Brassiness—an unwanted yellow-tinged cast—is a much-talked about issue for blondes, especially for hair that’s color-treated. However, if you have white or gray hair, you might also struggle with brassiness.

Light-colored hair can form brassy discoloration as a result of mineral buildup and environmental factors, such as sun exposure, chlorine and pollution. Hair stylists often reach for purple shampoos to help keep brassiness at bay for their blonde clients, and those with white and gray hair can reap the same benefits at the salon or at home. Here, we’ll answer common questions about shampoo for gray hair, including:

• Does purple shampoo actually work on gray hair?

• How often should I use purple shampoo on my gray hair?

• The five best purple shampoos for gray hair

Does purple shampoo actually work on gray hair?

Purple shampoos do work to help reduce brassiness in gray hair by depositing purple pigments that neutralize the yellow and orange tones. Some purple shampoos are intended to be used on either blonde, white or gray hair, while others may be formulated specifically for gray hair with bonus ingredients to help reduce frizziness or support moisture levels.

How often should I use purple shampoo on my gray hair?

The effects of color-depositing shampoos are temporary, so to see lasting effects, you’ll want to make them a part of your regular hair care routine. The best purple shampoos for gray hair are formulated to be alternated with your daily shampoo, used once or twice weekly or as needed.

The five best shampoos for gray hair

Are you ready to bust brassiness with a purple shampoo for gray hair? Here are five of our top picks, as well as companion conditioners to round out your routine.

L’Oreal Professionnel Magnesium Silver Neutralising Shampoo

This purple shampoo for gray hair contains color-depositing purple pigments as well as an anti-yellow agent to help neutralize brassiness. It also features magnesium to help strengthen hair fibers and amino acids to protect hair from environmental damage.

Complimentary conditioner: L’Oreal Professionnel Expert Silver Conditioner

PHYTO Purple No Yellow Shampoo

French hair care brand PHYTO specializes in plant-based hair and scalp treatments, and this purple shampoo is their top option for reducing brassy tones in gray, white or blonde hair. Gentle cleansing agents combine with hydrating glycerin, vitamin E and white mallow extract to boost shine.

Complimentary conditioner: PHYTO Purple No Yellow Repair Mask

Philip B. Icelandic Blonde Shampoo

Though the label broadcasts that it’s for blondes, this color-toning shampoo from Philip B. helps counteract brassy tones in gray hair as well. Purple pigments go to work to keep gray strands looking while plum extract provides a light naturally derived scent. The addition of grapeseed oil helps boost shine, making this one of the best shampoos for gray, frizzy hair.

Complimentary conditioner: Philip B Lightweight Deep Conditioner

OLAPLEX No. 4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo

If you’re battling frizz, dryness and damage as well as brassiness, consider this restorative purple shampoo for gray hair as well as blonde. The formula combines the brassiness-busting violet pigments of a classic purple shampoo with OLAPLEX’s patented hair-strengthening ingredient, Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate. This ingredient works to strengthen and repair the broken disulfide bonds in individual hair strands. “Broken disulfide bonds in hair result in frizz, dullness and dryness,” says LovelySkin CEO Dr. Joel Schlessinger, board-certified dermatologist, Mohs surgeon and cosmetic surgeon. “When the bonds are repaired, hair looks and feels more healthy and is less prone to tangling and frizz.”

Complimentary conditioner: OLAPLEX No. 5P Blonde Enhancer Toning Conditioner

Surface Violet Shampoo

This purple shampoo for gray hair features purple pigment derived from the Maqui berry plant. Supporting ingredients such as nourishing moringa and babassu oils, aloe for hydration and volume-boosting amaranth protein make this formula one of the best shampoos for gray frizzy hair.

Complimentary conditioner: Surface Pure Blonde Violet Conditioner

Are you struggling with thinning hair? You can learn more about what supplements are good for hair growth on the LovelySkin Blog.