Best Hair Products for Thick, Grey Hair
My mom has always had really good hair; it’s thick, healthy, and has natural shine. She’s let her grey grow in over the last few years, and that’s required her to adjust the products she uses, since grey hair has a tendency to be coarser and more wiry. It’s taken a lot of trial and error to find the products that tame frizz, add shine, and keep her hair hydrated without weighing it down, drying it out, or leaving any sticky, greasy, or thick residues. She’s tried everything from drugstore to salon-only, and together we’ve rounded up the products that make the biggest difference and are worth purchasing over and over again.
best shampoos for thick, grey hair
Oribe Silverati Shampoo - Absolutely worth the money. This makes your grey hair shine and look so fresh and toned without tinting it purple or drying it out. A little goes a long way, and this bottle will last you long enough to justify the price. This makes your hair look like you just stepped out of a salon, and hydrates your hair, making it easier to style later on.
Kevin Murphy Hydrate Me Wash - The brand calls their shampoos “washes.” This one is ultra-hydrating, cleans your hair without stripping natural oils, and tames frizz without weighing your hair down. It’s thicker than most shampoos, but easy to wash out. My mom prefers the Oribe for its consistency and easy of purchasing (you typically have to buy Kevin Murphy through your salon), but this is a great, slightly cheaper option that still provides high-quality results.
Davines NouNou Shampoo - While this shampoo isn’t specifically formulated for grey hair, it’s a great, universal shampoo. It’s gentle, doesn’t dry out your hair or scalp, keeps your color looking fresh, and smells great. You can find it online (no need to go into a salon) - Sephora and Nordstrom sell Davines, which is nice if you belong to their rewards programs.
best conditioners and masks for thick, grey hair
Amika hydro rush Intense Moisture Mask with Hyaluronic Acid – More intense than the soulfood mask you have may seen online, this is my mom’s absolute favorite mask, and it’s replaced her traditional conditioner. The texture is more of a whipped product than a straight-forward mask and it should be left on for 5-10 minutes, but it eliminates frizz like no other - this mask is 10/10, especially if you live in a humid climate.
Davines NouNou Hair Mask – This is a great, thick, extra-hydrating mask. It’s a little pricey, but the results are worth it, even if you only use it once a month. The scent is so fresh and makes you feel like you’re at a spa, and you’re left with extra-hydrated hair with healthy, natural volume. If you’re trying to save money, get the NouNou shampoo instead, since shampoos can sometimes be drying, and then use the Amika mask – this is the dream combo and my mom’s go-to travel regimen. It will give you maximum results at the best price.
best hair treatments and heat protectants for thick, grey hair
Davines Heart Of Glass Rich Conditioner - Technically a conditioner, but it also serves as a toner so I’m considering it a treatment. This product is a dream for adding shine. It makes your hair soft and sleek, and the results last - this formula penetrates deep into your hair to eliminate all frizz. It’s meant to tone blonde hair, so it also makes grey hair pop without turning it purple or blue. The brand also makes an Intense Treatment as part of the Heart of Glass line. It may seem cheaper, but it’s a smaller bottle and the results don’t outperform the conditioner, so the conditioner is the better product to buy.
Davines Oi All in One Milk - Miracle product in a bottle, this does it all. It serves as a heat protectant, tames frizziness, hydrates as a leave-in conditioner, and detangles your hair. If you buy one product from this post, this is the one. Spray it on damp hair before blow-drying/ styling, or let it sit all day as a pre-wash treatment. This is the #1 must-have hair product anytime my mom travels; it really does it all.
best styling tools for thick, grey hair
** - My mom’s hair has always been naturally straight, but has gotten a natural wave to it as the grey has grown in. She’s tried straightening it, curling it, and everything in between. This beach waver has become her best friend. It’s easy to use, quick, and gives her a really pretty curl without being too structured or “big.” I always thought wavers tangled your hair, but she hasn’t had any problems with it.
