5 Haircuts That Perfectly Flatter Gray Hair

At some point, you'll look in your mirror and spot your first gray hair. For some, that moment will come in your 20s, while for others, the first grays don't appear until your 40s, 50s, or even later. While men tend to embrace their gray hair, as it's often defined as distinguished, women don't have that luxury. Unfortunately, our culture is under the delusion that women should never age — and it's this mentality that keeps some running to the salon at the first hint of a gray hair. 

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While there are those who will dye their hair well after its natural color fades, others are leaning into their gray. In July 2023, Salma Hayek posted a photo of her gray hair on Instagram, with a caption joking, "Here is a tip to cover your white hair without dyeing it ... don't wear your glasses on your hair!!!" Later, in January 2025, Hayek attended the 82nd Golden Globe Awards with gray hairs framing her face. Gray hair is finally becoming not just acceptable, but cool, so much so that some are even choosing to go gray before their natural gray kicks in.

Similar to how some hairstyles are best for gray hair, there are also some cuts that highlight just how beautiful gray hair can look — no matter your age. To get some ideas about the most flattering haircuts for gray hair, Women exclusively talked to red carpet hair and makeup artist Luna Viola, asking about the cuts that make those grays really shine.

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Gray classic bob

The bob cut never goes out of fashion and looks fantastic on everyone, no matter what color or style they choose to rock. Because of this, it's also a fabulous choice for those with gray hair.

"Often when the hair turns gray, the texture changes," Luna Viola exclusively tells Women. "The bob takes on the color very well and makes gray hair look healthy and shiny." According to Viola, whether you stick to the classic bob that hits the jawline or go for the lob to ease your way into short hair, the cut will really help enhance that natural shimmer that comes with gray hair.

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Gray deep side part

When choosing the best haircut for your gray hair, Luna Viola explains that you can't go wrong with a cut that showcases a deep side part. "If the grays are concentrated on the top [of your hair], a long soft layered bob with a deep side part can help make the grays lay flat and look tidy," says Viola. Sweeping side parts, especially in shorter lengths, keeps your gray hair looking shiny and "helps keep greys in check," she adds.

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Gray pixie cut

If we've learned anything from our favorite celebrities who went gray and are now in their white hair era, like Jamie Lee Curtis and Dame Judi Dench, it's that pixie cuts and gray hair belong together. Pixie cuts always look effortlessly chic (because they are) and with a bit of product, you can have fun with them, manipulating your gray hair into a fun and youthful style.

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Gray shag

Luna Viola is quick to point out that trying to pull off gray on long hair can be difficult — as the ends are more likely to turn yellow because of the texture, meaning more upkeep on your end. But she adds that short to mid-length hair is the money spot for gray. "It's not only practical, but also more youthful," says Viola. This is why the shag is an option worth considering. "This style focuses on the face features, adds texture, and helps preserve hair's health if the gray hair are looking frail," explains Viola.

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Gray curly pixie

If you have naturally curly hair, then you're well aware of common curly hair problems, one of which is that it tends to be on the dryer side. Gray hair, too, can feel dry because of its texture. Opting for a curly pixie can combat dryness and give you a gorgeous hairstyle at the same time. "All textured layered styles, whether short or mid-length, work great on curly gray hair," says Luna Viola. "They add movement and give the delicate gray strands a boost."

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