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Hair

The Essential Updates for Your Hair-Care Routine Once You Go Gray

 

Plus, expert product recommendations.

Going gray can be a huge shift in how your hair looks, but it also alters the makeup of your hair on a deeper level. “Gray hair isn’t just a change in color, it often comes with shifts in texture, porosity and overall hair and scalp health,” says cosmetic chemist Carly Musleh. With all these changes to your hair, it only makes sense to adjust your routine accordingly. 

“Gray hair has its own challenges. Maintaining that beautiful silver color and a change in texture that negatively impacts style and manageability,” says trichologist Kerry E Yates. To ensure gray hair stays beautiful, it’s imperative to find a routine that addresses all of these components, she says. We asked experts to share their non-negotiable steps and highly recommended additions to a gray hair-care routine, plus the products they trust.

Featured experts

• Carly Musleh is a cosmetic chemist
• Kerry E Yates is a trichologist and the founder of Colour Collective
• Raven Hurtado is a hairstylist at Maxine Salon

Must: Moisturizing shampoo and conditioner

“As a minimum, you need a hair routine that is focused on hydrating and moisture balance,” says Yates. “Gray hair can be drier and more fragile, so a moisturizing formula is key,” agrees Musleh. Hairstylist Raven Hurtado says “using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to hydrate and soften the hair since gray hair can feel wiry and dry” is essential.

Musleh recommends a sulfate-free shampoo for those with gray hair since those scalps tend to be drier and more sensitive. As for conditioner, hydration is key, so she recommends a rich, emollient formula. “Look for ingredients like glycerin or fatty alcohols to soften and smooth the hair fiber and enhance manageability.”

Ones to try: Privé Moisture Rich Shampoo ($28) + Conditioner ($30), Kerastase Blond Absolu Lumière Illuminating Shampoo ($46) + Cicaflash Conditioner ($25)

Must: UV protection

“Gray hair can turn yellow, especially if out in the sun, so it’s important to use products like a leave-in conditioner with UV protection to safeguard from the sun,” says Hurtado. “Sun protection is non-negotiable but often overlooked! Since gray hair lacks melanin, it’s more susceptible to UV damage and discoloration,” explains Musleh. She recommends using a leave-in product with built-in UV filters or antioxidants to help shield hair from environmental stressors.

Ones to try: Arey Live-In Mist Leave-In Conditioner ($42), Drybar Sparkling Soda Shine Mist & UV Shield ($29), Moroccanoil
Protect & Prevent Spray ($32)

Must: Heat protectant

Protecting fragile hair from self-inflicted hot tools is just as important as shielding it from UV damage. “If heat styling is part of your routine, always apply a heat protectant,” urges Musleh. “Finer gray hair can be more vulnerable to thermal damage, so this step is essential for maintaining strength and preventing breakage.”

Ones to try: Leonor Grayl Condition Naturelle Heat Protective Styling Spray for Thin Hair ($40), Aveda Smooth Infusion Perfect Blow Dry Heat Protectant Spray ($37), VERB Glossy Spray Heat Protector ($22)

Recommended: Anti-brass solutions

If you’re noticing yellow or unwanted brassy tones, Musleh recommends incorporating a blue or purple toning product to help neutralize those warm hues. “Don’t overdo this, though, as it can build up and make hair dull and a darker gray over time,” she notes.

Ones to try: Kevin Murphy Shimmer.Me Blonde ($37), L’Oréal Professionnel Paris Color Depositing Purple Conditioner ($36), Philip Kingsley Pure Blonde Booster Colour Correcting Weekly Mask ($43)

Recommended: Weekly deep conditioner or hair mask

To restore moisture and boost hair health, the experts recommend treating your hair with a deep conditioner or mask once a week. “Weekly deep conditioning can help restore softness and hydration. For grays, the individual strands often become finer, which can make the hair appear flatter or less voluminous,” says Musleh. “At the same time, the fiber can also feel dry or rough due to a raised or compromised cuticle. A nourishing mask with ceramides, hydrolyzed proteins or natural oils can help replenish and fortify.”

Ones to try: Alterna CAVIAR Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture Hair Masque ($45), Joico YouthLock Treatment Masque ($28), Harklinikken Hydrating Hair Mask ($56)

Recommended: Get a shower filter

To help reduce the yellowing and drying of gray hair, Yates recommends investing in a water filter for your shower head. “Honestly, adding a shower filter is a good idea for everyone, regardless of hair color or hair type,” she notes.

Ones to try: Canopy Filtered Showerhead ($150), Jolie Filtered Showerhead ($169)

Recommended: Scalp care

“Scalp care is another often-overlooked step. A healthy scalp promotes better hair quality, so incorporating a gentle scalp exfoliant and gentle scalp massage will help to increase blood circulation and maintain balance and remove buildup without stripping,” says Musleh. She recommends opting for soft silicone tools and avoiding sharp plastic ones.

Ones to try: Living Proof Scalp Care Density Serum for Thinning & Greying Hair ($64), Better Not Younger New Dawn Activated Charcoal Scalp Cleanser ($35), VEGAMOUR GRO Revitalizing Scalp Massager ($18)

Recommended: Gloss or shine serums

Hurtado recommends adding the occasional gloss to your routine to enhance shine and keep gray hair looking and feeling healthy. Shine serums are also a great way to enhance the glossiness of gray hair, she adds.

Ones to try: Oribe Mirror Rinse Glass Hair Treatment ($64), It’s A 10 Clear Miracle Shine Elixir ($28), dpHUE Glossy Glaze ($29)