The Best Colors to Wear with Gray Hair

(Last Updated On: October 25, 2023)

Have you ever glanced in the mirror, caught sight of those silver strands, and wondered, “What are the best colors to wear with gray hair?” You’re not alone! Mother Nature may have given us a new hair color palette to work with, but that doesn’t mean our wardrobe has to be as monochrome as our manes. The good news? Finding the right clothing colors to complement your gray hair can be a fun and empowering journey toward expressing your personal style.

Embracing your natural color is the best way to showcase your unique beauty—after all, gray hair is just another shade on the spectrum. But how do you determine which hues will highlight your silver locks in the most flattering way? Remember your original hair color? That’s a good starting point.

Identifying your skin undertone is another crucial step in this fashionable adventure. Are you cool, warm, or neutral? No idea what I’m talking about? Don’t worry, I’m here to guide you through it.

Stay tuned as we delve into the 10 best colors to harmonize with your grey hair. Whether you’re a silver fox, a white wisp, or somewhere in between, we’ve got you covered. 

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What Type of Gray Hair Do You Have?

Has your mirror started reflecting more of that shimmering silver or white hair lately? Or perhaps you’re noticing a few gray roots poking through your once-dark hair? You’ve officially joined the “Gray Hair, Don’t Care” club. And guess what? It’s an exclusive club with a wide variety of members – all sporting different hair colors. From snowy white to salt and pepper, and every shade of gray in between, your hair is as unique as you are. 

First off, let’s talk about the different types of gray hair. Yes, you heard it right. Not all gray hair is created equal. Some of us have that ethereal white hair that makes us look like we’ve stepped straight out of a fairy tale. Then there’s the silver hair crew, who can give any silver screen siren a run for her money.

For the dark hair divas among us, going gray might seem like a slow process. You might notice your brunette locks gradually sprinkling with gray roots, turning into a salt-and-pepper look that’s as spicy as it sounds.

And then there’s the muddy colors phase. That’s when your hair gray journey feels a bit like a moody watercolor painting with your original color blending into the new grays. But remember, even Monet had to work through some muddy colors before creating his masterpieces!

So, whether you’re a snow queen, a silver siren, a peppered beauty, or a muddy-colors Monet, embracing your unique hair color and understanding how it changes is your first step towards finding the best colors to wear with gray hair. 

What is Your Skin Undertone?

Let’s talk about the real star of the show: your skin tone. That’s right, your skin tone and undertones play a crucial role in determining the best colors for your wardrobe, especially when you’re rocking gray hair. So, let’s get up close and personal with your complexion, shall we?

First, let’s discuss cool undertone skin. If silver jewelry looks fabulous on you or your veins appear blue or purple under natural light, you’ve got cool undertones. These undertones can range from pink to blue to a bluish-green, giving your skin a slightly rosy hue. People with cool undertones often have fair skin that burns easily in the sun. When it comes to clothing, cool colors like blues, purples, and greens will complement your skin beautifully.

On the other hand, if gold jewelry is your thing, or your veins look more greenish, congratulations! You’re part of the warm undertones club, like me. Warm undertones can range from peachy pink to yellow or golden, giving your skin a slightly golden glow. Those with warm complexions often tan easily. Warm tones like reds, oranges, and yellows are your best friends when it comes to clothing. They’ll enhance your natural warmth and make your skin glow.

Then there’s the neutral undertone squad. If you can’t quite decide whether silver or gold jewelry suits you best, or if your veins are a mix of blue and green, you might have neutral undertones. This means your skin’s undertones are a balance of both warm and cool. Lucky you! With a neutral undertone, you can experiment with both cool and warm colors, as well as brighter colors and neutral shades. I fall into this category as well as having warm undertones.

Remember, your original hair color also plays a part in this color game. If you had warm-colored hair before going gray, chances are warmer tones might still suit you best. Similarly, if you were a cool-toned brunette or blonde, cooler colors might be your go-to.

The bottom line is, that understanding your skin color and its undertones is key to finding the most flattering colors for your wardrobe. So, whether you’re a cool undertone girl, a warm undertone diva, or a neutral undertone goddess, there’s a color palette waiting for you to explore. Stay tuned as we delve into the best colors to wear with gray hair. 

Cool Undertone Skin

If you have cool skin undertones, gather ’round, because this one’s for you!

For those of you asking, “What colors should I rock with my new shade of hair?” – we’ve got some great news. Your cool undertones open up a whole palette of bright colors that will make you stand out in the best way possible. Think icy blues, rich purples, and emerald greens. These colors will enhance your skin’s natural coolness and make your silver strands pop.

“But what about dark colors?” I hear you ask. Oh, you’re in for a treat! Dark colors are not just okay – they’re great choices for you. A deep navy or a rich burgundy can look striking against your cool skin and gray hair. It’s all about contrast, and dark colors provide just that, making your silver locks shine brighter than ever.

Now, if you prefer lighter shades, don’t fret. Pastel tones are your secret weapon. Soft pinks, lilacs, and mint greens can look incredibly chic and elegant against your cool complexion and gray hair. They’ll give you a soft, ethereal glow that’s hard to resist.

Remember, friends, embracing your gray hair is not just about accepting a new shade; it’s also a great way to reinvent your style and experiment with colors you might not have considered before. So whether you choose bright, dark, or lighter shades, know that you’re making a statement that’s as cool as your undertones.

COOL UNDERTONE SKIN: icy blues, rich purples, emerald greens, deep navy, rich burgundy, soft pink, lilac, mint green

Warm Undertone Skin

Well hello there, warm undertones crew! It’s your time to shine in the spotlight. If you’re part of this club, your skin has beautiful golden, peachy, or yellow hues that make you glow like a sunset. Now, let’s talk about how to celebrate those warm undertones and your fabulous gray hair with the ideal color palette.

First off, let’s talk vibrant colors. They’re not just for the cool kids. If you have warm undertones and gray hair, vibrant colors can look absolutely stunning on you. Think fiery reds, deep oranges, and sunny yellows. These colors will complement your skin’s natural warmth and make your gray hair stand out in all its glory.

“But wait,” you say, “I’m a little bit shy when it comes to new colors.” That’s totally fine! We’ve got some helpful tips for you too. If vibrant colors feel a bit too loud for your style, why not try some darker shades? A rich chocolate brown or deep olive green can be incredibly flattering against your warm complexion and gray hair. They’ll add depth and sophistication to your look without being too overwhelming.

And for those of you who prefer a softer look, pastel shades with a warm undertone are a great option. Picture a soft peach or a delicate coral. These colors will enhance your skin’s natural glow and create a beautiful harmony with your gray hair.

Remember, your gray hair is not just a new shade – it’s a whole new opportunity to play with color and style. So whether you’re dipping your toes into the vibrant pool, exploring the depth of darker shades, or embracing the softness of pastels, know that you’re doing something amazing. You’re celebrating your unique beauty and rocking your gray hair with confidence.

WARM UNDERTONE SKIN: fiery reds, deep oranges, sunny yellows, chocolate brown, deep olive green, soft peach, delicate coral

Neutral Undertone Skin

Hey there, gorgeous neutral undertone gals! If you’re sitting there wondering, “What’s my ideal color match?” – worry not. We’ve got the scoop for you. When it comes to gray hair and neutral undertones, you’ve got a veritable buffet of options. So buckle up and let’s dive right in.

First off, let’s talk jewel tones. Yes, you heard it right! Emerald green, ruby red, sapphire blue, amethyst purple… these rich, vibrant shades are your best friends. Why, you ask? Well, they balance the cool and warm tones in your skin, enhancing your natural complexion while making your gray hair sparkle. Sounds like a win-win, doesn’t it?

Now, if you’re thinking, “But I like to mix things up with different colors,” then girl, I’ve got good news for you. With neutral undertones, you can play around with a wide range of shades. From bright, eye-catching hues to more muted, earthy tones, you can experiment to your heart’s content. Remember, you’re the artist and your wardrobe is your palette.

On the flip side, if you’re more into a monochromatic look, gray in different shades can be a great color for you. Think about it: gray on gray? It’s chic, it’s sophisticated, and it complements your silver strands flawlessly. Plus, it gives you that effortlessly cool vibe that says, “Yeah, I woke up like this.”

In the end, it’s all about finding the colors that make you feel fabulous and enhance your overall look. So whether you’re rocking jewel tones, playing with different shades, or keeping it cool with gray, remember one thing: you’re not just choosing a color – you’re choosing to express your unique self.

NEUTRAL UNDERTONE SKIN: emerald green, ruby red, sapphire blue, amethyst purple, gray

A Note About Wearing Black

Your Natural Hair Color Plays a Part

Now we’re going to talk about something that might have slipped your mind – your natural hair color. Yep, the one before your glorious gray set in. You may be wondering, “Does my pre-gray hair color really matter now?” Well, let me tell you, it sure does. And here’s why.

Let’s start with our raven-haired ladies. If your locks were once as dark as a moonless night, you’ve probably got a natural contrast going on between your skin and your hair. This contrast can play a big role in determining which colors look best on you now. For instance, jewel tones – think emerald green or sapphire blue – can make your gray hair pop while complementing your naturally high-contrast look. Remember, it’s all about balance, and these colors help maintain that balance even as your hair transitions to gray.

Now, onto our warm brown-haired friends. Your hair may have been the color of a perfectly brewed cup of coffee or a delicious caramel dessert. Yum! But how does this play into your new silver-haired life? Well, since you likely have a medium contrast, earthy tones like olive green, burnt orange, or mustard yellow can be your best friends. These colors will beautifully complement your warm undertones and keep your look harmonious as your hair shifts to gray.

And for our blondes and light-haired ladies, you’ve been playing the low-contrast game from the get-go. Your hair and skin were always close in tone, creating a soft, unified look. To maintain this balance, consider pastel hues or lighter shades such as baby blue, soft pink, or lavender. These colors will enhance your natural softness and ensure your gray hair looks absolutely stunning.

Tips for Choosing Accessories with Gray Hair

Let’s talk about accessories. And not just any accessories – we’re talking about the ones that make your gorgeous gray hair shine and sparkle. 

First off, let’s talk about those beautiful eyes of yours. Ever thought about matching your accessories to your eye color? Well, if you haven’t, it’s high time you did. Got green eyes? Consider going for rose gold jewelry. The warm hue will beautifully complement your emerald peepers while creating a delightful contrast with your silver strands. 

Now onto our salt-and-pepper hair friends. Your dynamic blend of black and gray hair allows you to play around with different colors. Want a more elevated look? Try sterling silver accessories. They add a touch of sophistication and elegance, making your salt-and-pepper hair pop even more. 

But wait, what about earrings? What’s the best type for our silver-haired goddesses? Well, if you’re rocking that stunning silver color, drop or dangle earrings are your new best friends. They draw attention to your face and your beautiful gray hair, creating a look that’s both chic and stylish.

And let’s not forget about scarves and shoes. A well-chosen scarf can add a splash of color to your outfit, accentuating your hair and skin tone. As for shoes, why not match them with your accessories for a coordinated, polished look?

Remember, your accessories aren’t just adornments. They’re an extension of your unique style and personality. So whether you’re a green-eyed gal opting for rose gold or a silver siren rocking sterling silver, remember one thing: your choices should make you feel confident, radiant, and absolutely fabulous.

Conclusion: Best Colors to Wear with Gray Hair

Sporting gray hair doesn’t mean limiting your options when it comes to fashion. On the contrary, it opens up a new world of possibilities. From jewel tones for high-contrast beauties, and earthy hues for those with warm undertones, to pastels for low-contrast ladies, there’s a color palette waiting to be explored. 

The key lies in understanding your natural undertones, remembering your pre-gray hair color, and balancing your look with the right shades. And don’t forget about accessories – they can add the perfect finishing touch to your outfit, enhancing your gray hair and making you shine. 

The bottom line for me, and possibly for you? Take this helpful information about the best colors to wear with gray hair, and decide what works best for you. I think these suggestions have a lot of merit, but ultimately you and I should wear what makes us feel great!

So, go ahead, embrace your silver strands and make a style statement that’s uniquely yours. After all, gray is the new black!

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