Kathy Bates has sparked a new wave of admiration for gray hair. The actress appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live in Los Angeles, wearing a chic black sequined cardigan and matching pants. However, it was her stunning silver hair that truly caught attention. Beautifully curled to frame her face, Bates’ hair added a touch of elegance to her look.
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen a rise in gray hair this year, especially following the gray hair trends at the 2025 Golden Globes. It appears there’s a growing movement toward embracing natural grays, and Bates is certainly leading the charge.
For her Jimmy Kimmel Live appearance, Bates sported her signature lob hairstyle, with the ends gently brushing her shoulders. Her hair featured a subtle ombré effect, transitioning from gray at the roots to a salt-and-pepper blend toward the tips. The mix also included some platinum highlights, adding dimension and shine.
While vibrant hair colors like espresso brunette, caramel blonde, and cherry cola red have had their moments in the spotlight, it’s still rare to see celebrities embracing gray hair so confidently. Although many people start to gray in their mid-30s, some experience it earlier, in their 20s or 30s, due to genetics or lifestyle factors.
