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7 Best Shampoos for Gray Hair, According to Celebrity Stylists originally appeared on Parade.
Gray hair is having a major moment—and for good reason. Whether you’re embracing your natural silver strands or you’ve made the bold choice to go gray, there’s something undeniably chic and sophisticated about this stunning hair color. But here’s what many people don’t realize: gray hair comes with its own unique set of challenges that require specialized care.
“The common denominator with gray hair is that it will have a more wiry, coarse texture to it which means you’ll want products that are going to add flexibility, enhance the softness and create more shine,” explains Monique McMahon, founder of Que Colour and Pro Ambassador for Christophe Robin. “Gloss and shine are the hardest things to generate for gray hair because of that texture change.”
That might sound like a lot, but it’s totally doable. And we’re here with the assist!
To help you navigate the world of gray hair care, we consulted with top celebrity stylists who work with clients embracing their gorgeous gray locks. These experts understand that gray hair deserves products specifically formulated to enhance its natural beauty while addressing its unique needs.
Top Gray Hair Shampoos
Best Overall: Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Shampoo
Best Hyrdatingr: Christophe Robin’s Hydrating Shampoo with Aloe Vera
Best for Shine: Kérastase Blond Absolu Bain Lumière
Best Allergen-Free: Iles Formula Shampoo Haute Performance
Best Luxury: Oribe Silverati Shampoo
Best for Tonal Control: Lanza Silver Brightening Shampoo
Best for Volumizing: Keranique Follicle Strengthening Volumizing Shampoo
Do I Need Special Shampoo for Gray Hair?
Before diving into product recommendations, it’s essential to understand why gray hair requires special attention. The texture change that comes with gray hair isn’t just cosmetic—it’s structural.
“You want moisture! And products which bring the shine back for you,” emphasizes McMahon. “The key with gray hair is keeping it hydrated!” This is because gray hair tends to be drier and more porous than pigmented hair, making it prone to frizz and dullness.
Additionally, gray hair is susceptible to yellowing from environmental factors, which is why many gray hair shampoos contain purple or blue pigments to neutralize unwanted warm tones. TEMUR, a premier hair colorist and stylist who owns TEMUR salon on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, explains that “purple shampoos really refresh the tone of the gray to a beautiful, vibrant silver shade—just don’t over-use them, because the hair can turn purple.”
Celebrity hair stylist Gela Hunkins, whose clients include TV star and entrepreneur Holly Madison, shares that gray hair often becomes more unruly in texture, requiring products that can smooth and strengthen while maintaining vibrancy.
7 Best Shampoos for Gray Hair
Best Overall: Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Shampoo, $11
TEMUR loves this professional-grade purple shampoo as the “best for effectively reducing brassiness and enhancing the color and shine of hair.” He adds, “Purple shampoos really refresh the tone of the gray to a beautiful, vibrant silver shade—just don’t over-use them, because the hair can turn purple. I recommend using this every third wash.”
This affordable option delivers salon-quality results at home, making it an easy buy for anyone looking to maintain their gray’s vibrancy without tons of salon visits.
Best Hydrating: Christophe Robin’s Hydrating Shampoo with Aloe Vera, $17
With gray hair, McMahon says you want something that’ll bring your hair back to life with volume and shine. She adds that this hydrating shampoo is ultra-gentle, super moisturizing, and “filled with vitamins and minerals to give dehydrated hair a power shot of moisture.” Get ready (for your hair) to shine bright like a diamond!
Best for Shine: Kérastase Blond Absolu Anti-Brass Purple Shampoo, $28
If you’re dealing with thick, brittle gray hair, Gelkins has the perfect solution. “It’s hydrating and illuminating gray or silver hair without drying it out.” She adds that she likes to follow with a hydrating mask for extra bouncy, soft hair.
Best Allergen-Free: Iles Formula Shampoo Haute Performance, $44
If you have a sensitive scalp or damaged hair, TEMUR recommends this gentle yet effective option. “Formulated with nourishing and high-quality ingredients, this shampoo is clinically proven to help prevent breakage (when used with the Iles Formula Conditioner), making it a great option for anyone with weak or damaged hair.” He adds that it’s also calming and free of allergens, so sensitive scalps can use it, too.
He mentions one more unique benefit: “Instead of sulfates, this shampoo contains a root extract that helps prevent gray hair from yellowing as a result of exposure to pollutants.”
Best Luxury: Oribe Silverati Shampoo, $49
Hunkins praises this high-end option as “luxurious and sulfate-free, formulated specifically for silver, white, and gray hair.” She says it’s “ideal for mature hair that needs smoothing, strengthening, and vibrancy.”
This premium shampoo is specifically designed for gray hair, addressing all the unique needs of silver strands in one ultra luxe formula.
Best for Tonal Control:Healing Colorcare Silver Brightening Shampoo by Lanza, $41
Gretchen Friese, Bosley MD Trichologist, recommends this for managing unwanted tones. She shares that it contains floral extracts that help minimize brassiness in the hair, and that its “ingredients also help protect hair from harsh environmental conditions that can lead to yellowing of gray hair.”
This shampoo offers a gentler approach to tonal control while providing environmental protection—perfect for maintaining gray hair in urban environments.
Best for Volumizing: Keranique Follicle Strengthening Volumizing Shampoo, $24
Friese recommends this multitasking shampoo that “helps to rejuvenate hair to keep it looking thicker and fuller.” She adds that it helps retain luster and shine that can go away with graying of the hair, and that it removes build up that can make gray hair look dull.
This is particularly helpful for people who have thin hair in addition to graying because it takes care of both issues at once!
Sources:
Monique McMahon, founder of Que Colour and Pro Ambassador for Christophe Robin
TEMUR, Premier hair colorist & stylist, Owner of TEMUR (Upper East Side, Manhattan)
Gela Hunkins, celebrity hair stylist based in Las Vegas, NV, whose clients include TV star and entrepreneur Holly Madison
Gretchen Friese, Bosley MD Trichologist
7 Best Shampoos for Gray Hair, According to Celebrity Stylists first appeared on Parade on May 30, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on May 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
