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 of hair. I don’t follow the societal rules about age-appropriate hairstyles. We should own our style. Whatever makes us happy.

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. 

Braided Hairstyles for Grey Hair Over 50

First on the roster for gray hair braided styles, is the more iconic —the Frida Kahlo, or crown braids. Frida Kahlo is 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 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.

Braided Gray Hair: Frida Kahlo or Crown Braids

How to create this braid styles for gray hair:

• Start with clean, dry, and brushed 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.
• 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. You can also add decorative elements like flowers, ribbons, or hair accessories to enhance the style.

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.

• 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 make it appear wider and more voluminous.

Here’s the final braided gray hair look.

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. I love fashion, crafts, makeup, and hairstyles. Join the party with my 100k+ followers on Instagram!