We all knew that the gray hair would come; that was no surprise. What they failed to tell us was how parched and coarse our hair would become with age. While men get away with being silver foxes with little effort, women continue to search for holy grail products to make their hair supple and manageable, even if it is gray or white. Enter the deep conditioning treatments for gray hair–your holy grail.
For many, caring for gray hair is a whole new learning curve. Not only does the color change as we age, but the texture does too. As you embrace your new look, lean into products that pamper your hair with moisture, both with daily conditioners and regular masks or deep conditioners. It’s important to note that many products marketed for color-treated hair, especially platinum blonde, are typically wonderful for gray hair as well. We’ve found just a few to get you started.
6 Top-Rated Deep Conditioners for Gray Hair
Matrix Total Results So Silver Deep Conditioning Triple Power Toning Hair Mask, $24
If you’re looking for stunning silver or snowy white hair, toning is probably high on your priority list. By depositing contrasting pigments with each treatment, this triple power toning mask not only softens hair but counteracts any yellow or brassy tones that can come along with grays. Users also say that this washout treatment left hair shiny and soft.
Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector, $28
No matter what your hair type–straight, wavy, or curly, Olaplex No. 3 will supercharge it to strength. After ten minutes on clean, damp hair, this treatment restores health by strengthening the disulfide bonds broken by normal heat styling, chemical treatments, and aging.
Better Not Younger Hair Redemption Restorative Butter Mask, $35
For sheer softness, turn to more holistic sources like the Restorative Butter Mask from Better Not Younger. With a combination of Vitamin E, mango, macadamia, avocado, Cupuaçu, and Murumuru butter, this rich masque drenches your strands in moisture for soft, supple hair. Plus, with only a 1-3 minute processing time, you can use this regularly and on the go making it one of the best deep conditioning treatments for gray hair.
Conditioning Treatments for Frizz
Rahua Legendary Amazon Oil (TM), $42
If you haven’t heard of rahua oil, get ready. This Amazonian wonder product comes from the ungurahua nut and bonds with your hair to create a smooth surface. In this form, it is blended with morete oil, sacha inchi, and aloe, and scented with gardenia flower. This lightweight oil tames frizz and mends split ends without weighing hair down. It’s so light that you can use it every day.
ALTERNA CAVIAR Anti-Aging (R) Restructuring Bond Repair Masque, $45
If you want to fight frizz, bulk up your hair against damage. This deep repair masque claims to reduce breakage (ahem, one of the causes of frizz) by 99 percent. Their caviar anti-aging complex delivers hydration and nourishment to your hair fast.
Shu Uemura Essence Absolue Nourishing Taming Overnight Serum, $69
Give your tresses a good night’s sleep with this overnight serum. Using red camellia oil, this leave-in treatment softens and nourishes hair all night, without leaving it greasy. No need to rinse out in the morning–simply style and go.
How often should you deep condition gray hair
Since gray hair is naturally much dryer, a regular regiment of deep conditioning is essential. Start with once a week, but pay attention to how your hair reacts to your chosen products. If your hair is parched, twice a week may be a better fit. Remember to start with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to maintain hydration levels as well.
Deep conditioning is step two in your fabulous gray hair routine. If you need help finding a routine for your gray, we’ve got you covered. Learn how to keep your gray hair soft and shiny here.
