When we reach our 50s and beyond, finding ways to boost radiance becomes more important than ever. But a glowing complexion isn’t just down to great skincare and luminous makeup – the right hair colour can have just as much impact.
If you need convincing, look no further than Dame Emma Thompson’s latest red-carpet appearance, where she showcased a ‘spotlight grey’ shade that, according to experts, is particularly glow-giving.
Emma looked incredible, making a return to the red carpet
The 67-year-old actress debuted the luminous update to her signature silver crop as she made a return to the red carpet for the 2026 Albies. From afar, you can see how the silver shines, instantly brightening her complexion. Take a closer look, and you’ll see exactly why.
Take note of the dimension, you can see a mix of icy silver and deeper charcoal tones woven throughout her pixie cut. But the real standout is the front section, where lighter strands create a ‘spotlight’ effect.
‘Rather than having one uniform shade of grey from root to tip, spotlight grey is all about strategically placing lighter silver and white tones around the hairline and front sections, allowing them to catch the light and brighten the face, acting like a spotlight’ explains Jason Collier, celebrity hairstylist and Key Opinion Leader at Jerome Russell Bblonde.
It’s this very clever use of colour that makes it so flattering. As Jason explains, ‘as we get older, the contrast between our hair and skin can change, so strategically placed silver can bring a lovely lightness to the face.’
Clever, brightening strands sit near the face
‘The dimension also stops grey hair from looking flat or dull, giving it a healthier, more vibrant appearance. I also think there’s something particularly youthful about the confidence of embracing your natural colour, too. It feels fresh and effortless, rather than trying to disguise the signs of ageing,’ he adds.
As Jason notes, it’s a brilliant example of how grey hair can be worn with intention. ‘Emma proves how embracing grey can feel just as considered and stylish as any other colour choice.’
‘The contrast between those lighter pieces at the front and her deeper, natural tones underneath gives her silver real depth, texture and luminosity. It feels confident, modern and incredibly chic.’
The finish is brightening and dimensional
Whether you’ve been championing silver for years or you’re finally ready to make the switch, ‘spotlight grey’ is well worth asking about at your next salon appointment.
‘The aim is to create a soft, face-framing halo of brightness rather than an all-over, uniform silver,’ says Jason. ‘You’ll want to ask your stylist about enhancing your natural grey with brighter silver or pearl-toned pieces around the hairline and through the front sections, while keeping a little depth throughout the rest of the hair.’
‘From here, they will be able to assess your existing grey pattern and decide whether subtle highlights, lowlights or a toner would help achieve the finish you’re after,’ he explains.
It’s a look worth bookmarking for your next salon appointment
As Jason notes, it may turn out you only need a little refinement to enhance brightness and shine. To keep this up at home, he recommends trying a silver toner, such as the Bblonde Maximum Blonde Toner in Silver, or the Jerome Russell Colour Bomb in Silver Blonde.
With Emma’s seal of approval, we’ll be booking the next appointment we can get.