Hair Colors That Will Suit You Best If You're Older

The best hair color is whatever makes you feel most comfortable. Over time, the old highlights we got throughout our twenties on our full, high-volume tresses don't look the same on our 40 and 50-something hair. Or perhaps you've noticed your signature blond stopped looking so bright on your skin. Like many things with our appearance, our hair changes with age, and as a result, sometimes, the color we rocked for years just doesn't suit us anymore. "Over 50, hair texture and skin tone often change and what worked 10 years ago might not work," Kazu Katahira, celebrity and editorial hairstylist, exclusively tells Women.com.

It would be so easy to say you should forego hitting the salon and let your natural hue shine, but let's be honest, not everyone is ready for that, and that's okay. But instead of trying to force your old color to work on current you, it's worth considering other options based on how you look now. 
"It's important to think about how the color shows with your current undertones, how much maintenance you're realistically up for, and whether your hair needs a gentler approach due to thinning or dryness," Katahira explains. 

That said, there are hues to avoid if you want to maintain a soft, youthful look. Katahira recommends leaving super dark blacks or ashy tones in the past. "[They] can drain the face or fine lines and shadows look slightly stronger," she says. But super light tones may not be the most flattering either. "Going too light and one color can make hair look lifeless or washed out. It's about balance you want movement and depth to keep things fresh, not dated," he says. Katahira also recommends steering clear of neon hues. "[They] often require a lot of upkeep and can be hard on the hair. The goal isn't to 'hide' your age, but to choose colors that support how you want to feel," he adds. Instead, try these not too light, not too dark shades that will look stunning on older hair.

Livening up your locks with a warmer tone balayage (think golds and caramels, which can suit several skin tones) can be super flattering on anyone regardless of age. "This adds warmth and dimension without being high contrast and blends the grey without completely covering them," Kazu Katahira exclusively tells Women.com. Another reason balayage — lighter strands that start part way down the hair — is so great for older hair is because it doesn't require regimented upkeep, as it's all about that soft, lived-in look, rather than regularly touched up roots.

Those who have naturally blond hair but are tired of the maintenance required to maintain bright roots can benefit from babylights. These thin, subtle highlights add dimension and brightness without the need for an all-over, super light dye. "This option is especially good for thinning hair, as the fine highlights [create the illusion of movement] while the rooted base keeps it looking modern and low maintenance," Kazu Katahira tells Women.com. Have your stylist add shadow roots (subtle, slightly darker sections from the root) to give the look a natural appearance.

Mocha brunette hair has warm undertones, which means make seemingly ordinary brown locks appear multi-tonal. "It's rich, elegant, and adds a youthful glow," Kazu Katahira exclusively tells us of the hue, which we've seen on the likes of Amal Clooney and Jessica Biel. Adding subtle highlights will bring even more flattering dimensions to your look, without breaking up the gorgeous brown shade too drastically. "A few lighter ribbons keep it from looking flat and plain, and the mocha can neutralize any redness in the skin or the hair," Katahira adds.

If you find your blond hair is dulling with age but aren't quite ready to embrace a cooler gray look, give your natural hue a boost by adding a touch of a red. Strawberry blond or soft coppers can add a lot of vibrancy to your locks, which is perfect if you want to make a statement. Best of all, they aren't too striking or harsh. "These warm tones can get rid of dull complexions and add a natural shine," Kazu Katahira exclusively shares. "They also fade nicely, which can be helpful if you're easing out of permanent color."

Mahogany brown hair is the brunette equivalent to warm, blond-leaning reds. The deep red undertones keep this darker shade warm and complimentary on a range of skin tones, but it's also a fun way deviate from standard brown hair in a subtle way. If your hair is naturally darker, it won't require too much upkeep either. The red hue isn't too bright, so won't look out of place as it fades, and you can also let your roots grow out to create a modern, shadow root look.

For those who want to embrace their incoming gray hair in the most fun way possible, opting for icy, silver tones (or even full-on white!) is the ultimate power move. "If your natural gray is already light and even, going full silver (with the right toner and care) can look incredibly chic," Kazu Katahira exclusively tells Women.com. "It's bold, but in a clean, very intentional way."

Honey blond is a warm take on the summery shade that can flatter a wide range of skin tones. It's perfect as we age because it can bring brightness back to dulling skin and adds a gentle glow to the hair, particularly when it catches the light. For more youthful dimension, have your stylist work in gold highlights all over, like we've seen on Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Beyoncé.

Those looking to rock gray hair with confidence should consider going for a blended look, a low-maintenance hair technique that helps you transition to gray hair seamlessly. "Instead of covering grays completely, this technique works with your natural silver adding lowlights or soft highlights to create depth and shine," Kazu Katahira exclusively shares. "It's confident and hip, not a compromise," he adds. We'd recommend letting your hair stylist taking the lead on this one, as they'll be able to advise on where to position the lowlights and highlights to best suit your locks.