Once upon a time, finding a freshly sprouted gray hair was the equivalent of finding a fly in your drink. But nowadays, women are saying goodbye to the dye, embracing the silvery strands and gracefully going gray with ash gray hair.
Affectionately coined as “granny hair” on social media, this trend gained momentum fast, sending women of all ages flocking to their stylists, asking for shades of gray—and voila! The stigma of gray hair no longer feels as harsh. Ash gray is a particularly popular shade. It’s cool in nature, has neutral undertones, is flattering on many skin tones, and is suitable for most hair types.
If you’re naturally going gray, lucky you—you’re halfway there. But it’s not as simple as just letting your roots grow out—it takes time and a little strategy with your stylist to ensure your color looks great throughout the entire process.
If you’re not sold yet, ahead, we’re answering all your questions about ash gray hair. You’ll learn who the shade flatters best, how to get this ashy color, and how to care for it. Plus, we’re sharing plenty of ash gray hair color inspiration. By the end of this guide, we’re betting you’ll have your next hair color picked out.
What Color Is Ash Gray Hair?
Ash gray is a hair color at the darker end of the gray spectrum. The smokey color has a neutral base and can sometimes feature shades of blonde and brown mixed in, which often makes it an easier hue to transition to.
Is ash gray warm or cool?
Ash gray is considered cool-toned and usually has blue or green undertones. It has a cooler or more muted appearance than warmer shades of gray, which have yellow or golden undertones.
Good hair day by @colorbymarina.
Who Can Wear Ash Gray Hair?
While this color suits all skin tones, there are variations to the shade to keep in mind. For example, if you have medium, olive, or more bronzed skin, opt for a lighter shade of ash gray. Those with paler skin tones should take extra care when choosing the right shade of ash gray as going too light may make you look washed out. And for darker skin tones? You’re in luck: Cool, ashy gray hair colors pair exceptionally well with your skin tone and provide a dramatic contrast.
How Do You Get Ash Gray Hair?
No matter your current shade, we’re confident you can achieve a healthy-looking, glowing ash gray hair color with the help of a professional colorist. We recommend against attempting dramatic colors like gray at home; they can come out brassy or, worse, you could damage your locks.
A trained colorist is well-versed in customizing your color and can help minimize damage. Pro tip: Ask for cool tones that are a shade or two off your base color, and use our salon locator to book a consultation with a professional in your area.
How Do You Care For Ash Gray Hair?
Caring for ash gray hair involves maintaining its cool tones and ensuring it stays healthy-looking and vibrant. Sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners are gentler and help prevent the color from fading too quickly. Also, incorporating a purple toning shampoo, like the Matrix So Silver Purple Shampoo for Blonde and Silver Hair, into your routine once or twice a week can help neutralize yellow or brassy tones that can appear over time.
Colored ash gray hair may also become dry and brittle, so it's important to use moisturizing treatments like deep conditioners, hair masks, and leave-ins regularly to help manage frizz. Ash gray hair may require regular touch-ups every four to six weeks to keep the color looking fresh. Be sure to use a color-preserving system, like Shu Uemura Art of Hair Color Lustre, between salon visits to seal in color and protect hair from heat styling and the elements.
17 Best Ash Gray Hair Colors to Try Now
Now that we’ve (presumably) convinced you it’s time to go ash gray, let’s look at the 17 best ash gray hair colors to try now.
Ash Gray Blonde Balayage
The stylist pulled the warmth out of these blonde locks, incorporated the client’s darker roots, and gave them a multidimensional ashy gray appearance that will surely turn heads.
Silver Ash Gray Hair
We love this lighter shade of shiny ash gray, which stands out from the pack and is super flattering for both medium and darker skin tones. Here, the colorist used Redken Shades EQ in 09VV, 09GI, 09T, and 08VB to get this silvery look.
Rooted Ash Gray Color
Ice queens rejoice: This ash gray mane is expertly done with the perfect mix of silver, brown, and icy blue undertones. Plus, it’s paired with dark roots for less maintenance. To have your stylist replicate the color, ask for two parts Redken Shades EQ in 09P, one part 08T, and a dash of 07P.
Pro tip: Part of what’s so great about working with a professional colorist is they can help customize your color. Sharing “recipes” like the above can be helpful, but don’t be afraid to ask what they think will look best on you, too.
Silver Ash Gray Ombré Hair
This stunning silver ombré with bold money pieces framing the face proves that gray hair doesn’t have to be anywhere close to dull.
High-Contrast Ash Gray Lowlights
This multi-tonal smoke show gives us all the feels, mixing dark ash gray lowlights with an extra light base color. It’s super easy if you already have blonde hair and are looking to dabble on the dark side but don’t feel totally ready to commit.
Dark Ash Gray Balayage
Here, a darker root morphs effortlessly into gray tips for the ultimate ombré dark ash gray hair. The custom formula was made with Redken Shades EQ in 09P, 07P, 09T, and 08V.
Smokey Brown Ash Gray Hair
Brunettes can go ash gray, too! The trick to brown ash gray is cooling down your naturally warm undertones and adding silver streaks for a salt-and-pepper look that’s more spice than salt. This dark color was achieved with Redken Shades EQ in 09P, 09T, 01B, and 000.
Blended Brunette Ash Gray
Behold, the smokey ash gray you never knew you needed. This is the perfect blend of dark and light for a more natural-looking approach to the ash gray hair color trend.
Classic Ash Gray Highlights
This ash gray hue is perfect for you if you’re letting highlights or an old color grow out. To achieve it, lighten up the ends to the perfect ash color and then use a toning shampoo and conditioner regularly to keep them from getting brassy.
Dark Ash Gray Hair
This rich and decadent marble gray color is an epic way to stay dark but still go gray. The striking combo looks especially stunning on longer locks.
Bright Ash Gray Balayage
Pair dark roots with bright gray ends for a low-maintenance but ultra-stylish color. This is an especially great option for those with naturally dark brown or black hair, as it’ll look just as good fresh from the salon as it does when your roots start to grow in.
Muted Ash Gray Hair Color
Ash gray hair color can also look soft, muted, and natural, as evidenced by this variation. The key is to use a shine spray, like Redken’s Shine Flash Spray, and keep your hair well-conditioned so it doesn’t start to look dull over time.
Good hair day by @hair.dominatrix
Beige Ash Gray Hair
Beige blonde hair has become one of the trendiest shades of blonde, and now ash gray gets the same treatment. This hair color blends a super ashy, beige base color with subtle silver balayage. The result is fun yet super wearable for every day.
Good hair day by @utopiarezosalon
Ash Gray Color Blocking
If you’re afraid to go all over gray, do a test run with a splash of the hue. This route is especially great for those with textured hair. The color blocking will really stand out on curls and coils.
Good hair day by @_lizhair
Ash Gray Skunk Stripes
“Skunk hair” has been another big trend lately, and it is also a fun take on brown ash gray. Ask your stylist to strategically place some gray streaks interspersed throughout a brown base, and prepare to turn heads!
Good hair day by @georgeeblancoo
White Smoke Hair Color
Smokey ash gray doesn’t always have to be dark. Behold: white smoke hair. This is a variation on ash gray hair that brightens up pale complexions and looks great on shorter ‘dos.
Good hair day by @morgangrahamhair
Icy Ash Gray Hair
We get chills when we see this icy ash gray. On the lighter end of the ash gray spectrum, this shade looks superb on olive and deeper skin tones because it creates such a great contrast.
Next Up: How Going Gray Created an Unexpected Sense of Community
Header photo credits (left to right): @georgeeblancoo; @hair.dominatrix; @utopiarezosalon
