The 7 best shampoos for gray hair in 2025, according to hair experts
The right formula will help neutralize brassy tones without stripping moisture.
R+Co Sunset Blvd Blonde Shampoo
$undefined
$34.00
Best overall/editor's pick
$undefined
$44.00
A shampoo for gray hair should neutralize brassy tones, brighten white strands and boost hydration, according to our experts. When curating this list, they recommend I keep the following factors in mind:
Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.
Christine Bellemare, co-founder, owner, and lead stylist at Maven A Collect is a fan of this shampoo from Oribe because it “tackles dullness, boosts moisture, enhances brightness and protects against environmental damage,” she says. The blue and silver pigments in the formula help neutralize yellow tones, brighten grays and keep discoloration at bay. It also protects hair from environmental damage caused by pollution and UV rays, according to the brand.
Size: 8.5 oz. | Key ingredients: blue and silver pigments
If your hair is graying and you have damage, this shampoo from Amika is a good option. In addition to toning any brassiness, it also infuses the hair with hydration, says Iudina. It’s ideal for those who heat style or color treat their hair because it’s made with moisturizing plant butters as well as bond-building technology that helps repair and prevent future breakage, according to the brand.
Size: 9.2 oz., 16.9 oz. | Key ingredients: ultra-violet pigments, vegan proteins
“This shampoo uses color enhancers to restore cool tones and brighten hair,” says Bellemare. “It also has added oils and butters to condition and make your hair soft and smooth, which is important for gray hair as it tends to be more coarse.” Plus, this formula helps lift, volumize and add fullness, making it especially good for those with fine or flat hair.
Size: 8.4 oz. | Key ingredients: biotin, violet pigments
R+Co’s Sunset Blvd Blonde Shampoo has a light purple tint that effectively brightens up silver strands. It’s formulated with glycerin, a humectant that Bellemare says helps hair retain moisture, and sunflower sprout extract, which acts as an emollient to moisturize the hair and protect it from ultraviolet light, according to the brand. It also comes in multiple sizes as well as in a set with the corresponding conditioner.
Size: 8.5 oz., 33.8 oz. | Key ingredients: glycerin, sunflower sprout extract
Iudina recommends this treatment because besides its bright purple pigment that helps counteract brassiness and yellow tones in blonde, gray and silver hair, it has olive oil, lavender and jojoba seed oils that work as deep moisturizers. Plus, for those with color-treated or bleached hair, it won’t cause stripping or fading. To use, apply on freshly cleansed hair and leave on for one to two minutes before rinsing.
Size: 40 ml, 250 ml, 1000 ml | Key ingredients: sunflower seed extract, olive oil extract, jojoba seed oil
“This is a great purple shampoo option that combines hyaluronic acid with violet pigments to neutralize yellow tones, leaving hair soft and bouncy,” says Bellemare. It brightens and cools blonde and silver hair, and because it also has antioxidant-rich edelweiss flower, it’ll help protect the hair from environmental damage, according to Kerastase.
Size: 8.5 oz. | Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid
Iudina is a fan of this anti-brass shampoo from Shu Uemura because although it’s rich in pigment, “it’s gentle on the hair, hydrates and adds lots of shine thanks to Japanese white peony,” she says. Suitable for all hair types, including coily, curly, wavy and straight, the formula also helps to soften the hair and prevent color fade, according to the brand.
Size: 10 oz. | Key ingredients: japanese white peony, violet dyes
Gray hair occurs as a natural part of aging. “Specialized cells in the hair bulb, called melanocytes, produce pigment, but this process stops at a certain age, which varies for everyone,” says Kazlouskaya. “In most cases, graying is controlled by genetics, but there are also numerous reasons for early graying, including chronic conditions like anemia or thyroid disease, vitamin or mineral deficiencies and lifestyle factors such as smoking.”
People can start developing gray hairs at various ages, but in general, Kazlouskaya points to the “50-50-50 rule” to describe hair graying. “This means that about 50% of people will have 50% gray hair by the age of 50,” she says.
Keep in mind that if you notice a patch of white hair (rather than a more diffuse distribution), it may be a sign of a condition like vitiligo or alopecia areata. “In vitiligo, pigment cells in the skin and hair are attacked by the immune system, leading to white patches on the skin and gray hair,” says Kazlouskaya. “In alopecia areata, the immune system targets pigment cells in the hair shaft and when the hair regrows, it may appear gray.”
Sulfates are a common ingredient in shampoos that help give formulas a rich lather, however, these cleansing agents can remove the natural oils on the scalp, leaving hair feeling dry. If you have gray hair, a sulfate-free shampoo will ensure your hair retains its moisture — plus, it’ll offer a more mild cleanse on your delicate hair. In addition to avoiding sulfates, Bellemare suggests skipping silicones in your shampoo, as they can contribute to buildup and unwanted yellow tones over time. “Look for sulfate- and silicone-free products to keep gray hair healthy and radiant,” she says.
According to Bellemare, purple shampoo is a great option for those with gray hair as it can help neutralize yellow tones. This brassiness can develop from environmental factors such as pollution, UV exposure, hard water, heat styling and product buildup, says Bellemare. “By incorporating a purple shampoo in your routine, gray hair will appear brighter, cooler and more vibrant, enhancing its natural shine.”
Purple shampoo can also be beneficial for neutralizing unwanted yellow or orange tones in those who color treat their hair, especially those going blonde or light brown. “Violet pigments in a purple shampoo work to counteract the warm hues that can appear over time, helping to maintain a cooler, brighter color while extending the life of your salon treatment,” says Bellemare.
Because purple shampoos come in varying levels of strength and pigment, Iudina recommends consulting with your colorist to determine how frequently you should be using it as part of your hair wash routine. Generally, you should avoid using a purple shampoo for every wash, as overuse can lead to an ashy tint. Instead, use it once a week and rotate a purple shampoo with a non-tinted shampoo for a balanced hair care routine.
Bellemare says that the general rule of thumb when using a purple shampoo is to apply it to wet hair, making sure to evenly distribute it throughout. Then, let it sit for three to five minutes to allow the formula time to tone the hair before rinsing it out thoroughly. “After using purple shampoo, it’s important to follow up with a conditioner or hydrating mask to restore moisture and balance,” adds Bellemare.
Gray hair is often coarser and drier because it produces less sebum, the natural oil that keeps hair moisturized, says Bellemare. Because of this, look for shampoos that prioritize using hydrating ingredients.
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Michelle Rostamian has more than 10 years of experience covering beauty and skin care topics. For this story, Rostamian spoke to hair experts including a board-certified dermatologist and hairstylists and included their direct recommendations and products based on their guidance.
Catch up on Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.
