Go gloriously gray

The latest beauty trend takes its cue not from youth or pop culture but from the silver-anniversary set.

As more women over 40 let their gray grow, those who have none — including model Kate Moss, singers Pink and Lady Gaga and reality star Kelly Osbourne — streak or strip their tresses to become silver foxes. “The younger you are, the more interesting it is,” says Pantene colorist Danilo. “Your head becomes a jewel — metallic, reflective and eccentric.”

Today's fashion-forward coifs echo those of '60s mavericks Andy Warhol, Edie Sedgwick and The Graduate's skunk-striped Anne Bancroft. The hues match fall's dominant pearl and pewter palette, but “it's women, not designers, who make this style statement: They're unafraid of gray,” says Michael Shaun Corby, Alterna Professional Haircare creative director.

Silver locks look deceptively low-maintenance; they need continual conditioning with violet- or blue-tinted shampoo such as Clairol Shimmer Lights to stay shiny, smooth and unbrassy. Streaks too striking? Try silver clip-in hair extensions or painting your nails silver, Corby says.