Best Shampoo for Gray Hair

Image	Name	Top Choices	Latest Pricing
	1. ArtNaturals - Argan Oil Shampoo	Our Favorite	Amazon
	2. L’Oreal - EverPure Moisture Shampoo	Premium Pick	Amazon
	3. Nexxus - Color Assure Shampoo	Great Value	Amazon
	4. Pure Blends - Hydrating Color Depositing Shampoo		Amazon
	5. Hempz - Daily Herbal Color Preserving Shampoo		Amazon

People color their hair for a number of different reasons. Some do it for self-expression while others do it to cover up signs of aging. There are also those who simply prefer the look of another hair color over their own. But no matter your reason, the color you choose, or even the method you use to change your hair coloring, you need to learn how to take care of it properly and that starts with finding the right shampoo.

How to Choose Shampoo for Gray Hair

While all shampoo will cleanse your hair and scalp, not all will nourish and protect color-treated hair the same way. Without the right product, your hair could dry out, your strands could become brittle, and your color could fade. To keep your hair lustrous and the color vibrant, here’s what you need to look for in a shampoo for color-treated hair:

Color Protection

Of course, the very first thing you need to look for is color protection. Find shampoos that are enriched with proteins and emollients. These work by sealing your hair cuticles and, consequently, keep the color from fading.

Sulfate-Free

Sulfates give shampoos their rich lathering properties. The problem is, they tend to be very drying. When used on color-treated hair, you’re likely to contend with color fading, dryness, and wiry strands.

Hydrating

Moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera and botanical oils will help retain your hair’s vibrant color. Plus, it will nourish your strands and give your tresses more body. Adequate hydration will also help minimize breakage and photodamage.

No Harmful Ingredients

Harsh chemicals will not only cause your color to fade and hair to dry out, but can also have harmful effects on your skin and body. To find the best shampoo, make sure you avoid products that contain harmful ingredients like parabens, alcohols, and artificial fragrance.

Correct Hair Type

As with any other shampoo, you need to find one that’s specifically formulated for your hair type. While most hair products for color-treated hair are suitable for all hair types, you might benefit from special formulations if you have frizzy hair, damaged hair, or other specific concerns.

Top 10 Shampoos for Gray Hair

Finding the best shampoo for colored hair can be tricky because what works for one may not work for another. That’s because the effects really depend on a variety of factors, including the condition of your hair, your hair type, and the treatment you used. But, here are some of the highest-rated shampoos for color-treated hair to help you decide on what might work best for you:

1) ArtNaturals – Argan Oil Shampoo

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The Argan Oil Shampoo by ArtNaturals is certified vegan, sulfate-free, paraben-free, and contains organic ingredients. It boasts a restorative formula containing not only argan oil but also aloe vera, sea buckthorn, and neem extracts. These ingredients help protect from as well as repair damage caused by color treatments, chemical products, and styling. Plus, it nourishes both the hair and scalp to combat hair loss and promote healthy hair growth.

2) L’Oreal – EverPure Moisture Shampoo

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The EverPure Moisture Shampoo by L’Oreal is a vegan product that’s guaranteed free of parabens and sulfates. It was formulated specifically to boost moisture in color-treated hair. It contains rosemary oil, which has long been used in natural medicine to promote healthy hair growth. It also helps lock in pigment so your hair color can stay vibrant for up to 4 weeks. Additionally, this shampoo contains UV filters to minimize the effects of photodamage.

3) Nexxus – Color Assure Shampoo

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The Color Assure Shampoo features Nexxus’ proprietary Proteinfusion formulation, which contains elastin and quinoa proteins. These proteins nourish each hair strand and seal the cuticles. That results in remarkable color protection that keeps your hair fade-free for up to 40 washes. It also results in smoother and more full-bodied hair. Plus, it is sulfate and silicone-free, so you don’t need to worry about dryness and harsh chemicals.

4) Pure Blends – Hydrating Color Depositing Shampoo

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The Hydrating Color Depositing Shampoo by Pure Blends helps infuse color every time you wash your hair. In doing so, you allow your color treatment to last a very long time. It comes in nine different colors, each meant to complement certain shades. The most popular variant is the Red, which is perfect for bright red and red-brown tones. The Violet, on the other hand, is perfect for pale blonde hair. Apart from infusing color as you wash your hair, this shampoo is formulated to boost moisture.

5) Hempz – Daily Herbal Color Preserving Shampoo

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The Daily Herbal Color Preserving Shampoo by Hempz uses a botanical formulation to keep your hair color from fading. It is formulated with pure hemp seed oil, which doesn’t just keep pigment vibrant but also addresses heat damage and provides long-term hydration. It thoroughly cleanses the hair without stripping it of moisture. Plus, its Blushing Grapefruit & Raspberry Creme scent offers a pleasant citrus fragrance without the use of harsh chemicals.

6) Aveda – Color Conserve Shampoo

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The Color Conserve Shampoo by Aveda was specifically formulated to keep hair color looking vibrant for longer. It is a gentle cleanser with plant-based ingredients that help prevent fading, boost moisture, and leave hair soft and smooth. Apart from its color-conserving, cleansing, and moisturizing effects, it is well-loved for its proprietary scent that combines the aroma of grapefruit, lavender, geranium, and other natural fragrances.

7) Thermafuse – Color Care Shampoo

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The Color Care Shampoo by Thermafuse is an excellent sulfate-free cleanser that helps prevent color fading. It’s best for brunette and red hair but works on protecting all types or colored, highlighted, or bleached hair. It does so through a unique blend of marine-sourced extracts, which doesn’t just prolong the vibrance of color but also improves overall hair and scalp health. Additionally, it helps protect the hair from photodamage. 

8) Kiehl’s – Sunflower Color Preserving Shampoo

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The Sunflower Color Preserving Shampoo by Kiehl’s is a gentle cleanser that doesn’t contain any silicone, sulfates, or parabens. It is excellent for color-treated hair because of its antioxidant-rich formulation, which conditions hair for better texture and color retention. Apart from sunflower oil, it contains apricot oil and several B-vitamins for smoother hair that’s full of life. It also has UV-protecting properties to minimize the effects of sun exposure.

9) Four Reasons – Toning Shampoo

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The Toning Shampoo by Four Reasons is a hair cleanser that contains pigments to deposit color during every wash. It comes in 24 unique shades, so you can surely find something that complements your salon color. Among the most popular choices is the Chocolate, which is perfect for colored brown hair. Plus, it is a paraben and sulfate-free shampoo with excellent UV-protection. Note that this isn’t meant to be a daily shampoo, but a product you use whenever you feel you need to refresh your color and boost shine.

10) Bumble & Bumble – Color Minded Shampoo

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The Color Minded Shampoo is a sulfate-free daily wash that’s formulated with Bumble and Bumble’s unique Color Preserving Complex. This helps maintain the richness of salon-colored hair by coating each strand to boost hydration, shine, and smoothness. It works remarkably on both straight and curly hair, and even helps tame frizz. Plus, it helps reverse damage sustained from coloring, styling, and sun exposure. 

Finding the best shampoo for gray hair is one of the best ways to keep your tresses looking full-bodied and radiant. Not only will the right shampoo cleanse your hair thoroughly, but it will also allow your color treatment to last longer. Although dyes and bleach can often strip your hair of moisture and make your locks look dull, selecting the right products will help you nourish your hair and keep you looking your best.