They’re not just a fix for a bad hair day, or a way to manage hair loss. They can be your ultimate cheat code for a whole new persona. Want to go from soft look to alt-babe in five minutes? Wigs got you.

But the real flex is styling them with your ‘fits. It’s not just about throwing on hair; it’s about creating a whole vibe. So, whether you’re rocking a neon pink pixie or butter-zone blonde layers, here’s how to make your wig and wardrobe eat.

Vibe check your hair and outfit

Forget just matching colours. Think about the ~energy~. A slick, jet-black bob with blunt bangs? That’s giving minimalist edge. Pair it with tailored trousers, a clean monochrome set, or your favorite leather jacket for a look that’s sharp enough to cut glass.

On the flip side, those tousled, beachy waves? Pure casual-cool. They’re basically begging for a flowy sundress, vintage denim, or a chill loungewear set. Let the texture and style of the wig tell you what to wear. Is it drama? Is it comfort? Listen to it.

Contrast is everything

Opposites attract, always. Got a fantasy wig in pastel lavender or fire-engine red? Let it POP against a neutral backdrop. Think beige sets, classic denim, or all-black everything. The hair is the main character; your outfit is the supportive bestie.

Or, if you’re wearing a print that’s already loud (hello, cottagecore maxi dress or Y2K graphic everything), balance it with a wig in a natural, classic shade. It keeps the look from being too overwhelming and lets each piece breathe.

Occasion? Sorted.

Your wig should match the setting. Festival/concert? Go all out. Colourful curly wigs, glitter roots, and bold accessories. This is the time.

Office/meeting? Keep it polished but cute. A sophisticated brunette lob or subtle blonde waves with blazers, smart knits, or simple shells looks put-together without trying too hard.

Date night? Bring the romance. Soft curls, glossy straight hair, something that makes you feel incredible. Pair it with your go-to LBD or that top you save for special events.

Makeup is the glue

Your face card needs to align with the hair card. A bright, bold wig often looks best with cleaner, balanced makeup; maybe a sharp wing and a nude lip, or just a killer blush moment. Let the hair be the star.

With a more natural wig? You have more room to play. Go for a smokey eye, graphic liner, or a statement lip. It’s all about creating a cohesive flow from your hairline to your jawline.

Accessorise (but wisely)

Hats, claw clips, bandanas, and statement earrings can take your wig look from basic to iconic. A silk scarf over a curly wig = instant retro glam.

Big hoops or dangly earrings with a short bob? Chef’s kiss. A beanie slouched over a long, textured wig? Cool-girl approved.

Pro Tip: Be gentle. Avoid heavy clips or tight headbands that can damage the cap. It’s about styling, not strapping it down.

The #1 Rule: confidence is the best outfit

Seriously. The most important styling hack is to OWN IT. A wig should make you feel powerful, fun, and like the main character. If you’re feeling yourself, it will show. That confidence is what truly ties any look together and makes it fire.

So experiment. Mix, match, and don’t be afraid to switch it up. Your wig is your secret weapon for self-expression. Use it to tell the story you want to tell today.

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The post Your wig, your rules: making every outfit pop appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Judi flying the silver flag
Photo Todd Jacobucci

Over lockdown I have worn my hair in a ponytail the whole time. And slowly but surely a new, braver me is emerging. At 56 it’s one I’m beginning to accept, and it seems I’m not alone.

A quick search of Instagram reveals the hashtag #greyhair has over two million posts. And there’s a proliferation of similar accounts, positively promoting women with platinum, grey, or silver hair colour.

Celebrities including Emma Thompson, Cate Blanchett, Helen Mirren, and Dame Judi Dench have undoubtedly helped this trend. As have articles saturating national media, and hashtags (like one of our own favourites, #SilverIsTheNewBlack). And stars like Lady Gaga are making silver hair a positive choice for even younger women.

It’s hip to be grey

Caroline Gray

Where it was once associated with images of old crones and witches, it’s now become positively trendy to grow out the grey hair. And finally women are feeling like they can be silver tops, and wear it with pride.

Former model turned jewellery designer, Caroline Gray, 52, says, ‘’My hair really started to turn in my mid-40s. The first time the grey conversation happened with my now husband was when I was about 47, just before marrying. We were in the cinema when he said, ‘when are you going to start dyeing your hair?’

Pippa Best

“The look on his face was priceless when I said I wasn’t. Of course I care about my appearance, but I’m also a great believer in being true to yourself. And it’s your body, so your choice.’’

Script editor Pippa Best, 47, went grey at 35 after becoming a mum. She says whilst initially unsure, she now gets so many compliments on her long silver hair that she has grown to love it.

Inspiring others

Sarah Laker

For others, changing colour was not such a surprise. Sarah Laker, 50, who runs Marple Stationery in Stockport, says her grandma went white in her thirties and she followed the same path: “I started dyeing in my 20s, but then when I was 34 I was off work with vertigo. I couldn’t bear my hair being touched so I had it cut really short. Then when I was well and it was time to go back to work I actually liked the grey! So I was grey before it was a trendy thing to do.”

Friends have dubbed her their ‘ginspiration’ and many have also stopped colouring, but she hasn’t been without her critics. Sarah was annoyed to be told by a customer that she could look 10 years younger if she dyed her hair. She says: ’Why would I want to look 10 years younger? I’m completely happy with myself and my life; I have a lovely husband of nearly 28 years, two beautiful daughters, and my own business.’’

Why do people judge the grey?

…we have to fight the fear of ageing from a very early age. Ageism is an implicit bias

Behavioural psychologist Prof Carolyn Mair PhD, author of The Psychology of Fashion, says such comments happen because there is still a preoccupation with eternal youth.

‘’Women, and increasingly men, are socialised into believing that to be successful in any aspect of life, they have to be beautiful. And as being beautiful is equated with being young, we have to fight the fear of ageing from a very early age. Ageism is an implicit bias.

“Since Lady Gaga dyed her hair silver, it has been a trend for younger women too. But this is different to naturally greying hair, which is an explicit sign of ageing and which has been seen negatively.’’

Want to boost the feel-good endophins in your brain naturally?

Is it different for men?

Historically, men have never really had to deal with such judgement when they grow out the grey. Older men are often tagged as distinguished ‘silver foxes’. Think George Clooney, Jeff Goldblum, Pierce Brosnan and many more.

Michael Facherty, 69, says he was ‘salt and pepper’ in his 40s, and grey by his 50s, but welcomed the change. “I used to be ginger, and I bless the day that my hair and beard turned white. There is a lot of demand for a Father Christmas/ Santa with a real white beard! Also, not being called Ginge is good too.’’

Former BBC Midlands Today newsreader Richard Uridge, 59, says going grey was never issue for him. “I honestly can’t remember, it was so long ago. I probably started going grey 20 years ago but it was so incremental I barely noticed it happening. And even now I only realise I’m fully silver (well, let’s be honest, white) when I look back at pictures of the young raven-haired me.”

Richard Uridge before and after

He acknowledges women have a harder time than men in the ageing process adding ‘’I think men are partly (possibly largely) to blame for that inequality. Personally I have no problem with grey-haired women. My mum went grey prematurely – as they used to say – so I had a positive role model for the natural look.’’

Time for rebrand?!

Award-winning celebrity hairdresser, Phil Smith, believes whilst things are changing, ageing is still an issue. He says, “After 30 years of being a hairstylist, going grey is definitely a recurring concern for clients. It seems to me the fear isn’t about going grey or having grey hair, but the idea that it is associated with getting older and the fear of ageing.

“Despite grey hair being sported by influential celebs and the fashion industry’s finest – take Sarah Harris, Stacey London, and Tennille Murphy as examples – the fear of going grey is deep rooted. I try to encourage my clients to see the beauty in their greys, showing and explaining options on how it could enhance their look. But ultimately the decision is theirs.’’

A trip to the hairdressers can help ease the transition, and he recommends highlights or lowlights as blending through the roots and coloured ends will allow the grey not to be so obvious.

Growing out the shades of grey

Author Annemarie Flanagan

Grey is not a favourable word and is often still used in a negative sense; ‘what a grey day’, ‘you’re looking a bit grey – are you ill?’, so I prefer to say my hair is turning ‘silver’ and rather than feel defeated I’m welcoming this new stage.

As Prof Mair says, “Many women have decided to embrace the natural signs of ageing and not dye their hair. This can be empowering as it enables them to be authentic and not simply conform to societal norms and ageist prejudices.

“We all age, and as we do, we are likely to become more confident, more tolerant and more certain about what matters.’’

Lockdown has brought many positive developments; cleaner air, less traffic, shopping locally, getting to know your neighbours and letting nature take its course. Finally ditching the dye is one such silver lining.

THINKING OF GROWING OUT THE GREY?

• For a slow transition talk to your hairdresser consider highlights/lowlights
• Alternatively, go bold and get a shorter cut, start afresh! Grow out the grey hair without having to colour it
• The texture of grey hair is different as it loses colour and melanin. Swap out your usual shampoo and conditioner for silver-specific products
• Hair will also feel more wiry, so invest in some good hair masks and treat yourself
• Grey hair can yellow, so try a purple shampoo once a week this is aimed at enhancing the silver tones in your new natural colour
• Consider your natural colours and clothing too. Having different hair will affect how your clothes look on you
• Also revisit your makeup – it might be that you need a more dramatic look, or to tone down a bit

Annemarie Flanagan

The post Silver linings – lockdown meant I could finally grow out my grey appeared first on Silver Magazine.