More women than ever are choosing to embrace their natural grey. Whether your silver arrived gradually or all at once, it can look fresh, polished and entirely intentional. All it takes is a defined cut, a little colour care and a few well-chosen hair accessories.
Here we answer the questions our customers ask us most about styling grey hair, from the colours that flatter silver tones to the clips that stay comfortably in place all day.
How to style grey hair: the short answer
- Choose a defined shape. A clean bob, soft layers or a collarbone-length cut makes grey hair look modern and considered.
- Add shine. A lightweight oil or gloss spray keeps silver tones bright rather than flat.
- Frame it with colour. Deep black, tortoiseshell and jewel tones create contrast. Soft, light shades blend beautifully with cool grey.
- Choose smooth, comfortable accessories. Grey hair is often finer or more textured, so look for clips with smooth edges that hold securely without pulling.
How do I make grey hair look stylish?
Grey hair is naturally striking, so the secret is choosing shapes, textures and accessories that let its tone shine.
- Keep the shape crisp. A sharp bob, a soft shag or collarbone-length layers instantly look intentional.
- Care for the shine. Grey hair can lose its natural gloss over time. A lightweight oil, a gloss spray or a toning treatment keeps the colour clear and polished.
- Use contrast. Black, tortoiseshell and deep jewel-toned accessories add definition and help silver strands stand out.
- Soften the edges. A few face-framing pieces keep the look gentle and fresh.
- Invest in a well-made clip. A beautifully finished accessory lifts even the simplest style, from a half-up twist to a low ponytail.
Which colours suit grey hair?
The most flattering colours depend on your skin's undertone. Hold a piece of white and a piece of cream fabric near your face: if white looks brighter, you are likely cool; if cream looks warmer and kinder, you are likely warm.
- Cool undertones: icy and jewel tones such as sapphire, emerald, amethyst, charcoal, slate and midnight blue, as well as crisp white and soft pastels.
- Warm undertones: camel, taupe, oatmeal and buttery neutrals, warm blush, terracotta and rust, plus tortoiseshell, honey and caramel accessories. Warmth softens grey and gives your complexion a lovely glow.
- Neutral undertones: you can wear both. Balance warm and cool shades to suit your outfit or your mood.
Finishes matter too:
- Matte: muted, sophisticated and calm.
- Pearlescent: brightens the complexion and catches the light.
- High-shine polished: lovely for evenings and special occasions.
How can I make my eyes stand out with grey hair?
Grey hair creates a natural contrast that can make your eye colour appear brighter. A few small choices make all the difference.
- Blue eyes: cool tones such as soft silver, cloud grey and steel bring out icy blue.
- Green eyes: a hint of warmth, such as moss green, bronze or warm tortoiseshell, deepens green beautifully.
- Brown eyes: rich, glossy shades such as navy, burgundy or espresso add lovely depth.
Sweeping your hair back from your face with a barrette or a claw clip also opens up the eye area, and accessories with a pearlescent finish gently reflect light onto your features.
The best hair accessories for grey hair
These are the colourways our grey-haired customers come back to time and time again.
Opal
Soft, icy cream-blue tones that blend seamlessly with cool grey hair. Elegant and understated, Opal adds light without overpowering, so it is perfect for everyday styling.
Discover the Wide Arched Barrette in Opal
Black Marble
A deep black base with a subtle grey marble effect. It complements every shade of grey while creating a contrast that really stands out, ideal if you would like your accessory to make a statement.
Explore our marble hair accessories
Onyx
A rich mix of browns, greys, mustards and sage. Especially flattering on warmer grey hair, Onyx brings depth and warmth for an effortlessly polished look.
Discover The Original Medium Hair Claw Clip in Onyx
Which accessory is right for my hair?
- Fine or flyaway grey hair: the Small Barrette Clip, our bestselling barrette for fine to medium hair. It lies flat and feels secure and comfortable. See more in hair accessories for fine hair.
- Thick or long grey hair: the Wide Arched Barrette Clip, our bestselling barrette for thick hair, with generous space inside. See more in hair accessories for thick hair.
- Most hair types: The Original Medium Hair Claw Clip, our most popular claw, for an easy twist or a half-up style.
- Half-up styles and finishing touches: the 2x 7cm Snap Clips, an everyday staple for sweeping back the sides.
Barrettes are one of our most-loved styles for grey hair. They add structure and elegance without harsh contrast, and they come in sizes from mini to extra large, so there is one for every hair type. Shop all barrettes.
Why French handmade accessories are kind to grey hair
Our French Handmade pieces are made in France in a ten-step process, three of which are polishing. The result is beautifully smooth, with no rough edges to catch delicate strands. They are made from cellulose acetate, a plant-based material made from wood pulp and cotton (read more about cellulose acetate), and every French Handmade piece comes with our 1 year TEGEN Guarantee.
Frequently asked questions
What colour hair accessories suit grey hair?
For contrast, choose black, tortoiseshell or deep jewel tones. For a softer look, choose light, cool shades such as Opal that blend with silver. Warm grey hair suits honey, caramel and tortoiseshell, while cool grey suits silver, slate and soft pastels.
Are claw clips good for grey hair?
Yes. A claw clip is one of the easiest ways to wear grey hair up. Choose one with smooth teeth and the right size for your hair: a small claw for fine or short hair, and a medium or large claw for thicker or longer hair.
Do barrettes damage fine grey hair?
A well-made barrette with smooth edges, worn without pulling the hair too tight, is a gentle way to hold fine hair. We explain more in do barrettes damage hair?
How do I keep grey hair looking healthy?
Gentle washing, a little lightweight oil for shine and kind accessories all help. Read our guide to haircare for grey hair, or our tips on growing out grey hair.
Find your perfect piece
Embracing your grey is a beautiful choice, and the right accessory makes every day feel a little more polished. Discover our hair accessories for grey hair.
