The idea that going grey is automatically ageing or beauty shorthand for ‘letting yourself go’ is as outdated as a 1970s blue rinse. However, experts agree that a switch to silver hair does require a little thought to ensure it looks like a fully-formed and flattering beauty decision.
The number one rule of embracing grey is to do it 100% unapologetically and ‘make it part of your identity,’ says Jonathan Andrew, Fudge Professional global brand ambassador. ‘It needs to look like a conscious decision to embrace your natural tone.’
Interestingly, he believes that the ‘intentional, not accidental’ messaging starts not with the colour but with the cut. ‘If there’s one thing that instantly stops grey hair looking like you’ve given up, it’s refining the shape,’ he tells GH. ‘Grey hair needs intention. The minute you sharpen the cut and build in structure, it goes from “grown out” to powerful.’
He is a great advocate for what he calls ‘Grey Hair 2.0’. ‘It’s not about covering it, but it’s also not about surrendering to it,’ he says. ‘Grey can look incredibly expensive when it’s paired with the right haircut. Think strong silhouettes, beautiful movement, a flick or a bit of lift through the crown. That’s what makes it feel deliberate.’
Haircuts that fit the bill, in his view, include those seen on Helen Mirren, Emma Thompson, Glenn Close, Jamie Lee Curtis and Meryl Streep.
While there’s no set rule about length, these ‘Grey Hair 2.0’ styles all share one common theme: a cut with support built in. ‘Once hair turns grey, shape matters more than ever because the texture often changes,’ he explains. ‘It can become coarser or sit flatter at the root, so soft layering or subtle graduation is key.’
‘Even if you keep length, refining the ends and adding internal layers will instantly modernise it. If you’re open to going shorter, crops and textured pixie cuts are brilliant because they maximise movement and show off the natural variations in grey tones.’
When you’ve got the cut right, you’ll need a clean tone to complement it. ‘I always recommend investing in a good purple shampoo – the original and still the best for me is the Fudge Professional Clean Blonde to keep grey looking clean and bright rather than yellow,’ he says, ‘Use this once a week to keep your grey hair looking fresh.’
‘For styling, volume is everything,’ he says. ‘A texture spray, like the Fudge Professional Texture Spray, worked into the roots will lift and amplify the shape. On shorter styles, a lightweight salt spray adds texture without heaviness. Finish with a small amount of wax, like the Fudge Professional Hair Shaper Wax, warmed fully in your hands before applying from the back forward, so you build lift underneath rather than flattening the surface.’
