Shampoo may be a staple hair care product, but not every formula is designed to meet the unique needs of gray hair. The best shampoos for gray hair deliver an essential dose of lightweight hydration, 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 gray hair tends to be on the drier side, Pearl recommends picking up a formula infused with hydrating ingredients. As for what causes this dryness? Marnie Nussbaum, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, says that hormonal changes cause hair to produce less oil. She adds that gray hair “ lacks pigment and needs extra maintenance to optimize shine.” And if brassiness is an issue, purple shampoo will be a must in your shower rotation. “They help keep that gray cool and fresh, because let’s be honest, no one wants that yellowish tone creeping in. And make sure it’s sulfate-free so you don’t strip those precious natural oils,” she says.
We tested the best shampoo options for color-treated and naturally gray hair and 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 with its vibrant hue. Other options stood out for their ability to add volume, fight brassiness, and combat the effects of hard water.
The best shampoos for gray hair, at a glance
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Olaplex No.4P Blonde Hair Hydrating & Brightening Purple Toning Shampoo
Best Overall: Kérastase Blond Absolu Bain UltraViolet Anti-Brass Purple Shampoo
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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
Recommended by both a board-certified dermatologist and a celebrity hair colorist, this Kerastase 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.
“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. For the record, the brand recommends using it no more than three times a week.
The shampoo boasts benefits for dry hair too. “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, too, pointing out that it leaves hair looking bright, luminous, and toned.
Best Drugstore: L’Oreal Paris Sulfate-Free Brass Toning Purple Shampoo
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L’Oreal Paris Sulfate Free Brass Toning 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
With over 17,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, the L’Oréal Paris Sulfate-Free Brass Toning Purple Shampoo is 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 have left me with a little scalp irritation, this L’Oréal pick has always left my hair and scalp feeling clean and comfy. Similar to 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
