Celebrities like Helen Mirren and Judi Dench have proven that older women don’t have to look matronly. To show the world that gray hair doesn’t signify senility, just find a style that flatters both your face and your silver locks. Whatever style you end up with, baby your gray hair so that it looks its best. Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to prevent frizz and breakage, and boost shine with a luster-locking spray or serum, recommends Robert Gallagher, owner of the Long Hair Care Group in New York City, in “Good Housekeeping” magazine.
A Basic Bob
A bob can be sleek and sophisticated or choppy and playful, enabling this lightly layered, chin-length hairstyle to flatter almost any face. Bobs are especially good for gray hair because their shorter length makes hair look thicker and fuller, and gray hair’s reduced melanin stores can make your strands fine and fragile, explains Roger I. Ceilley, clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Iowa in Des Moines, in “Good Houskeeping” magazine.
A Pretty Pixie
If you’re ready to take the plunge, a cropped pixie cut can bring your face into center stage. This gamine-style cut looks best on people with delicate features and good skin, says New York City hairstylist Sean James Decuers in “Good Housekeeping” magazine. The pixie cut works well with gray hair because its spiky bangs and layers keep your hair from looking sparse — a risk with some short cuts, especially if your hair is a lighter shade of gray.
Long Layers
You don’t have to cut your hair short just because you’re going gray, but long gray hair will need special care, including regular deep-conditioning treatments. Gray hair that’s all one length can look flat and fragile, so opt for long layers instead: They’ll give your gray hair texture, movement and style without taking away any length. Ask for chunky layers, as wispy ones will leave your hair looking messy instead of polished, says Decuers.
