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Photo: Flashpop/Getty ImagesEver wondered what it’s like to pick the brain of a beauty editor or get product recommendations from someone who has tested them all? You’re in the right place. In our weekly segment, beauty editor Hana Hong answers your most pressing skincare, hair care, and makeup queries, all submitted by Mytour readers. Tune in every Tuesday and submit your own burning beauty questions here for a chance to be featured.
Reader question: I'm embracing my gray hair, but I want to look younger. Can you suggest gray hair colors that achieve that?
If gray strands are beginning to appear, rest assured that gray hair is currently trending (you’re naturally stylish!). “Gray hair suits everyone—no matter the age, hair type, or length,” says Min Kim, L’Oreal Professionnel Global Ambassador. “From Winnie Harlow to Jane Fonda, this shade is making waves on the red carpet and in everyday fashion as more people are choosing to embrace their grays rather than hide them.”
This opens the door to experimenting with your ideal gray shade—keep in mind that gray doesn't have to age you; when done right, it can actually make you look younger. “Silver represents the light, platinum version of the trend, while gray is the deeper, smokier version, akin to brunette. Your gray hue can be cool, opalescent, or pearl-like, and it can be tailored to suit all skin tones and hair types,” explains Kim.
Whether you're cautiously transitioning to gray hair or opting for a bold, all-over transformation, we’ve rounded up some of the most gorgeous gray hair shades to show your stylist.
1. Charcoal Gray
Kicking off with the boldest of the bunch, charcoal (or gunmetal) gray is the deepest shade in the silver family. Seen on stars like Winnie Harlow and Zosia Mamet, Kim explains that it’s perfect for natural brunettes who want to preserve their hair's depth while rocking cool, smoky tones.
2. Winter Platinum
On the opposite end of the spectrum, this frosty shade (think Targaryen) is so light that it’s almost white. “The bright white effect is achieved with an all-over double process and a cool-toned gloss,” says Kim. “Don’t be daunted by the intensity—this color suits everyone; the silver toner will highlight the natural flush of your cheeks and give you a youthful glow.”
Remember, this look may require some extra toning maintenance. “To keep it bright, you’ll need to neutralize any unwanted yellow tones, leaving a fresh, snow-like, almost-white look,” advises Lorena M. Valdes, colorist at Maxine Salon in Chicago.
3. Salt and Pepper
Searching for the perfect gray transition? As the name suggests, salt and pepper combines black and gray shades, with subtle white streaks giving it a natural shine. Most stylists are familiar with this method, as it’s one of the most common ways to transition to all-gray. Plus, the darker lowlight base helps blend with your natural gray, making for a smoother shift. Bonus: The shine gives your hair a healthier appearance.
4. Oyster Gray
Inspired by the lustrous interior of an oyster shell, this pearlescent shade creates a holographic silver effect by blending platinum blonde and shimmering silver tones. Just keep in mind: The glossy finish is what makes this color stand out, meaning regular hair masks and gloss treatments will be essential for upkeep.
5. Silver Shadow Root
A great way to extend time between salon visits, the shadow root is gaining popularity when paired with dye jobs. “The silver shadow root is an excellent method for achieving a bright platinum blonde, as it allows you to gradually grow out with a darker silver root,” says Kim. Since natural gray hair starts from the roots, this contrast makes the gray ends look intentionally styled.
6. Silver Moon
For platinum blondes, it turns out that using too much purple shampoo creates a striking silver hue. While this color is best left to the experts (please don’t overdo it with the purple shampoo!), adding touches of blue and purple to bright silver locks is an excellent way to achieve a cooler-toned look.
7. Gray Balayage
Gray balayage combines additional highlights and balayage to either enhance or soften gray strands, giving a more natural appearance. Ask your stylist to integrate a mix of shades through fine sections of hair to blend and celebrate your natural grays, turning them into a part of the overall hair design instead of concealing them.
