22 Women Who Prove It’s Chic to Let Your Hair Go Grey Naturally

June 24, 2021 at 08:00AM

If you have spent the best part of your life worrying about the inevitable arrival of grey hairs, you’re not alone. In fact, since 2018, Pinterest searches for “going grey” have increased by 879%, and we totally get it. After all, going grey requires a whole bunch of hair decisions to be made. While full-colour transformations and highlights prove popular options for those going grey, the maintenance and upkeep can be very expensive.

ADVERTISEMENT

On top of the financial aspect of covering grey hairs comes the pressure to keep them hidden. For many years, there has been an element of shame that comes alongside going grey, so much so that grey hair is cited as the number one hair concern for women in the UK. At the moment, with salons still closed for the time being, it seems people far and wide are at a total loss with what to do with their grey roots. While covering them up and at-home dyes are options, we think there’s something rather chic about embracing your natural hair colour in all of its glory, no?

That’s right—a wave of grey acceptance is coming over the beauty industry, and we couldn’t be happier. Thanks to shampoos and conditioners that work to keep grey hair looking fresh (Redken’s Color Extend Graydiant, £15, can’t be beaten) and blow-dry foams that work to temporarily disguise grey hairs while you transition from brunette to silver (John Frieda’s Defy Grey Blow Dry Foam, £7, is a must-have for brunettes looking to go grey naturally), going grey has never been easier. Plus, grey hair has never looked chicer. Don’t believe us? To prove it, below are 22 women whose naturally grey hair looks so great that you’ll be praying for silver strands.

We couldn’t be more in love with Tennille’s natural hair colour and texture.

While she might be better known for her warm blonde hair, Gwyneth has recently been sporting a grombé style, whereby her natural roots gradually blend with her bleached lengths. 

Sarah’s long, grey strands are considered one of the most iconic grey hairstyles in the business. In fact, whenever we stress about going grey, we just channel Sarah. 

Grece’s side-parted silver bob is grey-hair goals. We love how chic it looks with gold earrings and statement sunglasses.

Ty is known for championing natural greys, and we don’t think we could love this slicked-back topknot any more than we already do.

The pixie cut is having a serious moment, but Iris has been championing this cropped, grey style for years.

ADVERTISEMENT



Tracey’s long-pixie style makes for one of the most low-maintenance hairstyles going, and we love the way her brunette colour still shines through underneath. 

A voluminous grey bob with curled-under layers like Cicely’s is a timeless classic.

A huge number of people find that grey hairs start sprouting in localised areas first, typically around the face. Stacy provides all of the inspiration you need to embrace the blaze. 

Paired with a bright-red lipstick, Linda’s sleek, straight bob is absolutely timeless. 

Whoopi’s dreadlocks make for one of the most iconic hairstyles in Hollywood, and we love the way that her natural, grey roots are starting to come through. 

If your hair is on the finer side of things, take style notes from Jan’s chic fringed bob. 

Give your grey pixie cut a modern update by keeping things poker straight, just like Lisa Lu.

Grey updos can look impossibly chic—especially low, centre-parted ponytails like this one that Linda is sporting. 

She may have posted this to Instagram with the “grandma” emoji, but we still think Lily’s salt ‘n’ pepper grey-and-black combo here is great.

Could Diane’s midi-length ’do look any cooler? Opting for icy tones with the help of purple shampoos injects some modernity into grey styles. 

Carmen might be 88 years old, but her white bob is serving all of the 2020 grey-hair inspiration we need. 

Tracy is starting to incorporate her grey strands, making for the coolest two-toned style. 

Revered presenter, journalist, and activist Caryn has rocked a grey streak as her signature look for decades now. 

Coolest of the cool, Tracee occasionally lets her lovely silver strands show through, and they’re particularly striking pulled into a tight topknot.

Legendary Brit model Erin has been wearing the hell outta this side-swept grey-streaked ‘do for a little while now—it just seems to work with every outfit.

The very epitome of sophistication, fashion insider Ruth’s soft, illuminated grey hair always looks lovely.

Okay, he’s not a woman, but no one can deny that Tan’s incredible grey colour and voluminous cut are fantastic.

Next up, How to Cut Your Own Hair at Home

This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.

Author Shannon Lawlor | Whowhatwear
Selected by CWC