15 photos that showcase the beauty of gray hair

We’ve all heard that bald is beautiful, but what if I told you gray is gorgeous?

Many of us remember the first time we spotted—or were told about—a gray strand of hair on our head. It’s a moment that’s typically followed by unwanted contemplations of our mortality. Going gray hits all of us at different times and is heavily influenced by genetics.

Men and women typically start seeing gray hair in their 30s but experts say that by the age of 50, half of the population will have hair that’s 50 percent gray. It’s of course a totally natural symptom of aging that happens when the body stops producing the cells that lead to colored hair.

But these days, gray hair is more a badge of honor than a symptom of being “old.” Gray hair has become such a style statement that young celebrities like Lady Gaga, Rihanna and Ryan Lochte have dyed their manes gray well before their natural time.

Let’s take a look at some more celebs who’ve proven gray is gorgeous. After seeing these photos, you might never buy another box of hair dye—unless it’s gray, of course.

1. Helen Mirren

At 72, Helen Mirren is still one of the most in-demand actors in Hollywood and she’s been proving for years that gray hair is a beautiful look. In a business as obsessed with staying young as entertainment is, Mirren is a breathtaking example of embracing your years.

2. John Slattery

“Mad Men” star John Slattery said he went gray in college—and it’s a look he’s since owned. The 55-year-old actor has one of the most identifiable heads of hair in Hollywood.

3. Carmen Dell’Orefice

Arguably the most famous head of gray hair in the world belongs to Carmen Dell’Orefice. The 86-year-old has been modeling since the 1940s and continues to walk runways, appear in advertisements and on the covers of fashion magazines to this day.

4. Irvin Randle

Known online as “#MrStealYourGrandma,” Irvin Randle is a model who proves the air of sophistication men can gain from going gray. The 56-year-old is a sensation on Instagram with more than 167,000 followers.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BE6XTw9QeNg/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_legacy

5. Yazemeenah Rossi

French-born model Yazemeenah Rossi didn’t get her break in the industry until she was 45 years old—but, now in her 60s, she’s proving that business isn’t just for teenagers. She’s a grandmother of two and the long mane of gray she proudly wears is stunning.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcYJWIFloJP/?taken-by=yazemeenahrossi

6. Dermot Mulroney

The 54-year-old actor’s gray hair only adds to his good looks.

7. Nichelle Nichols

Nichelle Nichols, the 85-year-old former “Star Trek” star, proves that gray hair is the only choice if you hope to live long and prosper—in style.

8. Nicola Griffin

In 2016, Nicola Griffin, then 56, made history when she became the oldest model to ever appear in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. A size 16, Griffin has been praised as an example of body positivity at any age. Her long, gray hair only adds to her allure.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BZmgduhgMWK/?taken-by=nicolajgriffin

9. Alessandro Manfredini

Pushing 50, Italian model Alessandro Manfredini proves that wild facial hair, tattoos and tight clothes aren’t just for young hipsters. His gray mane and beard show the rugged beauty of middle age.

10. Mildred Bean

Known on Instagram as “NaturalSilverSista,” Mildred Bean has earned more than 22,000 followers by showing how to age with confidence. Her curly gray locks are completely natural.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BabjbbsgBwn/?taken-by=naturalsilversista

11. Mara Brock Akil

At 47, screenwriter Mara Brock Akil shows that gradually going gray can make for a gorgeous look.

12. George Lamb

British radio and TV host George Lamb, 38, has been gray for years, making the color a signature part of his look. He shows what men in their 30s can pull off without pigment.

13. Delphine L’Astucieuse

French blogger Delphine L’Astucieuse—which translates to “Delphine the clever” in English—proudly rocks gray hair at 42. This mother of 4 routinely shows off her locks on Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bd9qP0vAprU/?tagged=goinggrey

14. Maye Musk

At 69 years old, Maye Musk made history as the oldest Covergirl spokesmodel ever after a modeling career that spanned about 50 years.

“Beauty truly is for women of all ages,” the silver-haired model said.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bdj7SMPDSmA/?hl=en&taken-by=mayemusk

15. Anderson Cooper

How could this list be complete without mentioning the man many affectionately call the “silver fox,” Anderson Cooper. The 50-year-0ld CNN anchor has come to be known for his signature gray locks.

Cooper has said that he’s considered coloring his hair, but he couldn’t imagine sitting in a salon waiting for the dye to process.

“At this point, it’s too late—the cow has left the barn,” Cooper joked while co-hosting “Live!” with Kelly Ripa in 2016.

If these people prove anything, it’s that going gray is something we can all look forward to instead of dreading!