various organizations, helping her navigate through the various facets of content creation and refinement with ease.

Read full bio of Madhumati Chowdhury
Bhumika Daga
Bhumika DagaBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Bhumika is a content writer with 2.5 years of expertise in crafting articles across diverse genres. She graduated from the University of Delhi and completed her post-graduation from Indira Gandhi National Open University, Delhi.

Read full bio of Bhumika Daga