There’s a myriad of hair products dedicated to concealing gray hair, but what about those of us who want to keep our grays or dye our hair to get the silver-toned look prematurely? Silver hair, natural or not, is similar to blonde in the fact that it needs a bit more TLC than darker hair tones to look its brightest and shiniest. Whether you naturally have icy-white hair or sat in the salon chair to get the look, the best shampoos for gray hair are essential for creating a dullness-defying hair-care routine that your cool-toned hair color will benefit from.
Yes, counteracting yellow tones to minimize brassiness is one concern for those with gray hair, but New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, previously told Allure that gray hair can also change and become thinner, coarser, and drier since your oil glands produce less sebum as you get older, leading to drier hair follicles. “It is unclear why, but the biological process that affects the color of the hair likely also affects the structure of the hair being produced as well,” he said. Therefore, finding a shampoo that not only neutralizes brassy tones but also replenishes moisture is key to keeping gray hair in tip-top shape.
Ready to embrace your silver-fox era? Below, take a look at a few hairstylist-approved shampoos that will make going gray a total breeze.
Oribe Silverati Shampoo
Not one, but two hairstylists — Los Angeles-based Glenn Ellis and New York City-based Valerie Vanessa — gave Oribe’s Silverati Shampoo two thumbs up for brightening and nourishing gray hair. “This shampoo is not only gentle on gray and white hair, but it also has a blend of blue and silver pigments to brighten hair, helping to eliminate yellow tones and prevent discoloration,” says Vanessa.
Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Shampoo
Vanessa calls Clairol’s Professional Shimmer Lights Shampoo a drugstore classic for its brass-busting formulation. This under-$15 shampoo balances cool undertones with purple pigments to diminish brassiness while its protein-rich formula also strengthens delicate hair and protects it against breakage.
Pureology Strength Cure Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Pureology’s Strength Cure Sulfate-Free Shampoo formula impressed the entire Allure team so much that it won a 2022 Best of Beauty Award, so trust us when we say it’s great for damaged or color-treated hair. As it washes away excess oil and product buildup, the antioxidant-fueled shampoo moisturizes hair and protects hair from environmental damage.
Olaplex Bond Maintenance No. 4 Shampoo
We’re major fans of Olaplex’s Bond Maintenance No. 4 Shampoo, and so is Ellis. This Allure Best of Beauty-winning formula got our seal of approval for its protein bond-repairing properties that instantly strengthen hair, reduce frizz, and boost shine, making it a great choice for those with fragile, thinning hair. Ellis adds that this sulfate-free option is one of his favorite shampoos for just about anyone with color-treated hair because it makes his clients’ color treatments last longer.
Iles Formula Shampoo
Another one of Ellis’s favorite shampoos for gray hair is Iles Formula’s Shampoo, which is free of silicones and sulfates in order to wash hair without compromising color fade. This cleanser is also spiked with antioxidant vitamin B5 to retain moisture for a silkier, softer feel before you even reach for your conditioner.
Sachajuan Silver Shampoo
Sachajuan’s ultraviolet Silver Shampoo is such a deep aubergine purple that it almost looks black, and there’s a reason for that. Its dark violet pigment was developed specifically for white, gray, and silver hair colors to counteract brassiness for an icy-cool, vibrant finish. It’s also worth mentioning that this shampoo is also formulated with silk protein extract to improve shine and malleability.
L’Oréal Paris EverPure Purple Shampoo
We at Allure always believe that a proper beauty routine can be executed with a slew of affordable picks, like L’Oréal Paris’s EverPure Purple Shampoo. This under-$10 shampoo is sulfate- and paraben-free and utilizes hibiscus extract to act as a conditioning ingredient and a brass-counteracting dye.
René Furterer Okara Silver Toning Shampoo
The magic of René Furterer’s Okara Silver Toning Shampoo comes from two ingredients: violet pigments, which neutralizes yellow undertones for a cool-toned finish, and the shampoo’s signature okara extract. This extract is rich in amino acids, a molecular compound that strengthens and fortifies hair.
Shu Uemura Yubi Blonde Anti-Brass Purple Shampoo
Ellis says the Shu Uemura Yubi Blonde Anti-Brass Purple Shampoo is one of his favorite recommendations for gray hair types because it’s a luxurious formula that instantly neutralizes brassy tones. On top of its purple pigment, Shu Uemura’s formulation also contains white peony extract, which is rich in free-radical-fighting antioxidants that prevent damage and breakage.
R+Co Bleu De Luxe Reparative Shampoo
If your main focus is less on color-toning and more on damage control, allow us to introduce you to R+Co Bleu’s De Luxe Reparative Shampoo. It’s one of Ellis’s go-tos for damaged hair since it’s infused with a blend of moisture-retaining tananu, marajuca, and argan oils to intensively condition damaged and brittle hair for a smoother, softer, and shinier finish after every wash. “It’s super moisturizing for gray hair and helps restore hydration while tackling dullness,” says Ellis, making it an excellent choice for dry hair.
Matrix Total Results So Silver Purple Shampoo
The Matrix Total Results So Silver Purple Shampoo has a neon-purple hue that looks like paint but works like brass-blasting sorcery on yellow tones. Its vibrant color not only cuts down brass but also brightens hair color for a fresher-looking tint.
Aveda Blue Malva Shampoo
Not only will Aveda’s Blue Malva Shampoo take care of unwanted yellow tones for gray and blonde hair, but it also works on brunettes. It subs purple pigments for blue malva powder, which gives it a deep blue tint that neutralizes both yellow- and orange-toned brassiness.
Redken Color Extend Graydiant Purple Shampoo
As its name suggests, Redken’s Color Extend Graydient Purple Shampoo was made specifically for gray hair types. This anti-yellow shampoo balances undertones with the help of its purple pigment.
Fekkai Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo
Vanessa says that though Fekkai’s Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo doesn’t contain any pigments, it still brightens and balances the tone of gray hair with total ease. “This shampoo has a pH of 2 to 3, which is mildly acidic and removes pollutants while sealing the cuticle to keep them out,” she says.
Klorane Anti-Yellowing Shampoo
Banish brass for good with Klorane’s Anti-Yellowing Shampoo, an ultra-purple formula that tones while cleansing hair of buildup and excess oil. The beauty of this shampoo is that it can also be used as a leave-in cream since its purple tint won’t dye your hair.
Gray and silver hair types, these are the tried-and-true shampoo formulas you need to nourish your hair and keep brass at bay. Now, go on and get to washing for the brightest, shiniest, and coolest hair of your life.
