Hair color has long been one of the most transformative elements in a woman’s beauty arsenal. It can illuminate your complexion, bring out your eyes and add an unmistakable je ne sais quoi to your entire look.
But as we age, the relationship with our hair color shifts—it becomes less about reinvention and more about enhancement. The goal (as always) is to look like the best version of yourself, with color that flatters your features, fits your lifestyle and makes you feel confident, no matter if you’re running errands around town or getting glammed up for a big event. For women 50, that often means moving away from high-maintenance routines and leaning into hues that grow out gracefully, but without sacrificing style.
Getty
Related: 7 Trendy Short Hairstyles for Women Over 50, According to Celebrity Hairstylists
As with all things beauty, celebrities continue to lead the way. Whether it’s Andie MacDowell embracing her silver curls or Jennifer Aniston’s ever-evolving “bronde” tones, stars over 50 are rewriting the rules of aging, starting at the roots. In fact, they’re setting the tone for embracing change while still looking polished and modern. And while the message is clear that you can have both ease and elegance top colorists are pointing to one specific shade and technique that’s dominating the request list.
Related: 5 Best Hair Colors to Look Younger, According to Celebrity Colorists
The One Hair Color Celebs Over 50 Are Asking For, According to a Celebrity Colorist
So, what’s the one hair color quietly taking over celebrity salons and red carpets? It’s calledherringbone highlights, and it has quickly emerged as the ultimate choice for mature women who want a color that feels intentional but never overdone. It’s subtle and dimensional technique that weaves lighter strands (often including grays) through your natural color in a scattered, multidirectional pattern for soft, seamless dimension and minimal upkeep. Think of it as the grown-up answer to traditional highlights—more refined, more wearable and completely in step with a mature beauty routine.
“The most requests I get from my clients in the 50-plus range is ‘make it pretty but low maintenance,’” says color pro Michelle Cleveland, who has worked with celebrities like Christian Milian and Real Housewives stars, among others.
“As women, I think as we mature we try to simplify our lives any way possible. And this includes cutting back on the once-a-month color touch-ups.” This is where the herringbone technique comes in. It’s a smart, subtle way of weaving lighter strands into your natural shade, including gray. “It allows for the seamless blending of those pesky gray hairs that become hard to keep up with and also doesn’t require a ton of upkeep,” she adds.
Related: 7 Best Effortless Short Hairstyles for Women 50+, According to Celebrity Stylists
Unlike traditional highlights, which can create harsh lines as they grow out, herringbone highlights are more diffused and multidimensional, giving the overall effect of soft movement and natural texture.
Celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker, 60, and Gwyneth Paltrow, 52, are embracing this approach for good reason. It celebrates the beauty of natural hair while subtly enhancing it with light and depth. And for women over 50, it’s not just a trend, it’s the new gold standard.
Up Next:
Related: ‘Sopranos’ Star, 70, Fully Embraces Gray Hair and Fans Think She’s More Stunning Than Ever
