What To Look For In A Shampoo For Gray Hair

While getting gray hair is a universal experience, everyone's relationship to their changing shade is personal and unique. Whether you're looking to cover the sparkling silver strands or embrace them, there are a multitude of ways to go gray. You can even explore "gray blending" for a new twist on traditional salt and pepper hair. But no matter what path you've chosen, it's likely you'll need to update your beauty routine to accommodate your changing tresses.

A shampoo intended for gray hair is one of the key swaps to make as your natural color changes. These formulas are designed for the specific needs of aging hair. "They usually contain oils, and protein to enhance shine and add vibrancy as gray hair tends to look duller," explains hairstylist Luna Viola in an exclusive interview with Women.com. "They also contain purple pigments to neutralize yellow tones."

Gray hair can be dry so it's best to look for products that clean while also offering plenty of hydration. Viola recommends checking the ingredients list fo keratin or coconut oil, both of which can add much-needed moisture, which is important for maintaining healthy hair in your 50s and beyond. "Avoid alcohol and harsh chemicals like sulphates and parabens that can strip natural oils and cause more dryness," she says.

Hair goes gray as the follicles gradually produce less melanin with age, causing strands to lose their natural coloration. But the absence of pigment can make hair more vulnerable to environmental factors. "Gray hair lacks this natural protective mechanism making it more sensitive to the sun's rays, which results in the oxidation of hair proteins," explains Dr. Gaby Longsworth in an interview with Vogue. "That is why white and gray hair is more likely to oxidize, looking yellow and tarnished. For that reason, hair stylist Luna Viola recommends a purple shampoo to "neutralize any brassiness." But toning shampoo can sap hydration, on top of aging hair's natural tendency toward dryness, which is why she recommends a moisturizing, sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner.

Beyond choosing the right products, you'll likely want to change up your style to suit your hair's new texture. There are plenty of perfect hairstyles for showing off your gray hair, including edgier chops that balance out the more conservative feel of silver hair and create body for thinning hair. Gray hair might be a change, but there's no reason not to rock it with confidence.