Going gray is a stylish choice these days, whether you’ve never colored your hair or you’ve decided to embrace your gray after years of coloring. If you’ve decided to go gray, you might be wondering which colors will best complement your new hair. Let’s dive into some great color options that flatter gray hair.
Gray hair, which lacks pigment, appears as we age, along with softened skin tones and sometimes even eye color. Not all gray hair is the same, though. Gray hair can range from salt and pepper to steel gray, champagne, silver, platinum, and pure white. The look of your gray hair can also change as more pigment is lost over time.
Since gray is naturally a “cool” color, you might look cooler overall, even if you have warm skin tones and eye colors. With these changes, some of the colors you wore when you were younger might not suit you anymore. Here’s a guide to the best color palettes for gray hair based on your natural hair color and skin undertone.
For Cool Complexions:
If you naturally had dark brunette or black hair, you’ll look great in the following colors:
– Purple
– Royal blue
– Cobalt blue
– Fuchsia
– Red
– Emerald green
– Icy colors
– All shades of gray from silver to charcoal
Avoid browns as they might clash next to your face, but they work fine for trousers, skirts, and jackets. Black can be too harsh—try substituting with navy. White might be too draining close to your face if you have a high percentage of gray hair.
If you naturally had blonde or lighter brown hair, the best colors for you are:
– Deep lavender
– Magenta
– Raspberry
– Bright pink
– Denim blue
– French blue
– Cornflower blue
– Periwinkle blue
– Jade green
– Rose red
– Off-white
– Pale grays
Steer clear of browns and taupe near your face, but they’re fine for neutrals. Soft pastels may wash you out.
For Warm Complexions:
If you naturally had warm brown, strawberry, or golden blonde hair, consider these shades:
– Corals
– Watermelon
– Kelly green
– Royal blue
– Bright aqua
– Turquoise
– Warm pinks
– Lilac
Warm cinnamon browns are better than tan or buff near your face. Beiges work for neutrals but ivory might be too pale—pair it with an accent color.
If you naturally had auburn or red hair, the best hues include:
– Burnt orange
– Terracotta
– Tomato red
– Teal
– Plums
– Aubergine
– Deep coral
– Forest green
– Goldenrod
Choose richer, warmer colors as paler ones may wash you out. Neutrals in warmer browns and camel are better next to your face than olive or khaki.
Complement Gray Hair with Makeup:
Use makeup colors that match your skin tone. You might feel paler now, so try brighter lip and blush colors. Warm complexions should use corals and warm pinks, while cool complexions should go for pinks and berries. Red lipstick is great, but maybe opt for a lighter or sheer red.
Quick Tips:
– Wear your most flattering colors next to your face.
– Add color with scarves and accessories if you wear mostly neutrals.
– Choose clothing that enhances your eye color—blue eyes with turquoise and cobalt blue, and hazel and green eyes with greens and purples.
– Experiment with new clothing colors and lipstick shades as your style evolves.
Remember, everyone is unique, so have fun experimenting with different colors and styles that best suit your gray hair!