Best Hair Care Products for Brassy Gray Frizzy Hair

ByCindy Hattersley Hours Posted on Hours Updated on
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Many of us are choosing to embrace our natural hair texture and color and are celebrating the beauty of grey, silver, and white. The good news is that this has led to a growing demand for products that nourish and enhance silver or grey hair rather than disguise it. Embracing our natural gray hair is a journey, but keeping it looking its best can be a challenge—especially when brassiness, frizz, and dryness creep in. The right hair care products can make all the difference in keeping our silver hair  (straight hair, or wavy hair) smooth, soft, and vibrant. Whether battling unwanted brassy tones, frizzy hair, or just looking for extra shine, I’ve rounded up the best shampoos, conditioners, and styling products to give you the best results and to keep your hair effortlessly chic. Let’s dive into the best hair care products for brassy gray frizzy hair.

Why Gray Hair Needs Special TLC

You may not need to color your hair after going gray, but it is important to focus on hair products that hydrate and protect it. As your hair loses pigment, its texture and porosity change, and brassiness and frizziness can become an issue. It is also important to focus on hair products that hydrate and protect from hard water, product buildup, sun exposure, chlorine, and other environmental stressors. 

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Best New Products for Brassy Gray Frizzy Dry Hair

Purple Shampoo

Yellow is the opposite of purple on the color wheel. So, when gray, white, or blond hair has unwanted yellow tones, a purple shampoo acts like a toner and will correct yellow tones. 

Clarifying Shampoo

A clarifying shampoo uses “heavier surfactants” (soap-like ingredients) than regular shampoos and should be used cautiously for good results. It can strip your hair shaft of its natural oils and cause dryness. Consult your hair stylist for recommended usage. Many recommend once a month, depending on the amount of product residue. You can also try a home remedy of 1 part apple cider vinegar with five parts water in a spray bottle. Spray it onto your scalp after shampooing, gently massage it, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cool water. For more details on the benefits of an apple cider rinse, check out this article from Real Simple.

A Moisturizing Shampoo 

As hair turns gray, it loses melanin, which not only affects color but also causes it to become coarser and more prone to dryness and frizz. To combat frizz, it is important to keep hair sufficiently moisturized.

Hair Masks or Conditioners 

Hair masks and conditioners are treatments designed to provide deep nourishment and hydration to the hair follicle and shaft. They typically contain more nourishing ingredients, such as argan oil, butters, and extracts, than regular conditioners (so they can charge us more). This list includes leave-in conditioners (not a fan)

Hair Serums

Hair serums target specific scalp and hair concerns to improve nutrition (often with natural ingredients), moisture, frizz, shine, and whatever else they can think of (these are quite expensive, but I am sure they are worth it if you have a particular issue).

Heat Protectants & Frizz Control

Heat protectants smooth the cuticle of the hair and add a barrier between your styling tool and your hair, sealing in moisture and fending off frizz. 

Glazes & Glosses What’s the Difference

A gloss is a treatment that penetrates the “hair cuticle to deposit color and add shine. Glosses can be used to add shine, adjust tone, or create more dramatic color transformations. Glosses typically last four to six weeks”.  A glaze is a” semi-permanent hair treatment that coats the hair shaft with color and shine. Glazes don’t contain peroxide or ammonia. They can be used to enhance color, control frizz, and add shine. Glazes typically last one to two weeks. 

Hot Tools of the Trade

When shopping for heat-styling tools, look for a wide range of temperature settings. Gray hair is already dry; overheating will cause damage. If using a flat iron, look for ceramic or titanium plates (depending on your hair type). Hair dryers with ionic technology will reduce frizz and damage.

What to Look for 

Opt for hydrating ingredients (humectants) like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, argan oil, jojoba oil, aloe vera, and panthenol. Shampoos with purple pigment will be your best friend if you have yellowness and brassiness (like me). Go for sulfate-free shampoos to minimize dryness and damage. Protein-rich conditioners and masks strengthen and repair hair fibers. Lastly, some products are formulated with ingredients that reflect light to enhance shine, which is especially helpful because gray hair can be dull. Many are now silicone-free.

My Haircare Routine & Products I Use & Love

I protect my hair from the sun whenever possible by wearing a hat (to ward off the brassiness). I generally do not wash my hair more than twice a week, three max to prevent drying (I wear hats alot). Here are my best tips ( I am no expert) for keeping your gray hair healthy and happy.

Hair Products for Brassy Frizzy Gray Hair

Shop Favorite Gray Hair Products

My Favorite Shampoo

Favorite Purple Hued 

There are a lot of purple hued shampoos that have emerged on the market, and I have tried several. I have used the Aveda Blue Malva Shampoo ( this comes in a large 33.8 oz bottle and lasts forever)off and on, and it is still a favorite.  I currently am using Davines Alchemic shampoo ( I have been using the conditioner for several years) referred by my friend Gray (just a dime-sized portion needed it lasts a long time).I alternate it with the Khlorane Anti Yellowing Shampoo. I have an issue with yellowish tones.  I could use a purple shampoo everyday an my hair wouldn’t turn purple, but for most people once a week will do the trick. For a budget-friendly option try the Hair Biology Silver and Glowing collection (which I reviewed here).

Favorite Clarifying

Per my hairstylist’s advice, I have been using the Malibu C Blond Wellness Remedy for at least a couple of years. It comes in a packet and is reasonably priced. I use it about every two weeks. I have been recently alternating with this Balance shampoo and really like it.  It is highly rated as 98% Plant-Based and sulfate-free.They have great eco-friendly packaging as well

Everyday Shampoo

For an “everyday” shampoo ( I only wash my hair 2-3 times a week normally), I use Kerastase Resistance Strengthening shampoo.  They carry it at my salon, (Roux Collective) and I like supporting them. I have never tried a bad Kerastase product.

 

Favorite Masks or Conditioners

I have been using the Davine’s Alchemic Conditioner for several years.  It is my favorite, without a doubt. I alternate with the pricey Kerastase Chronologiste when I need a moisture boost. I plan to give this highly rated option from Color Wow (all of their products are great) next.

Favorite Heat Protectant/Frizz Control

I use the heat protectant from the Kerastase Blond Absolute line, and am very happy with it. I recently started using the much buzzed Color Wow Dreamcoat Super Natural Spray and it works if you use it properly.  Kerastase recently discontinued their Blond Absolut oil , but you can still find it here.. I used Moroccan oil for years but it turned my hair yellowish so I quit using it. I will go back to the regular Kerastase oil once my supply runs out.

My Favorite Gloss

I have been touting this as my holy grail for years.  I have yet to find anything better. The Madison Reed Crema Gloss is the best if your hair tends to yellow like mine. I have tried Salon glosses and others.  This is my longtime fave.

Favorite Tools of the Trade

I have been using the Zuvi hairdryer (you can read my review here). I use it in combination with the inexpensive Revlon One Step Brush & Drier. I am still very happy with both. For heat styling I am considering the Shark Flex Fusion Five in One Styler for travel so I don’t have to haul my hairdryer and several other tools. 

Further Reading:

How to Keep Your Gray Hair Looking Great

Going Gray Here’s How to Do It With Style and Grace

Going Gray and Maintaining it-the Good the Bad and the Ugly

Gray Hair Products that Work for Me

Oprah Daily Ten Haircare Products for Aging Hair

Ten Best Hot Air Brushes for all Hair Types-In Style

Thank you for being here and reading best hair care products for brassy gray frizzy hair. Gray hair is a beautiful testament to our confidence and authenticity, but it does require a little extra TLC to keep it looking great The right shampoos, conditioners, and styling products can make all the difference in keeping brassiness at bay, taming frizz, and maintaining softness and shine. With a few key essentials in your routine, your silver hair can look effortlessly chic and vibrant . Have you found a holy grail product for your gray hair? I’d love to hear about it—let’s chat in the comments!

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37 Comments

  1. Cindy…when you use the Madison Reed Crema do you apply it to your roots and work to the ends ?
    I have been having highlights done for years to blend my salt and pepper gray…now I’m more white around my face but the back of my head is “salt and pepper “. And using toning shampoos to cover brassiness. I read that Crema has a 6% peroxide level (low) but I’m wondering if you see it blend the darker gray along with diminishing the brass.

  2. Hi Cindy

    I have not been receiving your emails for a few months. They just suddenly stopped. Is there anything you can check? I have checked junk frequently! BTW I just signed up again so please look for that. I really miss them. Thanks for helping.
    Pam in Nashville

  3. This was crazy! Several days ago I started researching hairdryers and kept getting Juvi. Came here and same thing. Can’t find US voltage version. Any tips? I’ve been letting my silver pixie grow out and that’s been more ugly than embracing gray!

    As much red as I had in my hair, I don’t have yellow issues. Purple shampoos would make me a blue hair old lady! Still using Moroccan oil with just a smidge of the conditioner. I’m so boring!!!

    1. Well Hello Patricia

      I use the Zuvi hairdryer you can find it on their website here https://rstyle.me/+nl65krLhzTIJoDW1TlUnMQ
      The Moroccan Oil is great if you don’t have any yellowing issues. I used it for years. Their products are great!! What made you decide to let your pixie grow out?

      1. Bored—coupled with my falling in garage late August and overnight became a bionic woman with a titanium hip. As I recall you’ve done this. At 75 no fun. All bedrooms are upstairs and hubby doesn’t cook! I’ve been sleeping on my vintage Grange sleigh bed in my living room!!! Humility and how I gained it!!!! Getting better but frequent haircuts not on my priority list!

  4. I love all of your suggestions and that you do the research for us. I don’t seem to get brassy or frizzy but my silver can look dull so I will be trying some of your tips to turn that around. I am bouncing around looking for a new hairdresser right now and really dislike not having someone who is my steady. I hope to find him or her soon!

  5. Hi Cindy,
    I really like the ShiKai Color Reflect Platinum shampoo and either their Intensive Repair or Daily Moisture conditioner. I, too wash my hair infrequently because it tends to be dry so I don’t worry about the purple.
    I let my hair air-dry so I also don’t worry about heat damage.
    Thanks for all your work on the blog.

  6. Hi Cindy, I recently decided to go gray, and appreciate these tips! Your hair is just beautiful, setting the bar quite high! My stylist recommended highlights to help with the transition, so we shall see how it goes…wish me luck!

  7. Thanks for the great recommendations and will give Kerastase a shot. I still colour my dark hair and when I tried to go lighter, I look washed out and my hair was more orange than anything. Your hair looks great, but am wondering what was your natural hair colour. I think it easier for women who were blonde or had light brown hair to go grey than dark haired brunettes with sallow complexions. My brother was blonde and went grey, but he over did the purple shampoo and ended up looking like our great Aunty who used to dye her hair bluish purple (back in the day)naturally, his nick name is now Aunty Maude

    1. Hi Susan

      I agree it is often easier for blondes. My natural hair color was very dark brown bordering on black. When I was still coloring my hair it tended to have an orange tinge to it as well. You will have to do whatever you are comfortable with. If you have a great colorist they will figure it out. Goo Luck!

  8. I decided to go grey during Covid. Hence I refer to my grey as Covid hair! I have no regrets and enjoy not having my hair colored every two to three weeks. All your products sound great but I’m using Olapex purple shampoo but not every wash. Cheers to the grey!

    1. Hi Candace

      Hooray for going gray…as I said to another reader I was using Olaplex and got scared with the lawsuits. I should give it a try again.

  9. Love the Davine’s conditioner! I wash my hair 2-3 times a week and use the Davine’s every other time. It’s pricey but I’m saving since I’m no longer coloring. I’m planning to try the Color Wow One Minute Transformation product Christine mentioned in her comments. It sounds like something that could help with my frizziness.
    Thanks for all your research and suggestions.

  10. Hi Cindy,
    I started using the Davines purple conditioner after your recommendation and I love it! I also use Ghost shampoo and conditioner from VERB as well as their purple shampoo. I like VERB products because they don’t contain any of the nasty chemicals so many other products have listed.

    1. Hi Mary

      I tried the Ghost oil for awhile and wasn’t overy impressed. I will give their other products a shot.

  11. I love the Color Wow Dreamcoat, seems to keep my frizzies in control. Excited to see how it will work with the humidity in the south this summer. I use any shampoo (except for a drying one or a clarifier)mix with some water and add a little bit of baking soda. Keeps my hair from yellowing and saves money on the expensive products! Love your blog and the great info from you.

    1. Hi Cheryl

      I love the color WoW dreamcoat as well. I think most of their products are good.

  12. Hi Cindy,

    I have used the Madison Reed gloss but the Crèma seems to leave a purple cast in my hair, though I do follow directions. I also read on their website that it is not intended for natural uncolored hair. I’m thinking of trying the clear version – did you ever try that?
    Thanks for the product recap.

    1. Hi Linda

      Yes the Crema does have a purple hue. If your hair does not get brassy like mine you probably would do well with the clear.

  13. Thank you for your blog. I use velcro rollers instead of a flat iron. When hair is dry put velcro rollers in your hair and spray with hairspray. Wait 10 min or more and brush out and you will have enough bend in your hair. Irons are VERY hard on white hair!

    1. Hi Rory

      I use velcro rollers on and off as well. I almost shared but the post was getting so long I left them off!!

  14. I am so close to letting my hair go gray for good because I’m a good 95% gray according to my hairstylist and I am so very tired of the whole dye situation I do multiple times a month to keep covering it up. You’re my inspiration. Now I just have to either let it grow out (it grows FAST like nearly an inch a month) or pull out all the hair dye which is like a whole day of crazy chemical processing. Kicking myself I didn’t do it during covid. Bookmarking your list Cindy, great tips as always.

    1. Hi Nancy

      Going gray is a big decision, and a personal one at that. I stewed for a long time, until my daughter came home from college one weekend and said my hair looked like a “frizzled mess” (gotta love those daughters!). My husband had been telling me for months to do it. I never looked back for a second. My hairdresser at the time did lowlights and highlights in my hair until it grew out. It was pretty painless.

  15. Hi Cindy-I am a big fan of EVA-NYC Tone it Down purple shampoo. I usually find it at Sally’s beauty supply, or, if I’m lucky at Marshall’s for a discount. My hairdresser recommended it to me when I was transitioning to gray, and I have stuck with it. A little goes a long way. I alternate it with Oribe Silverati shampoo, which really gives my hair a nice shine. Using these two products I find that I do not have to use a conditioner or hair mask. My hair has lots of bounce and shine, I guess I can thank my grandparents for that! Always enjoy reading your post. Entertaining and informative!

    1. Hi Mary

      I have Oribe on my list to try. Thanks for the recommendation. I have never heard of EVA-NYC will check it out.

  16. I have been using Olaplex shampoo for a while, it gives my fine hair some body. It is pricey, but very concentrated. Nordstrom sells a travel size, so a good way to try it. Also, ladies who use purple shampoo need to watch because your hair will take on the purple cast. My stylist says 1-2 times a week at most for purple shampoo.

    1. Hi Carole

      I tried the Olaplex line but after all the hair loss lawsuits I got scared. I am glad to hear it works for you.As I stated in my post I could use purple shampoo every time I wash my hair (which is normally twice a week), but many can only tolerate once a week.

  17. Thank you, Cindy for this very helpful post! My gray hair issue is frizzy although my hair is just like yours. No brassy issues, but appreciate the product recommendations! So many products, trying ones out can be costly. Your white top is gorgeous! You look lovely in white! It looks like Battenberg lace. Also, thanks to the other ladies who gave their fave products to try.

    1. Hi Paula

      The products are costly for sure, but think of what we are saving on coloring?

  18. I tried the Malibu Blondes and wasn’t impressed! Maybe I didn’t use it long enough!
    Love you in that embroidered top. I like you in a feminine look!

    1. Hi Gray

      You might try the Apple Cider shampoo in lieu of the Malibu C. The Malibu C has to be used exactly as they state in the directions. It has to be thoroughly mixed with a bit of water on the palms. I love it, but I am sure it is not for everyone!

    2. P.S you got me on to the Davines shampoo. I had only been using the conditioner! Love it!

  19. Huge fan of Color Wow Dream Coat for my sometimes frizzy hair! Their One Minute Transformation product has multiple uses: you can put a thin coat on your hands and then smooth out frizz on dry hair OR you can hit the hair with a heated tool and it’ll shape better + smooth. This one also comes in a travel size — I bought that to start and since you only need a tiny amount per use, it lasts a long time. I have long hair and only wash about every 5-6 days — this product allows me to re-set the shape without going thru an entire wash/dry process.

    1. Thank you Nancy! I have not worked my way through their entire product line yet. I will give that one a try!

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