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Embracing your gray hair might seem intimidating, but the right hairstyles can make it so much easier. Plus, when styled right, your gray hair can improve (rather than hurt) your self confidence.
With that in mind, keep reading for 5 gray hair hairstyles that stylists swear by to look younger while still embracing your gray!
Classic Bob
The bob is a great choice if you want a low-maintenance yet chic hairstyle. And it's a great option for those wanting to show off their gray hair in a more youthful way--especially if you're hoping to make your hair look fuller.
Gina Rivera, found of Phenix Salon Suites, explains, "I am always a fan of the classic bob. The bob works well by making gray hair look especially full which is true no matter what hair type you have."
Plus, this style is easily customizable depending on your preferences--you can either have a very blunt cut or add layers. Bangs also look great with a bob.
Bangs
In general, bangs are a good idea for those hoping to look younger.
Stylist Sam Villa, co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of Sam Villa and Global Artistic Ambassador for Redken, explains, "A long soft-sweeping fringe can magically transform a look into something more youthful by disguising lines in the forehead and around the eyes."
Plus, depending on your face shape, you can can make the style of bangs work for you. "Cut the longer portion of the fringe to your best feature - eyes, chin, or cheekbone," Villa recommends.
Embrace Lowlights (Without Coloring)
Villa also suggests styling your hair to embrace natural lowlights.
"Gray hair tends to be more prominent on the top of the head and at the hairline, with darker strands underneath," he explains. "Use a curling wand for a loose, more youthful curl to direct the hair in all different directions around the head. In the front, curl hair away from the face to allow the darker hair from underneath to peek through."
Although it might take some practice, this is a great way to embrace your natural gray while still playing up your darker hair. Villa says, "This creates beautiful ribbons of different shades of silver in each curl…like getting a fresh new color – without coloring!"
Pixie Cut
If you want to go for a shorter look, a pixie cut is a great option--and, depending on how you style it, can really show off your gray hair in the best light.
Rivera tells us, "The blown forward pixie is another terrific look for gray hair. The hairstyle looks best cut short and in layers, then blown forward starting on top of the head at the back, center of the crown for a sleek look."
The end result is a flattering cut that makes you look youthful without hiding any grays. "The blowing forward of the hair acts to frame the face but also provides a stylish appearance," she explains.
Sleek Coverup
For days when you would rather camouflage your grays (without investing in coloring your hair), Villa has a simple trick.
"Camouflage grays by styling hair when wet, which gives the illusion of darker hair," he says. "Towel-dry and apply a gel or paste. Gather hair in a ponytail or bun and finish with a hairspray to hold in place."
