Love The Gray

The Silver Fox Summer Survival Guide

2026-04-24T01:06:00.000-07:00

The Silver Fox Summer Survival Guide

Summer is glorious. Sunshine, long evenings, cold drinks, reckless optimism.

It is also a sneaky little menace to gray hair.

While everyone else is busy pretending they love heatwaves, silver-haired legends know the truth: summer can turn great gray hair dry, yellowish, frizzy, flat, or generally rebellious. The good news? A few smart moves keep your silver looking sharp all season.

1. The Sun Is Not Always Your Friend

Yes, sunlight can make gray hair glow beautifully. It can also dry it out and leave it looking dull. Too much UV exposure is basically summer trying to steal your shine.

Solution: wear a hat, use hair products with UV protection, and don’t bake your scalp like a forgotten potato.

2. Chlorine Is a Plot Twist

Pool water may be refreshing, but chlorine loves to meddle with gray hair. It can leave it dry, rough, and sometimes with a strange tint nobody requested.

Solution: wet your hair before swimming, rinse immediately after, and use a clarifying shampoo now and then. Your hair deserves boundaries.

3. Humidity Turns Hair Philosophical

Gray hair can be wiry, soft, coarse, fine, or all four before lunch. Add humidity and suddenly your hairstyle starts making independent decisions.

Solution: lightweight smoothing creams, anti-frizz products, and accepting that summer hair occasionally becomes abstract art.

4. Purple Shampoo Is Still Your Wingman

If your gray starts looking yellow or tired, this is your reset button. Use purple shampoo once or twice a week to keep tones bright and fresh.

Important note: this is maintenance, not concrete mixer grout. Don’t overdo it. For product ideas, see our classic list of Top 5 Gray Hair Shampoos

5. Hydration Counts

Gray hair often needs more moisture than pigmented hair. Summer heat only adds drama.

Solution: conditioner, leave-in treatments, and drinking enough water yourself. You are not a cactus. Need moisture help? Start with our list of the Best Conditioners for Gray Hair.

6. Confidence Is the Best Styling Product

Nothing looks better than someone who owns their gray hair. Summer is not the season to hide it under panic dye jobs and baseball caps worn in defeat.

Let the silver show. Let it catch the light. Let people wonder what your secret is. If you’re still making the transition, here are our Tips On Growing Out Your Gray Hair.

Final Thought

Summer can be chaotic, but your gray hair doesn’t have to be. Protect it, hydrate it, tone it when needed, and wear it like the crown it is.

Stay cool, stay sharp, stay silver.

The Silver Reset: How to Refresh Your Gray Hair Routine for the Season Ahead

2025-09-27T06:25:00.000-07:00

Hello, Silver Foxes!

As the seasons shift, it’s the perfect time to reassess how we care for our gorgeous gray locks. Whether you’ve been fully silver for years or you’re in the midst of your grey transition, your hair wants something a little different now than it did a few months ago. Here’s how to reboot your regimen — and fall in love with your gray all over again.

1. Revisit Your Moisture Game

Gray strands tend to be more porous and drier than pigmented hair. With cooler, drier air approaching:

Swap your daily conditioner for a richer formula. Look for ingredients like shea butter, ceramides, or hydrolysed proteins.
Weekly hydrating masks become more essential now. Let the mask sit under a shower cap for 15–20 minutes to allow deeper penetration.
Leave-ins and oils help lock in that moisture. A few drops of argan, marula, or camellia oil can add a silkiness that makes silver strands glow.

2. Keep the Brass Out, Naturally

One of the perpetual battles in gray hair care is brassiness — especially in seasons with more indoor heating and exposure to UV.

Try a purple shampoo once or twice a week. A cult favorite is L’Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Silver Shampoo (Amazon link). It neutralizes yellow tones while leaving your hair shiny.
For a more botanical option, Aveda Blue Malva Shampoo (Amazon link) uses plant-based blue pigments to keep grays cool and luminous.
Alternate these with a hydrating shampoo so your hair doesn’t dry out.

3. Match Cuts & Styles to Gray Texture

As hair turns gray, texture often changes — sometimes becoming coarser, sometimes more delicate.

Layers or soft cutting can reduce bulk or add movement to heavier silver hair.
Fringe / bangs might need extra attention: blending with the rest of your hair helps avoid harsh lines.
Try texturizing sprays or light curl-defining creams to enhance natural waves or softness. Stay away from heavy waxes or gels that may look stiff or chalky on silvery hair.

4. Mind Your Scalp, Mind Your Health

Healthy gray hair usually starts with a healthy scalp.

Consider a weekly scalp massage with a light oil (jojoba, grapeseed) to stimulate blood flow.
If you notice flakes or itchiness, choose a gentle, fragrance-minimal clarifying formula (avoid sulfates, avoid harsh exfoliants).
Stay hydrated and eat foods rich in omega-3s, antioxidants, and vitamins — your hair reflects what you feed it.

5. Embrace the Journey

Graying is a unique path for each of us. Some days, your hair will feel like a dream; other days, it might test your patience. But the more you learn how your silver responds to products, weather, and care, the more confident you’ll become in its natural beauty.

Take photos periodically. You’ll be amazed how much your silver evolves.
Share your wins — whether it’s a product that finally tames a wiry strand or the moment someone complimented your color.
Keep experimenting. Your ideal routine now might shift again in a few months, and that’s okay.

✨ Your Turn: Do you have a go-to product for keeping gray hair shiny and vibrant? Share it in the comments — we’re all on this silver journey together.

The 5 Must-Have Grooming Products for Gray Hair – 2025 Edition

2025-05-21T23:24:00.000-07:00

✨ Keep your silver smooth, bright, and bold

Gray hair is not one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re salt-and-pepper, icy platinum, or white as snow, taking care of it requires a few specialized tools. Beyond just purple shampoo, there are five standout products that can make a huge difference to how your gray hair feels, looks, and lasts.

Ready to level up your silver game? Here’s your 2025 toolkit:

1. Purple Shampoo (Of Course)

🟣 Brassiness is real. Gray and white hair are especially prone to yellow tones from pollution, heat styling, and UV rays. A weekly purple shampoo helps keep your shade crisp and cool-toned.

👉 Top pick: Clairol Shimmer Lights Original Shampoo

💡 Only use it 1–2x a week or alternate with a moisturizing formula to prevent dryness. For more purple shampoo tips, revisit my OG post:

🔗 5 Best Gray Hair Shampoos (Classic)

2. Deep Conditioner

💧 Gray hair tends to be drier and more porous. A weekly deep conditioning treatment helps maintain softness, manageability, and shine.

👉 Top pick: Arvazallia Hydrating Argan Oil Hair Mask

✅ Bonus: Helps reduce that wiry texture some grays develop, especially post-menopause.

3. Lightweight Styling Cream or Leave-In

⚖️ You want control and smoothness without weighing down your strands. A leave-in styling cream can tame frizz and flyaways while adding polish to natural waves or blow-dried styles.

👉 Top pick: Redken ONE United Leave-In Conditioner

💡 Works especially well if your gray hair has gotten coarse or puffy.

4. UV Protectant Spray

☀️ Sunlight can literally yellow your hair. If you’re outdoors a lot, or even near windows, this invisible step can make a long-term difference in how fresh your color looks.

👉 Top pick: Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil

🔒 Lightweight, smells great, and won’t mess with your style.

5. Silver-Safe Dry Shampoo

🚿 Washing every day is overrated. But gray hair gets dull fast when it’s weighed down by oils or products. A translucent dry shampoo keeps it clean without yellow buildup.

👉 Top pick: Batiste Dry Shampoo, Bare Fragrance (No White Cast)

💨 Use at the roots for volume and a quick refresh between wash days.

Final Thoughts

Gray hair isn’t high-maintenance—it’s specific-maintenance. Once you learn which products truly work, it becomes wayeasier to manage. Start with these five staples, and you’ll keep your silver looking salon-fresh every day.

🌟 Want to go deeper? Browse more tips and reviews in the LOVE THE GRAY archives.

Gray Hair, Don’t Care – Why Silver Is the New Power Color

2025-05-21T12:12:00.000-07:00

When we launched LOVE THE GRAY, we had no idea this blog would help so many people feel seen as they let their natural color shine through. Gray hair is more than a trend now—it’s an identity. Here’s why 2025 is the best time ever to love your silver.

From “Cover It” to “Flaunt It”

Once upon a time, the first grays were a crisis. Now? They’re often an aesthetic goal. People are even dyeing their hair gray on purpose. Men are loving the gray, not just on top of their heads but the gray in their beards.

Why People Are Going Gray (and Staying There)

Freedom: No more root touch-ups every 3 weeks.
Savings: Salon color = £££. Gray = 💰 in your pocket.
Healthier Hair: Less bleach, more bounce.
Confidence: Nothing says “I’ve arrived” like a great head of silver.

Must-Haves for Your Gray Hair Routine

✔ A purple shampoo once or twice a week

👉 I’ve reviewed the best here: Top Gray Hair Shampoos

✔ A moisturizing conditioner—you can’t skip this step!

👉 Try this one

✔ A UV protectant spray to prevent yellowing in the sun

👉 This one is lightweight and effective

🎉 Want to Embrace Your Gray in 2025?

Check out our gray grooming guide, our archive of product reviews, and honest advice. Whether you’re just starting or long silver-proud, this blog’s for you.

Love the Gray is BACK! - The Resurgence of the Ultimate Grey Hair Hub

2024-01-08T02:42:00.000-08:00

Welcome back, silver foxes!

We are thrilled to announce a huge refresh of our Love The Gray blog. For 17 years we have been your most trusted destination for everything related to embracing and celebrating those stunning silver strands. As we gear up for this exciting comeback, get ready for a treasure trove of product reviews, expert tips, and insightful articles dedicated to the world of grey hair.

1. **Product Reviews: Unveiling the Best for Your Silver Locks**

Our revamped website is committed to bringing you comprehensive reviews of the latest and greatest products tailored specifically for grey hair. From nourishing shampoos and conditioners to styling products that enhance your natural shine, we've got you covered. Stay tuned as we explore and recommend products that cater to the unique needs of grey hair, helping you maintain a healthy and radiant mane. And expect a revamped 5 Best Gray Hair Shampoos soon!

2. **Expert Tips: Unlocking the Secrets of Gorgeous Grey Tresses**

Achieving and maintaining beautiful grey hair requires a bit of know-how. Our expert tips section is here to guide you through the journey, covering topics like hair care routines, styling techniques, and lifestyle choices that can enhance the vibrancy of your silver locks. Learn from seasoned professionals and fellow grey hair enthusiasts as we share the wisdom and insights needed to keep your mane looking its absolute best. And it's not just a site for women, we feature many articles on gray beards and mens grey grooming products as well.

3. **Celebrating Grey: Embracing the Natural Beauty of Silver Hair**

Grey hair is a badge of honor, a testament to a life well-lived. Our blog will delve into the celebration of grey hair, debunking myths and challenging stereotypes associated with aging gracefully. Join us in fostering a community that embraces the natural beauty of silver strands and encourages confidence in every shade of grey.

4. **Stories and Inspiration: Connecting through Shared Experiences**

Love The Gray is not just a platform; it's a community where individuals from all walks of life can share their grey hair journeys. Look forward to heartfelt stories, inspiring anecdotes, and a sense of camaraderie as we celebrate the diversity and uniqueness of grey hair experiences. Your journey is our journey, and together, we'll redefine the narrative around grey hair.

Get ready to embark on a new chapter of embracing your grey hair journey with the renaissance of the Love the Gray. Whether you're seeking product recommendations, expert advice, or simply want to connect with a community that understands the beauty of silver strands, we're here for you.

Let the silver revolution begin!

Product Review: VERB Purple Hair Mask

2024-01-07T00:43:00.000-08:00

VERB: HYDRATING MASK

A hydrating treatment mask that neutralizes brassy and yellow tones in color-treated or natural blonde, gray, and silver hair.

Farewell brassiness! Verb's nourishing Purple Hair Mask, powered by acai, brightens, hydrates and softens while toning yellow hues. This formula was designed to reduce brassiness in both color-treated and natural blonde, grey and silver hair tones. Great for all hair types.

Benefits

Neutralizes brassy, yellow hues in blonde, grey & silver hair between salon visits
Intensely hydrates & softens
Smoothes frizz
For all hair types & textures: fine, thick, wavy, curly, kinky and straight and those with blonde, grey & silver hair tones

Key Ingredients

Pro-vitamin B5 hydrates, smoothes & adds vibrancy to dull strands while providing hair with a natural boost of body
Sunflower seed extract contains fatty acids that deeply nourish & increase hair manageability while providing natural UV protection to prevent color fading
Violet pigment cancels out yellow, brassy tones
Acai extract is high in antioxidants which help protect fragile strands & provide ultimate moisture

Oh Fudge! A review of Fudge Professional Purple Toning Shampoo

2020-05-04T06:01:00.000-07:00

Product Review: Fudge Professional Purple Toning Shampoo

Oh, Fudge!

Could this be the most hydrating purple shampoo we've ever used?

Years ago we all gave up on looking for a purple shampoo that didn't dry the heck of our hair. It was just a given. The trade off for the unstoppable brightening power of purple on our brassy tones. Purple shampoo makes our hair dry, so we only use it as often as we need to and make sure to condition and add moisture in every other product we rely on.

But then along came a Violet Toning Shampoo from the funky and fun professional brand Fudge. It does a great job with the whitening and brightening of brassy yellow hair, which is what we would expect from how deeply purple it is. But we didn't expect it to be so rich and hydrating. Fudge claims it's the guarana extract that helps nourish the hair as well as tone, but whatever it is our hair has never felt quite so soft and shiny after a purple shampoo. That's saying a LOT!

They also have a new Fudge Clean Blonde Damage-Rewind Violet Toning Shampoo we will be trying next.

Sulfate free, no animal testing, great for blondes as well, of course.

Our list of the 5 Best Gray Hair Shampoos.

5 Best Gray Hair Shampoos for Men

Tips on Going Gray in a Pandemic

2020-05-04T04:27:00.000-07:00

Going Gray During the Coronavirus Lockdown of 2020

So you'd always thought that maybe one day you'd let your roots grow out and seeing what all that gray you'd been hiding actually looks like. And now, in spite of you not being ready to see how much gray you actually have, that day has arrived and you're fully going gray!

You're trapped in lockdown because of the horrid COVID-19 and can't get to the salon. What to do?

Don't color it yourself!

(All this home dyeing is rather tragic, isn't it?)

Why not let this be your time to see how if you're secretly a silver fox!

This is a stressful time for all, consider letting you gray hair naturally grow out as an act of self care. As we re-prioritize our lives now, some of the lengths we've put ourselves through for beauty don't seem to be as important anymore. Give yourself a break and give your hair the break it's been needing for too long. (Plus, you can always let your hairdresser dye it back if the doesn't work for you!)

But let's not confuse "going gray" with "letting yourself go"!

You're not going stir-crazy in lockdown or giving up on how you look, you're taking extra care of your hair by re-finding its natural beauty. You're going to make yourself look gorgeous while you go gray. Vibrant gray hair is stunning.

Your colleagues, friends, and lovers better watch out!

The transition can be the tricky part. Waiting for the gray to grow out to a decent length to cut off the colored ends requires patience. (Something that lockdown may have depleted you of!) So you might want to wear a headband some days when you don't want the whole office chatting about how gray your roots are on your office Zoom call. Make sure your headband coordinates with your face mask, of course.

If you want to hide your transition so you can do a big "ta-da!" when you finally get back to the office, get a product like hair mascara or a colored hair pencil to color in your roots temporarily. They wash out with shampoo. It's all about making you feel good about yourself, and if that's what you need in the short term then that's what you need. Try a product such as Color Wow Root Cover Up, Roux Hair Crayon, or Bumble and Bumble's Tint Powder.

For men, skip waiting for the roots to grow out and just give yourself a buzz cut. They're the easiest type of home hair-cut, and it's a proven fact that silver foxes with buzz cuts are 75% more attractive. For women, a buzzed head is a striking look that can be both stunning and liberating, but you need a lot of mental fortitude to pull it off and as we're in a time of crisis it might be a little too much for you and the people around you to handle right now. Or, it might be just the right choice for you? We support loving your hair as well as yourself at all times... especially now!

And even though we are living in unprecedented times, there's one thing we know for sure:

USE A GRAY HAIR BRIGHTENING SHAMPOO!

Special gray hair shampoos and conditioners have been discussed extensively on this site. Get used to adding one to your shower routine. Not every day, just as part of the rotation to keep any yellowy dinge at bay. Start with our list of the Best Gray Hair Shampoos and Best Gray Hair Shampoos for Men. And don't forget a good conditioner! Gray hair tends to be courser and more wirey, so make sure to condition regularly.

Enjoy seeing the progress as you grow into your new look. Take lots of pictures. Let this be one of your positive memories from this period of our lives, that you used it to become the grey haired goddess you were always meant to become!

Stay home. Stay healthy. And LOVE THE GRAY!

5 Best Gray Hair Shampoos For Men

2020-03-30T05:20:00.000-07:00

The Five Best Gray Hair Shampoos For Men

Congrats, you've just realized you're a Silver Fox!

Now what?
Let's start with your shampoo. Even if you only have a little bit of gray on the sides or a bit in the beard, you would benefit from an occasional "brightening" shampoo specifically designed to whiten grey hair and remove the yellow brassiness it can sometimes get. Don't use it every day, but often enough until you notice your gray start to sparkle.

Warning: you will start receiving compliments on how Silver Foxy you are after only a few shampooings!

5. American Crew Gray Hair Shampoo for Men

If any of you men have ever used anything made by American Crew, you know they're always a solid, no-fuss, well formulated grooming product. Their Shampoo for Gray Hair is no exception. It's a bit on the drying side as many purple shampoos are, but used occasionally it's a decent option.

4. JOICO Color Balance Purple Shampoo

This is the stylist's choice to keep gray and blonde hair from getting brassy. JOICO has been a salon staple for ages, and they are finally embracing those going gorgeously gray by coming out with a quality purple shampoo. Their Color Balance formula is very moisturizing unlike many purple shampoos, but still packs powerful whitening power. This XXL pump size is perfect for the man who doesn't want to have to think about when it's time to buy more shampoo!

3. Pantene for Gray Hair

You want an everyday shampoo that's simple yet effective. Removes the yellow tones and has a nice fresh scent. Pantene has been around long enough to deliver the goods at the price you want. Their special gray hair formulation offers a gentle cleansing action that is free of paragons and silicones, although a bit drying if not used along with a conditioner.

2. United Male Bright White Shampoo

We'll admit it. We fell for the masculine packaging. (But hey, this list is about "male hair products" which really are just "hair products" being sold to men.) So we went for the race car red bottle with the military inspired logo and now we can tell you fellas, it ain't bad! It's a whitening shampoo that successfully brightens, thoroughly cleans, and is a little bit unexpected. Oh, and United Male is a company with a conscious because they don't do animal testing. (They make a great beard oil too!) - apparently this company has gone out of business -May-2025

#1 Phyto Phytoargent No Yellow Shampoo

It's not a secret that we love Phyto products, their previous Phytoargent was #3 on our all-time Top 5 Gray Hair Shampoos list. This new incarnation has a great masculine medicinal scent, and the botanical formula is incredibly hydrating and nourishing for a gray hair shampoo. Use once or twice a week for a brighter white mane. But don't overuse or you'll be in blue hair territory!

Honorable mentions:

Jhirmack Silver Brightening Ageless Purple Shampoo Set is a winner. Everyone loves it.

Klorane Anti- Yellowing. Our #1 alternative to purple.

Shimmer Lights. Your grandmother's gray hair shampoo.

Need advice on a conditioner? Here are our 5 Best Conditioners for Gray Hair.

Of course, here's our famous Top 5 Gray Hair Shampoos post that started it all.

The Guardian's Best Men's Shampoo for Gray Hair List

GQ Has a Gray Hair List too now. Everybody is learning to...

LOVE THE GRAY!

DUMP THE PUMP!

2018-09-12T03:22:00.000-07:00

So you've found your favorite shampoo and conditioner... why not save some money and enjoy some convenience by buying them in giant pump bottles, right?

WRONG!

We say: DUMP THE PUMP!

Why?
You should never go through such a long cycle using the same shampoo and conditioner. Mixing up quality products is the best way to maintain a lush head of gray hair. Switching up your products is the shock therapy that your hair needs!
The main issue is buildup, of course. You want to mix up the detergents you use to cleanse, and the conditioners you use to condition. Gorgeous gray hair thrives by being washed with different shampoo combinations while getting nourishment from a wide mix of pack conditioners, leave-ins, and ordinary conditioners.
Silver Foxes should already be used to shampoo rotations having had to incorporate whitening/purple shampoo in their routines, and those should be rotated too. As much as we would use this enormous bottle of Shimmer Lights we will also be using other purple shampoos and don't need this in our shower for the next seven years.

(Check out our five fave Gray Hair Shampoos here!)

When it's okay:

1. If you work in a hair salon.

2. If it's shampoo for a dog.
3. If you work in a dog grooming salon.

4. If you have a giantic shower and plenty of room for those monstrous bottles and the willpower to only use the product in rotation with the other, smaller shampoo and conditioner bottles your bring as rotting guests into your shower situation.

4. If it's the mildest of conditioners. NEVER a shampoo. And you promise not to use it more than three times in a row without using another conditioner. Aveda's Shampure is about the only conditioner we could possibly see doing this with.

PRODUCT REVIEW: Dr Severin's Silver Shampoo

2018-09-11T03:14:00.004-07:00

Review: Dr Severin's Silver Shampoo

PROS:

Great anti-yellowing/whitening power

Less drying than most Purple Shampoo

Pleasant clean/sweet fragrance

Dr. Severin's Silver Shampoo has one of the the most gorgeous shampoo bottles we've ever had on display in our bathroom!

PETA-certified cruelty-free manufacturing

CONS:

Yup, another Purple Shampoo.

Small bottle.

BOTTOM LINE:

If you're looking to change up your purple shampoo, or simply want another gorgeous bottle to line your shower, Dr. Severin Silver Special Shampoo is a great addition to your hair-whitening rotation.

Gray Peoples Problems #1: DRY HAIR

2018-01-12T03:01:00.001-08:00

So by now you've made the commitment to stop fighting and Love The Gray. (GOOD FOR YOU!)

You've scoured our site looking for how to brighten and whiten your gorgeous gray filaments and found the perfect gray hair-specific shampoo from our list of recommendations.

You may have picked one of the classic "purple ones" like Shimmer Lights or Natur Vital Henna Shampoo.

You like how it's eliminated the yellow brassiness, but find that it is drying your hair out!

Here are a few tips to solve this classic Gray Peoples Problem:

1. Don't use purple hair shampoo every day!

For whatever reason, these shampoos do have a tendency to cause drying. So use them in rotation with other shampoos just when you need a whitening boost. Once or twice a week should generally be enough once you have tamed your initial brassiness problem, and depending on how long your hair is.

2. Use a purple conditioner

Thankfully there are loads of gray hair-specific conditioners on the market now. Here's a link to our list of favorite gray hair conditioners. Some purple, some not. For most people simply using a regular purple conditioner may be all the whitening you need, and you may not even need the purple shampoo!

3. Mix your purple shampoo with your current conditioner

This is our favorite gray hair hack of all!

Use a regular shampoo just to clean your hair when it's dirty, and simply add a tiny bit of purple shampoo to whatever regular conditioner you like the most. You'll whiten and nourish your hair at the same time! Some of our personal favorite conditioners include Silk 18, PUREOLOGY Hydrate conditioner, and good old Nexxus Humectress.

What are yours?

Let us know in the comments below!

Product Review: Oribe Silverati Shampoo

2017-11-14T12:04:00.000-08:00

First things first...

Oribe's Silverati Shampoo is THE MOST EXPENSIVE GRAY HAIR SHAMPOO WE HAVE EVER USED!

$46 for just over 8 ounces of shampoo? That's only slightly less expensive than caviar.
But Oribe is one of the most famous hairdressers in the world, so it's very on-brand for him to release a luxury hair care line. And we're very grateful he hasn't overlooked the Gray Pride community.

Second things second...
We LOVE the name "Silverati"!
We'd like to think of ourselves as being among the gray-haired ELITE!
So bow down to us you salt-and-pepper peasants, we're members of the Silverati!

But how is the shampoo?
We like it!
Oribe's Silverati Shampoo is gently cleansing, has a lovely fragrance, and isn't as drying as most gray hair shampoos. The anti-yellowing effect isn't quite as intense as some of our favorite purple shampoos, but we kind of like that. It's a milder, every day gray-hair shampoo for the luxury customer. Silverati shampoo includes exotic elements we've never heard of before in a shampoo, such as "European Silver Fir Extract", "Lycée", "Moringa Seed Oil" and "Mirabelle Plum". You can almost feel how expensive these ingredients are as you lather them into your hair... Or are we just buying into the hype?

Is it worth it? That depends how much is $46 worth to you. We think it's worth a try.
There's an even pricier Silverati Conditioner, but we're waiting for our next pay check to give that one a go!

The Best Colors to Wear With Gray Hair

2017-11-10T03:30:00.000-08:00

Dressing For Gray Hair

Okay, so you've committed to loving your gray, let it grow out the right way, and you're using the proper shampoos and conditioners to brighten and whiten your hair so it's practically luminescent! Now it's time to dress to impress!

There are very few colors that don't work with gray hair. Earth tones like olive or beige may wash you out a bit, and the yellow undertones in ivory or cream could bring out the yellow in your hair and make it look dull. But we subscribe to the never-say-never school of thought when it comes to fashion, so if you find a yellow sweater you love we say wear it!

However, there are colors that always help make gray hair even more striking. Let's take a look...

BLACK

The contrast between black clothing and white hair always makes a dramatic statement. Wear black when you want to be taken seriously, like Meryl Streep in "The Devil Wears Prada" or José Mourinho managing Manchester United.

GRAY

Gray-on-Gray is ALWAYS a winning combination!

There's nothing like seeing a silver fox in a cozy gray sweater.

When in doubt, go gray!

JEWEL TONES

Dazzling jewel tones provide a wonderful compliment for gray hair in any shade.

When you want to stand out, wear a bright and bold jewel tone such as Ruby, Turquoise, Jade, Amethyst, Emerald Green, Cobalt, or Citrine.

Wear a jewel tone when you're feeling flirty, fresh and want to draw attention.

BLUE

There's nothing like a soft blue color to bring out the cool tones in your hair. A denim shirt says you're comfortable with who you are, and that you love your gray!

BOLD COLORS

Daring to wear a bright color says you may be gray, but you're still not afraid to make a big statement. As the pigment drains from your hair follicles, adding color into your wardrobe is a brilliant idea. Pinks, greens and purples are great, and a bright red may be the most flattering color of all with gray hair. So be interesting, and go bold!

WHITE

A crisp white shirt is a absolute necessity for any Gorgeous Gray to have in their closet. It's an easy everyday look that is timeless and always looks classy.

What's YOUR favorite color to show of your gorgeous gray hair??

Matrix Total Results So Silver Shampoo and Colour Obsessed Conditioner - PRODUCT REVIEW

2017-10-10T08:00:00.000-07:00

Matrix Color Obsessed So Silver began life as a product called Color Care So Silver. Now it's being marketed as part of their "Color Obsessed" line and we have to say, it's nice to have another high-end purple shampoo on the market!

PROS:

Great anti-brassiness, anti-yellowing properties.

Works especially well for blondes gone gray!

Reasonably priced

CONS:

Drying (typical of purple shampoos)

Dull fragrance

Matrix has paired it with their Total Results Color Obsessed Conditioner, a "color treated hair conditioner" they say is enriched with Vitamin E and Sunflower Oil. Even if naturally gray hair is not the same texture as over-processed hair it's a strong conditioner that penetrates nicely and is a nice compliment to the shampoo.

If you're looking for a one-stop-shopping option to brighten your gray hair and eliminate brassiness, this double pack is a great way to see if this combo is for you.

Ingredients

Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Coco-Betaine, Glycol Distearate, Dimethicone, Cocamide Mipa, Sodium Benzoate, Hexylene Glycol, Parfum / Fragrance, Salicylic Acid, Carbomer, CI 60730 / Ext. Violet 2, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid.

Do Men Need Different Gray Hair Shampoo?

2017-09-10T08:34:00.000-07:00

Society has been telling us that while women should never let their hair go gray, it's only okay for men to be silver foxes. (Obviously if you've been reading this blog then you know by know that we think this is BALONEY!)

But do silver foxes need a separate shampoo?

The answer is: definitely not! Hair is hair regardless of gender, and if your hair has gray in it you need a shampoo to get rid of brassiness and yellowing. One of the choices on our list of top 5 gray hair shampoos would work perfectly.

But for dudes who need to feel like they're using a "dude shampoo", American Crew's Gray Shampoo for Men is the ideal choice.

It has a masculine bottle. A patriotic name. And it's cheap! If that doesn't sound like a "dude shampoo" to you then what does?

Davines Alchemic Shampoo Silver - Product Review

2016-12-21T13:00:00.000-08:00

Product Review: Davines Alchemic Shampoo Silver

Italian hair care dynamos Davines make the silver conditioner that topped our list of Best Gray Hair Conditioners back in 2013. So what took us so long to try their fantastic Alchemic Silver Shampoo? We don't know, but we're kicking ourselves.

The bottle looks like something you'd find in a science laboratory, which reflects how Davines started out as a cosmetic research company before becoming a beauty product powerhouse. It truly seems like Davines has selected each ingredient to scientifically target the problems found with maintaining gorgeous gray hair.

It contains light purple pigments to color-brighten white and blonde hair while canceling yellow and brassy tones without an activator. This shampoo doesn't really later, because lather is mainly a result of detergents that dry out your hair. Instead it contains gentle and mild surfacants to gently clean your hair without excessive drying. They've added hydrolysed milk proteins to condition and protect, along with provitamin B5 for deep moisturization. The pleasant scent would best be described as "woodsy", which may be an attempt to appeal as a unisex product.

We highly recommend this shampoo as it does perform well. It's not the strongest purple shampoo we've ever tried, but we kind of like that you can use it more often. The Davines Alchemic Silver Conditioner is still our ultimate gray hair must-have product of all time, but stay tuned to see if their Alchemic Shampoo makes it onto our updated list of Best Gray Hair Shampoos when we release it in the new year!

Jhirmack Distinctions Silver Plus Ageless Shampoo - Product Review

2016-12-20T01:09:00.001-08:00

Product Review: Jhirmack Distinctions - Silver Plus Shampoo

"Ageless"? "Distinctions"??

Jhirmack may be trying a bit too hard to convince you that your gray hair doesn't make you look older. But we're willing to forgive them.

Jhirmack Silver Plus is one of the highest rated gray hair shampoos on Amazon, and with good reason. It's a solid performer: a purple shampoo with excellent de-yellowing powers, it lathers well, and has a pleasant, light fragrance.

And the best feature: it's about half the price of Clairol's best-selling Shimmer Lights. Like many purple shampoos it is a tad drying, so use it in rotation with more nourishing hair products such as its companion Jhirmack Silver Plus Ageless Conditioner.

It ain't fancy, but this might just be the budget purple shampoo you've been looking for.

Product Review: Sachajuan Silver Shampoo

2016-05-31T05:14:00.001-07:00

We've seen a lot of purple, anti-yellowing shampoos here at Love The Gray.

But when a friend sang high praises for Sachajuan Silver Shampoo, we had to give it a go.
And after several weeks of using it we were struck with the question... is Sachajuan Silver Shampoo the best purple shampoo for gray hair EVER?

The Good:

The purple power is strong with this one. The the anti-yellowing effect is almost immediate. Your salt-and-pepper will SHINE in no time!
It also feels lighter than other purple shampoos we've used, but still packs the punch.
It works well to eliminate brassy undertones, so if you're a blonde going gray this might be the perfect shampoo for you.

The Not-So-Good:

Like most violet shampoos, it's a bit drying. So you'll want to use it in rotation with other shampoos, and perhaps try it with the Sachajuan Silver Conditioner.
It's also it's a bit pricey. But since you don't use it every day, one little bottle should last you for months.

The verdict:

So is Sachajan Silver Shampoo is the best purple shampoo we've ever used! YES!
Is it $20-per-bottle better than Shimmer Lights? Hard to say. But it just might bump it off our Top Gray Hair Shampoo list next time we update it!

If you like trying new products it's definitely worth a go, be sure to tell us what you think in the comments below!

Do Gray Hair Pills Work?

2016-05-17T02:16:00.002-07:00

You've seen the ads and it got you wondering... could a little pill get rid of my gray hair? Spoiler alert: NO!

These anti-gray pills claim to prevent and reverse grey hair using an enzyme called catalase, all based on the fact that a 2009 study reported that gray hair has lower-than-normal levels of catalase. However, the study said absolutely nothing about whether taking catalase supplements actually stops hair from turning grey. And the companies marketing these pills have offered absolutely ZERO proof that they work. None! In fact, the three leading manufacturers have been sued for millions by the FTC for false advertising and have been ordered to stop claiming they get rid of gray hair. Yet do you think that has actually stopped them?

Lacking any actual scientific evidence to back up their claims, the companies marketing these pills use the only evidence ever offered by snake-oil salesman: the "testimonial". Testimonials are subjective, highly selective, and prove nothing other than that someone who was paid to say a product worked said: "It worked! (Now where's my check?)".

Have a look at the Amazon reviews for one of these products, the positive reviews are all from people who were either paid or given free samples to write a review. And even those mostly say "they haven't started working yet, but I'm hopeful!"

If you really want to get rid of your gray hair, the only way is to dye it. Period. Sorry.

But may we suggest just going gray gracefully instead?

Dare we say, loving your gray?

If you want some tips on how to transition into a gorgeous silver fox have a look at our post: How To Let Your Hair Go Gray The Right Way.

New York Times Style Section learns to Love the Gray

2016-02-03T23:42:00.001-08:00

The New York Times Style Section has finally discovered Gray Pride. In an article entitled "For Millennial Men, Gray Hair is Welcome", the editors offer this revelation:

"Gone are the days when guys would actively avoid graying hair. For a new generation of adventurous men, dyeing one’s hair gray is gaining traction, appropriating a naturally occurring phenomenon from older men and giving it a millennial twist."

So for men, going gray is officially "trending", and hipsters are now dyeing their hair grey as a "fashion statement." The "Gray Lady" also credits celebrities like One Direction's Zayn Malik, Olympic athlete Gus Kenworthy, and YouTuber Tyler Oakley with bringing the gray look into the public eye.

Of course, we here at Love The Gray have known this for ages. That well kept, well groomed gray hair is gorgeous on both men and women. And of course, women were already on the forefront of this trend, and the sexism of the NYT's coverage is laid out in this excellent piece on The Frisky: "The Times is a Year Behind on Hair Trends".

"It’s annoying that the 2015 piece on women and grey hair talked about embracing ageing while the men’s piece on grey hair claims that it’s not about embracing aging, it’s just about being fashion forward, making the women’s piece an appraisal of women’s entire bodies while affording men the ability to just have it be about their hair. It’s annoying that the women’s piece got stuck into their “Women in the World” vertical while the men’s piece got put into the Fashion & Style section, as if the topic didn’t belong in the more widely-read section until men were doing it."

And if you're looking for tips on easy ways to color your hair gray check out our post How To Go Gray Fast!

How To Maintain A Gray Beard

2016-01-26T08:33:00.002-08:00

Gray Beard Care: 101

This post is for the hirsute hunks, those guys with gray beards looking to keep them stylish and fresh. It seems every guy has a beard these guys. And until the clean shaven look is back in fashion, here's how to keep your beard looking it's best:

1. Use a trimmer!

It doesn't matter if you're just working the salt-and-pepper stubble, or growing out a full Rip Van Winkle, you always need to shape your facial hair and keep the ends tidy. So an electric trimmer is essential. Adjust the setting for your desired length, use the side razor for edging, and a moustache comb for a nice uniform groom. A fancy Philips Norelco 7300 BeardTrimmer has a handy built-in vacuum, but a more basic Philips Norelco Multigroom 3100 will do you just fine. And for the love of god, please trim your nose and ear hairs while you're at it!

2. Use a brightening shampoo!

There's nothing more unattractive on a man than a yellowing white beard. If you're lucky enough to still have hair on top of your head, that's probably gray too. So pick one of our favorite gray hair shampoos and use it on your face as well to keep your beard looking white and bright.

3. Condition!

Like all hair, your beard hair needs moisture. And since grey hair tends to be more wiry, it's even more important to use a conditioner in the shower. Just remember to rub it on your beard and leave it in there for a couple extra minutes, since gray hair needs an extra moisture infusion. Any old hair conditioner will do, but if you want the Cadillac of hair conditioners try this one from Alterna.

4. Groom!

And the last step, apply a few drops of beard oil and comb it through your beard at least once a day. Either dry or preferably on a damp beard just after you get out of the shower. It will soften the hair and prevent split ends. We love The Gentlemen's Beard Oil. It contains a mixture of essential oils including vitamin E and evening primrose which help nourish your skin and prevent itching. (Helps with "bearddruff" too! ) They make a nice unscented beard balm as well. You won't believe the difference that using a beard oil makes in how soft your beard will get. The people that you kiss will love you for it!

THE Shower Head for Gray Hair

2015-09-10T08:54:00.003-07:00

Gorgeous gray hair starts and ends in the shower. Not just with the shampoo and conditioner you choose, but the very water you wash it in. Hard water makes gray hair dingy and brassy over time. And if there's chorine in your water it can leave gray hair duller and more wiry. So here's a secret that every Salt-n-Pepper Sexpot needs to know about: replace your shower head!

Filtered water will help remove impurities and keep your white hair bright. Our girlfriend with shoulder-length grey hair doesn't even use a grey hair shampoo at all, but swears by her Culligan Filtered Showerhead. It claims to filter 99% of chlorine and leave your hair softer and cleaner. It's only $30 and is easy to install yourself!

Or if you prefer the style of a "rain" shower head, they make a filtered version of that too called the Culligan RainDisc...

Those of you who have tried it, let us know what you think in the comments below!

Clearly, Zayn from One Direction reads our website...

2015-08-12T11:25:00.000-07:00

Former One Direction hottie Zayn Malik just colored his hair gray, and we are more than willing to take credit for the change!

Clearly, the former boy-bander must have read our recent post "How To Go Gray FAST"!

Love the Gray, Zayn! (or should we say, Love the Grey??)

chillin. pic.twitter.com/wenI4RQ1Kj
— zayn (@zaynmalik) August 12, 2015

How To Let Your Hair Go Gray - THE RIGHT WAY!

2015-06-12T08:39:00.000-07:00

Last week we gave tips on how to get gray hair FAST. But let's get real...

We're in this loving-the-gray thing for the long haul, not just as a quick and trendy color statement.

So if you've been looking toying with the idea of letting your dye job grow out and natural gray grow in, here are some tips to help you along your way to being gray and gorgeous.

COMMIT!

It's finally time to become the sexy silver fox you were born to be.

You've had it with pretending, and wasting money on ridiculously overpriced dye-jobs.

So embrace this exciting new hair chapter in your life!

Remember, you've EARNED it!

Gray hair does not make you old. Feeling old makes you old.

Be one of those fierce, positive people proving that vitality is an attitude,

not one of those scared fools thinking they can fight off the grim reaper with a bottle of Nice 'N Easy Medium Ash Brown.

All those silly little woo-girls can only dream about one day having a gorgeous gray mane. For you, that day is now!

Now, run to the nearest open window and scream:

I'M DONE WITH HAIR DYE AND I'M NOT GONNA TAKE IT ANY MORE!

BRACE YOURSELF!

It's going to take longer than you think.
Hair grows about 1-2 inches a month. So calculate how long it will take for your desired length and start mentally preparing.

At about two months in you're going to contemplate chickening out and racing back to your hairdresser to beg for mercy. Don't do it! It will probably take a good 4-5 months before you have enough gray to see significant growth .

Tell your family and best girlfriends that this is what you're going and that you want their support. Talk with your stylist about what you're doing and ask for suggestions on a good style to wear your hair up. Just don't let them talk you out of letting the gray grow out. You will face resistance, you've been paying their rent with your hair dye!

Accept the grey roots, embrace them.

They signify that you're on your journey to where you want your hair to be.

Remember, pepper is no good without salt!

GET A HEADBAND!

Headbands are the solution for many women seeking to cover up the transition area between the dye job and new growth.
And they work great, so get a few. It may be your new look for a while.

For men, get a buzz cut. Voila, you're gray!

Women, you can do the buzz cut too and rock the short Jamie Lee Curtis look.

(Haven't you always secretly wanted to have super-short hair anyway?)

USE A GRAY HAIR BRIGHTENING SHAMPOO!

DESPERATE MEASURES!?

If you just can't deal with seeing gray roots, get a product like hair mascara or a colored hair pencil and color in your roots temporarily. They wash out with shampoo. It's about making you feel good about yourself, and if that's what you need in the short term then that's what you need. Try a product such as Color Wow Root Cover Up, Roux Hair Crayon, or Bumble and Bumble's Tint Powder:

(In your own, current hair color of course!)

We've always felt that it's best to work WITH mother nature rather than against her, so be brave and let's see your gorgeous gray hair!

Let us know how it goes in the comments below!
Love yourself, LOVE THE GRAY!