Olivia Colman is synonymous with a dark pixie haircut, so it’s fair to say we did a double take when she appeared with a very different look on the red carpet last night. Gone was her usual short, chic brunette hair, replaced by a flowing mane of grey curls. The overall effect? Soft, modern, and incredibly flattering.
The 52-year-old actress showcased the dramatic transformation at a screening of her new film, Wicker, at the Zurich Film Festival. She wore her grey hair long and loose, embracing her natural curly texture with what are presumably extensions or a wig, since she was seen on the red carpet with her usual dark pixie style as recently as May.
Her long hair was styled casually over one shoulder, and the fresh feel was complemented beautifully with a soft and glowing makeup look. Like all the best beauty transformations, Olivia looked different yet still completely herself.
The effortlessly chic hair plus simple white dress added up to a very youthful feel, which immediately disproved the oldest beauty stereotype in the book – that grey hair is ageing, and especially when worn long.
‘Long hair, long grey hair has a bit of a bad press over the years,’ says Osmo Ambassador Carol Ritchie. ’There's always been an idea that once you go grey, you should cut your hair shorter because having it long is ageing somehow, and I think that feels totally outdated now. Olivia is a perfect example of that.’
The reason why Olivia’s new hair is so flattering comes down to three simple things, says Danilo Giangreco, Session Stylist and Artistic Ambassador for Revlon Professional UK & Ireland. ‘Great hair isn’t about age, it's about condition, shape and how it’s worn.’
He adds, ‘Olivia’s hair is a textbook example of why the old stereotype about long grey hair no longer holds up. Her silver is striking, but it’s the combination of length, natural texture and movement that makes it feel so modern. The curls haven’t been overly controlled or polished; there’s softness and a slight undone quality to them, which gives the whole look an effortless, editorial feel.’
Carol adds that the movement and texture in her salt and pepper curls have been enhanced by another simple styling detail. ‘Having the hair swept over to one side gives it a slightly undone modern feel, especially against the cream dress,’ she says. ‘The hair really becomes a statement in the overall look.’
Why does Olivia’s grey shade look so modern?
It’s all about working with the natural shade, not fighting it. ‘ I love that her grey hair hasn't been disguised or toned down,’ says Carol. ‘ Those different shades of silver running through the curls gives dimension and make the texture stand out even more, which makes it look very glamorous to me.’
How can grey curls look ageless?
Curls plus silver can be a tricky combination, but Olivia’s hair proves that natural texture doesn’t need to be overly smoothed out to look healthy. ‘I think the biggest thing with grey curls is try not to control them too much,’ says Carol. ‘ You want definition, but you still want movement and shine. And when silver hair is hydrated and beautifully styled, it can look incredibly modern, and Olivia's hair is a perfect example of that.’
Which products help enhance grey curls?
Grey hair can naturally become drier and more porous, so hydration and shine are key, notes Danilo. ‘I’d prioritise moisturising shampoos and conditioners, regular masks and a lightweight serum or oil through the lengths. You want luminosity without weighing the hair down. Pigmented masks are a good option for those greys that tend to go yellow.’
Carol adds: ‘I’d recommend my clients to use a curl shampoo that’s sulphate free, so you'll be gently cleansing without stripping moisture. I'd follow that with a deep conditioning mask, which really hydrates and softens the hair. The Osmo Curl Revival Invigorating Shampoo and Curl Revival Renourishing Mask are ideal.
How can I help grey curls stay soft and defined?
With curls, less manipulation is often more, advises Danilo. ‘Apply a hydrating leave-in or curl cream while the hair is still very wet, then allow the natural curl pattern to form rather than constantly touching it. Diffuse gently on a low heat and finish with a small amount of serum or oil. The aim is definition without stiffness, curls should still move and feel like hair.’
