The best oils for gray hair can help give a little extra shine to areas that have lost their natural power. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp, “gray hair can feel stiffer than pigmented hair because it produces less sebum and oil.” But there’s hope. While natural oil production decreases over time, the best oils for gray hair can provide lasting smoothing, shine-boosting, and strength-restoring benefits. The secret? Find a hair oil that has powerful anti-aging benefits, yet is light enough to keep gray hair looking vibrant, bouncy, and obviously not greasy. Below, hair stylists, dermatologists, and trichologists share how to incorporate the best oils for gray hair into your weekly care routine, as well as the oils they most recommend for bringing back the shine to your silvery locks.
Our Recommendations
In this article:
Rose Willow Glen Treatment Oil
Roz
Willow Glen Treatment Oil
Why we recommend it: “Regular use of a moisturizing shampoo and a deep, repairing treatment mask like Rose Willow Glen Pre-Wash Treatment Oil once a week are essential to keeping gray hair healthy,” says Roszak. “We recommend applying Willow Glen to dry hair and scalp, working it through from mid-lengths to ends and combing it through. Leave it on for at least 10 minutes or use it as a mask overnight.” The formula contains six active botanical oils, including moisturizing jojoba oil and frizz-fighting macadamia seed oil, which repair and condition hair while hydrating the scalp. It also contains kukui nut oil, which is a natural UV protectant that helps maintain the health of your hair and, most importantly, protects the color and enhances the shine that gray hair needs,” says Roszak of the nut-based ingredient. Key Ingredients: Kukui Nut Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Jojoba Oil, Macadamia Seed Oil, Sesame Seed Oil, Coconut Oil Size: 2 fl oz
Oribe Gold Last Nourishing Hair Oil
Oribe
Goldlast Nourishing Hair Oil
Why we recommend it: Dr. Camp recommends Oribe’s luxurious formula, which has been a longtime favorite of Vogue editors. (When it launched in 2013, our beauty editors hailed it as a “miracle oil,” and we’ve been enjoying its silky-smooth effects ever since.) “Its signature blend of jasmine, edelweiss flower, lychee, sandalwood, blackcurrant, and argan extract penetrates the hair shaft to repair, strengthen, and condition damaged strands,” says Dr. Camp. Formulated with Oribe’s signature complex that protects hair from oxidative stress, this oil isn’t just for silver hair. This cult favorite can also be found in model Yumi Nu’s makeup bag. Another dark-haired beauty, K-pop star Jihyo, is also a Goldlust lover. Key Ingredients: Argan and Jasmine Oils, Sandalwood Extract, Oribe Signature Complex Size: 3.4 oz.
Augustinus Bader Hair Oil
Why we recommend it: Augustinus Bader’s face oils are legendary among those looking to take their skin moisturization to the next level. Luckily, the German doctor has a similar formula for hair. “Infused with Vitamin E, Sunflower Seed Oil, Argan Oil, and Castor Seed Oil, this lightweight, fast-absorbing oil promises to increase hair thickness and volume while reducing breakage and split ends,” says Dr. Camp. The oil also utilizes the brand’s signature TFC8 complex, a divine blend of amino acids, vitamins, and synthetic molecules that support hair cell renewal and growth. Key Ingredients: TFC8, Squalane, Vitamin E, Pomegranate Oil, Argan Oil, Baobab Oil
Size: 3.4 fl oz
Olaplex No.7 Bonding Hair Oil
Why we recommend it: Recognized as the hair oil of choice for the stars, Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Hair Oil has enthusiastic fans, including Charlize Theron, who use it to create gorgeous locks. Formulated without parabens or sulfates, this oil is infused with bond repair technology that reduces frizz and flyaways while protecting hair from UV rays and heat. It’s also infused with grapeseed oil and green tea oil to enhance shine, softness and color vibrancy in gray hair. Key Ingredients: Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, Grape Seed Oil, Green Tea Oil Size: 1 fl oz
Moroccan Oil Treatment Purple
Why we love it: Moroccanoil’s detangling and shine treatment makes gray hair look cool, and not just in a figurative sense. “Formulated to neutralize yellowing in gray and blonde hair, this lightweight, tone-correcting oil is made with argan oil and linseed extract to help protect hair from damage so it looks and feels healthier,” says Dr. Camp. Since argan oil is a natural heat protectant for hair, this treatment also prevents heat damage from heat styling. Key Ingredients: Flaxseed Extract, Argan Oil, Violet Pigment Size: 1.7 fl oz
Aavrani Hair & Scalp Recovery Oil
Avrani
Hair & Scalp Recovery Oil
Why we recommend it: “When using an oil on your scalp, I recommend using it as a pre-cleanser before shampooing as it helps detoxify the scalp and hydrates the hair cuticle,” says Harajan, but a good hair oil can also be used after washing your hair. “I like Aavrani Hair & Scalp Recovery Oil because it does so much,” she continues. “I use it on my scalp and hair before washing to help cleanse, and as a finishing oil to add smoothness and shine.” The formula blends Ayurvedic ingredients like rosemary, which promotes hair growth, and alma, a scalp-nourishing superfood, with a proprietary Bond Complex. The latter ingredient repairs damage while preventing split ends, which are common in dry, grey hair. Key Ingredients: Alma, Bond Complex, Rosemary Size: 1.69 fl oz
How can I moisturize my grey hair?
“To keep grey hair hydrated, I recommend using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, deep conditioning once a week, and applying natural oils like argan oil,” says New Jersey-based hairstylist Jennifer Korab. “Avoid over-washing, use products that protect your hair from heat, and choose products that are sulfate-free.”
Dr. Candice Spann, a board-certified dermatologist in Las Vegas, also recommends avoiding sulfates and fragrances if your hair starts to go gray. “Harsh shampoos can cause damage and make gray hair even drier,” she says. Dr. Korab also recommends getting regular haircuts, eating a balanced diet to maintain overall hair health, and using a humidifier in dry environments to keep gray hair moisturized.
What to look out for when choosing oil for grey hair
“Grey hair tends to be dry and stiff, which often leads to frizz,” says Mara Roszak, celebrity hairstylist for Rose Hair Care. “It’s important to choose a daily styling oil that will preserve the beautiful grey color, not yellow, smooth hair, and protect against heat styling without weighing it down.” Hair oils like Moroccanoil Treatment Purple contain ingredients that can help prevent grey hair from yellowing. Moroccanoil’s formula, for example, is enriched with violet pigments.
Santa Monica, Calif.-based trichologist Sarah Harrajan reiterates the importance of finding a lightweight formula. “Not all oils are good for your hair,” she says. You should look for oils that are light enough to be absorbed into the hair cuticle so that your hair doesn’t look heavy and greasy.”
What specific type of oil is best for grey hair?
Which oils are especially gentle on grey hair? Read on to find out more about Harajan’s picks.
