Salma Hayek, Christie Brinkley, and More Stars Who Have Shown Their Silver Hair

techleaks | October 26, 2026 | Celebrity | No Comments

Many well-known women in Hollywood present a different look when they allow their gray hair to shine through. Their images, showcasing everything from silver highlights to stark white roots, reveal a side of these beloved figures that fans may not often see.

For numerous women, especially in the entertainment industry, concealing gray hair has been a staple of their beauty regimen. However, not every actress opts to spend hours at a salon to cover their roots. A few have chosen to stop dyeing altogether, while others are content to show off a few silver strands.

The netizen's comment offers one perspective on the subject, favoring dyed hair over letting gray strands show. — The netizen’s comment offers one perspective on the subject, favoring dyed hair over letting gray strands show.

These famous figures have taken to social media and red carpets alike, revealing their gray or white hair in various styles. Some have welcomed this change for years, while others have given fans a rare look at a style that is less familiar.

A woman's silhouette stands against a burst of camera flashes, with her face hidden and her hair swept up. Captured at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival, the scene reflects the red-carpet setting where Hollywood stars have long appeared with carefully styled hair. — A woman’s silhouette stands against a burst of camera flashes, with her face hidden and her hair swept up. Captured at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival, the scene reflects the red-carpet setting where Hollywood stars have long appeared with carefully styled hair.

Salma Hayek

Salma Hayek has openly celebrated her gray hair, sharing pictures of her natural white strands and acknowledging that she sometimes prefers a quick beauty hack over traditional dyeing.

In a 2023 segment on ‘Good Morning America,’ Hayek discussed her unique method with Rebecca Jarvis.

Salma Hayek wore her long, dark hair loose for the August 1995 premiere of "Desperado" in Los Angeles. Decades later, the actress has spoken openly about embracing her white strands, even sharing a simple trick for covering them without hair dye. — Salma Hayek wore her long, dark hair loose for the August 1995 premiere of “Desperado” in Los Angeles. Decades later, the actress has spoken openly about embracing her white strands, even sharing a simple trick for covering them without hair dye.

“You can’t see the white hair at the moment because I applied mascara to it,” she said. “I’m too lazy to color my hair,” she added, demonstrating how she uses mascara on the strands that frame her face.

She humorously suggested that co-host George Stephanopoulos give this trick a try.

In a light-hearted July 2023 Instagram post, Hayek shared a close-up of her hair and advised those wanting to hide their grays to refrain from resting glasses on their heads.

“Bring on the wisdom,” she captioned the photo.

In September 2020, she conveyed a similar message through a selfie showing her silver hairline, captioning it as “The white hair of wisdom,” repeating the sentiment in Spanish and French.

Christie Brinkley

During a beach outing in March 2023, Christie Brinkley displayed her natural gray roots in a series of Instagram photos. The model, whose blonde hair showcased noticeable silver strands, mentioned that she was still contemplating whether to let her gray continue to grow.

“Gray sky! Gray hair!” she started her caption, likening her decision about her gray hair to the common dilemma of whether to keep newly cut bangs. “Fortunately, both are merely a personal choice or a fun change of pace,” she added.

Brinkley also shared that her son was supportive of her gray hair, although she wasn’t fully convinced about making the change permanent.

“My son thinks it looks cool, but I think I might want to wait until it resembles more of the silver whitecaps than the gray wave itself!” she commented, referencing the ocean behind her.

Despite her son’s approval, Brinkley hesitated to fully embrace going gray. She concluded, “The verdict is still out!”.

Christie Brinkley's blonde hair reveals hints of gray as she smiles on a windswept beach in March 2023. The model admitted she was still undecided about letting her natural color grow out, despite her son's encouragement. — Christie Brinkley’s blonde hair reveals hints of gray as she smiles on a windswept beach in March 2023. The model admitted she was still undecided about letting her natural color grow out, despite her son’s encouragement.

Sitting on the sand in a brown coat and cuffed jeans, Brinkley shows off her windswept hair against a cloudy sky. She compared her emerging gray strands to the ocean's waves, saying she might wait until her hair resembled the silver whitecaps before embracing the change. — Sitting on the sand in a brown coat and cuffed jeans, Brinkley shows off her windswept hair against a cloudy sky. She compared her emerging gray strands to the ocean’s waves, saying she might wait until her hair resembled the silver whitecaps before embracing the change.

Andie MacDowell

Andie MacDowell began to accept her natural gray hair during the COVID-19 lockdown, encouraged by her children to allow the silver strands to grow.

In a July 2021 interview with Vogue, the actress reflected on trying various hairstyles as her gray roots became more apparent.

Andie MacDowell's thick, dark curls frame her face in this 1989 portrait, years before she began embracing her natural gray hair. During the COVID-19 lockdown, her children encouraged her to let her silver roots grow, a decision that eventually gave her signature curls a salt-and-pepper look. — Andie MacDowell’s thick, dark curls frame her face in this 1989 portrait, years before she began embracing her natural gray hair. During the COVID-19 lockdown, her children encouraged her to let her silver roots grow, a decision that eventually gave her signature curls a salt-and-pepper look.

“When I styled it in a bun, all you could see was my salt-and-pepper hair—dark and silver,” she noted.

MacDowell also found humor in her transformation, playfully comparing herself to George Clooney. “I enjoy likening myself to George Clooney because, why not?” she laughed.

She had contemplated going gray for quite some time and was inspired by hairstylist Jack Martin’s work with Jane Fonda, sharing his photos for inspiration.

However, when an acting opportunity arose, her managers advised against making the transition. “They actually told me, ‘It’s not time yet,'” she recalled.

MacDowell stood firm in her choice, believing that her natural look represented her growth. “I think you’re wrong, and I will be more powerful by embracing who I am in this moment,” she told them.

Her age also influenced her decision. As she approached her 65th birthday in two years, MacDowell wanted to experience the salt-and-pepper look while she still could.

“If I don’t do it now, I won’t get the chance to be salt and pepper. I’ve always wanted to be salt and pepper!” she explained.

Andie MacDowell proudly shows off her natural gray curls at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival in France. Her salt-and-pepper hair became part of her signature look after she decided to stop dyeing it during the COVID-19 lockdown.

MacDowell wears her long silver hair in loose waves at the L'Oréal Paris fashion show in September 2024. Her hair had grown noticeably grayer since her 2022 Cannes appearance, showing how her natural color continued to change over time. — MacDowell wears her long silver hair in loose waves at the L’Oréal Paris fashion show in September 2024. Her hair had grown noticeably grayer since her 2022 Cannes appearance, showing how her natural color continued to change over time.

Jamie Lee Curtis

Jamie Lee Curtis has not colored her hair since around 2000, becoming one of Hollywood’s prominent figures to embrace her natural silver locks. However, the choice initially met some pushback from the entertainment world.

In an October 2007 interview with Marie Claire, Curtis shared that she had wanted to go gray sooner but postponed the change while serving as a spokesperson for VoiceStream Wireless.

After she finally made the leap, not everyone was on board with her decision.

Jamie Lee Curtis wore her dark hair with bangs and longer layers at the 1989 Directors Guild of America Awards in Beverly Hills. More than a decade later, she stopped dyeing her hair, eventually making her short silver hairstyle one of her most recognizable looks.

“Sure, there were those who were adamant in their disapproval, claiming it would add years to my appearance,” Curtis recalled. “Now they’re all admitting they were wrong and acknowledging that I made the right choice.”

Curtis also offered practical advice for women considering leaving hair dye behind, suggesting a shorter haircut could ease the transition.

“It’s much more challenging to adjust with longer hair, as you end up with inches of gray roots,” she explained.

Despite the initial backlash, Curtis noted that her decision to go gray did not negatively affect her career. She recounted an experience where she offered to wear a wig for a film in which her character worked in the beauty industry, but the director preferred her natural look.

To maintain her appearance, Curtis credited hairstylist Sean James for keeping her short style modern. She also lauded Phyto Phytargent shampoo for enhancing the shine of her silver hair.

Jamie Lee Curtis shows off her signature short silver hair at the 6th Annual Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles on October 17, 2026. The actress has embraced her natural gray hair for more than two decades.

Curtis smiles in a white outfit and glasses at a special screening of "Ella McCay" in London on November 24, 2025. Her short silver hairstyle has become one of her most recognizable looks. — Curtis smiles in a white outfit and glasses at a special screening of “Ella McCay” in London on November 24, 2025. Her short silver hairstyle has become one of her most recognizable looks.

Jane Fonda

Jane Fonda unveiled her silver transformation at the 2020 Academy Awards, departing from her signature blonde hair after years of contemplating the switch.

In a June 2020 interview with Glamour, Fonda explained that she had discussed the possibility of going gray with ‘Grace and Frankie’ showrunner Marta Kauffman over a year prior. Initially, she considered creating a wig for the series to maintain her character’s look.

Jane Fonda's feathered brunette hairstyle and full bangs became part of her look as Bree Daniels in the 1971 thriller "Klute." The portrait captures a much earlier chapter in her changing hairstyles, long before she began reconsidering the blonde color fans had come to recognize. — Jane Fonda’s feathered brunette hairstyle and full bangs became part of her look as Bree Daniels in the 1971 thriller “Klute.” The portrait captures a much earlier chapter in her changing hairstyles, long before she began reconsidering the blonde color fans had come to recognize.

While staying in Washington, D.C. for four months, Fonda began to grow out her natural color, often wearing hats to cover the visible roots. Upon returning to Los Angeles, she sought the expertise of celebrity colorist Jack Martin to finalize the transition.

As reported in a February 2020 interview with Modern Salon, Martin dedicated seven hours to transforming her hair from warm golden blonde to a cool silver, seamlessly blending it with her natural gray roots.

Fonda was thrilled with the outcome, telling Martin, “You nailed it, Jack.” She also acknowledged hairstylist Jonathan Hanousek for the haircut that complemented her new look.

During the COVID-19 lockdown, Fonda reflected on the change, expressing no regrets about the timing. “I felt really good, and I’m genuinely enjoying the gray,” she said.

With salons closed during the pandemic, Fonda appreciated the freedom from frequent dyeing. “I realized, wow, I made this decision just in time because everyone else hasn’t been able to visit the salon, and I don’t have that concern,” she added.

Jane Fonda shows off her short, wavy silver hair at the Los Angeles premiere of "Gaslit" in Santa Monica, California, on June 19, 2026. The actress has embraced her gray hair since debuting her silver look at the 2020 Oscars. — Jane Fonda shows off her short, wavy silver hair at the Los Angeles premiere of “Gaslit” in Santa Monica, California, on June 19, 2026. The actress has embraced her gray hair since debuting her silver look at the 2020 Oscars.

Fonda wears her natural gray curls with a pink outfit at a screening of "Steal This Story..." in Los Angeles on August 16, 2026. Her silver hairstyle has become a signature part of her look since she stopped coloring her hair. — Fonda wears her natural gray curls with a pink outfit at a screening of “Steal This Story…” in Los Angeles on August 16, 2026. Her silver hairstyle has become a signature part of her look since she stopped coloring her hair.

Jennifer Aniston

Jennifer Aniston turned heads when she displayed noticeable gray strands while promoting a hair care product from her brand, LolaVie, in a June 2023 Instagram video.

Wearing a casual navy long-sleeved top, her blonde hair styled half-up with loose waves cascading around her shoulders, Aniston showcased her silver strands near her hairline while demonstrating LolaVie’s Intensive Repair Treatment.

Her natural look ignited a discussion about embracing gray hair.

Jennifer Aniston wore her long brunette hair with soft bangs and curled ends at the 1992 "Leprechaun" premiere after-party. The early Hollywood photo captures a look quite different from the blonde hairstyles she would become known for in later years. — Jennifer Aniston wore her long brunette hair with soft bangs and curled ends at the 1992 “Leprechaun” premiere after-party. The early Hollywood photo captures a look quite different from the blonde hairstyles she would become known for in later years.

On Facebook, reactions to Aniston’s evolving appearance were mixed.

One commenter mused, “I bet she has been embracing gray hair for a while – she’s just beginning to show it 😀.” Others were less enthusiastic, with one saying, “She should keep her hair colored.”

Conversely, another person praised her look, stating, “Aging gracefully! Love it 😍.” One fan expressed excitement over her silver strands, saying, “Love the gray hair look!!!” while another remarked, “So brave.”

In a September 2022 interview with Glamour, Aniston previously expressed her views on going gray as a personal choice.

When asked what advice she would give to someone hesitant to embrace their natural color, she encouraged people to make their own choices.

“You do you! If you want to go gray, do it! If you prefer to keep coloring, that’s perfectly fine too,” she said.

Aniston emphasized that hair color and style should be personal expressions rather than responses to societal pressures. “Embrace whatever will bring you happiness,” she concluded.

Jennifer Aniston shows off gray strands along her hairline while holding a bottle of LolaVie's Intensive Repair Treatment in a June 2023 Instagram video. The actress wears a dark long-sleeved top with her blonde hair styled half-up. — Jennifer Aniston shows off gray strands along her hairline while holding a bottle of LolaVie’s Intensive Repair Treatment in a June 2023 Instagram video. The actress wears a dark long-sleeved top with her blonde hair styled half-up.

Aniston’s silver roots are visible as she looks to the side in the Instagram video promoting her hair care brand, LolaVie. Her loose blonde waves frame her face, highlighting the natural-looking gray strands near her temples.

Sarah Jessica Parker

In a June 2022 chat with Allure, Parker discovered that her hairstyle had been deemed an example of “herringbone highlights,” a method that mixes highlights with natural gray strands.

However, for Parker, this look was less about trendiness and more about reducing the frequency of salon visits. “I can’t spend time getting base color every two weeks. I can’t do it. No way. It’s too much,” she explained.

The actress addressed the attention she received for supposedly going gray. “It became a prolonged discussion about how courageous I am for having gray hair,” she noted.

Parker found the reaction to be overblown, especially since her highlights had merely faded in the summer sun. “I thought, please applaud someone else’s bravery in something!” she said.

Her laid-back approach to hair color mirrors her broader views on aging. When asked if she would reverse time by 15 years if given the chance, Parker questioned the appeal of temporarily appearing younger.

“What’s the point? I just… don’t care enough,” she stated.

Rather than stressing over others’ expectations, Parker prefers to feel comfortable in her own skin. “When I step out the door, I want to feel good—according to my own standards,” she said.

While she acknowledges the changes that accompany aging, Parker doesn’t believe they warrant excessive focus. “I just don’t understand why I’m supposed to spend so much time thinking about it,” she remarked.

On Facebook, numerous users expressed admiration for Parker’s perspective and appearance.

One netizen commented, “Great respect for beautiful women aging gracefully and not pursuing eternal youth until they look like a doll that barely survived a fire. Women can look fantastic at every stage of life without surgery.”

Another praised Parker’s natural look, stating, “I find her beautiful. Natural and healthy.”

A third commenter suggested that Parker has become even more attractive with age, writing, “You were stunning then and even more so now!”

Someone else lauded her appearance and lengthy marriage, noting, “At least we know what she really looks like, she’s been married for 30 years and made a name for herself, and she’s gorgeous.”

Sarah Jessica Parker chats with designer Simone Rocha at the New York City Ballet Fall Fashion Gala on October 1, 2026. Her long ponytail, tied with pink ribbons, reveals silver strands near her hairline.

Parker poses with her husband, Matthew Broderick, outside Lincoln Center in New York City. The actress wears a delicate floral dress, with her gray roots swept back from her face.

A side view captures Parker's ribbon-adorned ponytail cascading down her back as she arrives at the 2026 gala. Her hairstyle blends silver at the crown with darker lengths. — A side view captures Parker’s ribbon-adorned ponytail cascading down her back as she arrives at the 2026 gala. Her hairstyle blends silver at the crown with darker lengths.

Smiling for photographers on October 1, 2026, Parker shows off her pale pink embroidered dress and understated jewelry. Her swept-back hairstyle leaves her natural-looking gray strands visible.

Ashley Judd

Ashley Judd has embraced natural aging, advocating for women to discard unrealistic beauty standards and just be themselves.

In a July 2025 Instagram post, the actress released a video of herself enjoying the Baltic Sea while clad in a dark green one-piece swimsuit. Her short, wet hair was slicked back as she frolicked in the shallow waters.

Judd declared her membership in the “We Don’t Care Club,” a movement initiated by Melani Sanders that encourages women to stop stressing about societal expectations regarding aging and menopause.

Ashley Judd's long, dark hair was styled half-up with loose waves at the 43rd Annual Boomtown Western Gala in Los Angeles. Wearing a pale blue outfit and pearl necklace, the actress appeared in a polished look that contrasts with the more casual side of herself she would later share with fans. — Ashley Judd’s long, dark hair was styled half-up with loose waves at the 43rd Annual Boomtown Western Gala in Los Angeles. Wearing a pale blue outfit and pearl necklace, the actress appeared in a polished look that contrasts with the more casual side of herself she would later share with fans.

“Because menopause (peri – post) is part of human biology. It’s universal among women worldwide,” she stated.

For Judd, the movement was about rediscovering the joy of life without worrying about how others perceive her appearance or actions.

She mentioned the activities she wanted to embrace, saying, “Play! Be silly! Have fun! Feel boundless joy!”

The actress also reflected on the confidence that comes with accepting her true self. “I revel in the unselfconscious being-ness of my true self. My inner child is free to emerge,” she shared.

She encouraged her followers to consider what they truly desire rather than focusing on societal pressures.

On Facebook, fans expressed gratitude for Judd’s authentic appearance. One user commented, “This is my favorite picture of you so far. Quite relatable 😍.”

Another user likened Judd to something that improves with age, commenting, “Just like fine wine 🍷❤️.”

In another Facebook post, more supporters praised her willingness to show signs of aging. One user remarked, “You are more beautiful now than ever.”

Another specifically admired Judd’s silver strands, saying, “Thank you for sharing your beautiful true face with the world. I adore the silver sparkles in your hair.”

Someone else declared, “You are such an inspiration to me and millions of women everywhere. Thank you for being yourself.” Another observed, “I love that you’re not dyeing your hair.”

Ashley Judd shows off her silver-streaked hair in an elegant updo in a 2025 photo. The side profile highlights the contrast between her gray roots and darker hair.

Judd closes her eyes and smiles in the sunshine during a 2025 mountain outing. Wearing a blue hoodie beside a stream, she shares a relaxed moment far from the red carpet.

Sitting among purple wildflowers and white daisies in 2026, Judd looks toward the sky with her gray-streaked hair falling loosely around her shoulders. The outdoor setting offers a glimpse of her life away from Hollywood events.

Judd smiles for a close-up selfie in 2026, with silver strands visible throughout her long brown hair. The photo offers a clear view of her natural-looking hair color without an elaborate hairstyle.

Helen Mirren

Helen Mirren has consistently embraced her natural silver hair, revealing that her choice to stop coloring it was more about convenience than making a statement on aging.

In a March 2020 interview with People, the actress discussed her preference for allowing her hair to go gray rather than investing hours into maintaining its color.

Helen Mirren wore a short, softly layered blonde bob with bangs at the National Board of Review Awards in New York City on February 24, 1992. The photograph captures her lighter hair color years before her silver-white bob became a familiar part of her public appearances.

“I did it because I’m lazy. Honestly, I’m so lazy about my hair!” she admitted. Mirren recognized the effort that comes with regular coloring, even with skilled professionals available.

“It involves a lot of work, and while many hairdressers are fantastic, I don’t want to spend hours sitting in a salon. I just can’t be bothered with that,” she clarified.

Transitioning to gray hair was relatively simple for her as she had always been a natural blonde.

In an October 2021 interview with Vogue, Mirren noted that her hair would typically become almost white after sun exposure in summer. As she aged, this change became more permanent.

“So, the process of my hair losing its color was quite easy—it gradually began appearing as if I had been in the sun all year round,” she explained.

While Mirren occasionally added lowlights herself, she had never been inclined to pay for professional coloring. She understood that women with darker hair might find the transition more noticeable.

Regardless, the actress praised women who have recently embraced their natural silver hair, calling their changes spectacular.

Mirren also drew inspiration from her portrayal of Queen Charlotte in The Madness of King George, where the 18th-century wigs were white and gray, tones she found particularly flattering.

In Mirren’s view, going gray should be celebrated, but personal preference is paramount.

“Going gray is something to encourage—though that’s not to say you can’t have fun with your hair, as it’s an essential part of how you feel about yourself,” she conveyed to Vogue. “People should do what makes them feel comfortable,” she added.

Helen Mirren's bright white bob takes center stage as she smiles in pink at the 2026 SCAD Savannah Film Festival. The actress previously told People that she stopped coloring her hair partly because she didn't want to spend hours in a salon. — Helen Mirren’s bright white bob takes center stage as she smiles in pink at the 2026 SCAD Savannah Film Festival. The actress previously told People that she stopped coloring her hair partly because she didn’t want to spend hours in a salon.

Mirren's sleek silver-white hairstyle remains unmistakable during an October 2026 outing in New York City. She has explained that her transition was gradual because her naturally blonde hair had already become lighter over time. — Mirren’s sleek silver-white hairstyle remains unmistakable during an October 2026 outing in New York City. She has explained that her transition was gradual because her naturally blonde hair had already become lighter over time.

Glenn Close

Glenn Close provided fans with a glimpse of her natural white hair in an outdoor Instagram video recorded at her home.

The actress appeared relaxed in a colorful plaid shirt, her short silver-white hair tousled by the wind. The setting sun and distant mountains served as a picturesque backdrop.

Embracing the casualness of the moment, Close focused attention on her windswept hair rather than attempting to maintain a flawless style.

Glenn Close wore her short blonde hair in soft, swept-back layers for the 1984 television movie "Something About Amelia." The still captures one of her earlier screen looks, decades before she began sharing more personal moments with fans on social media. — Glenn Close wore her short blonde hair in soft, swept-back layers for the 1984 television movie “Something About Amelia.” The still captures one of her earlier screen looks, decades before she began sharing more personal moments with fans on social media.

“Hello, everyone. I’m at home. Relaxing. Wearing my mom’s shirt,” she said. As the breeze played with her hair, she joked about her look saying, “Letting the wind blow through my white hair.”

Close concluded the video by expressing her gratitude for the tranquil evening. “I’m watching the sunset. I feel blessed.”

Glenn Close wears her short silver hair in a textured, side-swept style at a February 2024 premiere in New York City. Her hairstyle shows how gray hair can remain part of a polished red-carpet look without hiding its natural color.

By October 2026, Close's hair appears brighter white and slightly longer than in her 2024 premiere photo. The actress has also shared a casual Instagram video celebrating her white hair as the wind blew through it, showing a more playful side of the same look. — By October 2026, Close’s hair appears brighter white and slightly longer than in her 2024 premiere photo. The actress has also shared a casual Instagram video celebrating her white hair as the wind blew through it, showing a more playful side of the same look.

For years, audiences have seen these actresses with various hairstyles and colors. Their latest appearances add another chapter to their visual history, whether through a red carpet moment, a social media snapshot, or a candid capture. As their comments indicate, gray or white hair isn’t always something they feel compelled to justify.