While gray hair may have once been viewed as something to cover up or hide, currently the silvery hue has never been cooler. Since the onset of the pandemic, we’ve seen people of all ages fully lean into embracing both their natural hair color and their lockdown grays. And, even celebrities have joined the movement — at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival, Andie MacDowell, Jodie Foster, Tilda Swinton, and Dame Helen Mirren all showed off eye-catching gray hairstyles on the red carpet.
With all the gray hair appreciation that is happening, it’s important to understand that if you do have silvery strands — whether they’re natural or from the salon — they’ll require a little bit of extra care. As beautiful as gray locks are, they are prone to both dryness and brassiness. If you’re not a professional, to keep grays looking their absolute best, you’ll need a slew of products to keep your color looking bright and your hair moisturized. To help you out, we’ve curated a list of some of our favorite gray hair products.
Ahead, five products to help you enhance your gray hair.
Oribe Silverati Shampoo
Brighten up your natural grays with this illuminating shampoo that is specifically designed for those with a true grey or white color. In addition to gently cleansing your strands, it will help undo dullness and eliminate yellow tones, leaving behind much softer and vibrant hair.
Promising review from Oribe: Dana says, “This is hands down the absolute best shampoo for gray/silver hair I have ever used! I used to use the purple shampoo that would make my hair…purple. I realized that at 40, it was rare to have silver locs, so I wanted to make the best of my assets. This shampoo does not disappoint!”
Shop: Oribe Silverati Shampoo, $46.00
Clairol Shimmer Lights Violet Toning Mask
Keep your gray color looking fresh (and shimmering) with this multi-tasking mask that nourishes, tones, and deep-conditions in one easy step. It’s violet pigments neutralize brass while its blend of jojoba, coconut, and argan oils provide intense hydration.
Promising review from Ulta: Angela says, “I love this hair mask. I have well water which makes my hair turn orange/yellow quickly. This product used every other week brings me back to my platinum icy color. I have even had people ask if I just got my hair done after using this product. My favorite purple product so far (I have tried A LOT).”
Shop: Clairol Shimmer Lights Violet Toning Mask, $11.30
Redken Color Extend Color Depositing Graydiant Conditioner
Gray hair tends to be a lot drier. That’s why you’ll want to give your locks a much needed boost of moisture color depositing conditioner from Redken. This silver conditioner deposits custom pigments to work to brighten and tone gray hair over time while also softening your locks.
Promising review from Ulta: Jen says, “I have about 30% greys. They can be so stiff and unruly and then don’t blend with my non-greys. This conditioner, along with the shampoo, leave my hair very soft and tame. The color is less brassy also.”
Shop: Redken Color Extend Color Depositing Graydiant Conditioner, $23.00
Amika Supernova Blonde Purple Moisture and Shine Cream
For gray hair in need of a leave-in product that neutralizes brassy tones, adds shine, and tames frizz, you want to reach for this violet leave-in cream from Amika. Made with hydrating sea buckthorn and amino-acid complex, this cream also protects against heat damage and helps your strands look and feel better.
Promising review from Sephora: Jessie says, “I never thought that my damaged, bleached hair could feel so soft and healthy! This is an absolute must have product for color treated blondes. I’ve been bleaching my hair for years and have used countless products to maintain my color between salon visits but this one stands out as an all in one moisture, toning, and styling product.”
Shop: Amika Supernova Blonde Purple Moisture and Shine Cream, $25.00
Keratase Paris Cicaplasme Hair Primer
Ensure your gray hair stays protected from heat styling with this heat primer from Keratase that provides 450 degree thermal protection and instantly unifies damaged areas of hair. Made with moisturizing hyaluronic acid and antioxidant rich edelweiss extract, this heat protectant also helps to seal split ends and smooth hair.
Promising review from Keratase: Ellie says, “I really like this product and I use it as a heat protectant almost every day when my hair is wet. It does a good job of repairing damaged hair and protecting your hair from getting damaged any further from heat. I would buy again because it’s an amazing product. “
Shop: Keratase Paris Cicaplasme Hair Primer, $39.00
Do you use any of these products on grays? Let us know in the comments below!
