Jean Smart's Gray Pixie Cut Is as Iconic as It Gets

jean smart on the kelly clarkson show — (Image credit: Getty Images)

Jean Smart just reminded me of why I absolutely love a gray hair moment. The Hacks actress appeared on an episode of Late Night with Seth Meyers on Aug. 7 looking extra casual in an oversized white button down shirt, wide leg blue jeans, and sneakers. But I found myself just as in love with her gray pixie cut as I was her comfy wardrobe.

Smart stopped by the talk show to discuss her one-woman Broadway show Call Me Izzy. For the segment, she wore her hair in a slightly grown-out pixie cut with a side part and soft curls. Her gray hair also looked a bit grown out or like it had an ombré effect, with the color being darker at the roots and blending into a more silver shade.

actress jean smart on late night with seth meyers — Jean Smart making an appearance on "Late Night with Seth Meyers."

It's always refreshing to see a woman in Hollywood embracing her silver and gray color rather than covering up the roots. Over the last year, some of the biggest celebrity hair moments have included bold cuts and color changes like blunt bobs, wolf cuts, blonde hair colors, and soft highlights, but plenty of women have also been proudly showcasing their gray hair.

Kathy Bates wore a headful of silver curls during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live back in April, while Phylicia Rashad stepped out shortly after wearing gray micro braids. And don't get me started on all the women who wore gray hair to the Golden Globes earlier this year.

If Jean Smart or any other aforementioned celebrity is inspiring you to grow out your gray roots—or to dye your hair gray all over—there are a few products you'll need in your inventory to maintain the color and ensure your hair stays in optimal health. Read ahead to shop them.

L'Oreal Paris

Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Smokey Silver

Obviously, the best way to color your hair would be to see a professional, but if you must do it at home, this at-home dye is affordable and makes the process seamless.

Overtone Haircare

Stormy Sterling Color Depositing Treatment Mask

For something a little less permanent, you can opt for a color depositing mask like this one. If your hair is already on the lighter side, this will moisturize it while also depositing a gray color that's meant to last up to ten washes.

amika

Bust Your Brass Cool Blonde Strength Repair Shampoo

Purple shampoos are often associated with blonde hair, but they're also good to have on hand when you have gray hair as well. This one tones brassiness, but it also has a bond-building formula that helps strengthen the hair and prevent breakage.

L'Oréal

Everpure Sulfate-Free Purple Conditioner

It's always nice to follow any shampoo with a color-friendly conditioner. This drugstore option nourishes the hair while protecting it and preventing it from fading.

Redken

Acidic Bonding Concentrate Leave-In Treatment

A bonding treatment like this one helps restore weak or damaged hair from the inside out. Just use dime sized amount of it and then leave it in.

Danielle Jackson is the former senior beauty writer at Marie Claire. She has nearly a decade of experience covering beauty, lifestyle, and entertainment and was previously the senior beauty editor at Women's Health, where she thoughtfully covered topics related to skincare, haircare, aesthetics, and wellness. Before that, she spent three years as an assistant beauty editor at PS, and in the years since, her work has appeared in titles like Vogue, InStyle, Glamour, and more. Danielle graduated from the University of Georgia with a BA in English, and has lived in Brooklyn for almost ten years. When she's not writing, you can find her reading romance novels and talking about sunscreen. You can find her on Instagram @danielleknecole.