Good for: Hair that needs repair

Size: 275ml

Philip Kingsley Daily Brightening Shampoo

Why we love it: If your silver or blonde locks are fading and you want to keep it looking fresh, this shampoo is formulated with optical brighteners and purple tints that refresh and brighten the color without depositing purple color on the hair itself. In addition to reviving color, the formula provides intense hydration and improves shine.

Good for: Those looking to revive their color and boost their shine

Size: 250ml

Oribe Shiny Blonde Shampoo

Why we love it: Formulated with a host of brightening and anti-yellowing pigments like Pure Violet Pigment and Reflective Pearls, this shampoo for gray hair also contains Lemon, Ginger Root and Chamomile to optimize shine and luminosity. Purple Orchid Flower is also included to help repair any oxidative damage, as is Swiss Watercress Sprout Extract and Oribe’s signature complex of Watermelon, Lychee and Edelweiss Flower extracts. UV protection adds a final protective touch to ensure hair is well protected after use.

Good for: Hair prone to damage and fading

Size: 250ml

Aussie SOS Blonde & Moisturizing Shampoo

Why we love it: A great affordable option for keeping your silver, gray or blonde color looking fresh between salon treatments. Along with brighter, enhanced color without brassy undertones, the Australian superfoods in the formula ensure hair goes from dry and brittle to nourished and shiny.

Good for: An affordable color boost between salon visits

Size: 300ml

FAQs

Why does gray turn copper?

Just as brunettes tend to lose their shine over time, those who have gray and silver hair facial discoloration which can then be affected by external elements. The same goes for blondes. “Grey and silver hair lacks natural pigments, making it more porous and more likely to absorb environmental elements like pollution, smoke or minerals from water,” says Fletcher-Holmes. “Over time, these can cause yellow or brassy tones to appear. Oxidation, caused by exposure to air and UV rays, can also yellow your hair’s natural keratin, giving it that unwanted heat. If you use keratin treatments to smooth natural waves or curls, you also need to be careful. “Keratin treatments can turn gray hair yellow because the natural keratin protein is yellow,” warns Livermore.

Heat styling and excessive exposure to UV, pollution, sea water, etc. are harmful. are a problem for all shades of hair, but those with gray hair face additional problems due to its inherent texture. “Grey hair is more vulnerable to damage because it often has a coarser texture and less natural protection against melanin. UV rays can break down proteins in hair, leading to yellowing over time, while excessive heat can burn strands, making brassiness even more visible,” says Fletcher-Holmes.

In addition to replacing your usual shampoo with a purple shampoo, you can take other practical steps, such as using nourishing treatments like oils and serums to maintain optimal health. “Filter your water,” says Fletcher-Holmes. “Using a shower filter can reduce mineral deposits from hard water that could cause a brassy appearance.” It is also important to reduce your hair’s exposure to UV rays. If you find yourself in direct sunlight, be sure to protect yourself from fading by wearing a hat and using a specially formulated hair product. When it comes to heat styling, it’s worth taking extra precautions. “All hair needs to be protected from hot tools and UV exposure, but gray hair is naturally coarser, which means people tend to be more aggressive when styling it. So protection is important,” says Livermore.

According to Fletcher-Holmes, any good shampoo for gray hair should contain a few key components. In addition to one that is suitable for regular or daily use, look for one that can boost hydration. “Grey hair can be drier, so look for shampoos with added benefits,” he says. If your scalp is sensitive or you want to protect your hair’s natural oils, opt for a sulfate-free formula, he adds. “Look for something that’s not too pigmented so you don’t stain your hair purple,” adds Livermore.