Nail Polish Colors That Will Help Enhance Gray Hair

Let's be honest: getting older isn't always easy. As much as it's a privilege, aging involves a lot of changes — and not just the inevitable midlife crisis many of us have. It's about accepting and understanding that our coloring changes, and what worked for us at 25 might not look so great at 50 and above.

One noticeable difference that comes with getting older is gray hair. Once you notice that very first gray strand, it's just a matter of time before hundreds, then thousands, join the party. While some people choose to dye their hair and hang on to youthful colors and looks for as long as possible, others decide going gray and embracing the au natural is the way to go. Although neither approach is wrong, when you let your hair go gray, there are things to consider. For example, what makeup colors are best for gray hair, as well as what nail polishes are going to enhance those gorgeous gray locks.

"Getting a color analysis is essential as it determines your best colors for nail polish, especially when transitioning to gray hair, as your ideal color palette may shift slightly toward softer tones," color analysis expert, Justine Glaser, exclusively tells Women. However, if you're unable to get a color analysis and you're currently approaching your gray era, Glaser has some nail color options based on color theory principles and her professional experience.

As much as your youthful soul might be screaming out for lime green nails or some other bold color, take a step back and look at not just your hair color, but your skin tone. Will lime green or anything bright and neon actually complement you? No. You're in an entirely different life stage where muted tones, especially in soft pinks, are your friend now.

"These muted pink tones complement gray hair beautifully because they share the same cool undertones while adding a subtle warmth to the overall look," says Justine Glaser. It's also a sophisticated look that can carry you from a big meeting to a meal to a special event.

Similar to soft mauve, but a tad bit more pink than purple, dusty rose is another great option for those with gray hair. As Justine Glaser exclusively explains to Women, "The softened intensity of these shades harmonizes with the natural elegance of gray hair without competing for attention." This is exactly what you want because it's all about enhancing your grey hair and not trying to take anything away from it. Update your look with a haircut that perfectly flatters gray hair and between your dusty rose and new 'do, you'll be feeling chic and confident.

If you've never been much of a fan of pinks, don't try to embrace, them no matter how much they might complement your gray hair. We have other options for you: shades of blue to be exact. "Navy creates a sophisticated contrast with gray hair while maintaining a professional appearance," Justine Glaser tells Women. "The deep blue undertones naturally complement the cool tones in gray hair, creating a polished and timeless combination that works for both casual and formal settings." Because navy nails are as sophisticated as they are timeless, pairing them with your favorite bouclé jacket (Chanel, anyone?) makes leaning into the quiet luxury trend easy.

Don't consider yourself much of a traditionalist? Maybe, despite your age, you're still punk to the core and plan to stay that way. Heck yeah. If that's the case, of course, a navy manicure is going to be too classic for you — that's where deep slate blue comes into play. Like navy, deep slate complements the tones in gray hair, but it has a bit of an edgier look. Dancing somewhere between gray and navy, deep slate is the color for the gray-haired babes who are committed to staying chic into their 60s and beyond.

Perhaps the best way to enhance your gray hair is by going gray elsewhere, too. For example, your manicure. According to Justine Glaser, "Gray undertones create a cohesive, monochromatic palette that enhances gray hair's natural beauty." It's worth noting that monochromatic looks never go out of style, even if it's just matching the gray in your hair with your nails. "By echoing the gray tones in the hair, gray colors create an elegant, understated look that feels intentional and refined," says Glaser. If you want to add a little something extra to the look, add an accent nail with a minimal design, like lines or dots. 

No matter which of these polish colors you choose, when it comes to enhancing your grays, these are the ones that are going to get the job done. "[This is] because they either complement gray hair's cool undertones or create sophisticated contrast while maintaining the softer color palette that naturally harmonizes with gray hair's muted elegance," explains Glaser.