50 Gorgeous Gray Hair Color Ideas to Try Now

Variety/Getty Images; Steve Granitz/Getty Images

Among the most flattering hair shades, gray hair color works on everyone—after all, at a certain age, almost everyone will have it. But don’t let gray hair fool you. The shade is surprisingly versatile with plenty of techniques for creating dimension and embracing the latest hair color trends. So whether your strands are growing in white or you want to try out a fashion-forward skunk stripe, there are many shades of gray to choose from at the salon.

While you’re at your appointment, you might want to pair your new shade with one of the most popular haircuts. As you’ll see from some of our inspo pics, gray hair can look totally different depending on the style. Dress up your color with curtain bangs or make the transition more subtle with a balayage technique. If you’re not quite ready to make the leap to gray, there are also plenty of red hair color ideas and shades of blonde hair to choose from too.

To show you that “gray” is just a blanket statement for lots of hair colors between black and white, we peppered (pun intended) top hair colorists with questions about gray hair color ideas.

Can I dye my hair gray without bleaching?

This is going to depend on the color that you’re starting with. Jessica Scott Santo, a hair colorist and owner of Jessica Scott Hair Salon in Sciota, Pennsylvania, says she does this often. “I opt for a high-lift color, which can lighten hair, as long as they don’t have any previous color in their hair.” If the client wants more of a gray blending, she’ll use a demi-permanent color, “which is not a permanent color so there won’t be a line of demarcation as they hair grows out.” Justin Anderson, a celebrity hair colorist and founder of DPHue, says that it’s possible, but “if you have a naturally darker base and are looking to embrace and explore gray blending to transition, it will more than likely require a heavy-hitting, color-lifting solution, such as bleach.”

What is the difference between silver hair and gray hair?

“People use ‘gray,’ ‘white,’ and ‘silver’ interchangeably to describe hair that is turning or has turned,” explains Santo. But, to put it simply, the way that appears depends on how much natural color, or pigment, remains. “Technically, gray or white hair is the loss of pigment in the strand, but it will still have a tonal shade depending on how the pigment fades,” says Anderson. ”You could be ‘going gray,’ but the tone is ashier, or it could be a brighter white.” Santo adds, “Gray hair has very little melanin, while white hair has no melanin at all.” Through aging, everyone’s hair tends to look a little differently with some going gray before completely white or silver.

What is the easiest way to transition to gray hair?

While he’s all for allowing grays to grow in, Anderson says that, depending on how your hair is transitioning, he would “slowly blend in highlights to complement the gray strands coming in.” Santo agrees, saying that it depends on the amount of gray someone has and what other color they may have in their hair: “I will usually blend in some cooler highlights that match the lightest pieces.” In general, she says that you have to lift the color pretty light so that there isn’t any underlying warmth, which can take time. “I will also add in some cooler lowlights that match some of the darker strand of their gray to start blend in the natural tones of their natural color,” she shares.

The maintenance and time frame is also dependent on how quickly grays are growing in. But because gray hair tends to be more dry and less supple due to the hair follicles producing less oil, Anderson says that keeping your hair hydrated with a daily oil treatment, like DPHue’s Color Fresh Oil Therapy, is super important.

How do I know if gray hair will suit me?

“Gray hair can be universally flattering due to its shade range,” says Anderson. Similar to picking your color cosmetics or even your wardrobe, you kind of know which tones will flatter you. For someone who has a darker complexion and tends to wear gold jewelry, they may want to stick to more warm tones, while someone who’s fair and wears silver could likely go all the way with bright white. Santo offers reassurance: “You never know unless you try and can always color it back if you don’t like it.”

How do I maintain gray hair color at home?

As for how to keep gray hair looking healthy, shiny, and luminous at home? “For gray hair, one of the best products you can own is a purple shampoo and conditioner,” says Stephanie Brown, master colorist at IGK Salon NYC, noting that she likes IGK Blonde Pop Shampoo + Conditioner for the job. “I also recommend a deep conditioner because gray hair can get drier.”

Renée Valerie, director of R+Color Education and R+Color Collective member, agrees and adds that toning shampoo and conditioner can help keep naturally gray hair vibrant by counteracting any yellow tones that may develop over time. “My top choice is R+Co Sunset Blvd Daily Blonde Shampoo and Conditioner, as it provides just the right amount of toning without overdoing it, leaving your hair looking consistently polished and fresh,” she says.

Richy Kandasamy, vice president of development and R+Color Collective member, also suggests investing in demi-permanent color. “It’s a glaze with low developer so it does not completely cover the gray hair but it gives it a modern, soft coverage that turns gray hair into luminous, natural highlights,” he says. “Another major benefit of that is your roots grow back softer with no demarcation line.”

Now that you’re an expert in things gray hair, keep scrolling for 50 gorgeous gray hair ideas for 2024—and get ready to screenshot.