The past few years have given us a whole new obsession when it comes to hairstyles and colors: especially the gray hair color ideas trend. It’s a very uncanny and non-traditional hair color, but gorgeous and fetching nonetheless.
Why do we love it? Because it seems to work perfectly for any kind of hair imaginable. It doesn’t matter if you have pixie cut or Rapunzel hair, straight or curly locks, a bob, or a Mohawk because gray hair is perfect for all of them!
With this idea in mind, we have gathered the many shades of gray which you should go ahead and try right now. From whiteish gray hair to gunmetal and lavender pastel, we got it all!
1. Ombre Gray Hair Color Ideas
If you feel you can’t commit to a full gray mane or that it is too much of a change all of a sudden, you can always try the dark gray hair ombre style. Use your curling iron to highlight the gray and make it stand out.
2. The Choppy Bob
Gray hair can be messy too, especially if you go for this one-of-a-kind choppy bob. Ask your stylist to create some bangs which you can carelessly comb over your head for a shaggy look.
3. White and Gray Hair Color Ideas for Braids
Here is a fantastic example of white and gray hair styled into a perfect intricate braid. With the appropriate outfit, it can look bohemian, chic, and relaxed. It’s ideal for a weekend at the beach or a fun pajama party.
4. Hipster Gray Hair Color Ideas
It’s almost impossible to say gray hair without saying, hipster. The combination is as spectacular as they come. Here is a version with ultra-short linear bangs, a messy top bun, and, evidently, gunmetal gray hair.
5. Wavy Locks and Full Fringe
As a variation to the above, you can also opt to style your grey hair with bangs and wavy locks. Go for heavy eye makeup in earthy tones and a nude matte lip. Don’t forget to contour your face to perfection.
6. Gray Hair Color Ideas for Messy Ponytails
Here is one of the easiest and fastest ways to style your hair and showcase its beautiful gray hue at the same time. Go for a very relaxed and messy ponytail. It’s perfect for those cold Monday mornings when you don’t have time or are not in the mood for anything.
7. Gray High and Messy Ponytail with Baby Bangs
If you want to spice up the grey hair messy ponytail combination from above, you can also make use of the old choppy baby bangs we saw earlier. You will look trendy without a lot of effort.
8. Tye Dye Gray Hair Color Ideas
Combining a very dark shade of brunette with striking gray ombres might just be the best thing you decide to do in winter. The pairing of the two colors is a very fortunate one. However, make sure to go for the tye dye version, so that you don’t end up looking like Cruella DeVil.
9. Gray Hair Color Ideas with Curly Locks
This lovely lady has decided to dye her naturally curly hair gray and add some highlights to it as well. The result is just stunning, with the hair enveloping her face wonderfully.
10. Bohemian Gray Hairstyle with Braids
The almost white-gray hair has been braided into an uncomplicated and long French braid which was then tied up in a ponytail with a Senegalese twist. It might be complicated to make but it looks exquisite.
11. Natural Gray Hair Color Ideas with Reverse Ombre
Older women who already have gray hair can consider themselves fortunate because they can jump on this trend without much effort. However, if you want to add a little jazz to it, go brunette on the tips.
12. Silver Gray Hair Color Ideas with Braided Space Buns
Here is a lovely schoolgirl example of how you can style your grey hair after you have dyed it. Braid your hair in the back and then use the remaining loose strands to make some oversized space buns on top of your head. For extra style, braid the underside too!
13. Light Gray Hair Color Ideas with Headgear
Here is how you can obtain a fierce, street look starting from your grey hair. Straighten it and wear a baseball cap. Add a leather jacket and a scowl and you’re there.
14. The Gray Festival Look
This simple way of styling your hair and dressing up is perfect for going to a festival. The large gray curls, hipster hat, and silver chain chokers make it cool and modern, while the makeup is simple and fresh.
15. Gray and White Hair Color Ideas in Half-Up Style
Here is a white and gray hair combination and intricate braid that remind us of The Lord of the Rings. Channel the elvish grace and beauty by sporting this wondrous combination.
16. Gray Hair in Messy Large Waves
The great thing about the silver shades of this gray hair is that you can mix it up with all sorts of wacky makeup colors. For example, here is a model who has styled her locks in messy large waves and a fierce blue matte lip.
17. Long Straight and Gray Blunt Haircut
Sometimes, having such striking hair color is quite enough. In other words, there’s no need to gild the lily. Therefore, why not opt for a simple, blunt cut on long, super straight hair? It might just do the trick and attraction all the attention.
18. Gray Hair Color Ideas with Silver Strands and Baby Bangs
This look combines modern and retro in a fabulous fashion. The scarlet red lips and vintage metallic sunglasses put a bygone era spin on contemporary grey hair. How cool is that for a simple day in the city?
19. Messy High Ponytail
This lovely lady is ready for action in this fabulous ensemble. The cute messy ponytail and her gray hair, the high-definition makeup, and a leather jacket with spikes make her look as if she’s about to board a plane and travel the world.
20. Gray Hair and Princess Embellishments
Grey hair might just be the perfect color to which you can add sparkly or bejeweled embellishments. These 1920s-style silver, diamond, and sapphires headband speaks volumes about luxury and class here.
21. The Supermodel Look
Having such good looks, supermodels are not afraid to jump on any trend that the fashion world happens to throw at them. It’s the same case with gray hair. And now you can get the supermodel look too!
22. Braided Gray Hair Color Ideas with Purple Strands
Now we enter the realm of gray hair with all the different types of highlights. The first stop on the list is purple. Choose a shade that you love most and create some fairy-like peekaboos in your already stunning gray hair color.
23. The White Shaggy Hair
If you’re in a hurry, the easiest way to style your grey hair is by pouring some mousse into your hands and simply arranging your locks until they are shaggy-like or look wind-swept. Go for nude makeup to complete the look.
24. Blonde Gray Hair Color
There are many shades of blonde which you can pair up with your gray tresses, but this sandy hue takes the cake. It melts so well into the grey parts that you can’t even tell it’s blonde, at first. You might also get it without even having to use a permanent color dye.
25. The Frozen Look
Take a cue from Elsa, the queen of ice, and dye your hair a very trendy whiteish grey color. Pair it with heavy eye and lip makeup – especially if you have fair skin – so that you don’t risk looking washed-out.
26. Gray Hair in Two Knots Half-Up
Here is another great half-up, a half-down hairstyle that looks great with gray hair. Part your hair in two halves on a horizontal line in the back of your head. Use the top half to create two loose knots. Consequently, leave the top half flowing freely on your back.
27. Half-Braided Ash Blonde Gray Hair
The Nordic look has never looked so fetching as it does with this amazing large side braid. A white dress and light fairy makeup will complete this Icelandic look for a truly snowy Christmas time.
28. Gray Hair Color Ideas with Green Tones
When you already have white or naturally gray hair, you can add a touch of color with some greenish hues. Go for trashy grunge makeup, a leather jacket, and large silver pieces of jewelry to set the tone.
29. The Gray Hair Bob with Dark Roots
Here is a shoulder-length bob dyed in a beautiful pale grey color. The roots are black so the updo looks as natural as possible. What sets this look apart is the very dramatic makeup with a glossy plum lip and dark eye shadow.
30. The Afro Grey Hair
If you have very curly hair, you can also opt for a traditional afro updo. Use a colorful scarf to tie it together and oversized earrings and nose ring as tribal accents. The model’s makeup is sheer perfection with nude lip, false eyelashes, and cat eyeliner.
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31. Rose Gold Gray Hair Color
In case you need a more demure and elegant look but you still crave the grey shade in your hair, you can combine it with a rose gold tint. Minimal makeup will make it perfect for a day at the office.
32. Celtic Braids and Gray Hair Shades
This Celtic-inspired look will make all heads turn. The very intricate braid pattern at head level continues down on the back with three simple braids that add depth and dimension to the hairdo.
33. Metal and Charcoal Hair
We live in the age of metal and charcoal so why not let that inspire your hair color as well? This is the perfect example of metallic charcoal grey hair, twisted in a simple, yet effective loose braid.
34. Holiday Sparkles on Space Knots
In case you are looking for some holiday inspiration for Christmas or New Year’s Eve, look no further! Braid your hair and use the ends to make simple knots. After that, you can sprinkle some fairy dust or small stars down the middle parting! Beware: you will need quite a lot of shampoo and conditioner to take them out afterward.
35. The Simple Ponytail
Contain your wild gray hair in a very simple and elegant low ponytail that will look just as stunning and fit for the office as it will for a night out in town.
36. Platinum Silver Gray Hair Color Ideas
This shade looks like a river of molten silver flowing down your back. It’s perfect if you wear striking colored clothes as this will showcase it even more. Don’t be afraid of using dramatic makeup either! Once you’ve gone down the road of silver hair, you’re in it for the long run.
37. Gray Hair Color Ideas for Long and Messy Braids
This very messy braid is extremely feminine and delicate. The length of the hair can be easily held under control if you decide to tie it at the back of your head. Moreover, you just know it’s perfect for those pesky windy days.
38. Gray Hair Color Ideas with Purple-Tinted Beach Waves
The contrast between the silver hair and golden earrings is bold and beautiful at the same time. Use your curling iron or simply braid your hair overnight to get these fantastic beach waves.
39. Gunmetal and Indigo Hair
Does this sound like a weird combination? Because, as you can well see thanks to this lovely lady, it is not weird at all. Dyeing your hair gunmetal gray and then adding some indigo peekaboos results in pastel perfection.
40. Gray and Turquoise Wavy Hair
Continuing the countdown of all the shades you can pair with grey, it’s time for the turquoise to take center stage. This delicate lady looks like a Disney mermaid thanks to her gorgeous locks and perfect face.
41. The Rose Knots
In case you won’t be able to pull these off on your own, ask a friend or your stylist to roll your hair into these wonderful roses. It’s a perfect hairdo for a one-of-a-kind event – especially if you decide to add the blue hair tint too!
42. Sea Foam Wavy Hair
Another way in which you can pull off the mermaid look is by dyeing your hair grey and then adding some seafoam green peekaboos. Make sure your roots are darker than the rest of the hair for a more natural look.
43. Mother of Pearl Hair Color
Our mermaid connections don’t stop there because we also have the mother of pearl idea. This hair has the most beautiful shades in it – from white to grey to icy blue and cold purples.
44. Natural Gray on Brunette Hair
From mermaid queen, we go to the opposite side for a quick look at this gray hair color. Not only is the shade completely organic here, but the cut and length as well. The ends are a bit choppy and the waves are almost invisible.
45. Choppy Messy Long Bob
Everything that this gorgeous lady has to offer simply screams grunge and punk rock. But what we love most about her look is her gray hair, of course. The haircut is superb as well, being a medium and very shaggy bob.
46. Gray Hair Color Ideas with Pastel Ice
Rock two colors at the same time by dyeing your roots silver grey and the rest of your hair this amazing pastel icy blue shade. It’s an extremely versatile combination, allowing you to wear it anywhere, from the office to a music festival in the desert.
47. Embellishments All-Around
A great way of adding even more flair and personality to your already awesome gray hair is by studying it with some one-of-a-kind embellishments. Take a cue from this lady and choose some round diamond ones as well as spikes for a little bit of edge.
48. The Short Classic Bob with Gray Shades
Nothing says class and elegance quite like this regal bob. The woolen coat in camel and gray tones and the warm earthy makeup have instantly transformed this stunning lady into a walking advertisement.
49. The Short Gray and Spiky Pixie
Senior age comes with a lot of changes but they don’t have to mean your look or your style. Take advantage of this latest hair color trend and rock a minimal pixie, spikes included. Use lots of products and your hands to get the desired height and stability.
50. Gray Pixie with Long Bangs and Undercut
Not only do we love the metallic color, but we also fell for the pixie cut with long bangs and shaved undercut. All this lady needs now is a touch of lipstick and some matte eye shadow and she’s good to go!
51. Braided Hair with Hair Accessories
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again. There’s nothing quite like the combination of gray hair and golden accessories. And these are simply so beautiful. They are shaped like little twigs that are about to break into leaves in the spring.
52. The Faux Braided Mohawk
Here is a truly fierce look. It’s a stunning faux mohawk. As you can see, instead of the usual spikes it has a large braid on top of the head, which is perfect. This is truly one of the most beautiful hairdos we’ve ever seen. How creative can you get? Have a go with this style!
53. The Short Gray Bob
When in need of a good selfie, find a tri-mirror and dye your hair grey – even if it’s with semi-permanent hair dyes. It won’t hurt if you opt for a short, shaggy, and asymmetrical bob either.
54. Natural Ponytails with Headscarves
One way in which you can style your natural curly gray locks is by opting for a simple low ponytail. Tie it with a black and white long scarf for a touch of elegance. Minimal makeup is a must as is very simple and demure jewelry.
55. Pixie Cut with Peekaboos
Going through middle age can be all the more fun and games if you choose this hairstyle. It’s a very short pixie with black, white, and grey strands mixed. It’s incredibly easy to maintain and very natural looking.
56. Grey Hair and Honey Blonde Highlights
Pairing your ash grey hair with honey blonde highlights or undergrowth will result in a very feminine hairdo. We are sure you will adore how this combination will make anyone look like a doll.
57. Pastel Gray Short Curly Hair
If you want to look hipster and stylish, this is the way to go. We present this blueish pastel gray hair cut down to perfection into a short bob. Not only that but the bob has been turned into some very retro large curls, messy and relaxed.
58. The Runway Ponytail
When you wear a statement dress, such as the one this model is sporting on the runway, it’s always best to keep your hair more demure. Our choice is this slick and simple low ponytail. Hide the elastic band you used to tie it with a few locks of your very own grey hair.
59. The Gray Cat Lady
We all know it. Cats are in. Moreover, cat ladies and cat lovers are always going to equal instant love. So opt for a gray hair color that will match your furry pet’s mane. And, why not, let him fix it for you now and then?
60. White Gray Braided Pigtails
You can channel the beloved book and movie character Heidi by sporting these wonderful simple braided pigtails. However, don’t forget to make this an urban look by wearing a choker and a large-brimmed hat.
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61. The Blue-Gray Bob Cut
We do believe we have found the perfect bob. It’s a shoulder-length cut, asymmetrical favoring the front side and, of course, gray. Don’t forget about the bluish hues, which you can get by washing your hair with a special shampoo a few times. It’s as easy as that!
62. Spiky and Very Short Pixie Cut
Don’t be afraid to ask your stylist to reach for the scissors. With a little bit of courage on your part and talent on his, it can result in a marvelous haircut like the one you see in this pic. It’s fun, fresh, funky, and, not the last on our list, young.
63. Lavender Gray Hair Color Ideas
If you want to go for a pixie haircut, you can try some pastel peekaboos as well. This lovely lady, for example, went for lavender as her color of choice. The two shades create a wonderful mixture of natural and whimsical.
64. Graphite Gray and Barb Wire
This is one hairband that is bound to enthrall everyone. It’s made to look like barb wire, and it is made of silver. Consequently, it pairs up incredibly well with the model’s graphite shade of hair which we adore.
65. Lilac, Lavender, Gray, and Punk
A more wonderful combination we couldn’t possibly think of. Moreover, apart from all of this, the model has also gone for some spectacular pieces of statement jewelry. You can go ahead and copy this entire look because we know we will.
66. Gray Hair Bun and Pink Poppies Flower Crown
Even though their red brothers are far more famous, the pink poppies are extremely delicate and feminine. Apart from that, gray hair will make for a perfect canvas in case you want to opt for the pink poppy hairband.
67. Silver Gray Hair Color Ideas on Dark Brunette Base
The model is pushing fashion and style to their edge by presenting a daring look. The lace crop top, golden fake tattoos, and jumbo-sized jewelry could not have made such a huge impression had she not had the gorgeous silvery hair. Include this to your sleek fashion.
68. Gray-Almost White Natural Hair
Yes, this lovely lady and her astonishingly beautiful grey hair are quite ready to meet the Queen. It just goes to show that a good sense of style sticks with you through the years. How cool is it to slay like this even at this age? Beautiful, isn’t it?
69. Different Shades of Gray
If you can match your hair color to your sweater and make it work, then you can say that you have an unbeatable eye for fashion. This choppy gray bob is nothing short of fabulous – jersey included. Wow! A beautiful style to showcase your greys!
70. The Ruby Rose
The punk rock attitude doesn’t have to stop with your clothes, even if they are the most fabulous thing in the world. Take a cue from the beautiful Ruby Rose, go for gray hair, and add in a few well-placed spikes too! Bring out that punkiness in you! Try out this style.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gray Hair
Is gray hair difficult to maintain?
Gray hair requires some special care to maintain its vibrancy. Since gray and silver shades can develop a brassy or yellowish tint over time, using a purple shampoo 1-2 times per week helps neutralize unwanted tones. Additionally, using color-depositing conditioners and masks specifically formulated for gray hair will keep your color looking fresh between salon visits.
Can I go gray without bleaching my hair?
If you have naturally light blonde hair, you may be able to achieve some gray tones without bleaching. However, for most hair colors (especially darker ones), bleaching is necessary to create a light base that can then be toned to the desired gray shade. The darker your natural hair, the more lightening sessions you might need before achieving the perfect gray.
How long does gray hair color last?
Gray hair color typically lasts about 4-6 weeks before needing a touch-up, depending on your hair growth rate and maintenance routine. To extend the life of your gray color, use sulfate-free shampoos, wash with cool water, protect from sun exposure, and use products specifically designed for color-treated hair.
Will gray hair make me look older?
Not at all! Modern gray hair colors are fashionable and can actually create a more youthful, fashion-forward look. The key is choosing the right shade of gray for your skin tone and maintaining a modern haircut and styling. Warmer skin tones often look best with deeper, smokier grays with blue undertones, while cooler skin tones can beautifully wear pure silver or platinum gray shades.
How do I transition to natural gray hair gracefully?
Transitioning to natural gray hair can be done several ways: going “cold turkey” and growing it out with regular trims, adding highlights/lowlights to blend the line of demarcation, or having your stylist color your hair a silver-gray shade that matches your natural gray to create a less noticeable grow-out. Consulting with a professional colorist is recommended to determine the best approach for your specific situation.
Ready to Change Your Look?
However, thought that there could be so many beautiful shades of gray? Us, of course! After all, we hope that this article has shown you that picking a gray hair color is nothing short of spectacular, especially with the many ways that you can style and make it truly you!
Be bold, be strong! Choose a gray-hued hairstyle and tell us all about your favorites in a comment!
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Richard is fascinated by everything that has to do with styling techniques and how technology can play an important part in the industry’s development. He started out his career as a barber, and later found his passion for both men and women’s hairstyles. Richard now works as a writer for fashion magazines, blogs, and is actively taking steps toward launching his own online platform!
I really like some of the grey hair ideas. Which I would have never thought of before. If someone would have suggested grey hair to me before I would have thought they were crazy!! But not anymore. I really like it, and am starting to consider it for a possible hair colour idea of mine to choose from down the road. Thanks for some of the great ideas.
Hello, Barb!
We are glad you liked the grey hair ideas, here you have some more among these awesome blonde hair ideas by checking our hair color selection in the menu.