Dermatologists Break Down the Best Shampoos for Graying Hair
9) Why are purple shampoos good for gray hair?
Those with gray hair and blonde hair usually share the same goal of maintaining cooler tones and keeping warmer tones away. “Some good ingredients for gray hair overlap with those in shampoo for blonde or color-treated hair, as these shampoos also reduce brassiness and yellow tones,” Dr. Farber explains.
10) Does gray hair need extra care?
Dr. Saedi mentions that as we age, we naturally produce less oil. “As your hair loses its natural pigment and turns silver or gray, it’s important to focus on hydrating your scalp and your hair can keep it looking and feeling healthy,” she says.
Dr. Doshi agrees. He explains that gray hair can see changes in texture, feeling rougher and stiffer. “This results in hair being more susceptible to frizz and harder to handle,” he says. He also mentions that gray hair will can be more sensitive to yellowing and breakage, plus the drier texture can pose challenges when it comes to hair styling and upkeep. Gray hair shampoos can help mitigate these concerns.
11) How often should I use shampoo specifically for gray hair?
According to Dr. Farber and Dr. Doshi, the amount of times needed to shampoo per week varies by person. “As your oil production lessens, you can extend the amount of time in between washes. A good indication that it’s time for a shampoo is when your hair is visibly greasy or when your scalp is flaky or feels itchy,” Dr. Saedi says.
Dr. Doshi says that daily washing is unnecessary and can leave to dryness in your hair and scalp. “Follow the instructions on the label, but keep in mind that excess use can lead to increased dullness, coarseness, and brittle hair—sometimes even irritation or sensitivity on your scalp,” he says. He adds that it is totally fine to complement your gray shampoo with a separate hydrating one.
Both Dr. Doshi and Dr. Saedi agree that using a gray hair shampoo two to three times should be more more than enough. “Some purple shampoos may be best when used about twice a week to avoid unwanted buildup or accidentally tinting it purple,” Dr. Saedi says.
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