HOW TO KEEP YOUR GRAY HAIR LOOKING GREAT
#1 A GREAT SHAMPOO
I basically have good hair. It is not quite curly enough to wear it curly, but just wavy enough to be annoying. It also can be frizzy and it tends to yellow. I have gotten keratin treatments on and off to combat the frizz. I have found that a violet hued shampoo that deposits a slight violet tint to neutralize the yellow tones is a must. These new products are not the ones the lunch ladies used. Don’t worry your hair won’t turn purple unless you overuse them.
A clarifying shampoo is a must as well to remove product buildup.According to hairstylist and Redken artist Jorge Joao“ If your grey hair is turning yellow from the curling iron, silver-enhancing pigment won’t erase patches of color.” It will just sit on top of the yellowing residue. “You’re just putting color on color,” he explains. “If you want to remove it, you need a clarifying shampoo.”
I am not currently using a clarifying shampoo. because most of them dried my hair out too much. Hard water contains minerals that create a barrier, preventing moisture from getting to the hair. Hair washed in hard water may become excessively dry
I am currently using a product my hairstylist suggested Malibu C Hard Water Wellness Remedy. I have been using it about once every 10 days or so, depending on how often I wash my hair. They also have a shampoo that is very highly rated. I may try that at some point, but the packets do the trick
#2 A GREAT CONDITIONER
#3 A GOOD MASQUE
When your hair needs a good deep conditioning.
#4 A PROTECTIVE GLOSS
I consider this my “holy grail”
#5 A GOOD HEAT PROTECTING PRODUCT
(this one has been the hardest because most are not formulated for gray or silver hair). My hairdresser informed me that the one I was using actually made my hair more yellow (yikes!). This is a journey, right? Whatever your hair type, thick, fine, straight or curly, if you use any kind of heat on your hair (dryer, hot rollers, curling iron, flat iron etc.), you need a “thermal spray” of some sort to protect it. What do they do? They coat your hair with ingredients that lock in moisture and create a shield. This hopefully prevents breakage. I find many of them to be too drying.
Shampoos
CONDITIONERS
I Have been using this for years and it is still my favorite (on the days that I use a purple infused shampoo). I have yet to find a product that I think performs better.
MASQUES
James Corbett Studio in New York City and color director for Clairol says “When the hair is healthy, the cuticle stays closed, which means less frizz and your color looks better because light reflects off your hair. Masks can help repair what styling and the environment takes out.” This step is lacking in my regime. I think all of the the Kerastase masques are good depending on your hair type. I am now using the DISCIPLINE MASQUE FOR FRIZZY HAIR. I used the KERASTASE MASQUE FOR DRY HAIR for many years prior to gong gray.
**One more product that I intend to try is the Madison Reed Color Therapy Masque. I like their gloss so much I am anxious to try this one.
GLOSS
I have tried many. I personally think the Madison Reed Crema Gloss is the absolute best. My former hairdresser even recommended it over salon glosses. You can do it yourself. You apply it to dry hair and let it sit for about 15-20 minutes. My hair really yellows so I usually leave mine on for longer.
HEAT PROTECTANT
Bumble & Bumble Heat Protectant
This one is really good not as drying as most.
Keristase Blond Absolut Heat Protecting Leave in Treatment I just purchased this one and really like it. It is part of the Blond Absolut line. I think it gives my hair a bit of shine.How to Keep your Gray Hair Looking Great
In closing, use some of the money you have saved by going natural to buy good products. wear a hat when you are in the sun, and embrace your beautiful gray hair. I would love to hear from you. What products work for you? Have you gone to the “gray side”? If so, are you happy you did?
Miri says
My hair is all white now. I use Just Nutritive shampoo for gray hair. No yellow! I have a shower filter. I don’t use conditioner. I don’t use anything else on my hair, I just let it air dry. Yeah, rad, isn’t it?
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Miri
I should probably try a shower filter! How lucky are you!!
PJ says
I was inspired to stop coloring by reading Cindy’s and Sandra Sallin’s blog. I truly love my white hair – my hairdresser says it’s platinum! I choose not to use any keratin treatments because of formaldehyde (no matter how much I want my hair to be straight or less frizzy) and reading about Olaplex makes me worried. Purple shampoo dries my hair out and we have well water so I wash/rinse with distilled water. My hairdresser suggested Aveda Nutriplenish shampoo, conditioner and other products in that line. No yellowing and hair is soft. I air dry until lightly damp and then use a revlon hair dryer brush (my hair is longer than chin length, but shorter than shoulder length). I also like Oribe silver pomade to keep stray hairs down – it gives a nice sheen. I appreciate reading about what others use – it’s great to share ideas. Thanks to all that have shared!
Marcia Rayne says
Cindy? I bought a boatload of purple shampoos and conditioners, but there are so drying! My hair looks like a broom. I hard highlighted my hair for years and decided to let it go natural. . My hair has has a few gray hairs. Your tips are helpful. I will be purchasing the Hair Biology and the Blond Absolut. Will try to find the Madison Reed Crema gloss too.
NL says
I have white/silver hair that I grew out during the pandemic, after having kept it short for many, many years. I found my usual hair products didn’t work well on longer hair. I got a lot of yellowing, in my case from the sun, since I seldom use a dryer. I recently cut it short again, and am much happier. But after a severe allergic reaction to the salon’s products, I had to retool all my hairstuff again and went for as many organic/clean products as I could as well as patch testing everything. I found ShiKai Color Reflect Platinum Shampoo at my health food store, which is working well for me. It uses Blue Malva as well, and is a very economical choice, I highly recommend it. I use Olaplex No. 3 conditioner with it. Currently using Dove as my clarifying shampoo, with Moroccan Oil blonde Perfecting Conditioner when I need a color enhancing conditioner. I use Cliganic Pure Jojoba Oil as my styling tool, only use a few drops, gets rid of any frizzies and gives a really nice shine. (Oh and for the lady who is looking for fragrance free — this Oil has no scent.) Can highly recommend that too. So the above combos work for me in reducing yellowing. Fortunately, now that it is short again, I don’t need to use a blow dryer or any heating tools. Anyway, this was a great post, you hit all the points I have come up with, which always feels good. And your long silver hair is impressive! I am happy to find others who love their silver hair! Personally, I found that when I quit coloring my hair about 6 years ago, the texture improved dramatically. For me it was the color I was putting on that gave it a coarse texture.
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi NL
My hair was a mess when I was coloring it as well. My hair has always been coarse and frizzy my entire life. When I was in high school in the midwest my hair was never cooperative like the other girls.
Katherine says
Hi Cindy,
I’m back because I was checking out the Aveda Blue Malva shampoo. A comment said it’s being discontinued. I don’t know if this is true I read it on the Aveda web site. I thought I should give you a “heads up.” When you find a product that you love love love and then it’s discontinued it’s always a let down.
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Katherine
Interesting, I wasn’t aware that they are discontinuing it. There are so many good products out there now, but the beauty of that product is the size of the bottle and it is pretty natural. It is one of their bestsellers. I wonder why on earth they would discontinue it?
Arlene says
Cindy, Olaplex has a new purple shampoo, I just read about it and have not tried it. I use Blue Malva conditioner, Joico purple,Klorane whitening and Phytoargent shampoos and a Kenra clarifying shampoo and I rotate between the crema and clear madison reed glosses. I have the best hair of my life, very similar to your color, medium thick. My best accessory, much of the time.
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Arlene
I have tried the regular Olaplex. I think it is a great product for those with thinning hair etc. For me personally, it isn’t one of my faves. It sounds like we have similar hair. I would love to hear what you think.
Katherine says
Hi Cindy,
Thank you sincerely for all the research you did on all the hair products. I know this takes a boat load of time. I do what you do with most things that I’m investigating so YOU are respected and appreciated.
YOU have gorgeous gray hair, and it shows that you spend time keeping it looking so healthy. It’s so nice as you have matured that your hair is still so thick.
I will in the near future explore some of the products you think are good,
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Katherine
You are welcome. Thank you for being such a loyal reader. I am grateful for my hair. It can be problematic in the humidity, but most of the time it cooperates!!
Gail says
You and your gray hair make the perfect pair. Both are stunningly beautiful! Makes me wish I had thick gray/white hair like yours, but I have horrible mousey brown mixed with dirty gray, thus I continue as a blonde.
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Gail
You are so sweet. I bet your hair is beautiful! We are never happy with what we have, are we?
Nancy Yates says
I have truly white hair, white not gray. Gray is a different ballpark. My hair does get some yellowing, and I did fight that yellow with various products – the least expensive which is apple cider vinegar BUT all of which end up drying the hair and scalp. A little “yellowing’ has lead others to comment that I have blonde highlights, however I do stay away from the flattening/curling iron. My solution for dryness is to use product lines for those with truly curly hair, so Cantu Leave In Conditioner repair cream and Silk Elements MegaSilk Spray are always at hand, and are very affordable.
From time to time I use the “purple” shampoo but that too can be drying in addition I have found that the pigment tends to stay within the hair closest to the scalp while the other layers remain unaffected, so use it very infrequently.
Embrace that you have a beautiful head with hair that looks healthy. And remember, hair color is not a magical cloak of youth.
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Nancy
I like the malibu packets my hairdresser suggested. You might give them a try. You have an excellent point about curly hair products. I used to be able to naturally dry my hair when it was short. Maybe I will try that again some time! Great points! Thanks for sharing.
Cindy Hattersley says
P.S
The Madison Reed Gloss colors the hair from root to ends. You might give it a try. It is the best product I have ever used.
Kathryn says
Thank you, Cindy, for this greatly anticipated, informative, and helpful post! 💝
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Kathryn
Of course, thank you for reading!!
dana curtis says
I am very interested in the all white outfit that u worn in one of the pictures. Can u tell me where all the pieces came from
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Dana
Unfortunately, everything is old. Here are some links to similar items. You can still find the shoes at Artemis Design. The shirt is from Johnny Was a couple of years ago. The tee is from Fresh Laundry and still available. Sorry I can’t be of more help on that one
Sharon says
Cindy, your hair is gorgeous so whatever you are doing (including your hair stylist) keep it up! Thanks for the tips too.
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Sharon
Of course! You have beautiful hair!
La Contessa says
I’m not there yet!!
But will be HOUNDING you when I DO!
I love your new cuts lately!
Kudos to your hairstylist!
Knocking it out of the park!!
Xxx
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Elizabeth
I have a really good stylist. If you ever want to come down for a haircut let me know!
Mary Jane says
Thanks. I took notes of some of the products I might try. I also struggle with yellowing. My hairdresser suggested a shower filter and I am trying that. She seems to think it’s helping but I’m not so sure. I have found Sauve Daily Clarifying the least drying for my hair. Then I either use a purple shampoo or a white conditioner with a drop of Pravana Masque mixed in. I let that set while I do the other shower stuff.
I mix it up every wash. I agree a thermal product is essential so I am going to try one you mentioned.. I too miss Khlorane anti yellowing. I wrote the company but no reply.
Thanks for the info.
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Mary Jane
I do not have a shower filter. I have thought about trying that as well. We do have soft water however. I can’t believe Khlorane did away with that shampoo it was amazing!
Phyllis says
Cindy you said you’re trying to not get keratin anymore? How come? I have silver hair similar to yours and I can control it pretty well here in the dry desert, but any humidity and I look like the top of a dandelion. I’m getting keratin twice a year since l quit coloring. Do you think it is hard on your hair?
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Phyllis
My hairdresser thinks he may be able to work with my hair. He hasn’t seen it in it’s true form yet ha ha!! Growing up in the Midwest my hair was constantly just as you describe. It is better here. In regards to the Keratin. #1 it is not all that good for you, some formulations are better than others. It completely controls the frizz but then it lacks the fullness that I like. I know we can’t have it all. I will keep you posted!!
Erica says
I have found that about a tablespoon of baking soda added to any shampoo with act as a clarifier. Thank you for the tips on heat protection & yellowing! I had great silver hair and colored it for a show…it has never been the same (well, menopause isn’t helping.) Thanks for sharing, Cindy!
Kim says
Yes! Wanted to read all the comments before adding this suggestion. Thanks for sharing this tip.
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Erica
Maybe I should give that a try. I know apple cider vinegar works as well but it is drying as well. Good Luck with the heat protectants. Those two are the best I have found for gray hair.
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Erica
I hope you can bring back that beautiul silver and thanks for the baking soda tip. I will give that a try!!
Nanci says
Are you adding the baking soda directly into the bottle?
Katy D says
You are amazing and your hair is gorgeous! I color my fine, limp, frizzy, thinning hair. At 71, there is not much positive to say for my hair and it makes me sad. I will definitely try some of the recommended products and also try for a better attitude!
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Katy
Hair is a battle what can I say?
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Katy
We all have areas of our body that we are not too happy with. Mine was my skin after years of abusing it in the son and struggling with acne as a teenager. That is why I had a lower face lift. It is still not perfect, but I am not striving for perfection…just an improvement. Have you tried Olaplex? Many swear by that. I didn’t find it overly beneficial for my particular hair type. I know Sandra Sallin loves it!
Nancy says
I love your all white outfit with the beautiful white blouse. I would buy that blouse in a second!
Cindy, I am your age with not much gray hair. I truly am tired of getting the blond highlights. BUT, you gave me a better outlook because being gray is even more work. I will be more positive while getting the highlights. Enlightening article. Nancy
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Nancy
Good Luck with going gray. Did you read Gray’s comment? You might find it of interest.
Annie says
I’m very frustrated with hair care and styling products — it is almost impossible to find ones that are fragrance-free, and those that are, do not work. There’s a fortune to be made if one of these companies would wake up to the need!
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Annie
I can imagine that is frustrating. Have you tried the health food stores and Whole Foods?
Janet says
I really appreciate all your research (I’m now a collagen for her user) and look forward to trying a few of these products. I have more brown then gray overall, but a real “silver streak” going around my face.
Henderson Linda says
Me too, Janet.
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Janet
Don’t you love Collagen for Her. I am a huge fan. I get offers of products all the time, and I don’t promote anything I don’t like or use myself.
Meg says
You look fabulous with gray hair! I haven’t made the switch yet but may so so someday. thanks for all the great tips.
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Meg
Thanks for putting up with a gray hair post. I know it certainly isn’t of interest to many of you, but I feel like I have to do a post every year or so!!
Wren says
This is why you were my inspiration to go silver. I am too complacent/lazy to do the research you do. I only use the Redken All Soft shampoo and conditioner and the Nuxe oil I mentioned in the blog you did about me. My hair seems pretty low maintenance which is a good thing since I don’t like spending time on it. It’s pretty much wash and wear and maybe I shouldn’t admit it, but I’ve been using the same products since I went silver 2 years ago. I do appreciate all that you discover and no one has prettier hair than you!
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Wren
If I could only look as gorgeous as you in a pixie! I am so jealous. I can only imagine how little time you have to spend on your hair. I still use some of the same products that I did years ago as well. Why reinvent the wheel if it is working?
Barb says
Hi Cindy,
I went “covid gray” during the summer of 2020. I wear my hair short, so it wasn’t too terribly painful of a process. I always knew I would go gray, but covid expedited the transition! My hair is primarily white in front with some darker gray/black bits in the back. I wash my hair every other day with Hair Biology moisturizing shampoo and conditioner and use the Hair Biology silver shampoo and conditioner about every ten days. I don’t have a big problem with yellowing. Once a month before my hair appointment for a trim, I use Neutragena clarifying shampoo. I use Eufora styling gel (from my hairdresser) mixed with a squirt of Hair Biology argon oil taming serum before I blow dry. In the summer, I also mix in some John Frieda Frizz Ease when the humidity sets in. I might have to add some gloss to my regimen! Thanks for your extensive research.
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Barb
I have not tried the Neutrogena Clarifying shampoo for some reason. I think the Hair Biology products are great. I alternate them with some of my other favorites.
Gray says
Hi Cindy! Getting ready to do this post myself!
I use some of what you use, but my hair is different than yours. Mine is not frizzy at all. It is straight as a stick and heavy and limp. I DO definitely struggle with yellowing. And I still am having it highlighted platinum – I am still transitioning to no color at all. The bottom 2/3 of it is brown and I wear it up a lot, so holding off until that turning line moves further down. Probably another 2 or 3 years and then I’m done. I have been coloring or highlighting my hair since I was 31. I don’t even want to know how much money that adds up to……
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Gray
I will be anxious to hear what products you use. You have gorgeous hair! I had no idea you weren’t totally silver. You must have a great hairdresser.
Cathy says
The hair mask from Trader Joe’s is very effective for me and a real bargain, only $3.99.
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Cathy
I will try it! Thanks for the tip!
La Di Da says
I really like Kevin Murphy Angel Wash and conditioner. I had beautiful hair that was starting to grey and had a great colourist blend in lighter foils. She was not available one day and I had someone else colour it. Needless to say it was overcoloured and broke off! I was devastated. Anyway I've given away the colour now to repair the hair and the grey is showing up more. A new stylist is helping it back to health and I'm liking the grey more and more. The Kevin Murphy Angel Wash range has given it even more health and shine and fixed the brassiness no end. I am going to try some of the products you have reviewed. Thank you!
Cindy says
Thank you La Di Da! I so appreciate everyone's suggestions. I am going to check out the Kevin Murphy line.
Marcie says
I like Kevin Murphy’s Angel Wash shampoo too! Because my hair is short and fine, the only other product I use is Aveda’s Phomollient for styling before I blow dry. I colored my hair in my sixties, but gave it up in my seventies. I don’t mind the somewhat warm white color, though there’s not much left of any color. Thank you for all the great product suggestions and links to other articles. I had no idea there were so many options!
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Marcie
I have not tried any of Kevin Murphy’s products. I must check them out. I think some can carry off the yellower look. For some reason it makes me look like death warmed over!!
Lisa @ Shine Your Light says
I agree with La Contessa, we need your beautiful face in this post Cindy! I read this post and about all the products you like even though I'm not gray……my hair is coarse and unruly just like gray hair! I like that Moroccan Oil brand in the blue bottle. Also I second Brenda in the shout out to Aveda products, I love them for smoothing out dry and frizzy hair.
Cindy says
Thanks isa for weighing in. Your hair sounds like my hair. My hair is just wavy enough to be unruly but not curly enough to be pretty!!
La Contessa says
WHERE IS YOUR PICTURE?!!!!!!!
Cindy says
Only glamorous grays on this post.
La Contessa says
EXACTLY……….WHERE IS YOUR PHOTO?!!!!!!!!!
La Contessa says
NOT there YET but will come back to this when I ARRIVE!THANK YOU for doing ALL the re-search!
How often do you wash your hair may I ask?
THESE WOMEN ARE SO GORGEOUS……………YOU POSTED!
NOTHING PRETTIER in my OPINION!
XX
Cindy says
Since my office is in my home I do not wash my hair every day and I like to wear hats. I probably wash my hair three times a week?
brenda murphy says
Great post, l love my greying hair too! I changed from Moroccan Oil to Aveda's Dry Remedy Oil. It is outstanding because it smells better than Moroccan, and it isn't as thick. Dry Remedy Oil easily gets absorbed into hair shaft instead of coating it which I find Moroccan does. I also use Aveda's sunscreen for hair. My hair is really long and I have been growing it out for 5 years. My hairdresser can't believe what good shape its in. No I don't work for Aveda;) I would also say diet plays a role.
home before dark says
Timely! I've been using Moroccan oil shampoo and conditioner for some time now, but was beginning to look "for options". I'm lucky that my gray hair does turn yellow but I do say it feels like a Brillo soap pad! I gave up the shoulder length for a pixie so that the ends get a regular trim. Thanks for all of the "over researching". All very useful.
ps I'm still in shock/hysteria after hearing a run down of Trump's health, the last phrase was something like, "…and at 70, he is considered elderly." I'm 67 and I may have gray hair…but elderly????
Cindy says
That is so funny that you liken your hair to a brillo pad? I use the same analogy! If you find a good product please let us know! I am always on the hunt!
Karen says
Cindy,
I forwarded this post to my husband's email. He has great hair and it's the same color as some of the images you show. He could use some recommendations for his hair. I know this must sound like he's overly concerned with such girly issues, but he's always been complimented on his hair so I think it's more a small dose of vanity. Hahaha.
xo,
Karen
Cindy says
Men need great products too! The good thing about the khlorane and the phytargent is they don't smell girly!
Holly Boyle says
Since my gray is at my temples with soft blonde/brown hair, I have just let it shine! After all, I have earned some silver in a life well lived. I am going to try the Klorane shampoo and the Fekkai Apple Cider shampoo and see if it brightens the white even more. Thanks for the Davines mention. My daughter, a stylist, also represents the brand and I love their Davines Oi Oil. Beautiful product to apply before styling. xx-holly
Cindy says
Thanks Holly for the tips. I am so impressed with that Davine's conditioner. I may have to give the Oi Oil a try! Love getting everyone's recommendations!!
Agreeable Pursuits says
This was so informative, and so timely. I'm 50 this year, but have been covering salt and pepper (now mostly salt) since my late 20's. I'm a true brunette, so highlights aren't terribly flattering except in summer, and I'm tired of covering what used to be a really nice hair color with not so attractive and not so healthy chemical coloring. I'd like to work with what I've got, so I'm thinking I might try a color rinse to hide the stripe, treating my hair very gently for the next few months, and seeing what happens. It couldn't be worse than what is happening now – colored gray hair is still gray hair, unruly and porous and fuzzy. Not cute, especially in the Houston heat and humidity. Thanks for a great idea, and all the product information.
Cindy says
When my daughter told me my hair looked like a frizzled mess it was time to give up the coloring! And you are right about gray hair it can be unruly. That is what has forced me to do my own research!!