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10 Best Shampoos For Gray Hair 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Joico Color Balance Purple Shampoo for Cool Blonde and Gray Hair | 33.8 Fl Oz

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,155
Moisturizing Properties
Color-Enhancing Ingredients
Nourishing Ingredients

Most important from
14209 reviews

Moisturizing Properties
It effectively prevents dryness and damage, leaving hair healthy and hydrated.
Color-Enhancing Ingredients
This shampoo excels at neutralizing brassy and yellow tones, maintaining a cool, natural hair color.
Nourishing Ingredients
Using this shampoo alongside the matching conditioner balances natural oils and enhances hair softness.

The Joico Color Balance Purple Shampoo is a great choice for those with gray or cool blonde hair who want to keep their color looking fresh and vibrant. Its main strength lies in the violet pigments that neutralize yellow and warm tones, helping hair maintain a cooler, more natural shade. This shampoo also contains green tea extract and UV absorbers, which help protect hair color from fading over time.

It’s enriched with nourishing ingredients like keratin, rosehip oil, and arginine that work together to repair damage, strengthen hair, and add shine. The Smart Release Technology slowly delivers these beneficial oils and proteins throughout the day, which supports healthier-looking hair. While the product description doesn’t explicitly mention it is sulfate-free, Joico’s formulas typically aim to be gentle, so it’s likely suitable for sensitive scalps and helps retain moisture. However, if you have a very dry scalp or hair, you might still want to use a conditioner afterward for extra hydration.

This shampoo is liquid, easy to apply, and has a pleasant custom fragrance. Its size (33.8 fl oz) is generous, making it good value if you plan to use it regularly. This shampoo balances color care with hair strengthening and is a suitable option for adults wanting to enhance the look of their gray or cool-toned blonde hair while keeping it healthy.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,155
Moisturizing Properties
Color-Enhancing Ingredients
Nourishing Ingredients

Most important from
14209 reviews

Moisturizing Properties
It effectively prevents dryness and damage, leaving hair healthy and hydrated.
Color-Enhancing Ingredients
This shampoo excels at neutralizing brassy and yellow tones, maintaining a cool, natural hair color.
Nourishing Ingredients
Using this shampoo alongside the matching conditioner balances natural oils and enhances hair softness.
#2

Aveda Shampure Nurturing Shampoo for Fine to Medium Hair | Gently Cleanses Hair | Daily Shampoo | 9% Naturally Derived* | Calming Aroma of Lavender & Ylang Ylang, 8.5 Fl Oz

Rating
8.5
Sulfate-Free Formula
Nourishing Ingredients

Most important from
3534 reviews

Sulfate-Free Formula
The shampoo offers a gentle and mild cleanse that suits daily use without stripping hair.
Nourishing Ingredients
Regular use leaves hair feeling shiny and nourished, especially beneficial for older hair.

The Aveda Shampure Nurturing Shampoo is a gentle daily cleanser especially suited for fine to medium hair. It contains 96% naturally derived ingredients and features abyssinian oil, which nourishes hair and adds shine without silicones. Its sulfate-free formula gently cleanses, helping to reduce dryness of the hair and scalp, a common concern for gray hair, which tends to be drier and more fragile.

The shampoo has a calming floral scent made from 25 plant essences like lavender and ylang ylang, providing a pleasant and soothing experience during washing. While it does not include color-enhancing ingredients specifically designed to brighten or tone gray hair, it supports hair health through gentle cleansing and nourishing components without harsh chemicals.

If you are looking for a mild, natural shampoo that keeps hair feeling soft and healthy, this product is a solid option. However, those aiming to enhance or maintain gray hair color tone may prefer products formulated specifically for that purpose.

Rating
8.5
Sulfate-Free Formula
Nourishing Ingredients

Most important from
3534 reviews

Sulfate-Free Formula
The shampoo offers a gentle and mild cleanse that suits daily use without stripping hair.
Nourishing Ingredients
Regular use leaves hair feeling shiny and nourished, especially beneficial for older hair.
#3

Aveda Blue Malva Shampoo | Purple Shampoo for Gray and Blonde Hair | Neutralizes Brassiness and Yellow Tones | Liter Size | 33.8 Fl Oz

Rating
8.5
Color-Enhancing Ingredients
Moisturizing Properties
Sulfate-Free Formula

Most important from
2637 reviews

Color-Enhancing Ingredients
This shampoo effectively eliminates yellow tones, making it ideal for natural white or silver hair.
Moisturizing Properties
The formula works well for chemically treated hair while maintaining moisture and softness.
Sulfate-Free Formula
Users appreciate the balance of gentle cleansing and color protection without harsh preservatives.

The Aveda Blue Malva Color Shampoo is designed to refresh and enhance gray, silver, or blonde hair by neutralizing brassy tones and boosting cool hues. Its formula includes organic blue malva and plant extracts, which provide good moisturizing and nourishing benefits to keep hair feeling soft and hydrated. This shampoo cleans gently without stripping color, which helps maintain the vibrancy of chemically treated hair over time. It’s also made without harsh sulfates, aligning with what many look for in gentle, color-protecting shampoos.

Additionally, the eucalyptus scent offers a fresh, natural aroma. While it supports scalp health with its mild cleansing and natural ingredients, some users might find the scent a bit strong if they prefer fragrance-free products. The eco-friendly packaging and natural ingredient base make it a good choice for those conscious about environmental impact.

This shampoo is well-suited for adults with gray or silver hair who want to reduce brassiness and keep their hair moisturized and vibrant without harsh chemicals.

Rating
8.5
Color-Enhancing Ingredients
Moisturizing Properties
Sulfate-Free Formula

Most important from
2637 reviews

Color-Enhancing Ingredients
This shampoo effectively eliminates yellow tones, making it ideal for natural white or silver hair.
Moisturizing Properties
The formula works well for chemically treated hair while maintaining moisture and softness.
Sulfate-Free Formula
Users appreciate the balance of gentle cleansing and color protection without harsh preservatives.

Buying Guide for the Best Shampoos For Gray Hair

Choosing the right shampoo for gray hair is essential to maintain the health and appearance of your hair. Gray hair can be more prone to dryness, brittleness, and discoloration, so it's important to select a shampoo that addresses these specific needs. Here are some key specifications to consider when picking a shampoo for gray hair, along with explanations to help you make an informed decision.
Moisturizing PropertiesMoisturizing properties in a shampoo are crucial for gray hair because gray hair tends to be drier and more brittle than pigmented hair. Look for shampoos that contain hydrating ingredients like glycerin, aloe vera, or natural oils. If your hair feels dry and rough, opt for a shampoo with strong moisturizing properties. If your hair is relatively healthy, a shampoo with moderate moisturizing properties should suffice.
Color-Enhancing IngredientsColor-enhancing ingredients help to maintain the brightness and vibrancy of gray hair, preventing it from looking dull or yellowish. Shampoos with purple or blue pigments can neutralize yellow tones and enhance the silver or white hues of gray hair. If your gray hair tends to look yellow or brassy, choose a shampoo with these color-enhancing ingredients. If your hair maintains its color well, you may not need this feature.
Sulfate-Free FormulaSulfate-free formulas are important for gray hair because sulfates can strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to increased dryness and brittleness. Sulfate-free shampoos are gentler and help to retain moisture in the hair. If your hair is very dry or sensitive, a sulfate-free shampoo is a good choice. If your hair is less prone to dryness, you might still benefit from a sulfate-free option to maintain overall hair health.
Nourishing IngredientsNourishing ingredients like vitamins, proteins, and antioxidants can help strengthen and protect gray hair. These ingredients can improve the overall health of your hair, making it more resilient and shiny. If your hair feels weak or looks dull, look for shampoos with nourishing ingredients. If your hair is already strong and healthy, you can choose a shampoo with a lighter focus on nourishment.
Scalp CareScalp care is important for maintaining healthy hair growth and preventing issues like dryness or irritation. Shampoos with ingredients like tea tree oil, peppermint, or salicylic acid can help keep the scalp clean and balanced. If you experience scalp issues such as dryness, flakiness, or itchiness, choose a shampoo that targets scalp care. If your scalp is generally healthy, a regular shampoo with mild scalp care properties should be sufficient.

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