15 Elegant Gray Hair Updos That Are Simple To Do

If you love your long gray hair then here are 15 ways you can twist it, tie it and braid it for an elegant look when you want to look especially attractive. Choose from gray hair low updos, half updos and full updos. Ideas for curly hair, straight hair, fine hair and thicker hair. These gray hair updos are selected because they are simple to achieve and they all look great on women over 50.

I’ve suggested some products available on Amazon (affiliate links) for some of the styles. I’ve got rather stuck in my ways where hair accessories and products are concerned so I asked my hairdresser to point out some recent innovations.

The half updo with high quiff

A quiff, or the combed back pompadour, has so many benefits from adding volume to your hair, height to your overall look and giving you some edgy, funky style! With longer hair you can soften the quiff feature by pinning it in a twist for a half up-half down look. The twist enables you to show off all the beautiful silver tones throughout your hair.

The high ponytail with quiff

Sticking with quiffs, for a full updo, the quiff is a really easy and versatile element to add to a ponytail, giving this everyday style some added oomph and vitality!

The twist through ponytail

Another super simple twist to add elegance to a ponytail. Gather your hair into a low ponytail and secure with a band. Pull the band down a few inches then, holding your hair in two even sections, tease apart a small gap between the band and the nape of your neck, (some people use the hook of a coat-hanger!) Flip the ponytail up and in on itself, pulling the length through the gap you created. This immediately creates a twist of hair on either side, which you can fix in place by pulling the hair band tight again.

The fishtail braid

This fishtail braid is so simple to create and you can do it on much finer hair than this model! Using two sections instead of three, you simply plait small sections all the way down. Pulling outer sections across the front creates a downward pointing braid, while pulling inner sections around the back creates the upward pointing braid you see here. Tutorial videos online abound. Keep it sleek and classy or tease out wisps for a casual look.

The chic low ponytail

Simple, chic and great for shorter hair. Use some smoothing product or serum to keep the wisps to a minimum while adding glossy shine to your hair. Tie your hair low at the nape of your neck. Add a touch of elegance by wrapping a small section of your hair around the tie and pinning it in place to neatly conceal it.

Products: If you’re new to frizz control then John Frieda with its well known ‘Frizz-Ease’ collection is a great and trusted product to start with.

Twist and clip – one of the most popular gray hair updos

This classic hairstyle never goes out of fashion and is so easy to create. As the name suggests, simply wind the length of your hair with your fingers and twist up the back of your head, clipping into place. You can play around with how tight or loose you want your twist, and have fun with your hair clip accessories.

Start with a simple, sleek grip to easily pincer your hair in place. These hair clips were made famous by Jennifer Aniston as one of Rachel’s famous updos in Friends.

The asymmetric bun

This loose side bun is a great casual look for when you’re on the go. The simple change of pulling your hair to the side instead of to the back elongates your neck and accentuates your collarbone. Add a hair scrunchie or tie a ribbon or scarf around the bun that coordinates with your outfit!

Spiral elastics cause less breakage to your hair and are great for casual wear and exercise.

The messy low bun

This look is so versatile for different hair types, lengths and occasions. Keeping the body of your hair sleek and groomed into a low ponytail, create a textured, messy bun with the remaining length. It’s chic and playful and can take you from day to evening if you’re at an event or special occasion but want minimal styling involved.

Use a serum or hairspray to slick down any flyaway hairs. Color WOW products are extremely popular for their glossy ‘glass’ finish.

The stunning high bun

This high bun is one of the most impactful gray hair updos today! Tie a ponytail and use a hair donut or bun roller to create height and volume while concealing and pinning it in place with the remaining lengths of your hair.

Products: Hair donuts come in a range of colours and sizes. If your hair has more white coverage, then opt for a blonde donut for better camouflage. The product below has some great help on how to form a perfect bun

The high plaited bun

A variation on the high bun is to incorporate a plait. Not only does it look elegant, it’s so easy to create yet looks so complex! Simply tie a high ponytail and plait the remaining length, teasing out the braid for additional volume. Wind the braid around the base of the ponytail and pin firmly into place, tucking in the ends.

Silver high-top braids

Gather braids into a high top-knot that will show off all their fabulous different tones, while leaving length around your shoulders or framing your face. For added style, incorporate hair cuffs, braid rings and other hair accessories throughout the lengths, or play around with hair colour.

The curly top-knot

Bunch your curls up high for this gorgeous bouncy top-knot that looks great with bold accessories and jewelry. Leave one or two defined curls loose around your face or sides of your neck to show off your hair’s incredible natural texture.

Use curling crème for sleek definition and avoid frizz for a more stylish finish. Finally, use a spray made for curly hair.

Wispy strands

For those with beautiful fine silver hair, leaving wispy strands floating from a chic updo softens your facial features and gives an effortless, low maintenance appearance to your look.

The sheer elegance wispy updo

Your hair not thick or curly? You can still create gorgeous texture with this soft wispy updo. Add volumizing powder to your roots at the front and backcomb for volume, then pull back loosely and set with hair spray for this teased-out look.

The youthful side braid

If you prefer to wear your hair down but want to keep it off your face, then a side braid is just the twist you need. Part your hair to one side and braid the thickest section in a loose plait behind your ear that you can tie or pin in place. This retains the length that you love and adds feminine detail.

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17 Great Hairstyles for Women Over 50 with a Double Chin

How to Style Bangs and Fringes Over 50