As we age, well, things change. We start searching the internet for things that would have never previously occurred to us, like the best concealer for mature skin, menopause and dating over 50. Another big change? Hair. For the longest time, we’ve been told to cover up the salt that was adding to our pepper. But nowadays, gray hair is in—especially when cut well. Luckily, a number of notable women rock the shade like nobody’s business, from Jane Fonda to Andie MacDowell and Diane Keaton. If you’ve started to notice some silver strands creeping in, fear not. There’s so much you can do with it. For further inspiration, I asked seven celebrity hairstylists to share the 30 best haircuts for gray hair for all you silver foxes out there.
The 30 Best Haircuts for Gray Hair
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Meet the Experts
- Fabian Lliguin is a hairstylist and colorist in New York. He’s also the co-founder of Rahua, a plant-based hair care brand that incorporates sustainably produced rahua oil into its products.
- David Cruz is a celebrity hairstylist and ambassador for Colorproof. His clients include Hilary Duff, Karen Gillan and Antonia Gentry.
- Glenn Ellis is a celebrity hairstylist in Los Angeles and New York. His clients include Chloe Fineman, Madonna and Helen Owen.
1. Pixie
Not only is this cut easy to style, it’s also super flattering if you’ve got a slightly rectangular face with fine features like Curtis does. “This cut leaves some length on top, which provides movement and texture, while the sides are left softer and shorter to complement your facial features and bone structure very well,” says Lliguin. To elevate the style, Lliguin also recommends using a texturizing paste (or hair gel) along the tips.
2. Shaved Sides
Ready to step outside your comfort zone? Consider an undercut like Halle Berry's. The longer pieces on top offer more flexibility in styling, while the buzzed sections underneath lend some edge (and keep your neck cool).
3. Tapered Pixie
Want to go shorter than your average pixie? Take a cue from Melissa McBride and ask your stylist to snip a bit more off the top for a tapered finish.
4. Asymmetrical Bob
Skip the classic bob and try an angled bob instead. This uneven cut gives the illusion of fuller hair—even on finer strands. Add a deep side part like Linda Fargo and you’ll bring even more dimension to your mane.
5. Bixie
While this buzzy cut made waves in 2022, Jane Fonda was one the first to rock this bob/pixie hybrid—way before it was deemed trendy by the younger generations—and we can see why it’s made a resurgence. “The top layers of this style make hair appear voluminous, especially when complemented by a side part, while the length around the neck frames the face beautifully,” explains Lliguin.
6. Box Bob
“Bobs can be elegant, fun and chic, especially with gray hair,” says Cruz. “I’m fond of the ‘box bob’ because it looks like the classic bob, but with fewer layers and a more stylish silhouette.” The stylist adds that a hair serum and hair spray is essential to keeping your haircut shiny and voluminous between trims.
7. Side-Swept Pixie
As Glenn Close shows us, a haircut isn’t complete without adding some fringe to the mix. To rock a similar look, ask your stylist for a side-swept pixie with lightly angled pieces on top.
8. Bowl Cut
We promise you that you won't leave the salon looking like Spock from Star Trek. When it comes to nailing this cut, it's all about precision and volume. Ask your stylist to trimyour hair just below your brows before using a round brush and a blow dryer to create a nice bounce like Keke Palmer's look above.
9. Classic Bob
“It’s a timeless cut that perfectly highlights your facial features,” explains Ellis. While some bobs don’t need much finesse, Ellis recommends having a flat iron on hand for this particular style as it “helps get that polished look and makes the cut sleeker.” On that note, you’ll also want to invest in a heat protectant spray, which helps boosts shine and reduces frizz.
10. The Tuck
“This shape combines softness and strength, which is exactly what natural gray hair offers. [With this cut,] the top is intentionally kept long and the ends are flicked out behind the ears, which softens overall shape,” says Smith. To maintain softness and shine, Smith suggests applying a mousse throughout the hair, which gives a flexible hold.
11. French Bob
There’s nothing quite like the classics—and this French bob, sported by Grece Ghanem, is proof. Snipped just above the jaw, it makes gray hair appear fuller. Plus, the long, side-swept fringe helps soften facial features and adds body to the style.
12. Graduated Bob
“I love this style for gray hair because the silver strands really enhance the layers,” says Katz. “Also known as the ‘G-Bob,’ this graduated cut is layered diagonally towards the nape of your neck, so it grows out beautifully.” To mimic Rita Moreno’s feathered finish, you’ll need a texturizing spray.
13. Blunt Bob
For short to mid-length hair, consider a cut that sits just beneath the jawline to highlight your features. As Katz states, this look is a winner for thin hair as “blunt ends can make the hair appear thicker.”
14. Pompadour
The pompadour is one of our favorite low-maintenance looks because you get plenty of height on top, but the rest of your hair isn’t too long, so you can spend less time fussing in the mirror.
15. Short Curly Pixie
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance option for curly hair, consider Cynthia Erivo’s cropped curls, which let her vibrant grays shine. “A buzz cut is a great canvas to show your silver. This shade can look almost iridescent on very short hair, which is so beautiful,” says Tang.
16. Wavy Cut with Bangs
One of people’s main gripes with gray hair is that it’s more susceptible to frizz. Instead of fighting the texture, embrace it like Blythe Danner, whose loose curls and bangs look polished.
17. Voluminous Curls
This long and layered look shapes loose curls, which helps reduce frizz and brings out your natural texture as well. On that note, Cruz notes it’s important to work with your curl pattern by following a moisturizing wash routine (i.e., a shampoo, a conditioner and a styling creme).
18. Small 'Fro
If you have 3c to 4c hair, this cut offers a well-rounded shape. Plus, it’s fairly low-maintenance and requires little upkeep as your ever-growing coils come in.
19. Wavy Bob
This cut adds layers right beneath the chin to give the illusion of more body. Tip: Run some gel through your strands (while lifting at your roots) to get this wet look. It’s chic but also good for styling gray hair, which tends to be coarse and prone to frizz.
20. Curly Cut
To shape and define your mane, ask your stylist to put in layers that won’t thin out your curl pattern too much, but still add dimension in the areas you need it the most.
21. Side-Swept Curly Bob
A deep side part adds spring to your curls. As master stylist Gregga Prothero told us previously, this cut is a great option for curly hair, but it’s also a solid choice for those with longer face shapes because it draws the eyes up.
22. Textured Pixie
“This haircut is short, particularly around the sides and back. The length on top can vary, so you can go shorter if you prefer, or a little longer to showcase the layers (like Maye Musk),” says Cruz. Hot tip: Use a blow dryer, brush and a defining wax to perfect the swept over style above.
23. Wispy Bob
Dame Emma Thompson’s wispy cut features soft layers throughout. It also sits just above her ears, so she can show off her dazzling earrings.
24. The Shag
The shag cut has been booming for a few years and it works exceptionally well on silver locks. “This cut has so many face-framing layers that it can really accentuate your eyes,” says Cisneros. “It’s a little rock ‘n’ roll but still very feminine, and it allows you to maintain your length.” To further elevate your cut, use a flat iron to flick the ends up before applying a styling balm over them for added shine and definition.
25. Full Bangs
When you get bored with your haircut but aren't ready for a drastic change, a set of bangs can breathe new life into your look. Go for a full fringe like Dasha here or try some curtain bangs.
26. Inversion Layers
“Inversion layers are cut to frame the face, while also adding movement to the strands. It’s best suited for mid to long hair, as it helps break things up,” says Katz. Since volume is essential to this cut, Katz recommends applying mousse to the roots and using a blow dryer and round brush to lift and fluff up the strands.
Long Haircuts for Gray Hair
27. Tousled Lob
Lobs are always flattering and easy to maintain. The layers add body, and the fact that it doesn’t look too "done" makes it one of the more playful options for gray hair. “This hairstyle showcases new gray hair growth beautifully and the length adds volume throughout,” says Lliguin. The stylist recommends using a sea salt spray to enhance your natural texture along with a leave-in treatment to smooth over split ends.
28. Long Layers
Prefer to show off some length, body and movement in your mane like Helen Mirren? This haircut works especially well for those with oval or long face shapes (and can be accentuated by adding some loose cascading waves).
29. Mid-Length Cut
“Gray hair can often be more resistant and have a different texture than non-gray hairs, so this cut is a good option for keeping some weight, while adding movement through layers,” says Ellis. For more fullness, consider adding soft, face-framing fringe to your look. To keep your strands smooth, use a styling cream on the mid-lengths and ends.
30. Straight Cut
A blunt cut gives a uniform look without sacrificing your length. To get Joani Johnson’s simple but refined style, have your ends snipped straight across for the sleekest finish.
As celebrity hairstylist and colorist Chaz Dean explains to me, gray hair is often more coarse than non-gray strands. “This happens because the scalp doesn’t produce as much oil as it used to, leaving the hair strands less hydrated and conditioned naturally.” Thus, when styling your hair, you may find it beneficial to incorporate moisturizing products to help plump up your hair. (I’ve really enjoyed Dean’s cleansing conditioner from his line, WEN, which is rich and nourishing and also comes in a variety of lovely scents.) When it comes to styling, stay away from hot tools to avoid yellowing and breakage. If you do find that your gray tones are yellowing, a purple shampoo can help remove the brassy tint.
The best thing you can do when choosing a haircut is to avoid anything drastic. “Consider the percentage of gray on your head. The more gray, the coarser your new texture will be, which means the more adjustment you’ll have to styling it. It’s best to stick with a style that you already love,” he advises. You may be wondering if gray hair is better short, but Dean says this isn’t always the case, noting, “Sometimes allowing your hair to grow a bit longer can actually help tame your gray hair.”
Meet the Experts, Continued
- Chaz Dean is a celebrity hairstylist, colorist and the founder of WEN hair and body care line. Dean has over 25 years of experience, and his salon has served the likes of Ming-Na Wen, Nicole Murphy, Gilles Marini, Alyssa Milano, Gwyneth Paltrow and others. WEN is also the winner of multiple QVC Beauty Awards.
- Tom Smith is a celebrity hairstylist, trend forecaster and the international color creative director for Evo Hair. He also serves as an ambassador for Olaplex, Current Body and CALECIM Professional. Smith has been in the industry for 15 years, with contributions to Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle and more.
- Guy Tang is a professional hairstylist, Olaplex ambassador and creator of Guy Tang Mydentity Hair Colors. Tang is also the host of their popular YouTube channel, where they cover hair coloring education.
- Briana Cisneros is professional hairstylist, salon owner and ambassador for Wella Professionals. With over 20 years of experience, Cisneros also helms her YouTube education platform, Renegade Royals, where she shares hair cutting, coloring and styling techniques.
- Danni Katz is a celebrity hairstylist and makeup artist. Her clients include Audrey Grace Marshall, Vanessa Burghardt and Emily Swallow.