13 Best Gray Hair Dyes For The Ultimate Silver Hair In 2023
<h3 class=”body-h3″>Can I dye my hair gray without bleach?</h3><p><strong></strong>There are a few things you should know about dyeing your hair any color before you go at it. With gray in particular, in order to see maximum at-home results with vibrant color, your starting hair needs to be light blonde or professionally bleached.</p><p>“To achieve silver or gray, your hair needs to be platinum blonde or already a natural silvery gray,” says <a href=”https://www.instagram.com/tarapotocki/”>Tara Potocki</a>, a licensed cosmetologist and professional hair colorist. If you have dark hair, it’s best to consult with a professional colorist because at-home bleaching can be dangerous.</p><h3 class=”body-h3″>How can I dye my hair gray at home?</h3><p><strong></strong>Before you go all in, make sure you do a patch test. “A lot of dyes that you buy over the counter are not professional grade and you don’t know how your hair is going to react because not all dyes are the same,” says Tyraah Hopper, a licensed hair stylist and professional colorist in Bridgman, Michigan. “Always try dyeing a small piece of hair first to make sure it doesn’t damage the <a href=”https://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/a40971361/3-skincare-ingredients-to-add-to-your-hair-routine/”>integrity of your hair</a>, and that you actually like the color.</p><p>”Once your hair canvas is the correct tone, you’re going to need gloves, a mixing bowl, a brush to apply the product, and your desired dye. “Make sure you thoroughly read your home color hair instructions,” adds Potocki. “Following manufacturer instructions and being sure to know the processing time [for your desired product] is what will give you the best results.”From there, section your hair into four parts. “Color is not shampoo, so do not just rub it around,” stresses Hopper. “Section your hair evenly and apply the color to each part to get maximum results and strong tones.”</p><h3 class=”body-h3″>How can I maintain my gray hair?</h3><p class=”body-text”><strong></strong>After coloring and achieving your desired results, <a href=”https://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/g27255859/best-shampoo-color-treated-hair/”>use a shampoo or gloss</a> formulated for gray or silver hair between washes like <a href=”https://www.amazon.com/Jhirmack-brightening-Ageless-shampoo-conditioner/dp/B071Y8GMK5″>Jhirmack Silver Brightening Purple Shampoo</a> or <a href=”https://www.amazon.com/ORIBE-Oribe-Silverati-Shampoo/dp/B084DW1VZM”>Oribe Silverati Shampoo</a>. It’s also best to touch up every couple of weeks to maintain vibrancy.</p><p class=”body-text”>Also, remember that hair dye’s main purpose is to stain, so make sure to apply in a protected area near your sink or in the shower, says Sam Griffith, a colorist at <a href=”https://blastblowdry.com/”>Blast Blow Dry Bar</a>. “Always use warm water when rising extra color down the sink [to protect from staining or color residue].”</p><p class=”body-text”>For additional protection, use a barrier like Vaseline on the skin to avoid staining, and use towels or clothing you’re comfortable getting dirty and/or ruined, he adds.</p>” />
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1
Best Gray Hair Dye for Temporary Color
Moroccanoil Color Depositing Mask, Platinum
1
Best Gray Hair Dye for Temporary Color
Moroccanoil Color Depositing Mask, Platinum
Credit: amazon.com
Pros
Works fast
Hydrating
Cons
Not long-lasting
If you’re in a pinch but looking to change up your style, this platinum depositing mask is for you. “This product is easy to use and only needs to be applied for five to seven minutes to achieve the desired goal,” says Potocki. “Moroccanoil is also great for anyone who loves to change up their tone, because it only stays in the hair a few washes.”
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2
Best Smelling Gray Hair Dye
Good Dye Young Semi Permanent Hair Dye
2
Best Smelling Gray Hair Dye
Good Dye Young Semi Permanent Hair Dye
Credit: amazon.com
Pros
Processes in 30 minutes
Hydrating
Cons
May bleed the first few washes
“This product lasts for about six weeks, so you can see how you feel before you fully commit,” says Hopper. Plus, the formula contains essential oils for a subtle sweet smell and contains sunflower extract for added UV protection.
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3
Best Gray Hair Dye for Longevity
mydentity MyRefresh Color Depositing Conditioner
3
Best Gray Hair Dye for Longevity
mydentity MyRefresh Color Depositing Conditioner
Credit: ulta.com
Pros
Conditions hair
Lasts up to 25 washes
Cons
May need to apply more than once for desired results
Not only will this product deeply condition, but it also deposits intense silver pigment onto your hair that lasts for up to 25 washes. “I recommend this to those who are wanting silver tones that last,” says Potocki. “This color depositing conditioner is my go-to for those who want longevity.”
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4
Best Gray Hair Dye for Permanent Color
L’Oréal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color
4
Best Gray Hair Dye for Permanent Color
L’Oréal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color
Credit: amazon.com
Pros
Vibrant color
Permanent
Cons
Strong scent
If bold, smokey, silver hair is calling your name, this permanent hair dye promises to deliver. The nourishing formula hydrates hair so it doesn’t look dull or flat, and the multi-dimensional color coats every strand for the ultimate shimmer.
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5
Best Gray Hair Dye for Dark Hair
oVertone Haircare Color Depositing Conditioner
5
Best Gray Hair Dye for Dark Hair
oVertone Haircare Color Depositing Conditioner
Credit: amazon.com
Pros
Safe for all hair textures and types
Doesn’t contain ammonia or bleach
Cons
Strong scent
If your goal is an ethereal silver hue with smoky undertones, oVertone pastel silver is your go-to, says Hopper. “It doesn’t dry out your hair, it’s super moisturizing, and the color doesn’t bleed everywhere,” she adds.
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6
Best Gray Hair Dye for Vibrant Color
XMONDO Color Slate Grey Hair Healing Semi Permanent Color
6
Best Gray Hair Dye for Vibrant Color
XMONDO Color Slate Grey Hair Healing Semi Permanent Color
Credit: amazon.com
Pros
Hydrating
Processes in 20 minutes
Cons
May stain
Bold vibrant color in only 20 minutes? Yes please. “The color on the bottle doesn’t reflect the color that goes on the hair, but the results are beautiful,” says Hopper. It also restores damaged strands by locking in moisture and revitalizing dry roots.
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7
Best Temporary Gray Hair Dye
Clairol Color Crave Temporary Hair Color Makeup
7
Best Temporary Gray Hair Dye
Clairol Color Crave Temporary Hair Color Makeup
Credit: amazon.com
Pros
Doesn’t stain or transfer onto clothing
Low commitment
Cons
May feel chalky on the hair
If you want shimmering platinum silver hair for a day, Clairol’s hair color makeup works wonders. Not only is it approved for all hair types and textures, but the color also activates with a blow-dryer to ensure no staining or transfer on your clothes.
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8
Best Budget Gray Hair Dye
Arctic Fox Vegan and Cruelty-Free Semi-Permanent Hair Color Dye
8
Best Budget Gray Hair Dye
Arctic Fox Vegan and Cruelty-Free Semi-Permanent Hair Color Dye
Credit: amazon.com
Pros
No harsh chemicals
Sweet scent
Cons
Small amount of product in the bottle
Cruelty-free and no harsh chemicals? Say less. This semi-permanent dye is great for long lasting color to achieve the ultimate sterling hue, says Potocki. “Arctic Fox should be kept on the hair for at least 30 or more minutes to achieve your desired results,” she adds.
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9
Best Gray Hair Dye for Toning
Madison Reed Color Reviving Gloss
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Best Gray Hair Dye for Toning
Madison Reed Color Reviving Gloss
Credit: ulta.com
Pros
Lasts 6-8 shampoos
Adds shine and tones faded color
Cons
Bottle only contains enough product for 1-2 applications
Because gray hair can look flat after a few washes, Griffith recommends this color-reviving gloss to boost your shine and counteract any yellowing. The cruelty-free formula also immediately freshens silver tones and reduces brassiness.
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10
Best Gray Hair Dye for Maintaining Color Vibrancy
Keracolor Clenditioner SILVER Hair Dye
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Best Gray Hair Dye for Maintaining Color Vibrancy
Keracolor Clenditioner SILVER Hair Dye
Credit: amazon.com
Pros
Colors, cleanses, and conditions hair
Maintains hues between washes to prevent fading
Cons
May stain hands
It sounds too good to be true, but this product colors, cleanses, and conditioners your hair! The non-lathering, conditioning cleaner is designed to instantly infuse color and stunning hues into every hair wash.
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11
Best Gray Hair Dye With Natural Ingredients
KISS Tintation Semi-Permanent Hair Color Treatment
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Best Gray Hair Dye With Natural Ingredients
KISS Tintation Semi-Permanent Hair Color Treatment
Credit: amazon.com
Pros
No harmful chemicals
Conditions hair
Cons
May feel oily on thin hair
Infused with argan oil, olive oil, collagen, and keratin, this mystic silver hair dye won’t compromise the integrity of your natural hair. The aloe vera based formula also hydrates your locks and repairs dead skin cells on the scalp.
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12
Best Semi-Permanent Gray Hair Dye
Celeb Luxury Viral Colorwash
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Best Semi-Permanent Gray Hair Dye
Celeb Luxury Viral Colorwash
Credit: Amazon
Pros
Easy to use
Works quickly
Cons
Hair needs to be pre-lightened
If you’re looking for something as low-effort as possible, this color-depositing shampoo delivers, says Gareth Ward, artistic designer at Salon Eva Michelle in Boston. As long as your hair is pre-lightened, it’ll grant you a gorgeous silver shade in just a few minutes. A great option for refreshing existing color!
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13
Best Gray Hair Dye Spray
L’Oréal Paris Colorista 1-Day Washable Temporary Hair Color Spray
13
Best Gray Hair Dye Spray
L’Oréal Paris Colorista 1-Day Washable Temporary Hair Color Spray
Now 18% Off
Credit: Amazon
Pros
Great for experimenting
Washes out easily
Cons
May be some overspray
Maybe you want to try the shade on for size before you commit to something more permanent? This spray, a temporary version of a shade salon stylists use, affords you that chance—and it sprays on just like a dry shampoo.
Andi Breitowich is a Chicago-based writer and graduate student at Northwestern Medill. She’s a mass consumer of social media and cares about women’s rights, holistic wellness, and non-stigmatizing reproductive care. As a former collegiate pole vaulter, she has a love for all things fitness and is currently obsessed with Peloton Tread workouts and hot yoga.