For his part, Pugh advises his gray-haired clients to alternate moisturizing shampoos with Oribe Silverati, a softening, illuminating silver shampoo formulated for grey and white strands. On non-toning days, James suggests cleansing with a moisturizing formula such as Giovanni Smooth as Silk Deep Moisture Shampoo, paired with its matching conditioner.
The More Moisture, The Better
“Due to the lack of melanin, gray is generally stiffer and harder to style,” Gattineri says. “Moisture treatments are an important step for keeping gray hair shiny and more manageable.” Aside from the conditioners corresponding to your chosen shampoo, a hydrating mask or deep conditioner can be a thoughtful addition. Briogeo’s mask—a perennial favorite—is known to revive dry, damaged hair after just a few uses. Innersense’s option, infused with shea butter, flaxseed, quinoa, coconut, and tamanu oils, quenches thirsty strands without weighing them down. “It leaves hair softer, smoother, and noticeably more hydrated,” Gattineri says. Michael’s pick for moisture, Alaparf Milano Sublime Shine Lotion, is a salon-quality treatment enriched with fatty acids and flaxseed extract. Meanwhile, Gattineri is fond of Oribe’s Bright Blonde Radiance & Repair Treatment. “Not only does it remove brass and brighten hair, but it contains restorative protein and oils to build strength and restore shine,” she says.
Repair Damage With a Leave-In Conditioning Treatment
Whether or not styling tools factor into your hair care routine, a leave-in serves to repair and protect sapped strands. “Because gray hair is more susceptible to damage, making sure we are strengthening and protecting the hair is imperative,” Rubel explains. “Repair masks such as K18 are a great way to reverse prior damage while protecting the hair from future stress and wear and tear.” Aside from the popular K18 treatment, Augustinus Bader’s formula is powered by the brand’s acclaimed TCF8 complex alongside supercharged superfoods and antioxidants to promote shiny, thick, hydrated strands. A Vogue editor’s favorite for infusing dry hair with moisture, Color Wow’s Money Mist harnesses amaranthus and baobab extracts to smooth the hair while keeping it light and bouncy. Meanwhile, Roz’s Milk Hair Serum—a red-carpet secret developed by celebrity stylist Mara Roszak—is formulated with hyaluronic acid and a proprietary botanical complex to restore hair and scalp health. Pro tip: “For wiry gray hair, layer a milky leave-in first, then add a small amount of cream for slip,” Ruby says.
Happy Scalp, Healthy Hair
Healthy hair starts at the scalp—and that truth stands the test of time. “Scalp health becomes even more important as hair turns gray because the scalp produces less oil, leaving strands drier and more fragile,” Gattineri says. “A balanced, well-nourished scalp supports stronger growth, better circulation, and improved hydration, which helps gray hair stay softer and shinier.” New York City-based trichologist Bridgette Hill previously told Vogue that hair serums are helpful to “provide moisture, protection, and/or styling benefits for scalp or hair fiber.” Dr. Barbara Sturm’s works to minimize dryness, oiliness, and inflammation of the hair fibers. On the other hand, Kérastase’s option uses a blend of ceramides, conditioning agents, and green tea extracts to soften hair and reduce breakage. Pugh is a fan of Act+Acre’s cult-loved serum. “It’s a lightweight leave-in applied after washing to soothe the scalp, strengthen follicles, and encourage healthy growth,” he says. “It is packed with stem cells and peptides; it’s dermatologist-approved, and it literally feels like a breath of fresh air for your scalp.” Another scalp-loving option, Aveda’s overnight serum works the late shift to nourish the scalp with hyaluronic acid, probiotics, amino acids, and medicinal herbs.
Promote Hair Growth and Strengthening
A product dedicated to strengthening pigmented and gray hair types, and even bolstering growth, is one worth investing in. Dr. Longsworth is partial to Mielle’s acclaimed oil, which boasts an impressive cocktail of castor oil, rosemary, peppermint, biotin, and tea tree oils. Then there’s Oribe’s treatment serum enriched with chia seed, bamboo, plant-based protein, and hyaluronic acid to not only fortify strands but protect against heat up to 450 degrees. “In addition to scalp care, I always remind people that hair growth really starts from the inside out,” Pugh says. He recommends the Force Factor Hair Growth Accelerator multivitamin, made with collagen, biotin, saw palmetto, and Lustriva (a patented biotin-silicone hybrid designed to support hair growth). “My clients love these capsules because they help with both growth and strength, and you actually see a difference in as little as three weeks,” he says. Ruby’s partial to Vegamour’s serum, which uses a mix of plant-based phytoactives, peptides, and stem cells to prevent thinning, reduce shedding, and strengthen strands.
Pair Hot Tools With a Heat Protectant
“When gray hair is overworked with hot tools, it can become dull and turn a yellowish tone due to the heat, so proper protection is a must,” says Rubel. While some of your chosen hair products may already have heat-protecting qualities, a standalone spray could be useful. Both Kenra and Bumble and Bumble’s formulas safeguard against heat up to 450 degrees. “For added protection, especially in humid climates, seal your style with Color Wow Dream Coat,” Pugh says. “It’s heat-activated and locks in smoothness and shine, so gray hair stays glossy, instead of puffy, for up to four shampoos.” When he’s straightening gray hair, Pugh reaches for Wella Professionals’s Miracle Oil Serum. “It won’t weigh the hair down, and it’s packed with squalane and omega-9s, so it makes the hair really sparkle,” he says.