Long gone are the days of constantly fighting grays and covering them up. While many still opt for hair color, there’s a growing number of people embracing their natural gray (or choosing it intentionally at the salon).
As that happens, learning how to care for gray hair—and choosing the right shades—becomes key to making it look its best.
Just like any other hair color, gray tones can shift with the seasons. Now that spring is here, you may want to consider leaning into warmer tones to reflect the sunshine and slightly warmer weather.
Ready to take your gray hair to the next level? Ahead, colorists weigh in on the best hair color ideas for spring, plus trends, haircut ideas and celebrity inspiration. Read on for everything you need to know.
Featured Experts
- Dani H is a color specialist at Sally Hershberger Los Angeles
- Ian McCabe is a professional colorist and owner of Navy Hair Studio in Washington, DC
What Shades of Gray Are Best for Spring?
Hair color is personal and can look different depending on undertones and skin tone, but in general, both stylists consulted for this piece recommend leaning warmer this time of year. “Sometimes a slightly warmer gloss to give a warmer reflection to gray hair can be helpful,” says Washington, DC hair colorist and salon owner Ian McCabe.
Gray Hair Color Trends
With so much focus on gray hair lately, new trends have emerged. “The biggest trends are adjusting contrast levels in the hair to find the right shade,” says McCabe. This can mean adding highlights or lowlights (or letting them come in naturally) or creating contrast between the hair and the skin tone or eye color. Some prefer a softer, more blended look, while others opt for higher contrast with more defined dimension. Your colorist can help determine what works best for you.
Gray blending is another trend right now, says Los Angeles Sally Hershberger color specialist Dani H. It combines your grays with your existing or desired hair color for a seamless transition. The best part: it’s low-maintenance, making it ideal for anyone who doesn’t want frequent salon visits.
Caring for gray hair doesn’t stop with your hair alone. Another trend McCabe is seeing involves makeup. “A lot of people are adjusting their makeup palette to suit the gray hair,” he says. Doing so can “create some pop in the skin or enhance eyebrow color to bring some definition to the face,” he explains, helping reinforce that contrast.
Hairstyles for Gray Hair
Choosing the best hairstyle and haircut for gray strands is also important to help them look their best. “I think if people are going gray, it is all about finding them the right haircut to suit their features,” says McCabe. So what does that actually look like? Both stylists agree: a little edge goes a long way.
“The key is to have a slight edge to the haircut,” says McCabe. “It can be a sharp bob or an interesting pixie shape or a long, sleek, polished shape.” Adding that edge helps keep the look modern and chic. “We are also seeing longer gray hair with full, bouncy blowouts,” he adds, so if you prefer to keep your hair long and layered, don’t be afraid to add movement. Luckily, there is no shortage of great products for gray hair to help style it to its full potential.
The Best Gray Hair Color Ideas to Try
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