Read on for a roundup of easy-to-wear short stylish gray hairstyles that also respect the hair density of older women:
16 Short Gray Hair Looks We Love
It’s time to embrace your gray strands and show off your color proudly! Check out the looks below to get inspiration for your next style.
1. Layered Crop
Gray short hair that’s been styled with longer layers at the bottom has the tendency to flip out—and that’s okay! It actually makes for a pretty cute look, especially when done with a bit of texture throughout. Just make sure frizz and unwanted flyaways are kept at bay by prepping hair with a serum, like with the weightless formula of TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Serum, before blow-drying.
2. Soft Side Bangs
Add some cute angles and layers around your face with some side bangs. This is a good trick to immediately add a youthful look to your cut.
3. Curly and Rounded
Short haircuts for gray hair that are curly in texture can easily be styled in a modern, rounded shape. Fun and lighthearted, these looks have relatively low-key upkeep that consists of a detangler and a curl-defining gel scrunched throughout.
4. Tight Pixie
Sleek, nape-hugging short gray hair akin to a pixie cut can be a refreshing change. This is a particularly flattering length for women experiencing thinning hair or some hair loss, as it cuts hair at its fullest or densest length, minimizing a sparse look. Depending on your hair’s texture, you may either ask for short layers at the sides or leave it long and tuckable behind your ears. Either way, a good non-sticky paste, such as Nexxus Styling Mousse Plus, helps prevent flyaways while imparting some movement and polish to your short hair.
5. Gelled Pixie
Another style you can create with a pixie cut is a textured, somewhat “spiky” style. This look creates instant volume and brings an edge to your hairstyle.
6. Blunt Bob
So chic! A blunt bob, or a bob that cuts straight across with minimal to no layers at the ends, is a great option for short gray hair suffering from dry, brittle, porous-feeling ends. Not only is this a feminine, super-swingy look, it also works around hair’s natural aging appearance by mimicking fullness at the tips.
7. Air-Dry Style
On days when you simply don’t have the time or you need to give your hair a break from styling, why not go for an air-dried look? Let your natural hair type have a chance to shine and rest from all the heat and product overload.
8. Lob with Bangs
Have healthy strands that just need a bit of an upgrade? Try some bangs. A fringe automatically makes short haircuts for gray hair more youthful. A semi-see-through version, as above, is one of this year’s strongest bang trends. Paired with a collarbone-length lob, you’ll be fashionable and on-trend while keeping an easy-to-manage length. Remember to keep your bangs from getting greasy with the help of dry shampoo as needed. We love the scent and lift we get from Dove Refresh+Care Volume & Fullness Dry Shampoo.
9. Cropped TWA
Older women with natural or kinky hair textures can also show off their stunning gray strands with a baby afro. Crisp and chic, TWAs, or Teeny Weeny Afros, are one of the most confident short hairstyles for gray hair, as it puts your hair color front and center with minimal styling. Curly and natural hair typically has a drier texture, so keep locks optimally moisturized with a hard-leave-in conditioner, like Dove Amplified Textures Moisture Lock Leave-In Conditioner.
10. Softly Stacked
One of the most popular looks for women with short gray hair, this feminine, wildly flattering haircut is a classic for a reason. A bit narrower and more stacked than a regular pixie, it features subtle layers at mid-length that may or may not be tucked behind the ears, giving it tons of versatility. Women with straight to wavy hair textures wear this boy cut the best, all it takes to keep it on-point is a non-greasy hair oil to reduce frizz without weighing hair down, like Nexxus Clean & Pure Nourishing Detox 5-in-1 Invisible Hair Oil.
11. Short Side Swept Bangs
If you happen to wear glasses daily (or even from time-to-time), this short side-swept bangs style is for you. It gives you the opportunity to either fully hide your forehead or show it off when styling the back of your hair differently. Use a styling oil like Suave Moroccan Infusion Styling Oil to lock in moisture.
12. Choppy Lob
A cross between a lob and a shag, the layered choppy lob exudes attitude. To get that mussed, fresh out of bed style, use Suave Dry Texture Finishing Spray to create that piecey texture.
13. Tuck It In
No matter if it’s the weather or your daily mood that causes you to want to tuck in your gray hair with a hat, we encourage it! Play it up with some fun colors, styles, and hat textures. Use a light product like The Good Stuff Color Protect Milk to keep your hair moisturized under your hat.
14. Parted Waves
Sometimes, even small details like a parting on the side can instantly switch up your look. You can even switch up your part from the right or left for a quick change. Create the style with Suave Air Dry Cream Heat Free Styler to keep frizz away.
15. Laid Back and Carefree
Sometimes the best thing to do to your hair is practically nothing. Add a little leave-in conditioner like TRESemmé Moisture Rich Nourishing Detangling Spray and let your hair do its thing!
16. Blended Gray Hair
People can start going gray at a young age; it doesn’t always happen just when you’re older. If that’s the case, you shouldn’t feel like you need to cover it up. There’s no reason why gray hair should mean an absence of style. Whether you decide to sport soft waves or a choppy bob, you’ll be able to show off your gray hair in style.