The 14 best products for gray hair, according to hairstylists | CNN Underscored (2025)

• Argan oil: At the top of the experts’ lists, argan oil is rich in vitamin E and fatty acids.
• Jojoba oil: Nino and Ibrahim says jojoba oil mimics natural scalp oils. This means it can moisturize the hair and scalp without weighing the hair down.
• Coconut oil: Nutrient-rich coconut oil “penetrates the hair shaft to moisturize and reduce protein loss,” according to Ibrahim.
• Other omega-rich oils: Cavalcante says that the fatty acids in omega-rich natural oils help boost the hair’s strength, softness and shine. Examples include marula oil, sunflower seed oil and macadamia seed oil, among others.
• Keratin: Keratin is a protein that gives your hair and nails strength. In hair products, hydrolyzed keratin helps strengthen and repair damaged hair.
• Hyaluronic acid: A skin care ingredient that’s also found in hair care, hyaluronic acid “helps retain moisture in the hair,” according to Ibrahim.
• Glycerin: Another hydrating ingredient across skin and hair care, Ibrahim says glycerin “acts as a humectant, attracting moisture to the hair.”

"You should use purple shampoo once every two weeks or as needed," Cavalcante says. "The more you use hot tools, the more your gray hair might turn yellow, so you may need to use purple shampoo more often. However, it's generally better to avoid daily use of hot tools because they can damage your hair."

"Ideal for platinum blondes, gray and highlighted gray or blonde hair, this shampoo deposits pigments that neutralize brassiness, keeping gray hair vibrant and bright," Nino says.

"This leave-in treatment does double duty," Ibrahim says. "It protects hair from heat while also reducing brassiness with the purple pigments. This helps gray hair look brighter and healthier.

Cavalcante recommends this budget-friendly leave-in. He says it helps neutralize brassy tones with elderberry, hydrates and offers heat protection.

"This shampoo repairs and strengthens gray hair, making it smoother and more manageable," Nino says. "It’s ideal for restoring elasticity and preventing breakage." It leaves hair feeling clean and strong thanks to hydrolyzed keratin.

Infused with quinoa and sunflower seed oil, this hair mask helps feed the proteins that give hair its strength and shine. "It delivers intense hydration and nourishment, perfect for coarse, dry gray hair," Nino says.

"This is an easy-to-use at-home gloss treatment," Cavalcante says. If you didn't know, a hair gloss is a treatment you can do on color-treated or natural hair to boost shine and enhance your color. "It is very hydrating, so if you have fine hair, use only a little bit," Cavalcante adds. "The shine is amazing."

"Designed to add shine and vitality to dull, gray hair, this shampoo leaves it silky and radiant while gently cleansing and restoring luster," Nino says. It's infused with four complexes (specific blends of ingredients) to target protection, shine, color longevity and repair.

Nino recommends this leave-in conditioner for gray hair in need of extra hydration. "It smooths texture, provides long-lasting moisture, manages frizz and keeps hair soft all day," she says.

This hair oil contains six nourishing oils, including argan and castor oil. "It still has a lightweight texture that doesn’t weigh the hair down but helps hydrate it very well, preventing it from getting brittle and prone to breakage," Ibrahim says.

Hask's Keratin Smooth collection is a great choice for brittle gray hair, according to Cavalcante. "The keratin and jojoba smooths wiry, frizzy hair and adds lost moisture and shine back to gray hair," he says. This deep conditioning treatment can be used whenever your hair needs some extra TLC.

Nino says this is "a luxurious hair oil that deeply moisturizes gray hair, enhancing softness, shine and manageability while protecting it from environmental stress." You can apply it to damp as a conditioning treatment, or smooth it over the ends of dry hair for extra smoothness and shine.

Pattern Beauty Leave-In Conditioner

If you struggle with dryness, Ibrahim says Pattern's entire range is fantastic for people with coarse hair. "This leave-in conditioner has jojoba oil," he says, "Plus while it’s nourishing, it doesn’t feel too heavy."

Moroccanoil's argan oil is a cult favorite for adding shine and keeping frizz at bay. This purple version helps brighten platinum and grays while getting all the same benefits of the original formula.

Sophie Shaw is Underscored's beauty and fashion editor. The Brooklyn-based journalist loves getting nerdy about skin care and, on the fashion side, delving into what viral trends are actually worth trying. (Ballet flats are a yes for her, but low-rise pants are a never.)