Jamie Lee Curtis | Source: Getty Images

Top 7 Colors That Look Best with Gray Hair – Red Is Only #4

Aug 14, 2025

07:04 A.M.

Continue reading for a visual guide to the most flattering colors for gray hair — featuring bold hues, refined tones, and the celebrities who wear them best.

Going gray can feel like a turning point, but it doesn't have to signal the end of personal style. This guide breaks down exactly which shades elevate the look — and how to wear them — with inspiration from women who are doing it best.

A woman with gray hair | Source: Pexels

7 – Yellow

Yellow lands at number seven, but it's anything but an afterthought. Bold, bright, and warm, yellow provides a striking contrast to gray hair, amplifying the silver tones and giving the whole look a radiant, energized feel.

Ali MacGraw working as a volunteer at the annual International Folk Art Market in Santa Fe, New Mexico, in 2014. | Source: Getty Images

Whether it's a golden mustard or a lemony hue, yellow lifts the complexion and draws the eye. On gray-haired women, it reads confident and optimistic — a color choice that feels alive and unapologetically joyful.

Jamie Lee Curtis at CinemaCon 2025 on April 3 in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images

Emma Thompson at the "Good Luck To You, Leo Grande" premiere during the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival on June 15 in New York. | Source: Getty Images

One standout example is Kimberly Jean, whose vibrant styling and signature silver waves offer the perfect showcase for this bold hue.

Kimberly Jean from a post dated April 19, 2023. | Source: Instagram/kimberlyjeanl

Similarly, Debbie, who goes by lovinggrayoverfifty and is known for her warm, natural aesthetic, demonstrates how soft yellow tones can enhance gray hair with an effortlessly fresh and grounded vibe.

Debbie the Grey Hair Influencer from a post dated October 21, 2024. | Source: Instagram/lovinggrayoverfifty

Jamie Lee Curtis onstage at the 78th Annual Golden Globe Awards on February 28, 2021, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

Helen Mirren and Taylor Hackford at the "Annette" screening and opening ceremony during the 74th annual Cannes Film Festival on July 6, 2021, in France. | Source: Getty Images

Helen Mirren at a screening of "The Duke" hosted by Sony Pictures Classics & The Cinema Society on April 5, 2022, in New York. | Source: Getty Images

6 – Green

Green brings a grounded sophistication to gray hair, offering a look that's both elegant and revitalizing. From deep emeralds to soft minty shades, green balances the cool tones of silver strands while adding richness and dimension.

Helen Mirren at the premiere of "Catherine the Great" at the Hammer Museum on October 17, 2019, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

The contrast feels earthy yet refined, offering a visual harmony that flatters without overpowering. Paired with gray hair, green doesn't just blend — it enhances, making every hue from forest to jade feel fresh and unexpectedly luxe.

Andie MacDowell at the closing ceremony red carpet for the 75th annual Cannes Film Festival on May 28, 2022, in France. | Source: Getty Images

Kimberly Jean from a post dated February 3, 2025. | Source: Instagram/kimberlyjeanl

Jalonda Hill, with her high-volume silver crop and jewel-toned ensemble, shows how vivid green can highlight gray hair's natural drama while still looking polished and powerful.

Jalonda Hill from a post dated November 24, 2024. | Source: Instagram/xojalonda

Meanwhile, Grece Ghanem channels effortless glamour in olive green, proving that even the softest shades of the spectrum can look modern and runway-ready when paired with luminous silver strands.

Grece Ghanem from a post dated January 12, 2025. | Source: Instagram/greceghanem

Lynn Shabinsky offers a dramatic take with a sweeping dark green floral dress, allowing the color's depth to highlight her silvery mane.

Lynn Shabinsky from a post dated February 11, 2025. | Source: Instagram/whitehairwisdom

For a brighter, playful vibe, content creator Silver Strands of Glitter pairs a crisp green collar with a bold pink lip, showing how contrast and color-blocking can make gray hair pop with personality.

Content creator Silver Strands of Glitter from a post dated August 29, 2022. | Source: Instagram/silverstrandsofglitter

Helen Mirren seen at the Martinez hotel ahead of the 76th Cannes Film Festival on May 15, 2023, in France. | Source: Getty Images

Emma Thompson at the "Last Christmas" premiere at AMC Lincoln Square Theater on October 29, 2019, in New York. | Source: Getty Images

5 – Gray

Wearing gray with gray hair might seem like a risky move — but done right, it's a masterclass in tonal dressing. Rather than washing out the wearer, the right shade of gray can create a polished, monochromatic effect that feels modern and elevated.

Kimberly Jean from a post dated September 26, 2023. | Source: Instagram/kimberlyjeanl

rom shimmering metallics to soft heather knits to crisp plaid tailoring, gray-on-gray lets silver strands take center stage while maintaining an understated elegance.

Andie MacDowell walking the runway during "Le Défilé L'Oréal Paris – Walk Your Worth" Womenswear Spring-Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on September 23, 2024, in France. | Source: Getty Images

The key is texture and contrast. Whether it's pairing a matte gray coat with glossy waves or layering silver sparkle over steel tones, the look delivers quiet power with a refined edge.

Andie MacDowell at the 2023 L'Oréal Paris Women of Worth event on November 16 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Helen Mirren at the screening of "Mother And Son (Un Petit Frere)" during the 75th annual Cannes Film Festival on May 27, 2022, in France. | Source: Getty Images

Sandrine, who goes by grey_so_what, shows how a tailored vest in a cool gray hue can enhance the softness of her silver bob while keeping the overall look clean and structured.

Content creator Sandrine from a post dated November 16, 2024. | Source: Instagram/grey_so_what

Meanwhile, growinggray_ leans into casual minimalism with a light-gray sweatshirt that effortlessly mirrors her icy waves — a perfect example of how simplicity and confidence go hand in hand.

Content creator Growing Gray Gal from a post dated June 25, 2024. | Source: Instagram/growinggray_

Helen Mirren seen on March 16, 2023, in New York. | Source: Getty Images

Helen Mirren walking the runway during "Le Défilé L'Oréal Paris - Walk Your Worth" show as part of Paris Fashion Week at the Eiffel Tower on October 1, 2023, in France. | Source: Getty Images

4 – Red

Red earns its place high on the list for a reason — it's timeless, bold, and dramatically flattering against gray hair. The sharp contrast between cool-toned silver and the warmth of red creates a high-impact look that commands attention without trying too hard.

Sally Field at the premiere screening of "80 For Brady" on January 31, 2023, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

From deep burgundy to cherry and scarlet, red adds vibrance and intensity, making the hair's natural highlights sparkle. It's the color of confidence, and when paired with gray hair, it radiates authority, elegance, and unapologetic style.

Jamie Lee Curtis at the "Freakier Friday" premiere at El Capitan Theatre on July 22, 2025, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Helen Mirren at the Cartier VIP Private View event on April 9, 2025, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Paulina Porizkova embodies this perfectly, with her luminous waves and classic red dress capturing a refined but fierce energy.

Paulina Porizkova from a post dated April 7, 2025. | Source: Instagram/paulinaporizkov

Debbie, who goes by Stages of Grey, proves how a simple red turtleneck can deliver maximum visual impact — especially when paired with her signature long, cool-gray strands.

Content creator Debbie, Stages of Grey, from a post dated March 8, 2023. | Source: Instagram/stagesofgrey

Grece Ghanem from a post dated February 14, 2025. | Source: Instagram/greceghanem

Kimberly Jean from a post dated September 5, 2023. | Source: Instagram/kimberlyjeanl

Meanwhile, content creator sarahgrayandtall brings a youthful, playful charm to the mix with soft curls and a bold smile, all made brighter by a vibrant red top and matching lip.

Content creator Sarah Gray and Tall from a post dated January 7, 2025. | Source: Instagram/sarahgrayandtall

3 – Blue

Blue and gray hair are a natural match — cool, crisp, and effortlessly chic. Whether it's a powder blue blazer, a sapphire gown, or a soft chambray set, blue mirrors the cool undertones in silver strands and enhances their clarity.

Lynn Shabinsky from a post dated October 25, 2024. | Source: Instagram/whitehairwisdom

Lighter shades offer a fresh, breezy aesthetic that softens the overall look, while deeper tones like navy or royal blue introduce a rich, regal quality.

Kimberly Jean from a post dated May 26, 2023. | Source: Instagram/kimberlyjeanl

It's a versatile color that works across styles and occasions, giving gray hair a graceful, composed backdrop with a touch of elegance.

Andie MacDowell at the after show of "Le Defile Walk Your Worth" by L'Oréal Paris Womenswear Spring/Summer 2023 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on October 2, 2022, in France. | Source: Getty Images

Helen Mirren at the screening of "Girls Of The Sun (Les Filles Du Soleil)" during the 71st annual Cannes Film Festival on May 12, 2018, in France. | Source: Getty Images

Helen Mirren at the Hotel Martinez during day eight of the 78th Cannes Film Festival on May 20, 2025, in France. | Source: Getty Images

Jamie Lee Curtis at the Children's Hospital Los Angeles Gala 2024 on October 5 in California. | Source: Getty Images

Jamie Lee Curtis at the Women's Guild Cedars-Sinai Disco Ball honoring her on November 30, 2022, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

Jamie Lee Curtis at the 78th Venice International Film Festival on September 8, 2021, in Italy. | Source: Getty Images

2 – Purple

Purple and gray hair are a striking combination — rich, regal, and full of character. From deep violets to soft lilacs, purple draws out the cool, silvery tones in gray hair while adding a sense of sophistication and drama.

Andie MacDowell at the closing ceremony at the 77th annual Cannes Film Festival on May 24, 2024, in France. | Source: Getty Images

Lighter hues like lavender create a soft, romantic effect that brightens the face and adds a playful touch, while darker shades bring depth and intensity, amplifying the elegance of silver strands.

Helen Mirren at the Hôtel Martinez during the 77th Cannes Film Festival on May 24, 2024, in France. | Source: Getty Images

Whether worn in structured tailoring, flowing gowns, or cozy textured layers, purple offers a bold yet graceful canvas that celebrates the confidence and individuality of gray-haired style.

Helen Mirren at the 81st annual Golden Globe Awards on January 7, 2024, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

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Emma Thompson at the "What's Love Got To Do With It?" premiere at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on February 13, 2023, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Emma Thompson at the "Last Christmas" premiere on November 11, 2019, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Kimberly Jean from a post dated April 5, 2023. | Source: Instagram/kimberlyjeanl

1 – Pink

Pink and gray hair make for a daring yet delightful pairing. The vibrancy of pink — from soft blush to bold fuchsia — plays beautifully against silver strands, lending warmth and energy to a cooler palette.

Helen Mirren at the Ora! Film Festival on June 3, 2023, in Monopoli, Italy. | Source: Getty Images

Andie MacDowell at the L'Oréal - Lights on Women Award at the 76th annual Cannes Film Festival on May 26, 2023, in France. | Source: Getty Images

Pale pinks evoke softness and romance, while hotter tones bring drama and flair. This contrast enhances the natural glow of gray hair, making pink a bold but flattering choice.

Helen Mirren at the 91st Annual Academy Awards on February 24, 2019, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Helen Mirren at the "Shazam! Fury of the Gods" special screening at Cineworld Leicester Square on March 7, 2023, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Whether casual or couture, pink infuses the look with confidence, femininity, and a touch of joyful rebellion.

Grece Ghanem from a post dated August 11, 2025. | Source: Instagram/greceghanem

Lynn Shabinsky from a post dated May 11, 2025. | Source: Instagram/whitehairwisdom

Debbie the Grey Hair Influencer from a post dated December 30, 2024. | Source: Instagram/lovinggrayoverfifty

Jamie Lee Curtis at the "Good Morning America" show on July 28, 2025, in New York. | Source: Getty Images

Helen Mirren at the "Golda" photocall during the 73rd Berlinale International Film Festival Berlin on February 20, 2023, in Germany. | Source: Getty Images

Emma Thompson at the Giorgio Armani Privé Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2023/2024 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on July 4, 2023, in France. | Source: Getty Images

Paulina Porizkova from a post dated February 22, 2024. | Source: Instagram/paulinaporizkov

Gray hair doesn't limit your palette — it refines it. Whether you lean into cool blues, rich purples, or bold pinks, the key is clarity, contrast, and confidence. Let your wardrobe work with your silver, not against it.