The best shampoos for gray hair of 2026, according to reviewers and experts
These silver-strand cleansers tone down brassiness while boosting softness, hydration and shine.
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Going gray can be a big adjustment when it comes to beauty. The texture, look and feel of your hair changes once it begins to silver, which means, suddenly, the strands you've been dealing with your entire life have different needs. "Hydration is everything with gray hair. The healthier and more moisturized it is, the more luminous and expensive-looking it becomes," explains celebrity hairstylist Marcos Diaz (his clients include Sienna Miller and Jane Seymour). Like our skin, our hair loses elasticity and hydration as we age, becoming more brittle and coarse, and less plump and elastic, which is where the best shampoos for gray hair come in.
It's important to note that shampoos for gray hair aren't just for replenishing moisture; there's a pigment issue to consider. Silver strands are highly susceptible to discoloration; in particular, gray hair is prone to yellowing and dinginess, which can be caused by everything from the minerals found in hard water to extended exposure to UV rays.
We spoke to experts, sifted through dozens of Reddit threads and read hundreds of online reviews to come up with the best shampoos for gray hair. Note: Most are purple shampoos, which are not meant for daily use (that can actually dry out your hair and over-pigment it).
If you wash your hair frequently, make sure to swap in our Redken option below (or another moisturizing pick of your choice) and keep the purple shampoo washes to no more than 1-2 times per week.
The best shampoos for gray hair
Key ingredients:Violet pigments, amaranth, rice and plant-based proteins | Size:13 fl. oz.
Gray hair has different toning needs than other light shades. It's not about correcting the dramatic brassiness you find with bleached blondes, but instead managing the subtle yellowing that can make silver strands look dingy. The last thing you need is a heavy-pigment formula that over-tones or dries out hair that's already on the coarser side. Odele's Purple Shampoo is a bit of a unicorn: It contains violet pigments that are effective yet gentle, so it enhances your silver without risking turning it purple or stripping it.
The formula is sulfate-free with no synthetic fragrance; it's infused with amaranth and plant-based proteins that keep hair feeling healthy, soft, nourished and strong.
- Neutralizes discoloration and brightens gray and silver hair
- Hydrating and shine-enhancing formula
- Affordable and widely available
- Leaves hair manageable
- Gentle enough for most skin types
- Not as strong as other purple shampoos
- Some complain it leaves hair too soft
Key ingredients:Hibiscus, purple dye | Size:6.8 fl. oz. (also available in 23 fl. oz.)
The truth is you can fulfill most of your silver hair needs at the drugstore. L'Oreal's EverPure has been an award-winning purple shampoo for years; it's usually sold for around $10, and you can grab it practically anywhere. It's free of sulfates and parabens, which you don't always expect at this price, and, when used 1-2 times per week, it's an excellent choice for addressing discoloration without stripping your hair.
In testing, I was torn between including this purple shampoo and L'Oréal's EverPure Brightening and Nourishing Shampoo , made specifically for gray hair, which is a more hydrating, nourishing product that's excellent for softening and reducing frizz. What I'd ultimately recommend, if you're going the drugstore route, is to pick up both and alternate between the two.
- Affordable and widely available
- Sulfate and paraben-free
- Helps with gray hair discoloration
- Small bottle size
- Less conditioning/hydrating than pricier options
Key ingredients:Argan oil, aloe, amino acids | Size:10.1 fl. oz.
Gray hair has loads of special needs, and, due to its rough cuticles, extra hydration is at the top of the list. If your silver or charcoal strands are dry, coarse or brittle, or if you're experiencing extra wiry frizz, this ultra-nourishing, hair-softening shampoo is for you.
It's packed with moisturizing agents like argan oil, aloe and amino acids. In testing, I found the texture substantial, but not too heavy, with a pleasing lather that rinsed out easily and well. The scent is pleasant but not overpowering and it's a good value for the cost. This is among the most highly rated shampoos for those with dry, brittle hair: 20,000+ Amazon reviewers have given it a perfect 5 stars.
- Ultra hydrating
- Good for all hair types but especially thick, frizzy, dry and brittle
- Made with high-quality ingredients
- Top rated among online reviewers
- May be too heavy for those with ultra-fine hair
- More expensive than others on our list
Key ingredients:Violet pigments, green tea extract, Smartrelease Technology (rosehip oil, arginine, keratin) | Size:10.1 fl. oz. (also available in 33.8 fl. oz.)
Joico's pro-recommended formula doesn't just tone — it actively treats your gray hair while it works, thanks to a special delivery system that continuously releases a buffet of nourishing and protective ingredients like rosehip oil, keratin and arginine. Because purple shampoos can sometimes dry out hair (especially with overuse), finding a formula that repairs while it works is worth it.
The price is reasonable, especially given how long it can last. The biggest downside of the shampoo is actually one of its benefits: The purple pigment is strong enough that it may temporarily stain your hands.
- Works on multiple gray hair types and tones
- SmartRelease Technology actively repairs hair while neutralizing yellow tone
- Boosts shine
- Good value for size
- Can stain hands and shower
- Contains sulfates
How we tested shampoos for gray hair
We spent months talking with hair experts, reading hundreds of online reviews and studying Reddit threads to narrow down a list of 12 top shampoos for gray hair. We tested each, grading on ingredient list quality, texture, scent, rinsability and value.
Factors to consider when buying a shampoo for gray hair
The platonic ideal of a gray hair shampoo would need to pull off a bit of a trick — addressing dehydration, discoloration, frizziness, limpness and thinness all in one go. That's a tall order, so the best shampoo for gray hair actually depends on the issue you find most pressing. It's usually a good idea to collect two or more products and rotate them through your shampoo schedule.
Hydration quality
"Gray hair tends to be drier and more porous, so hydration is key," explains Diaz. "I always recommend looking for shampoos that maintain moisture while also helping keep the tone bright and fresh."
How it handles discoloration/dullness
Diaz says, "Gray hair can pick up yellowing from heat, hard water and environmental stress, so incorporating a purple shampoo can really help maintain clarity and shine."
Overall value
Since none of these products will address all of your gray hair needs, it's important to find affordable options so you can pick up a few.
FAQs
What type of shampoo is best for gray hair?
"I'm a big fan of moisturizing and reparative formulas for gray hair because softness and shine are what keep gray hair looking modern and healthy," Diaz says. "For clients dealing with yellowing, I recommend using a purple shampoo in moderation to keep the tone bright without over-drying the hair."
In addition to shampoo, Diaz says gray hair does well with reparative hair masks. "I love incorporating hydrating masks into gray hair routines. Alterna's Replenishing Moisture Masque is great for restoring softness and enhancing shine," he reports.
How often should you wash gray hair?
Though shampoo schedules are a personal preference and often depend on how oily your hair is, when it comes to gray hair, Diaz says fewer washes are best. "Gray hair naturally produces less moisture, so over-washing can make it feel coarse or brittle," he says. "I usually recommend focusing less on a strict schedule and more on how the hair feels. For most people with gray hair, washing two to three times a week works well."
What's the best way to maintain gray hair?
"One of the biggest mistakes I see is excessive heat styling without protection. Gray hair can be more delicate, so using a heat protectant is essential," Diaz says. "Regular trims also make a huge difference. Gray hair looks its best when the shape feels polished and intentional."
Meet our expert
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Marcos Diaz , celebrity hairstylist
