Today’s expert post on the best braided hairstyle for women over 50 was written by Carla Martin, aka @silvergirlmx on Instagram. She’s been dye-free for 9 years and showing off her gorgeous silver locks. Carla has an incredible community of over 100k followers who also think gray is the bee’s knees. Enjoy, darlings!

You might also enjoy reading The Best Colors to Wear with Gray Hair, and Why I’ve Embraced Gray Hair and You Can Too!

I love braided hairstyles. They are so versatile and can be made with different lengths and textures of hair. Whether you’re looking for a new style or simply want to refresh your current look, there are plenty of options to explore. I don’t follow the societal rules about age-appropriate hairstyles. We should own our style and choose the right style for ourselves—whatever makes us happy.

With a few helpful tips, you can adapt braided looks to suit your face shape, hair texture, and personal preference. A layered cut can add movement, while a dimensional color can make braids stand out even more. Adding a little extra body can also give the style a fuller, more youthful appearance.

Braids aren’t just for adults, either. A cute braided look can be a fun choice for a little girl, while stylish braided hairstyles for Black women can beautifully showcase natural texture, length, and personality. The right braid can even help you feel young and confident without trying to look like someone else.

Let’s get into it, and I’ll show you two of my favorites. I’ve linked to my videos walking you through the process to make it easier for you. These styles are a great idea when you want something simple yet eye-catching and can draw attention to your favorite features.

Braided Hairstyles for Grey Hair Over 50

First on the roster for gray braided hairstyles is the more iconic Frida Kahlo, or crown braid. Frida Kahlo was a Mexican artist known for her unique personal style, which often included elaborate braided hairstyles. Her braids became an iconic part of her image and have inspired many people around the world. She wore her natural hair pulled back and braided into two thick braids.

The braids were often wrapped around her head, creating a crown-like effect. She sometimes adorned her braids with colorful ribbons, flowers, or other accessories. Today, this timeless look can be a beautiful way to celebrate natural gray hair, silver hair, and the natural beauty that comes with embracing your natural hair color.

Braided Gray Hair: Frida Kahlo or Crown Braids

How to create this braid style for gray hair:

• Start with clean, dry, and brushed hair; since gray hair tends to be coarser and drier, keep prep gentle to protect its natural texture, and adjust it for your hair type, especially if you have fine hair.
• A small amount of lightweight oil or leave-in conditioner can help keep the braid looking fresh while enhancing the shine of silver hair; this kind of gentle prep can also help prevent breakage in fragile gray hair.
• Create a part down the center of your head, dividing your hair into two equal sections (left and right).
• Starting on one side, take a small section of hair near your temple and begin braiding it in a regular three-strand braid. Cross the right strand over the middle, then the left strand over the middle, and repeat, gradually adding more hair to each strand as you move towards the back of your head.
• As you braid, follow your hairline around the back of your head, incorporating hair from both the top and bottom sections. This will create a curved braid that wraps around like a crown. Keep adding hair to each strand as you go, and avoid excess tension so the style feels light on the scalp.
• I never imagined I would love my gray hair. It has made me more comfortable in my own skin, and it makes me feel unique.

“I never imagined I would love my gray hair. It has made me more comfortable in my own skin, and it makes me feel unique.” — Carla Martin

• Once you reach the opposite temple, continue braiding the remaining hair to the ends, making sure to incorporate all the hair from that side. Secure the end of the braid with a small elastic or hair tie.
• Repeat the same braiding process on the other side, starting at the temple and working your way towards the back of your head, incorporating hair from both sections. Braid until you reach the opposite temple and secure the end with an elastic.
• Take the braid from one side and wrap it across the back of your head, positioning it as a crown. Secure it in place using bobby pins. Repeat with the braid from the other side, crossing it over the first braid and pinning it down.
• Once your crown braid is in place, you can gently pull on sections of the braid to loosen and create a fuller, more relaxed look. Leave a few soft face-framing pieces out and style them wavy or curly for a softer finish; soft waves also give the braid a more romantic style. You can also add decorative elements like flowers, ribbons, or hair accessories to enhance the style.
• If you have long gray hair, this crown technique gives you plenty of length to work with and can create an especially striking finished look. It also works well on shoulder length or medium length hair for a slightly softer effect. It is also a lovely option for anyone who has embraced gray hair and wants a hairstyle that highlights its natural dimension rather than covering it.

Sleep with a silk or satin scarf to help reduce frizz and keep the style neat.

Let hair air dry before braiding when possible, since that can be gentler on gray strands.

Watch my instructional gray braided hairstyles here on my Instagram channel.

Braid Styles for Gray Hair: Dutch braids

These braids are also known as reverse or inside-out braids. A double french braid variation can also be pinned into a dressier updo or crown. If you want another protective option, knotless braids reduce tension on the scalp for more comfortable wear, which can be especially helpful for thinning hair. Salt and pepper hair also works beautifully in salt-and-pepper knotless box braids when you want a comfortable style for gray hair. Longer sections or long locks can also make Dutch braids look more dramatic.

• Create a center part from your forehead to the nape of your neck, dividing your hair into two equal sections.
• Select a small section of hair at the front of one side (left or right) and divide it into three equal strands. Cross the right strand under the middle strand, then cross the left strand under the middle strand. This is the starting position for your Dutch braid.
• As you continue braiding, add more hair to each strand before crossing it under the middle strand. Take a small section of hair from the side closest to the face and add it to the right strand, then cross it under the middle. Repeat on the other side, adding hair from the opposite side to the left strand and crossing it under the middle.
• With each cross-under motion, continue adding hair from the sides to the respective strands and crossing them under the middle. Keep the tension firm but not too tight, ensuring that the braid stays close to the scalp.
• Once you’ve reached the back of your neck and incorporated all the hair, continue braiding the remaining section without adding more hair. Braid the remaining hair to the ends, and secure it with a small elastic or hair tie.
• Repeat on the other side.
• Once both Dutch braids are complete, you can gently tug on the sides of the braid to loosen and create a fuller look. You can also pancake the braid by gently pulling on the edges to add volume. Straight long gray hair showcases shimmery tones beautifully if you leave the lengths down. Layers can add volume to thinning long gray hair before braiding or when wearing it loose. Wavy long gray hair creates a softer, more romantic finish. Gray cornrows can also be styled in patterns like zigzags.

Here’s the final braided gray hair look, and this braid can also transition into a ponytail.

Have you allowed your hair to go its natural gray? How does it make you feel? Please share in the comments!

About the Author:

I’m Carla Martin known as Silvergirlmx, I’m a 51-year-old Mexican. In 2014 I decided to ditch the hair dye and let my hair grow. I never imagined I would love my gray hair. It has made me more comfortable in my own skin, and it makes me feel unique. Gray hairstyles can help older women feel beautiful and confident. Gorgeous women of all ages can embrace gray. I love fashion, crafts, makeup, and hair styles. A side-swept French braid flatters the jawline. A relaxed side braid gives a youthful but sophisticated look. Accent braids can add subtle details to hairstyles, especially on short hair to medium hair. A full braid gives more structure and impact. These braided looks are my go to options. Join the party with my 100k+ followers on Instagram!