When Mother Nature has lost her touch, the best oils for gray hair add a little shimmer and shine. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp says, “Gray hair can feel coarser than pigmented hair because it produces less sebum or oil.” But there is hope. While natural oil production decreases over time, the best oils for gray hair continuously smooth hair, add shine, and rejuvenate each individual strand. The trick? Finding a hair oil that has a powerful rejuvenating effect, but is light enough to make gray hair look vibrant, bouncy, and definitely not greasy. Below, hairdressers, dermatologists, and a trichologist reveal how to incorporate the best oils for gray hair into your weekly routine, and which formulas they recommend most to restore silvery styles to their shine.
Our top tips
In this article:
- How can you moisturize gray hair?
- What to look for in an oil against grey hair
- Which oils are best for grey hair?
- Which ingredients are most beneficial for grey hair?
- Meet the experts
Rōz Willow Glen Body Oil
- Why we love it: “To keep gray hair healthy, regular use of a moisturizing shampoo and deep conditioning mask like Rōz Willow Glen Pre-Wash Treatment Oil is essential,” says Roszak. “I recommend applying Willow Glen to dry hair and scalp, saturating the mid-lengths and ends, and combing through. Leave it in for at least 10 minutes, or wear it as a sleeping mask overnight.” The formula contains six active plant-based oils—including moisturizing jojoba oil and frizz-reducing macadamia seed oil—that hydrate the scalp while repairing and nourishing hair. It also contains kukui nut oil. “It’s a natural UV protectant that preserves hair integrity and, most importantly, protects color and enhances shine, which is needed for graying hair,” says Roszak of the nut-based ingredient.
- Main ingredients: Kukui nut oil, sunflower seed oil, jojoba oil, macadamia seed oil, sesame oil, coconut oil
- Size: 2 fl oz
Oribe Gold Lust nourishing hair oil
- Why we love it: A recommendation from Dr. Camp, Oribe’s luxurious formula has also long been a favorite of fashion Editors. (When it launched in 2013, our beauty editors hailed the product as a “miracle oil”—and we’ve been reaping its smoothing benefits ever since.) “A signature blend of jasmine, edelweiss flower, lychee, sandalwood, cassis, and argan extracts penetrates the hair shaft to restore, strengthen, and nourish damaged hair,” says Dr. Camp. Containing Oribe’s Signature Complex to protect hair from oxidative stress, the oil offers more than just benefits for silvery manes. The cult classic has also found its way into model Yumi Nu’s makeup bag; another dark-haired beauty, K-pop star JIHYO, is another Gold Lust loyalist.
- Main ingredients: Argan and jasmine oils, sandalwood extract, Oribe Signature Complex
- Size: 3.4 ounces
Augustinus Bader The Hair Oil
- Why we love it: Augustinus Bader’s facial oil is legendary among those looking to hydrate their skin. Luckily, the German doctor has a similar concoction for hair. “Vitamin E, sunflower seed oil, argan oil and castor oil are included in this lightweight, fast-absorbing oil that promises to increase thickness and volume while reducing breakage and split ends,” says Dr. Camp. The oil also contains the brand’s signature TFC8 complex. The sacred blend of amino acids, vitamins and synthesized molecules supports cell renewal and hair growth.
- Main ingredients: TFC8, squalane, vitamin E, pomegranate oil, argan oil, baobab oil
Size: 3.4 fl oz
Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Hair Oil
- Why we love it: Olaplex’s No. 7 Bonding Hair Oil is a celebrity-approved hair oil that has a cult following among gorgeous hair styles, including Charlize Theron. Free from parabens or sulfates, the oil is enriched with bond repairing technology that reduces frizz and flyaways while providing UV and heat protection. It also contains grape seed and green tea oil to add shine, softness and color vibrancy to gray hair.
- Main ingredients: Bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate, grape seed oil, green tea oil
- Size: 1 fl oz
Moroccanoil Treatment Purple
- Why we love it: Moroccanoil’s detangling, shine-enhancing treatment also helps keep gray hair looking cool—and not just figuratively. “This color-correcting, lightweight oil is designed for gray and blonde hair to neutralize brassy tones. It contains argan oil and flaxseed extract to protect hair from damage and leave it looking and feeling healthier,” says Dr. Camp. Since argan oil is a natural heat protectant for hair, the treatment can also ward off thermal damage from heat styling.
- Main ingredients: Linseed extract, argan oil, violet pigments
- Size: 1.7 fl oz
Aavrani Hair and Scalp Restoration Oil
- Why we love it: “If you use an oil on the scalp, I recommend using it as a pre-cleanse before shampooing, which will help detoxify the scalp and add moisture to the hair cuticle,” says Hallajian—but a good hair oil can also be used after washing. “I love Aavrani Hair & Scalp Recovery Oil because it’s an oil with multiple benefits,” she continues. “It can be used on the scalp and in the hair before washing to help cleanse, and as a finishing oil for softness and shine.” The formula combines Ayurvedic ingredients—like rosemary to stimulate hair growth and superfood alma to nourish the scalp—with a proprietary bonding complex. The latter ingredient repairs hair damage and prevents split ends, which can often plague dry, gray hair.
- Main ingredients: Alma, Bond Complex, Rosemary
- Size: 1.69 fl oz
How can you moisturize gray hair?
“To keep gray hair moisturized, I recommend using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, deep conditioning weekly, and applying natural oils like argan oil,” says New Jersey hairstylist Jennifer Korab. “Avoid frequent washing, use heat protectants, and choose sulfate-free products.”
Dr. Candace Spann, a board-certified dermatologist in Las Vegas, also recommends avoiding sulfates or fragrances when your hair is going gray. “Shampoos with harsh ingredients can dry out hair and dry out gray hair even more,” she says. Korab also advises getting regular haircuts, eating a balanced diet to maintain overall hair health, and using a humidifier in dry environments to help gray hair retain its moisture.
What to look for in an oil against grey hair
“Gray hair is often dry or coarser and therefore a bit frizzy,” says Mara Roszak, the celebrity hairdresser behind Rōz Hair Care. “It’s important to choose a styling oil for daily use that preserves the beautiful gray color and doesn’t yellow, smoothes the hair and protects it from heat without weighing it down.” Some hair oils like Moroccanoil Treatment Purple contain ingredients that reduce the brassiness of gray hair – Moroccanoil’s formula, for example, is rich in purple pigments.
Sara Hallajian, a trichologist in Santa Monica, California, stresses the importance of finding a lightweight formula. “Not all oils are suitable for hair,” she says. You should look for an oil that is light enough to be absorbed into the hair cuticle so your hair doesn’t look heavy and greasy.”
Which oils are best for grey hair?
Which oils are particularly light enough for gray hair? Hallajian explains her selection below.
