Braid Styles for Gray Hair Inspo

Going gray and wondering how to style your multi-faceted hair? These easy braid styles for gray hair will give you some major hair envy, and tips for styling your gray hair—whether you’re growing out gray or you’re already a fully silver fox.

A gray haired woman with silver rings French braids her hair.

By: Lisa Fennessy

Growing out my gray hair was one of the scariest and most rewarding things I’ve done. But what helped the most? Seeing other women who were harnessing their courage and embracing their gray strands. And having more than one style to do up my gray hair was also a turning point.

As you grow out gray, you’ll notice that your hair has natural definition and dimensional color—it’s like natural highlights! Braid styles for gray hair are a great way to embrace your natural strands and showcase all your colors. So we reached out to women in The Gray Book (and beyond!) and asked them to share some inspo for braided hairstyles. Which is your favorite?

Oh, and we created an incredible Going Gray Lookbook that I’m so eager to share. We’ve been compiling the going gray transformations of more than 50 women worldwide to bring you this inspiring guide. Enjoy!

RELATED: Read my 101 Ways to Respond to Rude Comments About Gray Hair.

IN THIS POST:

French braid inspo
Braid “headband” inspo
Double duty braid inspo
Extra braid inspo
Download the Going Gray Lookbook

Easy Braid Styles for Gray Hair

Classic Single French Braid

I mean, WHAT is classier than a simple French braid? And it’s easier than it looks (try this video how-to) and is one of the best hairstyles for growing out gray hair. I also love how the full braid shows off all 50 shades of gray (wink, wink).

A trio of photos showing Lisa braiding her hair. — This is one of my go-to hairstyles!

woman with braided hair gray and red — Photo courtesy of Jennifer Verrastro Robles.

woman with braided hair gray and brown — Photo courtesy of Cathy Haffner.

woman with braided hair — Photo courtesy of Jo Presser.

woman with gray hair braided — Photo courtesy of Pollyann Hall Duterer.

woman with braid and gray hair — Photo courtesy of Tricia Dunn Maggio.

RELATED: Growing out gray hair—10 ways to go gray.

Braided “Headband”

A simple braid in the front of your ‘do is perfect for that I-haven’t-showered-in-three-days day. And it highlights your silver strands.

fun braided gray hair — Photo courtesy of Diana Moffitt.

Front and back of a woman's braided hair. — Photo courtesy of Krystal Martin Brooks.

RELATED: How to go gray (with before & after pics!)

Double Duty Braids

Pigtails are totally back and this double French braid is a go-to.

Woman with braided gray hair ponytails — Photo courtesy of Dina Stilwell Moon.

woman with gray hair in a braid — Photo courtesy of Constance Kerr.

the backside of a woman's head with double braids — Photo courtesy of Ruth Zive.

RELATED: Makeup tips for gray hair.

“Extra” Braided Styles

When I say “extra,” I mean EXTRA—like gray braided hairstyles that are working harder than your typical braid because they are so.much.more. than just a braid. These gray-haired mavens are rocking unique styles that I’m bookmarking for myself.

woman with braids and gray hair — Photo courtesy of Megan Horton.

woman with braided gray hair — Photo courtesy of Yvette Quintana.

RELATED: What not to do while going gray naturally.

Thanks to all these beauties who shared their gray braided hairstyles! What’s your go-to style for growing out gray?

By Lisa Fennessy

Lisa is the founder of The New Knew. Passionate about clean beauty, organic eats and nontoxic lifestyle, Lisa writes to create awareness. Conscious consumerism and informed decisions will impact the marketplace, our health and THE WORLD!

Going Gray? Braid Style Ideas for Gray Hair