Shop These 12 Shampoos for Shiny Gray Hair

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Much like hair care products typically reserved for blondes, the best shampoos for gray hair feature toning ingredients that cut down on brassiness. And as a bonus for your daily or weekly cleanse, many of these staples also leave your grays shinier and more hydrated than ever—a real plus, since silver or white hair is often more fragile and prone to breakage.

And if you’re gray by design, Stephanie Brown, master colorist at IGK SoHo in New York City previously told Bazaar that sulfate-free picks—like Kristin Ess’s the One Purple Shampoo and Better Not Younger’s Silver Lining Purple Shampoo—are ideal for helping color last even longer. Ahead, the best shampoos for gray hair (and silver foxes, too!) that boost shine and manageability.

Related: Making Peace with Going Gray

Sunset Blvd Daily Blonde Shampoo

R+Co’s Sunset Blvd shampoo features a lighter indigo tint than some other toning versions, making it a perfect match for blonde and gray tones. And since it can be used daily, it’s also ideal for those of us who don’t want to have to switch between two or three different cleansers on a regular basis.

One satisfied customer writes: “I’ve used it for years on my hairdresser’s recommendation and love it. Keeps my hair a lovely white.” —Judy D.

Okara Silver Toning Shampoo

Designed specifically for silver, white, and platinum blonde hair, this gentle shampoo uses okara extract to help repair visible damage. So whether you’re bleached platinum or simply reach for your blow dryer on the daily, this will help banish yellow tones and those wiry, dry-looking strands.

One satisfied customer writes: “I use on my naturally gray-white hair and I get compliments about the color. Very nice shampoo. I only wash about every five to seven days, depending on my activities. Helps with the ugly yellow from the minerals in our water. I have slightly dry hair and I use the conditioner also. Both are great products that you can use sparingly.” —Anonymous

Cool Blonde Shampoo

This brand specializes in hair color products, so you can count on its toning shampoo to live up to its reputation. Purple pigments keep gray hair bright, while silk proteins strengthen against breakage.

One satisfied customer writes: “This product really works. It doesn’t dry my hair out like other purple shampoos do. I highly recommend it.” —Kay N.

Ultimate Reset Shampoo for Very Damaged Hair

Sometimes, getting your silver or gray hair back on track is as simple as clarifying away buildup. Think of this shampoo as a reset button—it seamlessly whisks away dirt and excess product using Japanese-sourced rice extract.

One satisfied customer writes: “I’m very picky and have tried many high end brands. Having a bit of dry scalp and hair lately. I decided to this and can’t believe the results. Very clean and soft.” —Racheal

No Yellow Shampoo

Fanola’s No Yellow is the shampoo to turn to when your colorist is busy or your regular toner isn’t cutting it. It’s almost shocking how purple the formula is when you squeeze it out of the bottle (in a good way).

One satisfied customer writes: “Looking for the perfect purple shampoo? Look no further than Fanola! Whether you’re using it in a professional salon setting or just for your personal hair care routine, you won’t find anything better, especially at such an affordable price. Don’t hesitate—go ahead and buy it! With its captivating scent and incredible yellow correcting powers, you won’t regret it.” —Kayla

Hard Water Shampoo

Hard water should be taken into consideration if your hair has gone naturally gray (therefore making it drier than it was before). This shampoo strips out the natural minerals you don’t want, so your hair care can do its job.

Bust Your Brass Blonde Purple Shampoo

You’ll love what this purple shampoo does for your hair color, along with how the keratin in its formula makes it feel. In addition to quite literally busting brass, the essential also delivers on hydration and strength for delicate gray hair.

One satisfied customer writes: “Absolutely love this shampoo, smells amazing and corrects any yellow that I had!” —Kauralie

Color Extend Color Depositing Graydiant Shampoo

Designed specifically for gray and silver hair, this amino acid–packed shampoo has an anti-yellowing purple tint that fights brassiness and boosts shine right away. And if you frequent the salon to touch up your color, this pick also helps keep it fresh between visits.

The One Purple Shampoo

Pick up Kristin Ess’s take on purple shampoo if your gray hair is feeling especially fragile. It uses a proprietary strengthening complex to mend split ends and strengthen other weak areas of the hair as it boosts your overall color.

One satisfied customer writes: “Not only does this smell insanely divine, it works magnificently!! Highly recommend if you’re debating. After this purchase, I’m going to try KE other products.” —Courtney

EverPure Sulfate Free Brass Toning Purple Shampoo

Over 21,000 Amazon shoppers are raving about L’Oréal’s sulfate-free EverPure purple shampoo, which is practically a steal at under $10 a tube. It deposits the perfect amount of purple dye to counteract brassiness while gently cleansing.

One satisfied customer writes: “Excellent product, amazing on gray hair, takes the brassiness out. Great scent!” —Stephanie Chicagoland USA

Argent Purple Toning Shampoo

Instead of synthetic dyes, this cleanser from the experts at Phyto uses natural compounds, like walnut leaf and rhatany root, to banish lingering brassiness.

One satisfied customer writes: “This is the best shampoo I have ever used! My gray/white is just gorgeous. It shines and is so soft. No longer feel like straw and is just silky. Love it!” —Brenda

Silver Lining Purple Shampoo

A purple shampoo made just for gray and white hair, this cleanser from Better Not Younger uses a blend of burdock root, bamboo, sage, and more to keep it strong and bright.

One satisfied customer writes: “First time user and I’m really impressed. After first use I could see a difference in my gray hair. The dullness was gone.” —Silver Charm

Can I use purple shampoo every day?

Generally, no. Unless specified by the brand for daily use, most pigmented shampoos should be incorporated into your wash-day routine as needed. Aim for once a week, or whenever you start seeing brassy tones begin creeping up.

Can purple shampoo stain my hair?

Yes, purple shampoo can absolutely stain white, silver, gray, or blonde hair, which is why it’s important to follow the instructions of your product of choice closely. If you do find that you’re left with a purplish cast, a follow-up wash with a clarifying shampoo can help remove extra pigment.

How does purple shampoo make gray hair brighter?

The color theory you might have learned in middle-school art class will come in handy here. It’s simple: Purple cancels out yellow and orange tones on the color wheel. So when you apply it to your hair, the pigments help neutralize the hair’s yellow tones.

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