In 2024, gray and silver hair is being revered as a symbol of both elegance and wisdom. These striking shades of hair offer endless possibilities when it comes to showcasing their beauty, and we’ve handpicked six sophisticated shoulder-length hairstyles to give you some ideas.
We’ve even compiled a list of celebrity icons who have rocked the gray look with ease, to further inspire your creativity. Concerned about keeping your silver strands looking healthy and luminous this year?
We’ve got you covered and reached out to top-notch hair experts who have shared their top tips and tricks to help you maintain your silvery mane in tip-top condition! Read on for tips, suggestions and insight from Dr. Roshan Vara, hair transplant surgeon and co-founder at The Treatment Rooms, Ghanima Abdullah, hair expert and cosmetologist at The Right Hairstyles, Arrogant Smith, professional hair stylist and hair consultant at KES Wigs, and Lauren Udoh, professional hair stylist and Hair Creative Director of WigReports.
6 Chic Shoulder-Length Bobs & Lobs For Gray-Haired Beauties
1. Gray Wavy Bob with Sideswept Bangs
Glenn Close's gray shoulder-length bob and side bangs pairing is elegant and ageless. "A longer bob is always very flattering," Vara says, and it is a "great way to grow out your gray hair."
Abdullah adds that long, sideswept bangs like these "add length and volume so you don't have to spend hours styling."
2. Center-Parted, Wavy Silver Lob
Nafessa Williams' wavy lob commands attention with its symmetry-promoting part, shiny, silvery hue and stunning waves.
Udoh notes that this medium-length cut is "sleek and stylish choice for many occasions." It's a versatile cut, she adds, that looks "great on almost any face shape and hair type."
3. Curly Dark Gray Lob
Andie MacDowell's dark gray look is longer than most bobs (making it fall more into the 'lob' territory). Its collarbone-level length and rich dark hue is undeniably chic.
This not-too-long and also not-too-short cut provides "volume at the crown" for anyone with curly hair, Udoh says, and you can add "textured layers that frame the face nicely while still maintaining an easy-to-manage style."
4. Silvery, Side-Parted Curls
Like MacDowell, Amandla Stenberg also pulled off a longer collarbone-length lob with a cool silver hue, but made hers more of a trendy gunmetal color. Abdullah notes that a deep side part is always an excellent choice for mature beauties as it can really make a difference when it comes to volume.
She says that a part like this "creates more volume on the top of the head" for gray-haired beauties by "literally pushing more hair to one side of your head," and it is also great for hiding thinning on top if you have any.
5. Wavy Charcoal Gray Bob
Lily Tomlin's gray, wavy bob stands out with its dark charcoal color. Her go-to center-parted look will never go out of style, and her waves won't either!
To get the "best results out of a lob hairstyle with curly or wavy hair," such as this one, Smith says your stylist should "layer the front pieces gently with thinning shears for a softer look that gives volume and movement to your locks."
6. Icy Gray-Blonde Wavy Lob with Curtain Bangs
Blythe Danner's hairstyle is similar to MacDowell and Stenberg's, but her gray color is even lighter with a hint of her usual blonde. With bouncy, collarbone-length curls, her look is reminiscent of retro Golden Age glam yet still so modern. Abdullah adds that her wispy curtain bangs can always flatter mature beauties and make their faces look more symmetrical.
This cut, which requires face-framing, longer fringe parted down the center, "flatters just about any face at any age," according Abdullah. Curtain bangs, she explains, “neatly frame the face while drawing attention away from serious aging signs.” In addition, she points out that this type of fringe cut "creates a soft, natural looking wave at the top of the head."
They are often used to "frame the face and specifically, to give it a youthful appearance," she concludes. "The style works well for women who want to hide thinning hair in the front," Abdullah notes.
The Bottom Line
While these six chic hairstyles for women with naturally gray locks are a great starting point, there are countless other options available.
If you're planning a trip to the salon this winter for a hair refresh, Abdullah suggests bringing along a few photos to determine what styles would be the most flattering for you.
Keep learning and exploring to discover the perfect look for your individual beauty!
