In 2026, we think going grey is the most stylish thing you can do. Here’s why: Forget about salt and pepper roots, trying out new root cover-up formulas, and spending a lot of money on trips to the salon.
Grey hair is a look that goes beyond the list of hair trends for 2026. It is classy, stylish, and chic. Many people have strong opinions about going gray because it can be hard to decide when, how, and if you want to embrace the gray. But at the same time, it can also be a way to boost your confidence and give you power. Plus, it’s cheap because you don’t have to pay for expensive salon visits.
This year, we’re making a case for going silver if you’ve been thinking about it or just want to change up your hair in a stylish way. There are a lot of famous people who already have gray hair, and their hair is a great source of inspiration for your next hair appointment. Here are seven stylish ways to embrace going gray.
Hair trends for 2026 are all about “elevated minimalism,” from natural, polished tones to shiny, reflective glosses.
A line of hair toner products from Pureology, Kerastase, Christophe Robin, and Wella Professionals on a cream background, along with a stock image of blue shampoo and shampoo bubbles.
Hair toner isn’t just for blondes. Here’s how it can make your hair look more vibrant and put off your next trip to the salon.
Gwyneth Paltrow, Demi Moore, and Leslie Bibb at the 2026 Actor (SAG-AFTRA) Awards on a white and gold marbled background
This simple updo was all over the SAG awards, and it’s a great choice when you don’t have time to wash your hair.
Why we think that going gray is the most fashionable thing to do in 2026
You might want to pull out stray gray hairs (but experts would tell you not to) or find ways to hide them, like Trinny Woodall’s smart root cover-up trick. But there are many freeing ways to embrace lightening locks. We’re talking about slow changes, like the greige lights trend, which is a subtle way to add gray strands, or choosing silver hair as a low-maintenance way to style gray hair.
There are also a lot of hairstyles that look good with silver hair, from short pixie cuts to long locks. So, no matter if your hair is straight and fine or full of curls, we’ve found a variety of A-list styles for you to copy.
Add these must-have items for gray hair to your kit.
When you have gray hair, the most important things are to keep it hydrated and keep any brassiness away. You should have a moisturizing shampoo that doesn’t contain sulfates, a purple hair mask for toning, and a nourishing but light hair oil in your hair care kit. On that note, we’ve found some great deals that you should add to your cart…
Pureology Sulfate-Free Hydrate Sheer Shampoo for Fine, Dry Hair 266ml is a gentle way to clean hair.
Pureology LOOKFANTASTIC UK has Sulfate Free Hydrate Sheer Shampoo for £23.40. Price: £26
Grey hair loses moisture more easily, so it’s important to buy a moisturizing shampoo that doesn’t contain sulfates. These kinds of shampoos help keep hair from getting dry and brittle, which can happen with other shampoos that are full of detergents. That’s when Pureology’s Sulphate Free Hydrate Sheer Shampoo comes in. This formula gently cleans the hair of dirt, dead skin cells, build-up, and other impurities. At the same time, it gives the strands the long-lasting moisture they need to become stronger and smoother.
L’Oreal Paris Elvive Colour Protect Anti-Brassiness Purple Hair Mask for Colored or Highlighted Hair 250ml
L’Oreal £7.99 for the Elvive Colour Protect Anti-Brassiness Purple Hair Mask at Boots.com Price: £7.99
To keep your gray hair looking bright and vibrant, you should add a purple hair mask to your routine. These masks get rid of yellow and brassy tones while also nourishing your strands. This L’Oréal option has a very rich texture that allows for deep nourishment and a lot of pigment, which makes it great for getting rid of brassiness.
Lightweight oils are a great choice for people with gray hair because they help keep moisture in and make hair shine. Speaking of that, Moroccanoil’s Light Oil Treatment has all the great benefits of the brand’s original hair oil, but it is made just for fine and light-colored hair. The argan oil in this multi-tasking oil makes hair stronger, softer, and shinier without making it heavy.
Core Strength After 55: 5 Beginner Exercises That Build Stability Faster Than Traditional Planks
1. Helen Mirren’s bob with bangs
Helen Mirren is smiling in this picture. She has a silver bob with a fringe, a navy dress, and magenta pink lipstick.
Helen Mirren’s bright and shiny silver hair is styled in the 90s banged bob style, which is very fashionable. This style has a chin-grazing cut and a piecey, bouncy full fringe. It’s a great look for any hair color.
Join the woman&home email list Sign up for our free daily email to get the latest news about the royal family and entertainment, interesting opinions, expert advice on beauty and fashion trends, and straightforward answers to your health and wellness questions.
2. Andie MacDowell’s long hair
Andie MacDowell is smiling at the camera. She has long, curly gray hair and is wearing a purple dress.
If you have longer hair, you might want to copy Andie MacDowell’s beautiful, flowing curly hair. The actress’s hair has a lot of body and dimension because she chose different shades of gray for her strands.
3. Jamie Lee Curtis’ short hair
Jamie Lee Curtis is smiling in this picture. She has a gray pixie cut, a black blazer, and glasses on.
If you like short hair, Jamie Lee Curtis makes a strong case for a pixie cut. The cut in question has a lot of short, choppy layers that give it texture and depth, making it look more edgy.
4. Whoopi Goldberg’s smooth silver transition
Whoopi Goldberg is shown smiling at the 2021 Met Gala. She is wearing a purple and turquoise dress and round glasses.
Not ready to change your hair a lot? Why not take a cue from Whoopi Goldberg, who showed off her silver roots in a subtle way on the red carpet at the 2021 Met Gala? This is a slow and graceful way to go gray.
5. Jane Fonda’s bouncy hair
Picture of Jane Fonda with a short, curly bob and a black blazer on
If you like to wear your curly hair with short haircuts, you should check out Jane Fonda’s curly bob. This Old Hollywood look is full of volume and fullness and is always classy.
6. The greige lights of Emma Thompson
Emma Thompson is smiling in this picture. She has a short, bouncy grey haircut and is wearing a burgundy blazer and deep red lipstick.
Emma Thompson’s quiff gave her hair a lot of volume, but we were more interested in the beautiful color of her hair. The actress used the greige highlights trend by mixing strands of creamy blonde with bright, cool-toned greys. This is another great, classy way to embrace your greys without going all in right away.
7. Judi Dench’s pixie hairdo
Helen Mirren has a short, gray pixie cut and is wearing a black blazer.
’90s Bob Gets a Modern Update for Spring as Stylists Refresh the Classic Cut With Softer Movement
We can’t talk about gray hair without mentioning the one and only Dame Judi Dench. The actress has had her pearly white-gray hair for decades, and her famous cropped pixie cut has stayed the same since she started wearing it gray—very chic!
