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Currently, gray hair is trending as more women and men are embracing their natural hair color worldwide. While many people may see a few gray hairs sprout in their 30s, most graying occurs in your 50s and 60s, according to some experts. When that happens, it’s time to explore the best hair care products for gray hair.
For women who’ve unlocked the key to graceful aging, gray hair is simply one of life’s beautiful changes. Whether you decide to cover your grays with hair dye or let them grow out, what matters most is how you feel when rocking silver.
If transitioning to your natural gray hues is right for you, it’s important to consider proper upkeep—yes, even dye-free grays need special care. Here are six of the best hair care products for gray hair.
This Redken shampoo is explicitly made for gray hair. Blending a mixture of silvery pigments, it aims to tone and neutralize any brassy tones commonly found in natural grays. It’s the ultimate secret weapon to keeping your gray hair the exact shade you chose at the salon.
The ingredient list also contains amino acids, which studies suggest promote hair strengthening and regrowth. Use the Redken Color Extend Color Depositing Gradient Shampoo one or two times every week and leave it in for about three to five minutes for optimal results. You’ll deal with less breakage and potentially extend your time between salon appointments all by using one product.
If you’re at the beginning stages of growing out your natural gray locks, you may discover that your hair texture is slightly coarser than it’s been in the past. The Iles Formula Haute Performance Conditioner smooths straw-like, newly grown grays without damaging naturally colored strands.
This is a big deal for people trying to grow out their hair and love their gray mane exactly as it is. It’s much easier to feel confident in your own skin if your hair is a softer texture that’s easier to work with. Don’t worry about adding extra steps to your beauty routine with this conditioner that softens and moisturizes all in one application.
This conditioner—and the rest of the Iles Formula brand—is free from harmful parabens, silicone and phthalates. The Illes Formula company also exclusively makes products that are Leaping Bunny certified, so their customers always get cruelty-free and 100% vegan hair care solutions.
Using a hair mask can improve dry hair by restoring and locking in moisture. Hydrate your gray hair and give it a brightening boost with the White Hot Intense Lustre Mask. Apply it while you shower and let it soak into your roots for at least three minutes after you shampoo. You could also do the same thing after making your hair damp at the end of your next bubble bath.
The ingredients in this specialty hair mask include special strand-strengthening proteins, brighteners and blue lupin to deliver ultimate shine and lustrous bounce to lackluster hair. If your hair feels flat between salon visits or doesn’t look as gorgeously gray as you’d like, applying this hair mask two to three times each week could be the ultimate, budget-friendly fix to your haircare needs.
Natural gray hair responds beautifully to the Madison Reed Color Reviving Gloss Crema. The best part is that you only need to use it every couple of weeks—or every six to eight shampoos.
The secret to this long-lasting product is its semi-permanent pigment. The gentle ingredients transfer into each strand and tint unwanted brassiness. You’ll refresh your overall appearance in a single use, without the costly price of a salon visit.
The ingredients also include ginseng and argon oil, adding plenty of moisture and shine. Depending on how long or thick your hair is, you can usually get two applications out of a single purchase. It’s one of the best hair care products for gray hair whether you shower every day or only shampoo once you notice your hair getting a bit oily.
The IGK Mixed Feelings Leave-In Blonde Toning Drops can be added to any hair product of your choosing. This lightweight, blended toner has purple pigments that diminish brassiness from all types of gray hair. Mix a few drops into your preferred shampoo, conditioner or hair mask that you already use in the shower.
Remember, using it as a leave-in styling product will produce higher toning concentrations than washing it out in the shower. If you prefer your gray hair to more closely resemble a light blonde or platinum shade, this product could help you retain that shade longer.
Add wavy texture and style to your gray hair with R+Co’s Trophy Shine Texture Spray. Often, texture sprays leave hair feeling a bit crunchy and matte. No one wants to feel their hair crunch when they flip it over their shoulder. This can be particularly problematic for gray hair, which often grows out as more naturally coarse strands that take on twice the crunch with the wrong products.
Thankfully, the R+Co Trophy Shine Texture Spray can provide that undone, bedhead style without losing smoothness. Sweet almond oil is the miracle ingredient in this product that gives your hair the light, silky shine it deserves.
R+Co products are also Leaping Bunny certified, vegan, gluten-free and free of harmful chemicals. It’s a great resource for anyone living a vegan or cruelty-free lifestyle while maintaining glorious gray locks.
Gray hair is beautiful hair. With the best hair care products for gray hair, you can easily maintain healthier, stronger silver strands that shine. Consider trying these six hair products made specifically for enhancing your natural grays.
Original Publish Date 5/2/2022 — Updated 4/29/2024
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