When you turn gray, your hair looks can be a major change, but it also changes the composition of your hair on a deeper level. “Grey hair is often accompanied by changes in texture, porosity, and changes in overall hair and scalp health,” says cosmetic chemist Carly Masle. All these changes have been changed to hair, so it only makes sense to adjust the routine accordingly.
“Grey hair has its own unique challenges: it maintains its beautiful silver color and changes in texture that negatively affects style and manageability,” says Kerry E Yates of Trichologist. For a gray hair to stay beautiful, it is essential to find a routine that addresses all of these components, she says. We ask experts to share their non-negotiable procedures and highly recommend products they trust, in addition to their gray hair care routines.
Featured experts
Essential: Moisturizing shampoo and conditioner
“At least you need a hair routine that focuses on hydration and hydration balance,” says Yates. “Moisturizing is important because gray hair can be dry and easily breakable,” Musleh agrees. Hair stylist Raven Hurtado says, “It’s essential to use moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to soften your hair, as it can make your hair feel hot and dry.”
Musleh recommends a sulfate-free shampoo for people with gray hair, as the scalp tends to become dry and sensitive. When it comes to conditioners, hydration is important, so she recommends a rich, wrapped ceremony. “We look for ingredients like glycerin and fatty alcohol to soften and smoothen the hair fibers and improve manageability.”
Things to try: Privé Moiseurich Shampoo ($28) + Conditioner ($30), Kerastase Blond Absolluminating Shampoo ($46) + Cicaflash Conditioner ($25)
Required: UV protection
“Grey hair can turn yellow, especially if you go out in the sun, so it’s important to use products such as vacation regulators with UV protection to protect you from the sun,” says Hurtado. “Sunscreen cannot be negotiated, but it is often overlooked! Gray-white hair lacks melanin, making it susceptible to UV damage and discoloration,” explains Musleh. She recommends using a holiday product with a built-in UV filter or antioxidant that helps protect your hair from environmental stressors.
Things to try: AREY Live-in Mist Leave-In Conditioner ($42), Drybar Sparkling Soda Shine Mist & UV Shield ($29), Moroccanoil
Protect and prevent spray ($32)
Essential: Heat protection agent
Protecting fragile hair from self-harmful hot tools is just as important as protecting it from UV damage. “If thermal styling is part of your routine, always apply a heat protectant,” urges Masle. “Fine gray hair can become more vulnerable to heat damage, so this step is essential to maintaining strength and preventing breakage.”
Things to try: Leonor Grayl Condition Naturelle Heat Protective Styling Splay for Thin Hair ($40), Aveda Smooth Infusion Perfect Blow Protectant Spray ($37), Verb Glossy Spray Heat Protector ($22)
Recommended: Anti-Brass Solution
If you are aware of yellow or unwanted black styling, Musleh recommends incorporating blue or purple tone products that will help neutralize these warm shades. “But don’t overdo this because it can build up over time and dull your hair and turn dark gray,” she points out.
What to try: Kevin Murphy Simmer.
Recommended: Deep Conditioner or Hair Mask every week
To restore moisture and improve hair health, experts recommend working with hair once a week with a deep conditioner or mask. “Deep weekly conditioning helps restore softness and hydration. In grey, individual strands are often finer, allowing hair to look flat or reduce volume,” says Musleh. “At the same time, the fibers can feel dry or rough because the cuticles are raised or infringed. Nutritional masks containing ceramides, hydrolyzed proteins, or natural oils can help refill and strengthen.”
Things to try: Alternative Caviar Anti-Aging Refill Moisture Hair Mask ($45), Joyco Youth Rock Treatment Mask ($28), Har Clinicen Hydrated Hair Mask ($56)
Recommended: Get a shower filter
To reduce yellowing and dryness of yellowing, Yates recommends investing in shower head water filters. “To be honest, adding a shower filter is a good idea for anyone, regardless of the hair color or type of hair,” she says.
Things to try: Shower Head with Canopy Filter ($150), Shower Head with Jolly Filter ($169)
Recommended: Scalp care
“Scalp care is another step that is often overlooked. A healthy scalp improves hair quality, so by incorporating gentle scalp exfoliation and gentle scalp massage, it helps increase blood circulation, maintain balance and remove build-up without peeling,” says Musleh. She recommends choosing soft silicone tools and avoiding sharp plastic tools.
Things to try: Living Proof Scalp Care Density Serum for Thinning and Grey Hair ($64), New Dawn Activated Charcoal Scalp Cleanser ($35), Vegamo Agro Reactivated Scalp Massager ($18)
Recommended: Gloss or Shine Serums
Hurtado recommends adding occasional gloss to your routine to enhance your shine and keep your gray hair healthy. Shine Serums is also a great way to enhance the sheen of gray hair, she adds.
What to try: Oribe Mirror Rinse Glass Hair Treatment ($64), it’s 10 clear miracle Shine Elixir ($28), DPHUE Glossy Glaze ($29)
