Going to the parlor regularly to color your gray hair can be quite a hassle. It is not also time-consuming but also an expensive affair. However, you can use the best color-depositing shampoo for gray hair to avoid this.
Using these shampoos, you can easily cover your greys at home in just a few minutes. They are also available in different color tones and can make your hair lively and shiny. Moreover, these shampoos are great for maintaining the color of your hair between coloring appointments.
While color-depositing shampoos do not fully cover gray hair, they can temporarily cover up gray patches in your hair and give you an entirely new look. For best results, use color depositing shampoo with a conditioner.
However, in this article, we will discuss the 15 best color depositing shampoos for gray hair.
What Are Color-Depositing Shampoos For Gray Hair?
If you want to make your gray hair look vibrant again, consider using a color-depositing shampoo. According to Olivia Moore, it is a type of shampoo that contains color pigments to improve the tone of your hair. Moreover, it is a mild hair cleanser for people who regularly color their hair. You can also use these shampoos on all colors of hair.
These shampoos can give your hair a new color without visiting a salon. Moreover, these color-depositing shampoos are gentle enough to use on your gray hair, and you can use them in conjunction with other products for color-treated hair. They are also softer on the hair and help to maintain the color.
Color-depositing shampoo is an excellent product if you have recently dyed your hair. It will help keep the color vibrant for longer and help your hair look brighter between coloring sessions. Moreover, these shampoos can save you money by eliminating the need for frequent trips to the salon.
You need to find the best color-depositing shampoo for gray hair to get the best shine and tone. First, ensure that the shampoo contains no sulfates, sodium, or chlorine. It should also cleanse your hair thoroughly without leaving it feeling greasy or brassy. Finally, it should be packed with organic ingredients, preventing hair color from fading.
Color-depositing shampoos provide a more subtle option than traditional dyes and give you more control over your color. You can choose a subtle or bold shade that works for you, and the results are noticeable. As per Softer Hair, the beauty of color-depositing shampoos is that they can be used at home and provide results in just one wash or over time.
Benefits of Using Color Depositing Shampoo for Gray Hair
- Color-depositing shampoos are an excellent way to keep gray hair from looking too drab and lifeless. Some of these shampoos even contain purple pigments that you can use to tone your hair and banish the brassy undertones. We can also use these products to protect your hair from further damage caused by sun exposure.
- These products can also restore dull dye or bleach colors. You can use them at home or in the shower to cover gray roots and revive all-over color. Color-depositing shampoos and conditioners also contain gentle and healthy ingredients for your hair. However, ensure you use them sparingly and only on hair beginning to look gray.
- According to CavinKare, color-depositing shampoos can help you achieve a luscious, vibrant color. Many of these shampoos contain natural ingredients and are vegan or plant-based. They are great for those with gray hair because they are gentle and free of harsh chemicals.
- A color-depositing shampoo is an excellent choice for gray hair because it doesn’t require a salon visit to achieve the desired results. Instead, it simply works by depositing pigment in your hair. Unlike other dyes, these products do not cause any side effects and can actually make your hair look more vibrant and shiny.
- One of the most significant benefits of using color-depositing shampoo is that it allows you to color your hair without worrying about fading it. In addition, color-depositing shampoos are compatible with all permanent color brands and don’t require processing time. So whether you’re looking for a vibrant red-orange tone or a deep, warm-red hue, the color-depositing shampoo will deliver. Here is a YouTube video showing how color-depositing shampoos enhance your hair color.
Best Color for Covering Gray Hair
According to Wella, when it comes to covering grey hair, a few options are available. Depending on your hair color, you can use different tones of color depositing shampoos.
- Brunette, Honey Blonde, And Chestnut
The best color for covering brunette, honey blonde, and chestiness gray hair is blue. If you are naturally brunette, consider the deeper blue color depositing shampoo. This color blends well with red and brown tones and hides gray strands. This color is also the perfect foundation for strawberry blonde highlights. - Red, Ginger, And Strawberry Blonde
If you have red, ginger, or strawberry blonde hair, you can use red color depositing shampoo to cover your greys. You can even experiment with a deeper red, like mahogany red. If you don’t want to go to a salon, you can dye your hair using a henna shampoo. - Blonde, Sliver, or Gray
If you are trying to cover your blonde, silver, or gray hair, you can choose a purple color depositing shampoo. This color will give the perfect tone to your hair. - Black Or Asian Hair
The best color shampoo for covering black or Asian gray hair is black. For example, an all-over black color depositing shampoo is the best option if you’re looking to mask the grays.
How I Tested the Best Color Depositing Shampoo For Gray Hair?
There are many different types of color-depositing shampoos on the market. According to Healthline, you may also want to use one that enhances your natural color and adds vibrancy to your grey hair. Moreover, we have used some key parameters to rate different color-depositing shampoos after testing them.
- Long-Lasting
Color-depositing shampoos don’t last long and can quickly fade with two or three washes. So, we looked for a shampoo that offers a long-lasting tone. - The Vibrancy of the Pigment
A color-depositing shampoo is an effective way to change gray hair into a different color. Moreover, we have tested the shampoos based on the vibrancy of the color pigment to see how well they can cover gray hair. - Ingredients
When it comes to color-depositing shampoo for gray hair, you need to look for those that are gentle on hair and do not contain sulfates. We have also checked the shampoo for natural and organic ingredients. - Conditioning
Grey hair needs special care, and you should invest in a good conditioning shampoo. Moreover, we have checked whether the shampoos can moisturize the hair and keep it soft. - Ease of Use
There are several different color depositing shampoos on the market. Another factor we have taken into consideration is the ease of use. You also need to check the shampoo is easy to apply and rinse.
15 Best Color Depositing Shampoos for Gray Hair
Here is a list of the 15 best color-depositing shampoos for gray hair. We have thoroughly tried and tested these shampoos on gray hair to get the best results.
#1. Matrix Total Results So Silver Color Depositing Purple Shampoo
Best for Blonde Hair

- Tones blonde and silver hair
- Specially formulated for color-treated hair
- Illuminated highlights on blondes
- Repair and hydrates hair
- Deposits violet pigments
- Neutralizes unwanted yellow tones
- Eliminated dull tones
- Best color depositing shampoo for blondes
- Rehydrates dry hair
- Provides extra moisture and care
- Easy to apply and use
- Pleasant fragrance
- Not for dark-colored hair
- Contains sulfates
#2. Celeb Luxury Intense Color Depositing Shampoo
Best for Jewel-toned Hair
- Purple color wash shampoo
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Daily-hydrating shampoo
- Sulfate-free
- Color depositing shampoo with the bond rebuilder
- For color-treated blondes and browns
- Plant-based shampoo
- Helps to refresh and maintain color
- Rehydrates dry hair
- Doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals
- Cleanses and colors your hair
- Conditions hair
- Takes more than one wash to get an even color
#3. Fanola No Orange Shampoo
Best Anti-Orange Shampoo
- Best for icy blonde hair look
- Contains extra blue pigment
- Anti-orange color shampoo
- Formulated with coconut oil
- Enriched with hypoallergenic Tiare flower
- Tones unwanted brass and orange tones
- Ideal for covering grays
- Versatile shampoo
- Easy to apply and use
- Prevent breakage/split ends
- Adds shine to your hair
- Nourishes and seal hair cuticles
- Citrus scent can be overwhelming
#4. Herbishh Hair Color Shampoo For Gray Hair
Best for Dark Brown Hair
- Helps to reverse hair graying
- Magic hair dye shampoo
- 3-in-1 safer hair dye shampoo
- Easy to use
- Budget-friendly
- Ammonia-free color-depositing shampoo
- Provides instant hair color
- Best for brunettes
- Helps to color, clean, and condition your hair
- Quick and easy application
- Contain natural base ingredients
- 100% vegan and ammonia-free
- Can stain white bathroom tiles
#5. Punky Redilicious 3-in-1 Color Depositing Shampoo and Conditioner
Best shampoo + Conditioner
- 3-in-1 color depositing shampoo and conditioner
- Best for fiery red hair color
- Infused with a blend of natural ingredients
- Vivacious color in one wash
- Cruelty-free and made in the USA
- Doesn’t contain any chemicals
- Helps to restore and rejuvenate hair color
- Enhances red color tones
- Provides luster and shine
- Best for a subtle touch-up
- Paraben-free and dye-free
- Helps to nourish and strengthen hair color
- Stains too much
#6. Aveda Blue Malva Color Shampoo
Best for All Hair Shades
- Blue color pigment
- Contains pure plant and flower essence
- Cruelty-free shampoo
- Eucalyptus scent
- Gentle and organic shampoo
- Made from naturally derived ingredients
- Perfect for all shades of hair
- Sulfate-free formula
- Good for the environment
- Mild shampoo
- Expensive
#7. Amika Bust Your Brass Cool Blonde Shampoo
Best for Dry Hair
- Ultra-violet formula
- Fortifies hair with nutrients
- Best for chemically-treated hair
- Stop brassiness
- Contains wild cherry bark extract
- Brings out color and shine
- Keeps hair manageable, smooth, and silky
- Made from potent natural ingredients
- Keeps the blonde color light and bright
- Best for dry hair
- Bottle is very small
#8. Watercolors Intense Metallic Color Depositing Shampoo
Best Sulfate-Free Shampoo
- Sulfate-free shampoo
- Intense metallic silver tone
- Maintains and enhances hair color
- 3-in-1 formula
- Best for natural level 7 and pre-lightened hair
- Helps to clean, condition, and refresh hair color
- Deliver vibrant tones
- Rich foaming lather
- Enhance non-treated hair’s natural hues
- Provides brilliant shine
- Packing is not good
#9. Klorane Plant-Based Purple Shampoo
Best Anti-Yellowing Shampoo
- Neutralizes unwanted yellow tones
- Plant-based purple shampoo
- Silicone and sulfate-free
- Contains centaury
- Makes hair bouncy and soft
- For blondes, platinum, gray, or white hair
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Cleanses and neutralizes unwanted yellow
- Maintains hair brightness and vibrancy
- Vegan formula
- Not good for curly hair
#10. Phyto Argent No Yellow Shampoo
Best Natural Shampoo
- No yellow shampoo
- Best for gray and white hair
- All natural formula
- Neutralizes brassiness
- Makes hair soft and light
- Enhances gray, white, and platinum blonde hair
- Contains color-enhancing plant extracts
- Rich in antioxidants
- Reduces dullness and makes hair shiny
- Paraben, silicone, and gluten-free
- Makes hair dry
#11. SheaMoisture Purple Rice Water Strength + Color Care Shampoo
Best Strengthening Shampoo
- Restores hair
- Mineral-rich shampoo
- Removes dullness
- Strength + color care
- Sulfate-free and color safe
- Helps to strengthen damaged hair
- Enhances hair color
- Restores hair shine
- Contains no chemicals
- Best for color maintenance
- Not for thin and fine hair
#12. L’Oreal Paris EverPure Shampoo
Best for Hair Volume
- Shampoo and conditioner set
- Gentle cleansing shampoo
- Perfectly conditions and revives fine hair
- Provides lasting volume
- Sulfate-free formula
- Anti-fade color shampoo
- Made from natural botanicals
- Improves hair volume and shine
- No harsh salts
- Contains lotus flower
- Lotus scent is overpowering
#13. Sachajuan Silver Shampoo
Best UV Protection Shampoo
- Violet pigments
- Adds volume and luster
- Offers UV-protection
- Neutralize yellow/golden tones
- Cruelty-free formula
- Hydrates hair
- Enriched with Ocean Silk Technology
- Best for blonde and gray hair
- Cleanse and color care
- Nourishes hair
- Not for everyday use
#14. Redken Color Extend Graydiant Purple Shampoo
Best for Gray and Silver Hair
- Best for color-treated hair
- Used by the salon and spa experts
- Strengthens hair
- Hair toner for gray & silver hair
- Anti-yellow shampoo
- Formulated with customized violet pigments
- Contains amino acids
- Helps to transform gray hair
- Enhances softness and shine
- Restores brightness
- Contains sulfates
#15. Joico Color Balance Purple Shampoo & Conditioner
Best for Cool Blonde Hair
- Shampoo and conditioner mini set
- Best for cool blonde and gray hair
- Helps to fight frizz
- Purple color pigment
- Makes gray hair brighter
- Perfect color care
- Nourishes hair
- Offers UV protection
- Contains sulfates
FAQ – Color Depositing Shampoos for Gray Hair
Does Color-Depositing Shampoo Work on Gray Hair?

Color-depositing shampoo works on all shades of gray hair. Moreover, it is an excellent option for color-treated hair. A shampoo deposits color pigment into the gray hair to match your color-treated hair. However, make sure you use only the best shampoo for gray hair.
Is Color Depositing Shampoo Bad For Your Hair?

Only some color-depositing shampoos are suitable for your hair. You can use organic or all-natural color-depositing shampoos for minimal damage. These shampoos are also paraben-free, sulfate-free, gluten-free, silicone-free, and safe for your hair. However, a color-depositing shampoo should only be used every two to three weeks to retain its vibrancy and avoid hair damage.
How Often Should You Use a Color-Depositing Shampoo?

You can use a color-depositing shampoo at least every other or third wash to maintain your hair color, but you must be sure that the color stays. Using these shampoos twice a week to keep the color would be best.
Final Thoughts
Color-depositing shampoos are light semi-permanent dyes containing pigment to enhance your hair color. You can use a color-depositing shampoo on any hair and even use it on previously dyed hair. However, using a shampoo with the right formula for your hair type is essential because some formulas only work with some hair types. Therefore, we have tested different color-depositing shampoos and came up with the 15 best ones for different hair types. Moreover, you can use any of these shampoos to cover your grays.