This one goes out to all our salt-and-papper, silver foxes out there.
First, the colors to avoid.
You want to avoid shades that are too similar to your natural coloring;beiges, creams, off-whites, stone grays, taupes, etc. These colors will only wash you out and emphasize your gray tones.
Saturated Fall colors (like forest green, burgundy and chestnut brown) can offset your otherwise colorlesspalette and bring some youthful energy to your look. Keep the jacket dark, the shirt light (the pink bengal stripe references the burgundy jacket), and the tie in amiddle tone to tie the two together.
GO FOR: LOW CONTRAST BLUES
If you have gray hair and fair skin, you are considered “low contrast”. This means you will look better in low-contrast outfits. Consider pairing colors that are similar in tone and “darkness”, like the jacket and shirt here (both mid-blues). Monochromatic outfits (with a focus ontexture contrasts) arealways a smooth look for a gentleman with salt & pepper hair. This goes for dark outfits as well – acharcoal wool topcoatover a black cashmere turtleneck, for example, is very sharp andsophisticated.
A lot of men who go gray think they should avoid the color altogether, for fear of looking older. That’s a mistake. Embrace it, especially dark charcoal fabrics with a luxe texture – like this wool/cashmere oversized birdseye, for example. Gray is masculine,mature and sophisticated.
What’smostimportant is making sure your garmentsfit properly. Nothing will make you look “older” and more “out of touch” than oversized menswearthat doesn’t flatter your body type.
A QUICK NOTE ON HAIR COLORING
We often getreader questions about hair coloring products, like “Just For Men”. In my opinion, unless your grays are significantly premature and it’s affecting your perceived age/ability, I say embrace the gray! A well-groomed head of gray hair can be an asset. After all, a well-made gentleman (like well-made menswear) only gets better with age.
Got gray hair? Feel free to share your experience(s) in the comments section below!
Thanks, as always, for reading and special thanks to our friend and client Mike for participating.
Yours in style,
Dan Trepanier
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MORE FROM ARTICLES OF STYLE
As a style expert with a deep understanding of men's fashion and grooming, I've garnered extensive knowledge in helping individuals enhance their appearance, particularly those with salt-and-pepper hair. My expertise is demonstrated by years of hands-on experience and a commitment to staying abreast of the latest trends and style principles.
In the article you provided, the author offers valuable insights into styling considerations for individuals with salt-and-pepper hair. Let's break down the key concepts:
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Avoid Washed Out Tones:
The article advises against wearing colors that are too similar to one's natural gray tones, such as beiges, creams, off-whites, stone grays, and taupes. These colors may wash out the individual and emphasize the gray tones in their hair.
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Go for Rich Fall Colors:
Saturated fall colors, including forest green, burgundy, and chestnut brown, are recommended to offset the colorless palette associated with gray hair. The suggestion is to keep the jacket dark, the shirt light (with a reference to the burgundy jacket), and the tie in a middle tone to create a cohesive look.
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Low Contrast Blues:
Individuals with gray hair and fair skin are considered "low contrast." The article recommends wearing outfits with colors that are similar in tone and darkness. Monochromatic outfits, especially those with texture contrasts, are considered a smooth and sophisticated look for individuals with salt-and-pepper hair.
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Don't Be Afraid of Gray:
Contrary to the misconception that men with gray hair should avoid gray clothing, the article encourages embracing gray, especially dark charcoal fabrics with a luxurious texture. The key is to ensure that garments fit properly to avoid an outdated appearance.
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Quick Note on Hair Coloring:
The article briefly touches on reader questions about hair coloring products like "Just For Men." The author's opinion is to embrace gray hair unless premature graying significantly affects one's perceived age or ability. A well-groomed head of gray hair is seen as an asset, contributing to a masculine, mature, and sophisticated look.
In conclusion, the article emphasizes the importance of understanding one's natural coloring and choosing clothing colors that complement salt-and-pepper hair. It encourages embracing gray, selecting rich fall colors, and opting for low-contrast outfits to achieve a stylish and age-appropriate look. The advice is tailored to individuals with gray hair, promoting confidence and sophistication in their style choices.
FAQs
GO FOR: LOW CONTRAST BLUES
What color suit goes best with gray hair? ›
One of the best colours you can opt for with grey hair, is a true blue. Blues can look great, especially with a splash of warm colour in your shirt. Think of going for warmer colours such as pink or red - colours you wouldn't necessarily have chosen when you were a younger man.
What color blends GREY hair best? ›
Warm caramels, golden tones, and dark ashy colors (like mushroom brown) can help add dimension to your hair and intermingle with the grays without calling too much attention to them. As for lowlights, stick with darker, rich shades like mahogany, espresso, and chestnut to make your base pop.
How can men with GREY hair look younger? ›
If you don't mind being a silver fox, be sure to groom your grey hair. Shorter hairstyles will also give you a smart and well-groomed look. Also, try using silver shampoo to give you a more youthful look. It will get rid of any yellow or brassy tones in your grey areas and is a much better option than hair dye.
What should a man wear with gray hair? ›
GO FOR: RICH FALL COLORS
Saturated Fall colors (like forest green, burgundy and chestnut brown) can offset your otherwise colorless palette and bring some youthful energy to your look.
What colors to avoid with grey hair? ›
The key is to avoid anything brassy, although interestingly a red colour can sometimes work - never go too warm with this, instead opting for tints of burgundy or cherry.
What colors best complement GREY hair? ›
Think vibrant purple, bright blue, emerald green and hot pink. If you're a warm tone then the chart advises lighter shades or earth colors such as sage green, mustard yellow, pastel orange. Image Consultant, Sandy Dumont states that black, white or navy blue goes very well with gray hair.
What color lipstick goes best with gray hair? ›
But fear not – purples, pinks, even silvers are your best bet. These shades beautifully play up the cool tones in gray hair. Just remember, subtlety is key. You're enhancing your natural beauty, not prepping for a carnival.
What color hair makes a 60 year old woman look younger? ›
Ten out of ten colorists agree, shades that are warm-toned read more youthful than cool-toned hair colors. Spicy copper reds, rich caramel brunettes, and soft honey blondes will warm up your complexion for younger-looking skin (hold the retinol).
Does grey hair make a man look older? ›
Grey hair can give a distinguished look, but it can also add years to your appearance.
7 Ways To Conceal Unwanted Grays Fast
- Reach for Root Spray. ...
- Use a Touch-up Pen. ...
- Try Out a New Part or Hairstyle. ...
- Opt for Permanent Root Coverage. ...
- Use An At-Home Hair Dye for Gray Hair. ...
- Add Highlights. ...
- Play With Color. ...
- Give Grays Some Glitz.
According to a study conducted by a researcher at the University of St. Andrew's in Scotland, it's not uncommon for a woman to feel attracted to a man who resembles her father because it gives her a sense of security and safety. This might be one feasible explanation behind women's attraction for men with grey hair.
How to not look washed out with gray hair? ›
So use a luminizing, moisturizing foundation, and apply powder only where you absolutely need it, says New York City makeup artist Mally Roncal.
- Wear blush. It makes every complexion more vibrant, says Roncal. ...
- Line your lips. ...
- Pick a rich lipcolor. ...
- Brighten up your eyes. ...
- Forget basic black. ...
- Pay attention to your brows.
Most greys flatter olive skin tones.
This is why if you have olive skin, you can wear any shade of grey you prefer. Whether it's ash grey, silver grey, smoky grey, or deep charcoal, it won't wash you out or appear jarring. For inspiration, check out Sam Pinto's take of the grey hair trend.
How to jazz up grey hair? ›
If you are a natural brunette, you'll want to blend your greys with darker lowlights. For natural blondes, you should add highlights and lowlights ranging from pearl to medium blonde. And if you are a natural redhead, a range of brown and blonde highlights and lowlights will enhance your grey locks best.
Which colour suits best on grey? ›
'The rule of thumb being match cool greys with other "chill" colours such as blue, pale greens and cool white. And match darker grey tones with warm tones such as burnt orange, mustard, and teal.' We asked interior stylists and design experts to share their tips on the best colours that go with grey.
How do I know if GREY hair will suit me? ›
Lighter greys flatter darker skin tones.
If you have or bronzed skin, a lighter, soft ash hair grey color is just right for you. You can pick a variation of this shade — cooler or warmer — to suit your skin undertone. Protect an intense shade like this with a shampoo that's formulated especially for color-treated hair.
What is the best color suit for older men? ›
Get Neutral Colors
Neutral colors like black, gray, navy, and beige are versatile and can be easily mixed and matched. They're also flattering and can help to create a sleek, cohesive look.
