The Best Gray Hair Dyes You Can Use At Home, According To Experts (2025)

If you’re in a pinch but looking to change up your style, this platinum depositing mask is for you. “This product is easy to use and only needs to be applied for five to seven minutes to achieve the desired goal,” says Tara Potocki, a licensed cosmetologist and professional hair colorist. “Moroccanoil is also great for anyone who loves to change up their tone, because it only stays in the hair a few washes.”

Rave review: "Honestly this conditioner makes my hair look better than any other product I have used. The color is vibrant and lasts."

“This product lasts for about six weeks, so you can see how you feel before you fully commit,” says Tyraah Hopper, a licensed hairstylist and professional colorist in Bridgman, Michigan. Plus, the formula contains essential oils for a subtle sweet smell and contains sunflower extract for added UV protection.

Rave review: "My hair feels super healthy after I dye it, which is probably my favorite thing about this brand!"

Not only will this product deeply condition, but it also deposits intense silver pigment onto your hair that lasts for up to 25 washes. “I recommend this to those who are wanting silver tones that last,” says Potocki. “This color depositing conditioner is my go-to for those who want longevity.”

Rave review: "I recently decided to let my natural hair color grow out and let the silver shine...This enhanced the silver and made it shine really well and washed out after a couple of weeks."

If bold, smokey, silver hair is calling your name, this permanent hair dye promises to deliver. The nourishing formula hydrates hair so it doesn't look dull or flat, and the multi-dimensional color coats every strand for the ultimate shimmer.

Rave review: "This is my favorite boxed hair color! Excellent results! I use it every couple of months. I highly recommend this product!"

If your goal is an ethereal silver hue with smoky undertones, oVertone pastel silver is your go-to, says Hopper. “It doesn’t dry out your hair, it’s super moisturizing, and the color doesn’t bleed everywhere,” she adds.

Rave review: "It's a good product. I use it sparingly, but it does a great job to keep my color looking fresh and keeping my hair moisturized."

Bold vibrant color in only 20 minutes? Yes please. “The color on the bottle doesn’t reflect the color that goes on the hair, but the results are beautiful,” says Hopper. It also restores damaged strands by locking in moisture and revitalizing dry roots.

Rave review: "I'm obsessed with this stuff...I purchased the Slate Grey, and have officially found my holy grail silver/grey hair coloring product."

If you want shimmering platinum silver hair for a day, Clairol’s hair color makeup works wonders. Not only is it approved for all hair types and textures, but the color also activates with a blow-dryer to ensure no staining or transfer on your clothes.

Rave review: "Easy to 'paint' on, and easy to wash out."

Cruelty-free and no harsh chemicals? Say less. This semi-permanent dye is great for long lasting color to achieve the ultimate sterling hue, says Potocki. “Arctic Fox should be kept on the hair for at least 30 or more minutes to achieve your desired results,” she adds.

Rave review: "It goes on extremely easy, it doesn’t fade super fast as long as you wash it only a couple times a week in lukewarm/cold water, the color is vibrant and beautiful, the dye smells good, and it doesn’t stain."

Because gray hair can look flat after a few washes, Sam Griffith, a colorist at Blast Blow Dry Bar, recommends this color-reviving gloss to boost your shine and counteract any yellowing. The cruelty-free formula also immediately freshens silver tones and reduces brassiness.

Rave review: "I use Color Reviving Gloss between colorings. It makes my hair look 'just-colored' all the time. It is amazing!"

It sounds too good to be true, but this product colors, cleanses, and conditioners your hair! The non-lathering, conditioning cleaner is designed to instantly infuse color and stunning hues into every hair wash.

Rave review: "This product makes hair smooth and silky with just the right amount of silver."

Infused with argan oil, olive oil, collagen, and keratin, this mystic silver hair dye won't compromise the integrity of your natural hair. The aloe vera based formula also hydrates your locks and repairs dead skin cells on the scalp.

Rave review: "Previously dyed hair maintained some yellow tone, even after professional bleaching. Didn't want more harsh chemicals on my hair. Tintation Mystic Silver did the job admirably."

If you're looking for something as low-effort as possible, this color-depositing shampoo delivers, says Gareth Ward, artistic designer at Salon Eva Michelle in Boston. As long as your hair is pre-lightened, it'll grant you a gorgeous silver shade in just a few minutes. A great option for refreshing existing color!

Rave review: "This smells so good and the color payoff is excellent!!"

Maybe you want to try the shade on for size before you commit to something more permanent? This spray, a temporary version of a shade salon stylists use, affords you that chance—and it sprays on just like a dry shampoo.

Rave review: "Best hair color I have used in a spray. Hair was still super soft and the color was vibrant. Loved it."

There are a few things you should know about dyeing your hair any color before you go at it. With gray in particular, in order to see maximum at-home results with vibrant color, your starting hair needs to be light blonde or professionally bleached.

“To achieve silver or gray, your hair needs to be platinum blonde or already a natural silvery gray,” Potocki says. If you have dark hair, it’s best to consult with a professional colorist because at-home bleaching can be dangerous.

Before you go all in, make sure you do a patch test. “A lot of dyes that you buy over the counter are not professional grade and you don’t know how your hair is going to react because not all dyes are the same,” Hopper says. “Always try dyeing a small piece of hair first to make sure it doesn’t damage the integrity of your hair, and that you actually like the color.”

Once your hair canvas is the correct tone, you’re going to need gloves, a mixing bowl, a brush to apply the product, and your desired dye. “Make sure you thoroughly read your home color hair instructions,” adds Potocki. “Following manufacturer instructions and being sure to know the processing time [for your desired product] is what will give you the best results.”

From there, section your hair into four parts. “Color is not shampoo, so do not just rub it around,” Hopper stresses. “Section your hair evenly and apply the color to each part to get maximum results and strong tones.”

After coloring and achieving your desired results, use a shampoo or gloss formulated for gray or silver hair between washes like Jhirmack Silver Brightening Purple Shampoo or Oribe Silverati Shampoo. It's also best to touch up every couple of weeks to maintain vibrancy.

Also, remember that hair dye's main purpose is to stain, so make sure to apply in a protected area near your sink or in the shower, says Griffith. “Always use warm water when rising extra color down the sink [to protect from staining or color residue].”

For additional protection, use a barrier like Vaseline on the skin to avoid staining, and use towels or clothing you're comfortable getting dirty and/or ruined, he adds.