Review of the best shampoo to reduce grey hair that helps control premature greying and minimizing brassiness, including purple toning shampoos!
Premature greying is more difficult to control. Difficult, but not impossible! And the easiest way is to use a shampoo to cover gray hairs.
These are among the most effective products for premature greying as they contain herbal ingredients that help bring back the healthy tone of your tresses. Some of these products (like purple shampoos) coat locks with violet pigments and cancel out the brassy tones while others deposit color to cover gray strands.
There are other natural shampoos too that help reverse the clock and get back the melanin production on your locks, leaving them black and shiny.
I asked our resident Medical Reviewer Dr Adeela Anees to give us some shampoo recommendations for grey hair:
- Aveda Invati Advanced Exfoliating Shampoo: Dr Adeela says that "This shampoo contains a blend of Ayurvedic herbs that help to strengthen and nourish the hair. By promoting healthy hair growth, this shampoo can help to reduce the appearance of grey hair."
- Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo: She also adds that this "...invigorating anti grey shampoo contains tea tree oil, which has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe the scalp and promote healthy hair growth. It also helps to prevent dandruff, which can contribute to premature greying."
- Klorane Anti-Yellowing Shampoo with Centaury: Another one of her picks is this purple shampoo. Dr Adeela reveals that "Your grey hair can often take on a yellowish tint, which can be unsightly. This shampoo contains centaury extract, which helps to neutralize yellow tones in the hair. It also helps to strengthen and nourish the hair, making greys less noticeable."
| Best Shampoo To Reduce Grey Hair | Best For | Chief Ingredients |
| Wow Onion Shampoo | Damaged Hair | Red Onion, Black Seed Oil, Pro-Vitamin B5 |
| Biotique Bio Henna Leaf Fresh Texture Shampoo | Oily, Dull Hair | Henna Leaf, Brahmi, Licorice, Ritha |
| BSY Noni Black Hair Magic Hair Dye Shampoo | Instant Grey Coverage | Ginseng, Noni Fruit Extract, Color Pigments |
| DXN Ganozhi Shampoo | Sensitive Scalps | Ganoderma Extract and Vitamin B5 |
| Forest Essentials Japapatti & Brahmi Hair Cleanser | Sulfate-free Formula | Hibiscus, Brahmi, Tulsi |
| Patanjali Kesh Kanti Reetha Hair Cleanser | Affordable Shampoo | Ritha, Vitamin E, Sunflower Oil |
| Grisi Organogal Shampoo | Darkening greys | Cactus Extract, Black Walnut Extract |
| Klorane Anti-Yellowing Shampoo with Centaury | Removing brassy tones | Centaury Extracts, Amino Acids |
Top Shampoo To Reduce Grey Hair 2024
Wow Onion Shampoo
Dr Adeela says that "The grey hair is caused by a lack of melanin production in the hair follicle, which is a natural part of the aging process. While some shampoos claim to target the root cause of grey hair, the truth is that they can only provide temporary cosmetic benefits."
She also adds that "However, that doesn't mean that these shampoos are entirely useless. By nourishing and strengthening the hair, certain shampoos can help to improve its overall appearance, making greys less noticeable. Additionally, some shampoos contain ingredients that can help to prevent premature greying by protecting the hair from damaging free radicals." (Pandhi, Deepika, and Deepshikha Khanna. “Premature graying of hair.” Indian journal of dermatology, venereology and leprology vol. 79,5 (2013): 641-53. doi:10.4103/0378-6323.116733)
One such shampoo is the Wow Onion Shampoo! If you’re worried about breakage, dullness, and itchy scalps, this is the product for you!
Another thing we loved about this product is the completely natural formula.
There are no sulfates, parabens, phthalates, silicones, or mineral oil in this product. Plus, it contains DHT blockers that help reduce hairfall.
Apart from this, the Wow Onion Shampoo contains red onion seed oil and black seed oil, which help reduce premature greying.
So this is an excellent shampoo to get rid of grey strands. The formulation also contains panthenol that helps soothe an irritated scalp. (Shin, Jae Young et al. “Dexpanthenol Promotes Cell Growth by Preventing Cell Senescence and Apoptosis in Cultured Human Hair Follicle Cells.” Current issues in molecular biology vol. 43,3 1361-1373. 28 Sep. 2021, doi:10.3390/cimb43030097)
As there are no sulfates here, people with sensitive scalps can also use this product.
Pros:
- Reduces premature greying thanks to the onion extracts
- Soothes irritated scalps as it contain panthenol
- Sulfate-free formula that is suited for sensitive scalp
- Contains DHT blockers for hair growth
Cons:
- Can leave hair frizzy as it's not too moisturizing
Our Ratings:
- Cleansing - 4.5/5
- Reducing Grey Hair - 4/5
- Strengthening Hair - 4.5/5
Biotique Bio Henna Leaf Fresh Texture Shampoo
The next on our list of the best shampoo to reduce grey hair is the Biotique bio henna leaf fresh texture. This product is also one of the best sulfate-free cleanser for grey hair.
It’s mild, natural formulation is super gentle on the scalp. So if you’ve got any sort of inflammation or sensitivity, we think this is the right choice for you.
As the main surfactant used in this cleanser is the natural soapberry, it can be used daily if you want.
This is an excellent shampoo to cover gray hair as the henna extracts in the formula can leave reddish highlights on greying strands.
If you’re a natural redhead or brunette, this is one of the best shampoos for white strands for you.
Just one thing, the Biotique product is very mild, so if you have a really oily scalp, you can look for something more clarifying.
Pros:
- Controls premature greying thanks to the ayurvedic ingredients
- Natural surfactants that cleanse hair without removing moisture from hair
- No sulfates so it won't strip hair dye
- Good for sensitive scalp as it doesn't contains chemicals
Cons:
- Doesn't clean oily scalps well
- Can leave reddish streaks on blonde hair
Our Ratings:
- Cleansing - 4/5
- Reducing Grey Hair - 4/5
- Strengthening Hair - 4/5
BSY Noni Black Hair Magic Hair Dye Shampoo
We liked the BSY Noni Magic Dye Shampoo for one main reason. It’s the best color depositing shampoo for gray hair.
If you have naturally black-colored hair and are worried about greying, this cleanser turns gray hairs to black.
This dye cleanser takes only 10 minutes to work its magic. And the amazing thing is that it’s chemical-free. So there is no harmful ammonia here, only natural, herbal ingredients.
And covering up your gray hairs is not all it does either.
The product comes packed with ginseng and noni fruit extracts that help treat dandruff, thinning, and breakage too.
Pros:
- Instantly covers up greys as it contains dye pigments
- Ammonia-free dye so it's safe for sensitive scalps
- Natural ingredients that soothe your scalp
- Works in just 10 minutes
- Helps treat dandruff too
Cons:
- Can leave hair dry as it contains natural surfactants
- Doesn't control causes of premature greying
Our Ratings:
- Cleansing - 4/5
- Reducing Grey Hair - 5/5
- Strengthening Hair - 3.5/5
DXN Ganozhi Shampoo
The DXN Ganozhi shampoo is the best shampoo to reduce grey hair thanks to its powerful, vitamin-rich formula.
It comes packed with Ganoderma extracts and vitamin B5 that work wonders in turning your grey hair black.
This cleanser is one of the most trusted products for premature greying because of it’s gentle, pH-balanced formula.
It suits even the most sensitive scalps and helps maintain the health of your mane.
If you want something to treat split ends, dandruff, and frizz along with grey hair, this is this cleanser for the job.
Pros:
- Controls premature greying
- Good for sensitive scalp
- Vitamin-rich formula
- Helps repair split ends and dandruff
Cons:
- Contains sulfates
Our Ratings:
- Cleansing - 4.5/5
- Reducing Grey Hair - 4.5/5
- Strengthening Hair - 4.5/5
Forest Essentials Japapatti & Brahmi Hair Cleanser
There is one main reason why we think this Forest Essentials Cleanser is the best shampoo to reduce gray hairs - its ingredient list!
The main component in this product is a herb called Nagarmotha that is believed to help with premature greying.
And apart from this extract, this shampoo to cover gray hair also contains hibiscus that treats hair fall and premature greying.
There’s also reetha, which replaces the harsh surfactants like SLS and SLEs. And Brahmi strengthens follicles.
We were also bowled away by the lovely, aromatic fragrance of this cleanser. And the best part? It gives you value for your money as a little goes a long way.
Pros:
- No sulfates
- Contains natural, Ayurvedic ingredients
- Natural surfactants like reetha
- Pleasant fragrance
- Controls premature greying
Cons:
- Leaves hair frizzy
- Can be drying
Our Ratings:
- Cleansing - 4.5/5
- Reducing Grey Hair - 4/5
- Strengthening Hair - 4.5/5
Patanjali Kesh Kanti Reetha Hair Cleanser - Cheapest Anti Grey Hair Shampoo
We believe the best shampoo to reduce grey hair is one that contains natural herbal ingredients. And happily, the Patanjali Kesh Kanti Cleanser isn’t lacking in that department.
It contains a nourishing blend of herbs, including reetha, that cleanse your tresses while also reducing greying.
If you’ve got a dandruff problem or really oily, greasy scalp, this is one of the best things for controlling white hairs.
The product also promotes blood circulation to the scalp, improving hair fall. It also claims to leave your tresses shiny and soft.
Pros:
- Contains herbal ingredients
- Removes excess oil from scalps
Cons:
- Leaves hair dry
- Contains sulfates
Our Ratings:
- Cleansing - 4.5/5
- Reducing Grey Hair - 3.5/5
- Strengthening Hair - 4/5
Grisi Organogal Anti Grey Hair Shampoo
Grisi Organogal Anti Grey Hair Shampoo has been a recent addition to my hair care routine, and I've been pleasantly surprised by its performance in reducing the appearance of grey hair. As someone who has been looking for a natural solution to address premature greying, this shampoo has shown promising results.
The key ingredient in this shampoo is Organogal, an extract from the gall oak tree known for its natural darkening properties. While it doesn't completely reverse grey hair, it does help reduce the visibility of grey or white strands, making them appear darker and less noticeable.
I've been using this shampoo regularly, and over time, I've noticed a subtle but definite change in the intensity of my grey hair. It's become less prominent, and my overall hair color looks more uniform and youthful.
One of the advantages of Grisi Organogal Anti Grey Hair Shampoo is its gentle and nourishing formula. It doesn't strip the natural oils from my hair, and it leaves it feeling soft and manageable. Plus, it has a pleasant, fresh scent that I enjoy during each wash.
To sum it up, while it may not completely eliminate grey hair, this shampoo has been a valuable addition to my hair care routine. It helps reduce the appearance of grey strands, making my hair look more youthful and vibrant.
Pros:
- Contains Organogal extract known for its darkening properties.
- Reduces the appearance of grey hair.
- Gentle and nourishing formula.
Pros:
- Instantly covers greys
- Cleanses oily scalps thoroughly
Cons:
- Washes out in a few days
- Contains sulfates
- Just temporary solution to grey hair
Our Ratings:
- Cleansing - 5/5
- Reducing Grey Hair - 4.5/5
- Strengthening Hair - 3/5
Klorane Anti-Yellowing Shampoo with Centaury
The Klorane Anti-Yellowing Shampoo with Centaury has become an essential part of my grey hair care routine, and I couldn't be happier with the results.
As someone who takes pride in embracing their natural grey hair, I've struggled with the common issue of yellow or brassy undertones that can develop over time. This shampoo has proven to be a powerful ally in keeping my grey hair looking its best.
What sets this product apart is its unique formulation with centaury extract, a botanical ingredient known for its natural bluing properties. The shampoo's purple hue effectively counteracts yellow tones in grey or white hair, leaving my hair looking cool-toned and vibrant.
I use this shampoo a couple of times a week, and it lathers beautifully without stripping my hair's natural oils or leaving it feeling dry. It also has a pleasant, clean scent that makes each wash a refreshing experience.
One of the standout features of the Klorane Anti-Yellowing Shampoo is its gentleness. It's free of sulfates and other harsh chemicals, making it suitable for regular use without the risk of damaging my hair or fading my grey color.
In summary, this shampoo has been a game-changer in maintaining the beautiful, cool-toned grey hair I adore. It effectively banishes yellow or brassy undertones and leaves my hair feeling soft, manageable, and looking its best.
Pros:
- Natural ingredients
- Leaves hair shiny
- Removes brassiness from grey hair leaving them less noticeable
Cons:
- Doesn't reduce greys just brightens them
Our Ratings:
- Cleansing - 4.5/5
- Reducing Grey Hair - 3/5
- Strengthening Hair - 4.5/5
Joico Color Endure Violet Shampoo
Joico Color Endure Violet Shampoo has been a game-changer for maintaining the vibrancy of my grey hair. As someone who embraces their natural grey locks, I've struggled with the common issue of yellow or brassy undertones that can develop over time. This shampoo has been an absolute lifesaver in combating those unwanted warm tones.
What makes this product stand out is its violet tint, which helps neutralize and tone down any yellow or brassy shades in grey hair. The formula is gentle yet effective, and I use it about once or twice a week as a part of my haircare routine. It not only keeps my grey hair looking clean and fresh but also adds a beautiful silvery shine.
Another advantage of Joico Color Endure Violet Shampoo is its sulfate-free and color-preserving formula. It doesn't strip the natural oils from my hair or fade my grey color. Plus, it leaves my hair feeling soft and manageable, which is crucial for grey hair that can sometimes be coarse.
In summary, this shampoo has been a fantastic addition to my haircare regimen. It helps me maintain the beautiful, cool-toned grey color I love while keeping my hair looking and feeling its best.
Pros:
- Effectively neutralizes yellow or brassy undertones in grey hair.
- Adds a beautiful silvery shine.
- Sulfate-free and color-preserving formula.
- Leaves hair soft and manageable.
Cons:
- It's a purple-tinted shampoo, so be cautious about overuse, as it can lead to a slightly purple hue if used too frequently.
Our Ratings:
- Cleansing - 4.5/5
- Reducing Grey Hair - 3/5
- Strengthening Hair - 3/5
Khadi Shampoo for Grey Hair - best ayurvedic shampoo for grey hair
Khadi AMLA VOLUME Ayurvedic shampoo has become a staple in my hair care routine, and I'm thrilled to share my experience with this fantastic product. As someone who values natural and herbal solutions for my hair, this shampoo has exceeded my expectations.
First and foremost, the scent of this shampoo is divine. It's a harmonious blend of earthy and herbal notes that make every wash feel like a rejuvenating spa experience. The fragrance lingers on my hair for hours, which I absolutely love.
What truly sets this shampoo apart is its Ayurvedic formulation. Amla, often referred to as the "Indian Gooseberry," is a key ingredient known for its hair-strengthening and volumizing properties. Since using this shampoo, my hair has noticeably more volume and bounce. It's a game-changer for those with fine or thinning hair.
The texture of the shampoo is rich and luxurious, and a little goes a long way. It lathers beautifully, cleansing my hair without stripping it of its natural oils. I've also noticed a reduction in hair fall and breakage, which is a big win for me.
Pros:
- Divine herbal fragrance.
- Ayurvedic formulation with Amla for hair volume.
- Adds noticeable volume and bounce to the hair.
- Rich, luxurious texture with excellent lather.
- Cleanses without over-drying, reduces hair fall and breakage.
Cons:
- Some may find the fragrance too strong if they are sensitive to scents.
- Availability might be limited in some regions, but it's worth seeking out.
Our Ratings:
According to my research and reading the grey hair shampoo reviews, we’ve decided that the Biotique Bio Henna Leaf Fresh Texture is the best shampoo to reduce grey strands. Not only does it contain nourishing ingredients like reetha, brahmi, and licorice, but it also helps cover grey hair by leaving reddish-brown highlights on your tresses. Plus, the shampoo is sulfate-free too!
How To Choose The Best Shampoo For Reducing Grey Hair
I then asked her that criteria to keep in mind when choosing a shampoo to reduce grey hair, and Dr Adeela replies that "It's important to look for products that contain nourishing ingredients like vitamins, minerals, and essential oils. These ingredients can help to strengthen and nourish the hair, making it healthier and more resilient."
She also reveals that you need to "...look for shampoos that are free from harsh chemicals like sulfates and parabens, which can strip the hair of its natural oils and contribute to premature greying."
No Sulfates, Silicones and Parabens:
Sulfates and parabens are not good for you. Period. But they can make your grey hair issue worse.
Harsh surfactants can remove the protective natural oils on your scalp and hair, leaving them vulnerable to damage.
Parabens are known to disrupt endocrine function in humans. There is however no direct link between premature greying parabens. But you can avoid them just the same.
Silicones appear in shampoos commonly as dimethicones. These are added to bring shine and smoothness to your hair.
But they often cause build-up and can clog hair follicles. This prevents the follicle from receiving important nutrition like vitamins. And this in turn makes them weaker and prone to greying early.
Herbal Ingredients
There is no shampoo that can turn back time. However, some herbs are known to increase the melanin production on hair, supply it with antioxidants, and enough nutrition boost to get them to darken again.
Hibiscus, henna, reetha, Indian gooseberry, and panax ginseng are some herbs that claim to reduce grey hair.
Hair Toning Shampoos
If you have just a few strands of grey peeking out, you might not need a herbal shampoo to reduce grey hair.
You can instead use a purple shampoo to simply brighten up your greys.
These shampoos remove the brassiness and yellow tones from your grey hair, making them seem intentional!
Color Depositing Shampoo
Any shampoo to reduce grey hair needs time to work. No matter how effective the formulation is!
But if you need a more instant solution to your grey hair, you can go ahead and try using a color-depositing shampoo for grey hair.
These shampoos usually contain dye pigments that coat the strands of your hair, leaving them colored.
These come in various shades to match your current hair color (black, blonde, brunette, and even bright jewel or pastel shades).
Tips For Reducing Grey Hair
There are several ways to reduce premature greying. The easiest way is to use the best shampoo to reduce grey hair.
We like this method the best because cleansers are so easy to use. And using the natural ingredients that these products contain is also good for the health of your tresses.
But there are a few other ways you can keep your mane from turning grey. These include:
Protect them from the sun: UV radiation is notorious for causing signs of aging like premature greying, fine lines, and wrinkles.
So the best thing you can do, apart from using the top shampoo to reduce grey hair, is to cover your tresses while going out. Use a hat or scarf to prevent direct exposure to the sun.
Use amla and Brahmi hair oil: Indian traditional medicine has used herbs like amla and Brahmi for centuries to combat premature greying.
Hair oil made of these ingredients is best to remove white hair. You can even add in castor oil, as it is known to turn grey hair black.
Reduce stress: A hectic lifestyle and excessive stress are one of the major causes of premature greying. So, even if you use the best product to reduce gray hairs, it’s always a good thing to keep the stress at bay.
Get proper nutrition: A balanced diet, when combined with the best cleanser to reduce greys, is a sure shot remedy to keep grey hair at bay.
Eat foods rich in vitamins, especially vitamin B and C. Omega-3 fatty acids are also great for hair and skin health.
Having difficulty in maintaining a balanced diet? Try using supplements instead.
Conclusion
The greying of strands is a very natural process, but it can be a nightmare for most people, especially if your tresses lose their natural color before time.
It’s a good thing then that we have the best shampoo to reduce grey hair.
It helps restore your hair’s health and keep you looking younger. Among the products for premature greying, cleansers are also the easiest to use.
Pick your favorite from the list above, and let us know how it goes!