Like all precious metals, silver needs extra attention and care, and that goes for silver strands too. The best shampoos for gray hair provide a gentle (but thorough!) cleanse, prevent split ends, boost shine, and help neutralize yellow tones that can make strands appear brassy and dull. “Gray hair is gorgeous, but it can be a little picky,” says Ryan Pearl, a celebrity hair colorist. Because it tends to be on the drier side, he recommends picking up a hydrating formula or finishing with a conditioning treatment.
To help you find the right one for your hair type, we tested dozens of expert-approved options for color-treated and naturally gray hair. We landed on Kérastase’s Blond Absolu Bain UltraViolet Anti-Brass Purple Shampoo as the best overall for its ability to soften, hydrate, and cleanse hair while neutralizing yellow. Other options, like Bumble and Bumble Thickening Volume Shampoo and Phyto Purple No Yellow Shampoo, stood out for their ability to add volume, fight brassiness, and combat the effects of hard water. For strands that look strong, effortlessly glamorous, and glossy, read on below.
The best shampoos for gray hair, at a glance
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Best Overall: Kérastase Blond Absolu Bain UltraViolet Anti-Brass Purple Shampoo
- What we love: Effectively neutralizes yellow tones; hydrates
- Worth noting: Pigments are highly concentrated, so overuse could turn strands purple.
Kérastase Blond Absolu Bain UltraViolet Anti-Brass Purple Shampoo reigns supreme in the gray-hair game thanks to effectively neutralizing yellow tones and hydrating your hair marvelously. Recommended by both a board-certified dermatologist and a celebrity hair colorist, this Kérastase purple shampoo is our overall top choice for gray hair. Infused with ultraviolet pigments and suitable for all hair textures, it helps cancel out yellow tones that can make gray hair appear brassy, all while softening and cleansing the hair and scalp of dirt, oil, and product buildup. FYI: Since pigments in this shampoo are highly concentrated, overuse could turn your locks purple, so limit it to three washes per week, the brand recommends.
“I can personally vouch that this formula is a fast-acting solution for fighting brassiness even in blonde or highlighted hair. In my experience, lathering up with it once or twice a week is all it takes to ward off those orangey tones—and hairstyling always feels easier after using it too,” says Glamour contributor Victoria Moorehouse.
The shampoo also boasts benefits for dry hair. “The formula’s hyaluronic acid adds moisture, which is essential since gray hair tends to be drier and more brittle,” says Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. Jennifer Korab, a celebrity hair colorist and the owner of Renaissance Salon & Spa in Hillsborough, New Jersey, gives the formula her stamp of approval, pointing out that it leaves hair looking bright, luminous, and toned.
Best Drugstore: L’Oréal Paris Ever Pure Sulfate-Free Purple Shampoo
- What we love: Affordable formula that fights brassiness in gray and silver hair
- Worth noting: Some find the shampoo’s violet and thyme scent to be too strong
This L’Oréal shampoo makes easy work out of fighting brassiness in gray and silver hair. With more than 17,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, it’s one of the most popular (and budget-friendly!) sulfate-free shampoos for neutralizing yellow tones in gray and silver hair. “This is a great affordable option for gray hair,” says Dr. Garshick. “It uses purple pigments to keep brass at bay while being gentle on the scalp.” While some purple shampoos can leave some scalp irritation, this L’Oréal pick leaves our testers hair and scalp feeling clean and calm. (We love the herbal violet and thyme scent, but some find it too strong.) As with other purple shampoos, you’ll probably only want to use this a few times a week (at most) for toning maintenance.
Best Hydrating: Rōz Foundation Shampoo
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- What we love: Daily formula that hydrates and gently cleanses
- Worth noting: Does not tone color
Gray hair is prone to feeling and looking dry, so hydration is key. The crème de la crème on the moisture-front is Rōz Foundation Shampoo, thanks to its superb daily formula that hydrates while gently cleansing. Hydration is actually the thing gray hair craves the most, so Judy McGuinness, a New York City hairstylist, recommends using a moisturizing shampoo on silver strands. One of her favorites, this gentle, lightweight formula smells amazing and delivers on the hydration promise. Coconut-based surfactants help create a rich lather and gently cleanse without stripping the hair, while added ceramides help strengthen. And because it’s not infused with concentrated toning pigments (i.e., it doesn’t alter the color of your hair), it’s a great regular shampoo for daily use. As for that delightful scent McGuinness referenced? The brand’s signature fragrance is inspired by the mountains of Big Sur and features notes of vetiver, neroli, fig, and bergamot.
Best for Dullness: Joico Color Balance Purple Shampoo
- What we love: Color-corrects with purple pigments; enhances shine; helps control static
- Worth noting: May not be hydrating enough for some
Joico Color Balance Purple Shampoo emerged as the clear winner for the dullness category due to its finesse with addressing lackluster, dry, brassy hair. It color-corrects with purple pigments and enhances shine, transforming faded locks while keeping static at bay, to boot. “When hair is looking yellow or brassy, I recommend Color Balance Purple Shampoo by Joico,” says Jay Small, a certified trichologist, celebrity hairstylist, and the founder of Arey. “This purple shampoo deposits a noticeable amount of pigment, instantly neutralizing unwanted tones without leaving hair feeling weighed down by product buildup.” The formula is infused with green tea extract and UV absorbers to help prevent fading and color warping caused by the sun. It also boosts shine, maintains vibrancy, and leaves hair looking smoother by helping control frizz and static throughout the day. “It happens to be one of the shampoos that my mom, who has salt-and-pepper hair, has used for years to ward off yellow tones and prevent dullness,” says Moorehouse.
Best for Damaged Hair: Olaplex No.4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo
- What we love: Strengthens and prevents breakage while toning gray hair
- Worth noting: May not be hydrating enough for very dry hair
Gray hair that’s been through the ringer deserves a shampoo that gives it plenty of TLC. Enter Olaplex No.4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo, which goes the extra mile by helping strengthen fragile strands and preventing split ends and breakage, all as it cancels out brassy yellow tones you may be dealing with from overprocessing. So if you’re looking for a shampoo that prevents split ends, mends breakage, and neutralizes brassiness, Olaplex has got your back. “The purple pigment added to this shampoo can counterbalance any yellowish hues that may begin to dull or alter the shine of gray hair,” says Michelle Cleveland, a celebrity hairstylist and extension artist. This formula also features the brand’s signature bond-building technology to repair and strengthen hair, while coconut-oil-derived surfactants supply a subtle lather that gently cleanses without stripping. Still, like other purple shampoos it may not be hydrating enough for very dry hair, so be aware of that if moisturizing is a priority for you.
Best for Thinning Hair: Bumble and Bumble Thickening Volume Shampoo
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- What we love: Plumps up hair to help sparser spots appear fuller
- Worth noting: Removes buildup, but might not be the best option for toning
All hair colors can benefit from the strand-plumping powers of Bumble and Bumble’s Thickening Volume Shampoo. It effectively removes product buildup and oil that often weigh hair down. In turn, this deep cleanse helps hair appear fuller and more voluminous in those pesky sparser spots many women encounter.
“I struggled with major hair thinning last year, to the point where I was just throwing everything at it to try to get it to grow along the crown by my bangs,” says Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary. “I would wear my hair with two strands down at the front and noticed huge gaps and patches around where the rest of my hair stood. After trying multiple (and I mean multiple) shampoos for thinning hair, I found success with this Bumble and Bumble formula,” she says. Although it wasn’t a solution for growing new hair itself, Kilkeary says she would definitely recommend it to those in need of a little volume boost on areas of your hair that are sparse. Plus, “while I’m just going a little gray now at the front of my head, I’ve noticed that it’s less apparent and easy to hide behind my thicker bangs,” she says. In general, since gray hair is often thinner and suffers from moisture loss, Bumble and Bumble’s Thickening Volume Shampoo works wonders at addressing those issues. Adept at removing buildup, users should take note that this shampoo may not be the best option for toning.
Best for Dry Scalp: AG Care Sterling Silver Toning Shampoo
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- What we love: Tones out brass and brightens up silver hues; nourishing formula hydrates scalp and softens strands
- Worth noting: Works best on allover silver grays
On top of being formulated specifically for those with silver strands, this shampoo is packed with nourishing ingredients that are beneficial for the hair and scalp, providing an extra boost of moisture to your rinse and repeat. How does it pull this off? It uses a moisture-rich formula to hydrate the scalp and save you from flaky and dry status. Unlike other purple shampoo formulas, it features more of a blue-purple pigmentation, which can create cooler tones and help give those with more silver (versus ash gray) a brighter finish. While it works the best on those with solid silver gray hair, you can use it to cool more noticeable gray streaks, especially those money pieces.
Best Hard Water Shampoo: Malibu C Hard Water Wellness Shampoo
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- What we love: Instantly clarifies hair without stripping it of natural oils; hair feels softer and less brittle after one wash
- Worth noting: Best to use only a few times a month (or less if you have dry hair)
Gray hair is prone to feeling dry and wiry, and hard water only adds to that texture. If your shower filter isn’t cutting it, a rinse with this shampoo is a potent ally against mineral buildup from hard water, and it instantly clarifies your hair without stripping it of natural oils.
“I live in Los Angeles where the water is hard and harsh on my already dry strands. This hard water shampoo is one of the best ways to remove minerals from hair,” says Glamour contributor Jessie Quinn. “It’s much more hydrating compared with other clarifying shampoos I’ve tried, and it works instantly to soften and smooth strands.” When Quinn incorporates this shampoo into her monthly routine, she notices smoother-looking hair (even after blow-drying without styling products) and says her hair health has improved significantly since using the formula on a regular basis, and you may even notice your hair feels softer and less brittle after one wash. Remember, it’s best to use this kind of shampoo only a few times a month, or even less if you have dry hair.
Best for Gray Hair and Highlights: Keranique Color Boost Follicle Strengthening Shampoo
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- What we love: Cleanses thoroughly without dulling silver tones or washing out highlights; color-safe formula
- Worth noting: Very dry hair may need to pair this with a strong conditioner
This shampoo is particularly great for anyone with gray hair and highlights because it gently cleanses without dulling silver tones or washing out lighter pieces. Glamour contributor Perri Ormont Blumberg found that hair was stronger from root to tip after just two weeks of use. Even better for those with highlights, the color-safe cleansers lift buildup while protecting hair dye, helping prevent brassiness and fading that gray or highlighted hair may experience. With added strengtheners like keratin and biotin, plus soothing ingredients, it also reinforces fragile, bleached strands so hair looks brighter, healthier, and feels delightfully soft.
Best for Brassiness: Phyto Purple No Yellow Shampoo
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- What we love: Eliminates brassiness; antioxidant-rich ingredients
- Worth noting: Best used every few weeks not daily
The purple pigments in this shampoo help keep brassiness at bay by tamping down yellow and copper tones that can dull gray, white, or color-treated hair. Other noteworthy ingredients in this sulfate- and paraben-free shampoo include edelweiss (an antioxidant) for protection from free radicals and white mallow extract for luster and shine. Along with neutralizing unwanted yellow tones that come from natural oxidation, this shampoo also brings out your natural highlights. Just keep in mind that purple shampoos aren’t super moisturizing, so don’t overuse, particularly if your hair tends to be dry.
Best on Amazon: Royal Fern Shampoo
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- What we love: Formulation with keratin helps to strengthen brittle hair; restores shine to lackluster hair
- Worth noting: Contains phenoxyethanol
Caffeine in shampoo helps boost blood circulation and promote hair growth, while the keratin helps strengthen the structure of weakened hair strands and reduce breakage. The combination of these ingredients are helpful if you’re dealing with gray hair, which is often more fragile and thinner than its black, brown, red, or blonde counterparts. “Gray hair that is dry or needs extra moisture can benefit from the moisturizing keratin vitamin blend, which will also bring back the shine that makes gray hair especially gorgeous,” says Jeremy Pugh, a hairstylist and content creator.
Best Sulfate-free Shampoo: Ouai Detox Shampoo
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- What we love: Excellent at removing product buildup; a gentler alternative to a chelating shampoo
- Worth noting: Stick to occasional use
This paraben- and sulfate-free shampoo cleanses thoroughly without the harsh detergents or chemicals that can strip moisture and dull silver locks. It resets hair by removing product buildup and excess oils for a detoxifying cleanse without being as strong as a chelator. “Chelating shampoos are formulated to remove mineral deposits by lifting the metals off the hair (from hard water, pool water, or environment). It also helps keep silver hair bright,” Pugh says, who recommends using a detox shampoo like this once every two to three weeks.
Best for Frizz: Oribe Silverati
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- What we love: Fights frizz
- Worth noting: On the pricier side
Gela Hunkins, hairstylist at Atelier Salon in Las Vegas, recommends this shampoo for smoothing and taming flyaways. In addition to “establishing a beautiful shine,” ingredients like coconut oil and mallow extract target frizz and elasticity, ensuring you’ll see smoother hair in just a few washes. Plus, “the violet pigments are subtle enough to brighten natural grays without leaving any purple residue,” Rogerio Cavalcante, hairstylist and owner of Brazil Edition, previously told Glamour.
How we tested
To find the absolute best shampoos for gray hair, we turned our showerhead on again, and again, and again. Whether with a few grays or a full mane of gray locks, Glamour contributors meticulously tested shampoos multiple times to see how they made gray hair look in the real world (okay, and with smartphone cameras). Then we tapped stylists and hair experts who focus on gray hair or regularly work with clients sporting grays to glean their intel on the shampoo front. For good measure, we consulted two dermatologists for their take on gray hair shampoos too.
Throughout our research and testing process, we learned that the best ones had healthy hair ingredients like keratin, plant extracts, antioxidants, and other ingredients that help preserve color and kill brassiness (for the latter, purple shampoos contain violet-hued pigments to banish brassiness for good). When sudsing up, it was clear that top contenders had a great lather and were easy to incorporate into our routines—without requiring too much product or effort to get the shampoo thoroughly mixed into our scalp. Last but not least, you can rest assured that the gray hair shampoos on this list are effective in keeping gray hair shiny and strong, because each one earned high marks in those coveted categories.
Frequently asked questions
Are there downsides to using purple shampoo?
If brassiness is an issue, purple shampoo can be a winner in your shower rotation. Marnie Nussbaum, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, says that these shampoos “help keep that gray cool and fresh, because let’s be honest, no one wants that yellowish tone creeping in.”
Still, consider that purple shampoo isn’t a panacea, so keep some guidelines in mind. “Purple shampoo is helpful, but it can be overused. Gray hair is porous, so it can grab too much violet pigment if the formula is strong or used too often,” says Jessica Ruby Spratt, master stylist, color expert, and owner of The Flamingo Lounge in Los Angeles and New York City. “Many purple shampoos are also drying, which can make gray hair feel rough. I recommend using it no more than once a week and always pairing it with a hydrating conditioner or mask.” Plus, make sure it’s sulfate-free so you don’t strip your hair of those precious natural oils, says Dr. Nussbaum.
What is better for gray hair, blue or purple shampoo?
Purple shampoo is generally best for most gray clients because it neutralizes yellow tones, which is the most common issue with silver hair, says Ruby Spratt. “Blue shampoo is better for canceling orange or brassy tones, which tend to appear in salt-and-pepper hair or during the grow-out phase for former brunettes,” she adds, noting that many clients benefit from purple, but some transitional grays need blue around warmer areas.
What should you not use on gray hair?
Katie Emery, founder of Katie Goes Platinum, a blog and YouTube channel dedicated to helping women confidently and joyfully embrace their naturally gray hair, and Melissa Souza, a hairstylist and groomer in Los Angeles, recommend steering clear of these categories when buying shampoos for gray hair:
- Sulfates: These “can dry out your hair by stripping it of its natural oils,” Emery says. Though it’s okay to include some sulfates, like those found in clarifying shampoos, in your routine.
- Silicones: Don’t use products with excessive silicones, says Souza, as this can create dull buildup.
- Yellow- and amber-toned products: Anything yellow-hued or amber-colored is a no-go, too. Gray hair absorbs warmth faster, so “yellow-toned formulas can discolor the hair over time,” Souza explains. This includes some deep-moisturizing shampoos (as well as conditioners and hair masks), says Souza, which can negatively impact your gray mane. Additionally, amber-colored products, “such as some argan oils, can stain your gray hair,” says Emery.
Meet the experts
- Ryan Pearl, celebrity hair colorist and Tangle Teaser stylist
- Marie Nino, New York City hairstylist and colorist
- Marnie Nussbaum, MD, board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Lines
- Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist
- Jennifer Korab, celebrity hair colorist and owner of Renaissance Salon & Spa in Hillsborough, New Jersey
- Judy McGuinness, New York City hairstylist
- Priscilla Choi, New York City hair colorist
- Jay Small, certified trichologist, celebrity hairstylist, and founder of Arey
- Michelle Cleveland, celebrity hairstylist and extension artist
- Amy Spizuoco, DO, board-certified dermatologist, dermatopathologist, and founder of True Dermatology
- Mia Santiago, celebrity hairstylist
- William Gaunitz, FWTS, certified trichologist
- Katie Emery, founder of blog and YouTube channel Katie Goes Platinum
- Melissa Souza, hairstylist and groomer in Los Angeles
- Jessica Ruby Spratt, master stylist, color expert, and owner of The Flamingo Lounge in Los Angeles and New York City
- Gela Hunkins, hairstylist at Atelier Salon in Las Vegas
- Jeremy Pugh, hairstylist and content creator
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