The 30 Best Haircuts for Gray Hair

Not only is this cut easy to style, it’s also super flattering if you’ve got a slightly rectangular face with fine features like Curtis does. “This cut leaves some length on top, which provides movement and texture, while the sides are left softer and shorter to complement your facial features and bone structure very well,” says Lliguin. To elevate the style, Lliguin also recommends using a texturizing paste (or hair gel) along the tips.

Ready to step outside your comfort zone? Consider an undercut like Halle Berry's. The longer pieces on top offer more flexibility in styling, while the buzzed sections underneath lend some edge (and keep your neck cool).

Lobs are always flattering and easy to maintain. The layers add body, and the fact that it doesn’t look too "done" makes it one of the more playful options for gray hair. “This hairstyle showcases new gray hair growth beautifully and the length adds volume throughout,” says Lliguin. The stylist recommends using a sea salt spray to enhance your natural texture along with a leave-in treatment to smooth over split ends. 

Prefer to show off some length, body and movement in your mane like Helen Mirren? This haircut works especially well for those with oval or long face shapes (and can be accentuated by adding some loose cascading waves).

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance option for curly hair, consider Cynthia Erivo’s cropped curls, which let her vibrant grays shine. “A buzz cut is a great canvas to show your silver. This shade can look almost iridescent on very short hair, which is so beautiful,” says Tang. 

Want to go shorter than your average pixie? Take a cue from Melissa McBride and ask your stylist to snip a bit more off the top for a tapered finish. 

While this buzzy cut made waves in 2022, Jane Fonda was one the first to rock this bob/pixie hybrid—way before it was deemed trendy by the younger generations—and we can see why it’s made a resurgence. “The top layers of this style make hair appear voluminous, especially when complemented by a side part, while the length around the neck frames the face beautifully,” explains Lliguin.

One of people’s main gripes with gray hair is that it’s more susceptible to frizz. Instead of fighting the texture, embrace it like Blythe Danner, whose loose curls and bangs look polished.

As Glenn Close shows us, a haircut isn’t complete without adding some fringe to the mix. To rock a similar look, ask your stylist for a side-swept pixie with lightly angled pieces on top.

This long and layered look shapes loose curls, which helps reduce frizz and brings out your natural texture as well. On that note, Cruz notes it’s important to work with your curl pattern by following a moisturizing wash routine (i.e., a shampoo, a conditioner and a styling creme).

Skip the classic bob and try an angled bob instead. This uneven cut gives the illusion of fuller hair—even on finer strands. Add a deep side part like Linda Fargo and you’ll bring even more dimension to your mane. 

“Bobs can be elegant, fun and chic, especially with gray hair,” says Cruz. “I’m fond of the ‘box bob’ because it looks like the classic bob, but with fewer layers and a more stylish silhouette.” The stylist adds that a hair serum and hair spray is essential to keeping your haircut shiny and voluminous between trims. 

We promise you that you won't leave the salon looking like Spock from Star Trek. When it comes to nailing this cut, it's all about precision and volume. Ask your stylist to trimyour hair just below your brows before using a round brush and a blow dryer to create a nice bounce like Keke Palmer's look above.

“Gray hair can often be more resistant and have a different texture than non-gray hairs, so this cut is a good option for keeping some weight, while adding movement through layers,” says Ellis. For more fullness, consider adding soft, face-framing fringe to your look. To keep your strands smooth, use a styling cream on the mid-lengths and ends.

This cut adds layers right beneath the chin to give the illusion of more body. Tip: Run some gel through your strands (while lifting at your roots) to get this wet look. It’s chic but also good for styling gray hair, which tends to be coarse and prone to frizz.

“It’s a timeless cut that perfectly highlights your facial features,” explains Ellis. While some bobs don’t need much finesse, Ellis recommends having a flat iron on hand for this particular style as it “helps get that polished look and makes the cut sleeker.” On that note, you’ll also want to invest in a heat protectant spray, which helps boosts shine and reduces frizz. 

Dame Emma Thompson’s wispy cut features soft layers throughout. It also sits just above her ears, so she can show off her dazzling earrings. 

There’s nothing quite like the classics—and this French bob, sported by Grece Ghanem, is proof. Snipped just above the jaw, it makes gray hair appear fuller. Plus, the long, side-swept fringe helps soften facial features and adds body to the style. 

To shape and define your mane, ask your stylist to put in layers that won’t thin out your curl pattern too much, but still add dimension in the areas you need it the most. 

“I love this style for gray hair because the silver strands really enhance the layers,” says Katz. “Also known as the ‘G-Bob,’ this graduated cut is layered diagonally towards the nape of your neck, so it grows out beautifully.” To mimic Rita Moreno’s feathered finish, you’ll need a texturizing spray. 

When you get bored with your haircut but aren't ready for a drastic change, a set of bangs can breathe new life into your look. Go for a full fringe like Dasha here or try some curtain bangs.

“Inversion layers are cut to frame the face, while also adding movement to the strands. It’s best suited for mid to long hair, as it helps break things up,” says Katz. Since volume is essential to this cut, Katz recommends applying mousse to the roots and using a blow dryer and round brush to lift and fluff up the strands.

A blunt cut gives a uniform look without sacrificing your length. To get Joani Johnson’s simple but refined style, have your ends snipped straight across for the sleekest finish. 

For short to mid-length hair, consider a cut that sits just beneath the jawline to highlight your features. As Katz states, this look is a winner for thin hair as “blunt ends can make the hair appear thicker.” 

The pompadour is one of our favorite low-maintenance looks because you get plenty of height on top, but the rest of your hair isn’t too long, so you can spend less time fussing in the mirror. 

A deep side part adds spring to your curls. As master stylist Gregga Prothero told us previously, this cut is a great option for curly hair, but it’s also a solid choice for those with longer face shapes because it draws the eyes up.