What Colors Look Best with Gray Hair?
Are you curious about what colors look best with gray hair? Read on for some tips and inspiration!
Eight years ago, when I first decided to ditch hair dye, I worried about how my pale skin would look with gray hair.
I’d already lost a lot of color in my face as I’d gotten older, and I pictured myself melting away into nothingness if I had white hair, white skin, and white lips.
For all I knew, all that would be left of me would be dark eyebrows floating in mid-air, like an even weirder version of the Cheshire Cat!
I should have known better. Mother Nature knew what she was doing when she blessed the human race with silver hair. The silvers have brightened up my complexion considerably!
But a strange thing happened….
Once I went gray, I found that I could no longer wear neutral colors (like taupe or beige) next to my face.
When I wore them, it looked as if all the life had gone out of my face. I started fading away, as I had feared. But when I wore bright colors like hot pink or red, I looked vibrant!
But is this true for everyone? Absolutely not! Keep scrolling to find out why.
📌 In This Guide
Finding the best colors to wear with gray hair isn’t as simple as following a list of “approved” shades. Your undertone, natural coloring, hair color, and personal preferences all play a part.
Here’s just some of what you’ll learn in this post:
- Why your skin’s undertone matters when choosing colors to wear with gray hair
- Color inspiration from real women with different skin tones, gray hair shades, and personal styles
- Simple ways to test colors at home and discover which ones make you look and feel your best
- What to do if your favorite colors no longer seem to suit you after going gray
- How to shop your own closet first before spending money on a new wardrobe
Please note that this article may contain affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure at the bottom of the page.
WHY UNDERTONES MATTER
It’s not just the color of our hair that affects how we look in certain colors; it’s also the undertones in our skin.
So please ignore all those blog posts and videos that proclaim bright, “jewel-like” colors look best with gray hair and that silver sisters should avoid warm tones. That’s way too simplistic!
Some gray-haired women look fantastic in beige, cream, and other neutral tones. Others look great in yellow, orange, or tan. Still others look best in emerald green, sapphire blue, and deep burgundy.
That’s why your undertone is a much better place to start than simply following a list of “best colors for gray hair.”
If you don’t know your undertone, these simple tests can give you a starting point:
“Look at the inside of your wrist.
from Silver-Style-Life
Do your veins look blue or green?
If they look more on the blue side, you are likely to be cool toned.
If they are more on the green side, you are likely to be warm toned (because blue veins underneath a yellowish skin tone make the veins look green.)
What were you- cool or warm?
Now find a piece of jewelry, one in silver and another in gold?
What looks best next to your skin?
One is likely to look cheap and the other will look expensive and lovely. Do you get more compliments when you wear silver or gold jewelry?
If you suit gold, you are more likely to be warm and if you suit silver, you are more likely to be cool.”
If you really want to dive into this further, you can have your colors analyzed by a professional color consultant.
MY EXPERIENCE WITH COLOR ANALYSIS
Back in the 1980s, when Color Me a Season was a Big Deal, I had my colors done and found out that, with my pale skin with pink undertones and with my dark brunette hair, I was a “Winter.”
This meant that I would look great in “jewel-like” tones like sapphire blue, ruby red, and emerald green. (Being a rebellious teenager in the mid-1980s, and an art student in the late 1980s/early 1990s, I, of course, ditched those colors and only wore black. For decades!)
Since going silver, I finally embraced the jewel-like colors the experts recommended to me, and WOW – they do make my silver hair sparklier and my complexion brighter!
But that’s because they suit my skin tone – they might not suit yours.
Knowing your undertone can give you a useful starting point – but it isn’t a rulebook. Your skin tone, the particular shade and pattern of your gray hair, your natural coloring, and even your personal preference can all affect how a color looks on you.
So rather than telling you which colors you should or shouldn’t wear, let’s look at some colors that can look fantastic with gray hair and use them as inspiration to find the colors that make you feel and look your best.
But before we dive into that, I want to answer an important question:
WHAT IF YOU HAVE WARM UNDERTONES?
I’ve heard from quite a few warm-toned women who found that going gray changed the way some of their longtime favorite colors looked on them. To their surprise, colors they’d worn for years no longer looked or felt quite right.
This kind of thing happens because changing your hair color can change the overall contrast and color balance around your face.
If this happens to you, don’t assume you have to abandon your entire wardrobe. Experiment first.
You might end up preferring a slightly brighter, deeper, softer, or cooler version of a color you already love.
Here’s some advice taken from color expert Carole Jackson, founder of Color Me Beautiful, in her Letter to Gray-Haired Autumns:
“If you choose not to color your hair in favor of letting it stay natural, you will find that a few of your Autumn colors may not look as harmonious as they were with your brown, dark blonde or red hair. Guess what! You may now add some Winter and Spring colors to make up for the colors you eliminate.
Carole Jackson, Letter to Gray-Haired Autumns
Be sure you wear lipstick colors that are a tad brighter or deeper than before since gray hair has less contrast with your skin and you don’t want to look “washed out”.
If your hair is silver, white, or mostly gray, you will find that silver or pewter jewelry will now look great. In fact, your gold earrings may clash with your hair. Two-tone gray hair (with lots of brown or red still mixed in) can wear gold or silver. Earrings of mixed gold and silver are a good investment as silver will pick up the new tones in your hair, while the gold allows you to wear gold bracelets, buttons or other gold accessories. Enjoy the new you!”
Of course, these are guidelines, not rules.
If your favorite Autumn colors still look fabulous on you after going gray, keep wearing them!
COLOR INSPIRATION FOR GRAY HAIR
The women below are a perfect example of why there isn’t one universal “gray hair palette.” They have different skin tones, their own unique gray hair shades and patterns, and very different personal styles.
Here are some shades you might want to experiment with:
PINK
Pink comes in so many variations — hot pink, blush, rose, fuchsia, raspberry — that it’s a fun color to experiment with. See which versions light up your face and which ones don’t.
PURPLE
Violet, plum, aubergine… there are a number of variations to try!
BLUE
From pale blue to turquoise, navy, cobalt, and sapphire, there are so many different blues to experiment with.
RED
What color makes more of a statement than red? Whether it’s red clothing, red glasses frames, or red lipstick, give it a shot!
GRAY
I don’t know about you, but I LOVE gray hair with gray, charcoal or black clothing. I think it’s striking!
GREEN
Green can mean everything from cool emerald and teal to warmer olive and moss — so don’t write off the entire color family if one particular green doesn’t work for you.
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Would you like to see my own experiment with trying on different colors? I took a shopping expedition to my favorite local boutique and made this video all about choosing colors to complement your gray hair.
YELLOW
Yellow is a great example of why I don’t love rigid color rules. It’s often included on lists of colors women with gray hair should avoid – and yet look at these women!
If you love yellow, try it. You may find a shade that looks fantastic on you.
EXPERIMENTING WITH COLOR
What if you hate restrictions or rules and just want to wear whatever color suits your mood, whatever your undertone or hair color? Go for it!
I don’t believe in restricting yourself. Have fun and experiment!
Marci did a great color experiment using bandanas. These little bursts of color really complement her silver hair!
My friend, personal stylist Elysha Lenkin, whom I interviewed about staying stylish with gray hair, takes a two-pronged approach to color:
Elysha suggests that you consider the colors that harmonize with your skin, hair, and eyes.
But she also notes that you should pay attention to which colors energize you – in other words, which colors do you put on and simply feel great wearing?
I love Elysha’s approach because choosing colors isn’t just about following a formula or a rulebook. How you feel in a color matters, too.
HOW TO TEST COLORS WITH YOUR GRAY HAIR
If you’d like to conduct your own experiment, here’s an easy way to do it:
Stand in front of a mirror, and hold up different colored fabrics to your face (scarves, shirts, towels, bandanas – any fabric will do), and ask yourself these questions:
- Does my complexion look brighter or duller?
- Do my eyes stand out?
- Does this color emphasize redness, shadows, or unevenness in my skin?
- Does my gray hair look brighter?
- Do I notice my face first, or does the color overwhelm me?
- Does this color make me feel energized?
And, most importantly: Do I like the way I look in it?
That last question is the most important because if a color suits you beautifully, but you don’t like it, why wear it?
And if you try a color you used to love and suddenly think, Whoa, this isn’t doing me any favors anymore, don’t panic.
As Elysha pointed out in our interview, that’s useful information! Your coloring has changed, and you’re learning what works with it now.
Another tip from Elysha: Notice which colors get you compliments. If people repeatedly tell you how great you look whenever you wear a certain color, pay attention!
TRY THIS STYLIST TRICK: LOOK AT YOUR EYES
When it comes to picking flattering colors, Elysha suggests looking closely at your irises, as they can contain multiple colors.
She uses her own brown eyes as an example: up close, she sees yellow, green, and different shades of brown. She calls these your “core colors” and suggests experimenting with those colors in clothing.
I love this idea!
WHAT IF MY FAVORITE COLOR NO LONGER SUITS ME?
If your favorite sweater or blouse no longer looks great on you after you’ve gone gray, but you still want to wear it, Elysha has a great suggestion:
Wear a complementary scarf that DOES suit you to act as a visual barrier between your face and that shirt or sweater.
You can learn more in my interview with Elysha below:
BEFORE YOU BUY NEW CLOTHES, SHOP YOUR CLOSET
Once you’ve started identifying colors you like with your gray hair, don’t immediately go buy a new wardrobe.
Elysha recommends starting in your own closet: Pull out things you haven’t worn recently, particularly pieces in the colors you want to experiment with, and try creating outfits with what you already own.
And do the same thing with old favorites. A color you loved with your dyed hair may still work beautifully, or you may discover that it doesn’t feel quite right anymore.
Pay attention to what you’re actually excited to wear now, rather than assuming everything in your old wardrobe needs to come along with you.
After you’ve done this, then you can start to figure out which colors are actually missing from your wardrobe.
Related: How to Stop Hating Everything in Your Closet (Midlife Edition)
CONCLUSION
So, what colors look best with gray hair? The ones that look best on YOU!
Use your undertone as a starting point, experiment with the clothes you already own, and pay attention to the colors that make your complexion come alive and that make you feel great when you wear them.
Most importantly, don’t let anyone tell you that going gray means you have to wear (or avoid) certain colors. If you love a certain color and you feel fabulous in it, wear it!
If you are on Instagram, tag me @katiegoesplatinum and use the hashtag #kgpcolorpop so I can see your color experimentation!
Also, I’m planning to do more posts on this topic, so if you have any specific questions on color that you’d like me to address, please comment below. You can also follow my Pinterest board, Colors to Wear with Gray Hair.
Note: All of the Instagram and other photos on this site are used with permission. Please show your support to these awesome gray hair influencers by following them on social media. You’ll be inspired, I promise. ❤️
Please do me a favor and share this post to social media, as it helps me grow my audience and spread the word about our Silver Revolution! And remember to subscribe to my YouTube Channel and Pinterest Feed for more gray hair tips and product recommendations. Thanks!
Check out my Amazon Shop for all your gray hair needs!
Did you enjoy this post? If so, you might also like:
Lipstick Love Affair
How to Make Your Cold Turkey Gray Hair Transition Fun
To Hell with Going Gray Gracefully!
What Does It Mean to Be a Silver Sister?
With all due respect you are ignoring olive skin tones which don’t really go it jewel colors sometimes. Navy and black look great with olive and silver hair. Pastels do not. deep Olive color looks good, just my opinion. Thanks for the article.
Hi, Toni – there’s a whole section about warmer skin tones towards the end of the article. Hope that helps.
I started going white in my early 40s, to begin with I just had it dyed blonde but it became too strong for the dye to take so let it go naturally.
I get many compliments about my colour, but I find when having my photo taken outside my hair blends into the background leaving me looking practically bald. what can I do about that.
That’s a hard one, Jen! All I can think of is to just try to make sure you’re not standing against a white wall or white backdrop. Darker backgrounds will help your white hard stand out.
Katie,
This article is beyond fabulous!! You have always been my go to during my ditching the dye cold turkey process. You’ve outdone yourself now by doing a deep dive on the possibilities of what to do after the process is over. While I love the shading of my silvers, I love having options available if or when that changes. Thanks for all you do!
You’re welcome, Arlene! I love hearing this.
Katie:
I think you look terriffic, keep it up. I have just let mine go, believe me it gets whiter and whiter everyday, I am just letting it go. I think I take after my Mom, she didn’t even have to dye her hair and she went totally white, so here I am going white naturally, go figure. I never thought it would happen, I thought I would have to dye it white, but no it is naturally do it on its own. Katie, you are such an inspiring person, doing what you are doing, thank you for all your inspiring words and helping all these women to be natural. Actually, Katie it has been fun to watch my hair just go naturally as my mother’s color was. God Bless, keep up the inspiring words and encouragement to all women who are thinking changing their hair color to white. God Bless always Katie.
Carol Duffert
Thanks, Carol! xoxo
I’ve been naturally gray for about 7 year’s after my granddaughter ask me why I dyed my hair. So I told her that you always want to keep yourself looking younger and her response was you just look stupid because everyone knows that’s not your natural color anymore. Out of the mouths of babies so I have embraced my gray hair to the fullest I wear whatever color suits me for the day and I don’t give a hoot what anyone else thinks I do it for me . I I own it. There’s a lot of perks having gray hair just go with it and enjoy yourself. JC
So true, Julie!
Great advice and I couldn’t agree more. I have always been a fan of bold colors, no matter what color my hair has been, be it brown, blue, purple, or red. Going gray was just another color for me, so I didn’t really feel the need to change my color palette. I have heard so many women who have gone gray become worried of what colors they should use on their eyes and lips, and what shades they should use on their cheeks. I always say have fun. Play up the outfit you’re wearing, make your eyes stand out, and no matter what anyone says, every woman looks great in red lipstick. All you have to do is find the right shade.
I agree 100%
You are an inspiration for many of us coming to terms with who we are as we age. I am in my 6th month since deciding to stop coloring my hair. It was weird at first to see lighter hair on my head as I have always had dark hair, the only one of six siblings who were all blonde. My hair turned auburn when I hit puberty, and people who have only known me as an adult call me a redhead or ginger. I am discovering that I feel more authentic since embracing greeting hair. The most difficult part is my hairdresser who added highlights more than the grey that is coming in and she keeps changing the color of toner on my hair. I never know what color my previously colored hair is going to be from salon visit and shampoo to the next! Surprisingly I am being more of a trooper than I thought I could be. I have discovered that the purple shampoo and conditioner my hairdresser recommended (Clairol shimmer lights) is too harsh for my dry skin and hair, so I have stopped using it for now and will only use when I get a buildup of product and need a clarifying shampoo. Thank you for helping those of us trying to embrace our ourselves as God and life have made us.
Pls add me to your list
Ty!
Back in the early 80s as a teenager, my aunt declared I was a Winter. And basically what that meant was any color that really looks good against black, which made shopping so easy. I ditched the pastels and got to wear vibrant pinks and purples, though I thought Day-Glo was ridiculous. Even now, at 51, I still use that little trick, though I find black is still my go-to. Then I just pop on a brighter lipstick instead of my pinky-nude that I wear to my low-key job. I saw someone comment about how Mother Nature knows best, and she’s right. Not only were you born with the coloring you were supposed to have, but she also gifted you with an eye for the colors that work for you. When I learned that little tidbit, I realized I drift to certain colors, whether make up or clothing, often. I don’t own anything yellow outside of a Lakers shirt, and it isn’t a good color for me anyway. My make-up colors are all a variation on a certain color or range of shades. Trust yourself!
Great info! Thanks!
You’re welcome! Glad you liked it.
I was a warm autumn with red hair and green eyes forever. Colors were easy. Now my skin is still warm but has faded some. My white hair is a vanilla color and I no longer use the blue/purple shampoos everyone seemed to recommend because I’ve decided nature really does know best: a warm vanilla white is much better on me than a silver white! In clothing black is more of a no-go now than it was when I had red hair. Many greens don’t work as well as they once did but surprisingly some khaki and deep warm beiges are fine – they make my hair seem almost blonde. The rest is a work in progress and I’m finding experimentation (a la bandanas) working better than hard and fast rules.
I am on the verge of going gray, silver or whatever it will be. I am a Spring – pale peach skin that is more washed out now, green eyes, dyed copper blonde red that I do myself using salon formula. I am SICK of dyeing it. Top roots are silver, lower down seems more mousey brown gray. I just grew it to shoulder length from a pixie (18m mo) so not excited to pixie it again. My biggest fear is my hair is very thin and will it look worse silver or gray showing my pink scalp and looking even thinner, flater. Seems like everyone here has thick and/or dark hair. My hair is wavy, silky fine, thinner after menopause. I wish I could find someone who has similar hair and coloring to advise me!! I am 72 but look 55 (good genes).n Help!!
Dear Patti Buy Great Hair Day at QVC, it will change your life. It is a powder you just brush on your hair where it parts. You will have fuller looking hair and your hair will be healthy looking when you ditch the color. Give it a try Mona
Fab article. Nobody’s got time to read complex colour theory. Don’t over think it. I just hold different pieces of clothing up to my face and hair – its immediate what looks good and what doesn’t.
Right! So easy :-). Thanks!
I’m inspired! The bandana experiment from Marci makes me want to try it.. and your video is great.. I am no fan of clothes shopping.. and never was even close to a fashion diva.. and black was definitely my main ‘mom color’.. because it goes with everything.. especially more black.. and is less likely to show kid spots!
I’ve been working on a capsule wardrobe of sorts. and it’s mostly black.. with some denim, white, tan (bottoms only) and purple.. with one teal top. I think I want more variety.. but it bends my brain.. you make it look more fun. Thanks!
Thanks, Stephanie! I like the idea of a capsule wardrobe. I’ve been trying to work on that a bit myself.
I was having trouble knowing what color to wear and found a sight that helped me dress according to my energy profile. It’s called Dressing your truth by Carol Tuttle. Check it out. There are for energy types. I’m a type four and I can wear black and pure white and they look amazing on me. I can also wear all the colors in saturated jewel tones. I feel and look fabulous with my silver hair. I love shopping I know exactly what colors to look for and don’t waste time looking at everything. I can shop retail or thrift and not waste time or money on clothing that will not be worn because I’m not in love with them. Good luck, Your friend ………Linda
Really interesting! Thanks, Linda!
Today’s seasonal color theory is more nuanced than it was when Carole Jackson introduced it in 1980. Depending on the system, there might be 4-6 different subtypes for each season. Here’s an example:
https://www.kettlewellcolours.co.uk/us/find-your-colours/the-quiz-intro-page
Hi Katie
Thanks for this information…I am a warm autumn and now I’m lost!
I think my skin is the same, but I have salt and pepper on my head.
I just dont know what to buy, I am making up a new capsule wardrobe as I don’t think brown/ beige/ orange suits me anymore?
Thank you x
Carol Jackson, the author of “Color Me Beautiful” back in the 1980s, has revised her advice on going gray for autumns.
https://carolejacksoncolors.com/shopping-with-your-colors-autumn/
Hi, Jackie: I got a lot of helpful information recently from women in my silver sisters support groups. I’ll update the post soon -just keep checking back! I should have it up in the next week or so.
Confidence, good posture and a smile will make your gray hair sparkle no matter what colors you wear!
As a silver sister with a warm undertone and green eyes autumn colors are my favorites. While I wear a wide range black, stark white and gray can wash me out. My hair is more of a “vanilla” color than a silvery gray which can cause it to “yellow “ next to silver.
Interesting! That’s why I think hard and fast rules about color don’t work – we all have to see what works for our particular shade of hair and skin color. Those colors sound fabulous with your “vanilla” hair!
Monique Parent had some good tips I’ve been using to experiment with colored frames! I have black, red, and turquoise so far and it REALLY helps add color to my washed out face and light eyes. A hurdle I’m going thru now is the natural progression of losing thickness and color in my eyebrows! I’m coloring them in but not super confident yet, as I am trying not to look “overdone” for a 64 year old!
Have you tried Benefit Gimme Brow? I love it! It is light, so doesn’t look fake.
Estou feliz com seu blog…gostei de tudo…bom encontrar mulheres assim com você…Adorei as cores em cabelos grisalhos…os meus são grisalhos…vou usar as dicas…obrigada, beijos
Thank you! I’m so glad you are enjoying it!
Thank you for this Katie! It’s very helpful. I’m transitioning from warm autumn to white. I have to call it white as that’s what my hairdresser tells me it is! And it’s a warm white at the moment which is just as well as the rest of my hair still has warmth in it. Nature getting it right again! I have medium/dark brown eyes and a skin with warm undertones (except it seems to be getting pinker so I need to check again). So all the websites have me as soft in colouring but my friends and I all prefer me in bright colours and I’ve been tearing my hair out trying to understand why. I can’t wear black as I’m too warm coloured. You winter ladies do transition so well and keep black as a good colour, lucky you! But with the help of your article I can now be much more sure of my colour choices. Thanks again.
Hi, Judi – I’m so glad! I really think testing out various colors and trusting your instincts is the way to go!
Katie,
Great article about color! However, I am wondering if you have ever done a “picture dictionary” of each color of hair and eyes in natural and gray/silver/white? I am warm colored with brown/green eyes and worry my new natural won’t be as pretty as the beautiful cool-skinned people with their gorgeous white hair, for instance. Almost all the pictures you have are blue-eyed people, so I wonder if they gray nicer!
Great question! I don’t have that yet, but I love that idea – I’ll look into creating one. I personally think that your gray hair (whatever color it turns out to be) will flatter your natural skin tone in the long run. Mother Nature knows what she’s doing!
Judi,
WE have a similar problem/ conflict. I spent time trying to “brighten” my hair with silver shampoos which do brighten but still leave it a warm vanilla color rather than silver. When I’m out at night most people think I’m blond because of the lighting. I love warm colors; coral, teal; Marsala, creamy white, yellow, avocado to name a few….
I really like my natural color going grey best desition ever.
Great post! The experiment with bandanas is a very useful one to add some colour to a neutral outfit.
You suggest to avoid autumn colours if you are already grey, I was wondering what would you suggest while one is transitioning. I had black hair and light beige skin and I could wear bright colours because they suited me. Now only my eyes and eyebrows are still black, unfortunately bright colours do not suit me anymore :(. Any further advice?
Thanks a lot in advance.
Hi, Alex: You don’t have to avoid autumn colors, so if they suit you – go for it! I think the main thing to do is to just keep experimenting with clothing and lipstick colors. Have you tried black or gray outfits, too? Or navy blue? Those all seem to be colors that look great with gray hair. I think the main thing is just to keep experimenting. xoxox
Great post Katie! Very informative and I love your writing style too.
All the pictures are lovely examples too!
Thanks, Joie! xoxo
This was great Katie??? I agree you have to experiment,cause we all have different preferences and skintones. We all just have to be open to trying new things. Going gray has definitely help me go out of my comfort zone even more with color.
Thanks, Nina! I agree – it’s so easy to get into a bit of a rut and it’s kind of nice to be forced out of it. My comfort zone is what a comedian called “the bruise palette” – blacks & blues. Trying to add some color in now and it’s kinda fun!
So glad I found you Katie! I’ve only just begun my transition, don’t even have any pictures yet cause I just cannot capture any good patterns of silver/gray/white strands but will hopefully see some good “natural highlights” soon! Thank you for all you do! It keeps me and I’m sure many others going on our journeys!
Thanks, Susan! I bet your highlights will show up soon – mine really came through by about month 3! I’m glad to be of help. That’s why I started doing this – it’s so rare to get positive messages about gray hair online, but I think it’s finally changing!
I would like to thank you for sharing your experience with us. I’ve been colouring my hair for 20 years now, but for some reason my hair started falling off after each treatment. At first I thought it was because of stress, then as a reaction to covid, hormones, but now I think it’s definitely the chemicals in hair dye. I’m in my late 30s and, to be honest, I had so many doubts about letting my greys show but thanks to you and some other wonderful ladies who also shared their stories I actually feel encouraged to go through with it!
That’s wonderful! And I have to tell you that my hair loss stopped once I stopped dyeing. What a relief!