How To Wear Gray Hair Without Looking Old

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Most people will begin to go gray at some point in their life. For some, it can happen in their teens, for others, only in their seventies. Gray hair is nothing to be ashamed of, and the older you get, the more likely you’ll have it.

But when you do start going gray, there are a few things you need to know about what to do with your hair so that you don’t end up looking old before your time, if that’s something that bothers you.

Many people aren’t worried about gray hair, which is great! The world we live in is so focused on people staying young forever, but that just isn’t realistic.

There’s nothing wrong with getting older, or your hair going gray from stress. It’s part of what makes us unique. With that being said, some people don’t want to look older than they are, and that’s okay, too.

If you’ve found a gray hair, or are already a silver fox, this article is for you. How you style your hair is always completely up to you, and don’t let anyone tell you differently.

What you do with your gray hair is your own choice, but many will want to still have an air of youth about them.

If you want to learn a few ways to wear your gray hair without looking older than you are, stay tuned for what comes next!

What Exactly Does Going Gray Mean?

woman with dark hair going gray at crown

Going gray means that your natural color has changed to silver-gray or light gray, with the most noticeable effect from dark brown or black.

This change usually happens gradually over several months. The most common reason for going gray is because of age.

However, you could also have been exposed to radiation while working in a hospital setting, or maybe even had a medical procedure done that caused your hair to turn gray.

The good news is that going gray doesn’t mean you’re going to look old any faster than someone who hasn’t gone gray yet.

In fact, if you take care of yourself properly, you’ll probably look younger than ever before as you grow older.

Gray Can be For Young People, Too!

Have you noticed that, over the past few years, more young people are dying their hair silver? Maybe it’s partly due to the recent surge in popularity of wearing wigs, but also the color is simply gorgeous.

Either way, going gray is not limited to those who are getting older. Many younger women and men choose to dye their hair silver because it simply looks incredible. 

But why would someone want to dye their hair silver? Well, for starters, it looks really cool. Some people simply enjoy the feel of having long, flowing locks of hair that can catch the light like gray hair does.

Others may be influenced by celebrities  who dyed her hair silver. And some prefer to keep their hair its original color and simply match it to their skin tone.

It doesn’t matter why you’re going gray, just know that you can rock anything you want. Having gray hair opens a whole new world of possibilities, and you can get really creative with styling! 

Styling Gray Hair Without Looking Old – Everything You Need to Know

There are a few things that you can do to reduce the risk of looking older than you are with gray hair. Some of these points might be a little hard to follow, but they are worth it if you want to hang onto your youth.

Remember, though, there’s nothing wrong with looking older than you are. The only important thing is that you are happy and comfortable in your own body. 

If you’ve just started to come across some gray hairs and don’t want to conceal them, this list is perfect for you. Below is everything you need to know to keep you and your hair looking amazing.

Hair Care That Keeps Your Gray Hair Healthy

As far as caring for your gray hair goes, there are many options available to you. You may decide to dye your gray hair back to its original color, or opt for highlights instead.

Either way, it’s essential to make sure your gray hair is taken care of correctly, and you want to make sure that it stays healthy.

One of the best ways to keep your gray hairs healthy is by using a conditioner. Using a quality conditioner every day can help prevent breakage and frizz.

Be careful not to use too much, though, since conditioning products tend to weigh down your hair to the point where it looks heavy and greasy.

Dying hair tends to dry it out, so that’s something to avoid if your aim is health. There are ways to dye hair and cause minimal damage, but for many people, it just isn’t worth it.

Not to mention the cost of dying hair – this can be a very expensive route if you want it done properly, so watch out!

Using hair oils and creams are a great choice when it comes to keeping your hair healthy and shiny.

These products will help to moisturize your hair, while leaving it soft and manageable. Shiny hair will help the hair look young and healthy, so no one can be left guessing your age. 

Oils and creams aren’t the only thing you can do to maintain good hair health, though. The right diet will do wonders for your hair, too! Make sure that you eat foods rich in protein and fatty acids.

This will help give your hair strength and shine. It’s also important to drink plenty of water throughout the day, because it helps hydrate your hair and scalp.

Other Ways to Style Your Hair When Going Gray

When you first notice that your hair is going gray, you might feel like you should cut it off immediately. Don’t!

While it might be a difficult time, you might fall in love with your gray hair. You can always trim it as you wish, but be sure to consider hairstyles. 

Your hairstyle says a lot about you, and one of the best things you can do to avoid looking older, so get a fun style! This style can be anything you feel like – just make it interesting and exciting.

There are plenty of styles that are associated with age, so if you’re trying to look younger, you should avoid those.

If you don’t know where to look, there are some great options all over the internet. Just make sure that you pick out something that will suit you and your wonderful features. 

Another option is to grow out your hair. This is especially helpful for those who have longer hair that they want to keep up with their face shape.

Growing out your hair gives you time to experiment with different styles before deciding on what works best for your face.

If you’re ready to start growing out your hair, try a few different styles until you find one that suits you well. Once you find the style that you like best, stick with it!

For a little while, at least. It’s easy to get bored with hairstyles, and most people like to switch it up occasionally. You can test lots of different styles and find a couple that you really like.

Get Rid of the Brassy Tones

Brassy tones are generally not considered to be a good thing in the world of hair. The yellow and brass tones can make hair look old-fashioned and unkempt.

Grey hair should have a cool undertone, and making sure you have the right undertone goes a long way to making you look younger.

How do you make sure your hair has a cool undertone? Use blue or purple shampoos and conditioners.

Purple shampoo and conditioner can add extra color and vibrancy to your hair. They’ll also help prevent brassy tones from getting worse.

Once you can stay on top of your hair tones, you will instantly notice that you can look younger. The thing with these products is to use them constantly, though.

There’s no point in using the products then stopping for a while.

This will only result in the brassy tones coming back. The secret to cool-toned hair is maintenance. As long as you continue to use the products, your hair will remain cool toned and stunning.

How to Wear Gray Hair Without Looking Old

Avoid Outdated Styles

Having an outdated hairstyle can make anybody look old, or like they’re from the wrong century.

Go for something trendy and fresh instead. Try a new haircut, change your hair color, or even wear a wig.

Find a fun and trendy look that you love, and try it out!

It’s okay if you need to try a few different styles before you find the perfect one for you. Hair will grow back, so you can switch it up whenever you like!

If you are supposed to avoid one thing, let it be the flipped out ends. You know, that hair you used to see suburban housewives rocking back in the day.

They might have looked great in it, but now is a different time entirely. If you want to look younger, you should get a style that is popular now, not one from the sixties. 

Texture is an important part of hairstyling. If you want some great texture without going too crazy, opt for some stunning beachy waves.

These loose waves are very popular right now, and they give off this amazing vibe. Not only does it look great, but it feels great too.

You don’t always have to go for drastic changes when trying to look younger. Sometimes, subtle changes can work wonders.

One of these subtle changes would be to add highlights to your hair. Adding highlights to your hair will instantly bring out more shine and vitality. 

Haircuts Are Important

back view of woman with short gray bob haircut

This one is similar to the styling point, but it’s more base level. The right haircut can help you look younger by years.

Not everyone has the same face shape, and this means that many people have to wear haircuts that are very different from others. Your hair doesn’t need to be short, but it needs to be styled in such a way that it looks great.

It’s important to remember that you shouldn’t dye your hair. Dyeing makes your hair appear duller and grayer.

Instead, you should opt for highlights and lowlights. These colors can enhance your natural hair color without being too drastic.

The good news is that you don’t have to spend a fortune on professional cuts. A simple trim can work wonders. It doesn’t matter whether you cut yourself or go to a salon.

If you want to maintain a certain length, trimming can easily be done. Anyone with experience in the salon industry might even be able to do their own haircuts! 

Whether you want to go long, short, or somewhere in the middle, make sure the cut is interesting. Most experts will argue that gray hair looks best when it’s cut above the shoulder, so why not try that out?

Get some fascinating layers, or maybe even try bangs! Now is your time to do anything you feel like. Pixie cuts are winners for silver hair, as are sleek bobs. 

When you’re thinking about getting a new cut with your gray hair, you might want to avoid getting blunt cuts.

Although it can suit some people, most of the time it hardens the overall look of the face. When this happens, you can look older than you are. 

Your Scalp Matters

Your scalp is an important part of your hair health. A neglected scalp can lead to loss of hair, and your hair thinning out.

No one wants this, so take care of your scalp. Use products that moisturize well, and keep it protected from direct sunlight. This will ensure that your scalp stays healthy.

If you’re concerned about your scalp, consider using a shampoo that contains coconut oil.

Coconut oil is known to nourish the scalp, while also keeping it soft and clean. You can use this shampoo daily, and it won’t dry out your hair. 

If you’re looking for a product that will protect your hair from damage, then you should check out argan oil. Argan oil is rich in antioxidants, which helps prevent hair loss.

It also keeps your hair strong, shiny and smooth. Argan oil can be used as a leave-in conditioner, and it works really well.

Other ingredients such as tea tree oil and rosemary are great for the scalp, too. These products have antibacterial properties, which can help create a healthy environment for your roots.

By doing this, you could help your hair grow thicker than before, and maybe even at a faster rate. 

Scalp massages are also amazing. Not only do these feel great, but they increase blood flow to that part of the body. Stimulating your scalp may help hair grow faster and look healthier.

Generally speaking, the thicker your hair is, the healthier you look. So, by ensuring that your hair doesn’t thin out, you will hopefully have thick, strong hair for as long as possible.

It Isn’t Only About Your Hair

Looking and feeling younger goes beyond the hair you possess. Yes, hair is a big part of it, because everyone sees it, but what about the rest of you?

The point below focuses on more than just your hair, because you are more than just your hair! Want to wear that gray with confidence? Take a look at these crucial points to keep in mind.

The Right Makeup Goes a Long Way

mature woman with gray hair and subtle makeup

Wearing makeup to compliment your hair color can go a really long way. If you are a makeup lover, you might want to give this one some thought before going crazy with oranges and yellows.

Of course, all makeup has its place, but for a day-to-day or date night look, people like to go with what suits them. When it comes to gray hair, cool toned colors pair incredibly well.

Try using some cool toned neutrals, or even blues or purples if you’re feeling bold. Nothing goes better with silver hair than a sexy smokey eye, too, a perfect look for date night!

Just because cool toned colors go best with gray hair doesn’t mean you can’t wear red, though.

There are actually cool-toned red colors out there too, and they’re definitely worth a try. Get yourself a cool red lipstick, and that is the perfect combination.

Don’t be afraid to play with some winged liner looks, too. Even false lashed can look amazing when they aren’t overdone!

If you aren’t familiar with makeup, and you want to try it out, get some good quality pressed pigment pallets to test. You’ll find yourself falling in love with them before you even know it.

Groom Your Brows

If you want to keep up with the modern trends, your eyebrows are an important part of it all. Specifically, thick brows. Bushy brows are  the thing everyone loves now, so why not try them out?

If you don’t have naturally thick brows, you can get a high quality brow pen or pencil and make them appear larger! 

To do this, you will need to draw individual hair strokes. The days of block brows are over, and now the majority of people look back at those photos and question every life decision.

If you don’t feel like going with the bold brows to get that editorial look, you can try straight brows. 

Brows are so much fun to play with because you can draw them on, wipe them off, shave the tail, or even give yourself a brow slit. It’s all up to you! Just keep it fun, creative, and trendy.

How to Wear Gray Hair Without Looking Old

Wear the Right Colored Clothing

Clothes tend to look the best when they compliment both your hair and skin color and tone.

If you have never tried shopping for clothes based on your hair color before, you should start doing it today. This is a quick fix way to help you look young without having to spend time getting older.

You don’t always have to stick to black; gray clothing is a huge trend right now. Don’t let this fool you into thinking that you have to choose between being fashionable and looking old.

With the right choice of colors, you can pull it off! Try wearing a soft turtleneck and jeans combo if you want to stay casual, or some lace and silk tops if you feel glamorous.

Royal blues and greens look amazing, and you can even pair them together if you are able to! It might take a little practice, but bold and bright colors will make you look like the vibrant jewel you are.

The colors to avoid include the boring beige and any muted colors. Subdued colors will only make you look a decade older with your gray hair.

That isn’t to say that these colors are unpleasant, because they are absolutely stunning. The thing is – when it comes to matching hair colors and clothing, you need to pick colors that’ll make your hair pop.

You want that hair to be a statement, and if you’re using muted colors to blend it in, what’s the point?

Don’t be Afraid to Try Some Styles

It doesn’t matter how old you are, you can still dress in a way that enhances your features. You don’t need to be scared of wearing body hugging clothes, because you will look amazing!

Fashion is a very personal thing, and while it’s important to be comfortable in what you wear, you can also be bold.

Try out different shoe styles, get a body-hugging dress, and live at the moment. When you dress to impress, you fill yourself with confidence. Confidence is all we can ever ask for in this world of ours.

Why not try some different necklines and dresses, too? You can be a beacon of light in a stunning gown and heels, and you’ll look even better because of your silver hair. 

A Smile is the Final Touch

This point might be a little cheesy, but a smile can finish off your whole look. A smile can be mischievous or content, but the glimmer it brings to your eyes can’t be beaten.

A smile makes you look younger than you really are, and it gives you that glow that everyone loves. It’s a powerful tool, and one that shouldn’t be ignored.

It’s impossible to overlook someone who is confident in who they are. When you ooze love, confidence and positivity, you become a beacon for people to look to.

No one is happy all the time, and it would be silly to say they were. However, when you start to notice the little things in life, you will always find something to smile about.

Open your mind to it, and let loose on whomever you really are. The world will love you for it. You’re never fully dressed without a smile.

Final Thoughts

Gray hair doesn’t mean that you’re getting old. Being old is a mentality. As long as you are young in your heart and mind, you can still do anything you like.

No matter how old you are, you can rock your gray hair with confidence. If you’re worried about what others think, just remember that no one else has hair quite like yours.

No matter how old you are or how much experience you’ve had in life, there’s always room for learning new things. Gray hair doesn’t mean that your career is over.

In fact, it means the opposite. It shows you’re wise enough to know that age does not equal wisdom. You can learn from anyone, and you should always take advantage of every opportunity available to you.

If you were feeling a little self-conscious about your gray hair, hopefully you feel differently now. There is so much you can look forward to in your new chapter of life.

Gray hair means you can now try styles you never dreamed of! Make the most of it and get as creative as you like. You might just find your new favorite look, and you’ll never consider dying your hair ever again!

Emma Lee
As long as she can remember, Emma has been obsessed with beautiful hair. Her favorite look is pin-straight, sleek glass hair. She's had multiple styles from short and permed to long and natural throughout her life, and knows full well that how your hair looks can make or break your day.

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