5 Unflattering Hairstyles Women With Gray Hair Should Avoid—They Add Years To Your Face!
February 19, 2025 by Lisa Cupido
Gray hair beauties: you have a lot of gorgeous color to show off and need the ideal haircut and hairstyle to do your silvery-whites or salt-and-pepper tresses justice. A number of trendy haircuts that are everywhere this year are also perfect for gray hair — we’re thinking blunt bobs, choppy bobs, and longer pixies that are easier to customize. But gray hair can have its own needs that are different, thanks to common textural changes we experience like dryness, brittle strands, and frizz.
Even if you’re satisfied with your current haircut, something may feel off about your gray hair, whether that means its tone of gray, texture, or the way you could be styling it that may be aging you. These five hairstyles can be unflattering to gray hair — something to keep in mind if you want to give your hair a refresh.
1. Long and Straight
Long, straight, and mature hair don’t go together well. The longer your hair is, the more vulnerable it is to breakage and thinning, straggly ends. Because gray hair is often more delicate, it doesn’t take much length to look thinner, and this may not be what you’re after. Super-straight hair, especially if it’s the result of a flat iron, can also make your hair look flatter at the roots and ends.
2. Yellowy Gray Hair That Needs To Be Toned
Gray hair benefits from a colorist’s knowledge and love, too. Even though gray hair is seen as more low-maintenance than constantly coloring it, some shades of gray will turn a yellowish tint if they aren’t toned once in a while. If you feel your gray is fading or veering too warm, ask a trusted colorist to tone it back to a spectacular shade that works for your skin tone.
3. Bouffants
We love the retro impact of a voluminous teased bouffant. But if your goal is to look more youthful and modern, avoiding too much teasing will help. This look can be fun, but it can also be dating.
4. Thick Blunt Bangs
Be cautious when cutting very thick and blunt bangs into mature hair. In order for this look to do you justice, you need to have enough density and thickness in your hair or you risk pulling too much hair into your bangs and leaving the rest looking thin. A square blunt bang can also look severe and harsh and not as soft on the face as thinner, more texturized bangs.
5. Damaged Hair
No matter which hairstyle and haircut you choose, making sure your hair is healthy and shiny is the key to great-looking gray hair. Don’t skip on conditioners and occasional hair masks and find natural hair oils that promote shine and keep frizz at bay. Regular haircuts, combined with a varied diet and great products, can really help keep your gray hair in great condition.