All You Need to Know About Yellowing Gray Hair
Yellowing gray hair will not happen to everyone, but if it happens to you and it bothers you, here are the best ways to reduce and remove yellow in your gray hair.
I had no idea that yellowing gray hair was an issue until I became immersed in the world of Gray Hair Facebook groups.
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But it is an issue and one that really causes consternation for some silver sisters. This post will address why gray hair turns yellow, how to prevent it, and how to treat it.
Before I get into the hows and whys of yellowing gray hair, let me reassure you – genetics also play a part in this, so some silver sisters will have more of a problem with yellowing than others.
Some of you may NEVER have a problem with yellowing, but forewarned is forearmed, right?
Please note that this article may contain affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure at the bottom of the page.
WHY GRAY HAIR TURNS YELLOW AND HOW TO PREVENT IT
A number of factors can cause gray hair to turn yellow. I’ve listed the most common causes below:
BETA-CAROTENE
Are you a carrot fanatic? When I was in college, and trying to stay super-skinny, I ate carrots like a madman. I noticed my skin turning darker, and thought that some kind of miracle had happened and that I actually had a tan!
But it wasn’t
Over-consuming vegetables and fruits that are high in beta-carotene (carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale, cantaloupe, etc.) can not only affect your
You don’t want to give up these healthy foods altogether, so just eat them in moderation.
CHLORINE
Do you swim in a chlorinated pool? If you do, you will want to protect your gray hair first.
One great solution? Wet your hair before going in the pool (dry hair will yellow more quickly than wet hair).
Apply a generous amount of QuickSilverHair Oil all over your hair. Then, tuck your hair into a
After you are done swimming, wash your hair with a good clarifying shampoo and conditioner.
HARD WATER OR WELL WATER
I live in Southern California and the water in my neighborhood is very hard. I didn’t realize that hard water can affect your hair color (whether natural or dyed), until I read this great article.
As the article states, hard water can leave a residue on your grays that leaves a yellowish cast. To prevent it, consider installing a showerhead that includes a water filter.
If that’s not an option, try this line of products designed specifically to prevent buildup from hard water. Note: Malibu says these products can be used on white/gray hair but do NOT use them with heat.
HEAT
Watch out for your styling tools! Curling irons, blow dryers, and flat irons can all cause gray hair to yellow.
Fine gray hair is especially susceptible to yellowing and, unfortunately, yellowing caused by heat or sun damage is permanent.
Try to refrain from using heat tools if you can. I prefer my hair straight, so letting it air dry isn’t my favorite option, but it is the healthier option, for sure!
If your hair is prone to yellowing, experiment with heat-free curling options to achieve gorgeous waves and curls.
Or, if you must use heat tools, make sure to use ones that have temperature controls and use them on the lowest setting. Always use a thermal protectant beforehand.
POLLUTION
This is a hard one to avoid if you live in a large city. The best I can tell you is to keep your hair relatively clean and to avoid heavy styling products (like mousses and gels) that attract pollutants.
This shampoo & conditioner designed especially for urban living is an interesting concept. It might be worth a try, if you live in a place with poor air quality.
PRODUCT BUILDUP
I saw a photo on Instagram the other day of a woman with gray hair who thought her hair was turning blonde again, and then found out it was actually just turning dark yellow due to product buildup. Yikes!
One good way to prevent product build-up is to use hair care products that do not contain silicones, sulfates or parabens.
By the Way, Your Hair Looks Fabulous’ products fit the bill, as do any products that are certified Curly Girl-Friendly.
If you’ve read my Current Hair Care Routine, you know I used clarifying shampoo once a week to fade my brunette dye while I was growing out my gray hair.
It’s also a great way to prevent excess product buildup. (It’s very drying, however, so make sure to follow up with a deep conditioner).
SMOKE
Are you a smoker, or do you like to hang out near campfires? Smoke will definitely cause your hair to yellow, so watch out!
It’s not easy to find information about how. to prevent smoke from yellowing your gray hair. But if you are a smoker, stopping would be the easiest way to keep your silvers bright!
And if you are Boy Scout volunteer, like I am, step back from the campfire!
In either case, wearing a bandana or tucking your lovely silver hair into a hat wouldn’t hurt.
SUN EXPOSURE
Sunshine can leave a yellow stain on your silvers. Protect them (and your skin) by wearing a hat.
Or, if you must go hatless, try this Aveda SPF spray for your hair. I love Aveda products (and by the way, many Aveda salons are Gray-Friendly, which is a good reason to support them!)
Erica Henry Johnston (who has STUNNING silvers) has a great video about sun damage:
Yellowing can also be caused by medications, vitamin deficiencies, hormone imbalances, liver disease, etc. So if the common causes listed above can be ruled out, you should consult with your doctor to see if there is a medical cause for the yellowing.
Going Gray? Make Sure to Read:
10 Transition Mistakes to Avoid At All Costs
In this post, I share the 10 most common gray hair transition mistakes to avoid so you can have a smooth and successful journey to naturally silver hair.
HOW TO GET YELLOW TONES OUT OF GRAY HAIR
QuickSilverHair Clay
One of the only surefire ways to remove (not just reduce!) yellow tones in your gray hair is to treat your hair with QuickSilverHair Clay.
QuickSilverHair Clay was invented by one of our own silver sisters, Joli Campbell, and it’s a beautiful frosting-like mask that detoxifies your hair. It brightens your silvers and also removes yellow tones.
To use QSH clay for yellow removal, use it once or twice a week until all of the
Once the yellowing is removed, switch to maintenance mode and use the clay once every 20-30 days for best results. Joli suggests using Acure Clarifying Shampoo & Conditioner once a week in between treatments.
Klorane with Centaury
Klorane is one of the premier anti-yellowing shampoos on the market. It can be drying, however, so you may want to consider using a deep conditioner afterward!
Purple Shampoo
Purple shampoos are the best shampoos for gray hair turning yellow, as purple is the opposite of yellow on the color wheel.
Related Post: The Ultimate Guide to Purple Shampoo
Important note: purple shampoos only temporarily cover yellow, they don’t remove it. To remove it, your best bet is still QuickSilverHair Clay
A great purple option is BTWCo’s purple shampoo & conditioner. It’s very gentle, has a light fragrance, and really makes silver hair shine. (They also make an excellent clarifying shampoo that you can use in conjunction with the purple shampoo & conditioner to combat yellowing.)
As per BTWCo’s founder, our fellow silver sister Lauren Stein, “The clarifying shampoo works to take away yellowing that builds up on the hair from styling products, smoke, sun, etc.
Then, the purple shampoo and conditioner work to neutralize any yellowing, brassiness or dull tones that clarifying or regular shampoo washing just can’t get out.”
Fanola No Yellow Shampoo is a super-popular shampoo among silver sisters, many of whom suggested that I add it to this list.
It’s a bit more potent than a regular purple shampoo (it is more like a toner), so you may want to wear disposable gloves when you use it (unless you want purple hands!)
This shampoo does contain sulfates, so if you are avoiding sulfates, try the Fanola No Yellow Vegan Shampoo:
After shampooing with the Fanola No Yellow Shampoo, you can use this mask for further toning. Try not to use it more than once or twice a week, as per the manufacturer.
Another option is
SILVER SISTER RECOMMENDATIONS FOR YELLOWING GRAY HAIR
I polled our fellow gray-haired women about the subject of how to brighten and whiten gray hair, and they were kind enough to send me their thoughts on the subject!
That’s why I love our community – everyone wants to help their fellow silver sisters.
Brandi:
“I’m 100% transitioned. I stay out of the sun, and I am also very careful about heat styling and what products I use in my hair. So far I’ve been pretty successful.
I currently use New Wash, a detergent and sulfate-free cleanser, made by the folks who started Bumble and Bumble.
Basically, products designed for natural or curly hair work great at combating yellowing, because they don’t use sulfates or parabens that can cause build up, and they are generally pretty moisture intensive.
I think they work great for silver hair because it’s drier and sometimes more fragile than regular hair.”
Judy Davis, @judithdavisofficial
U.S.A.
Check out Judith’s Silver Hair Transition Story!
I live in the Northeast USA where temperatures can change from 60 to 20 degrees in a day. I also live near the water so when it’s hazy, hot, and humid I definitely get frizzy hair!
In the summer I usually don’t blow dry my hair but in the winter I have to. Currently using a Chi Pro low EMF hair dryer and a curling iron for special occasions only.
You will find me wearing a hat if I’m in the sun, and don’t get my hair wet in chlorinated water if possible.
As for products….right now, I’m using R & Co Sunset Blvd Blonde Shampoo and Conditioner.
Once a month, I use Shimmer Lights Blonde & Silver shampoo and conditioner. Word of caution: don’t leave it in too long or you will have purple hair (or maybe that is just me?)
Usually, I don’t use any other products on my hair but if I’m going out to a special occasion I will use Living Proof Prime Style Extender.
Also, I like to use Paul Mitchell Fast Drying Sculpting Spray or Paul Mitchell Extra Body Sculpting Foam.“
Vicki Kay, @silver_n-curls
“I’ve always loved Marilyn Monroe’s platinum blonde. In the past, I would bleach & tone my brunette hair…only for it to be too brassy. Who knew that I would have silver/ platinum “treasure” buried beneath layers of hair color?
I keep my hair it’s sparkling white/silver by using TIGI Bed Head Dumb Blonde Purple Toning Shampoo once a month.
The rest of the time, I cleanse my hair with As I Am Coconut Co-wash Cleansing Conditioner for curly/wavy hair.”
Jackie Stallings, @jackiestallings
U.S.A.
“My journey to platinum was paved with many samplings of different products!
A year ago, when I was visiting my kids in Los Angeles, I had my hair toned to even out the year of growth, and it looked amazing for about 3-4 weeks. Thus began my battle with brass!
I’m pretty sure I tried every purple shampoo on the market. The most potent purple was the Phytargent by Phyto. It has lasted me seven months, so it is a solid investment.
Pravana The Perfect Blonde Purple Toning Masque is also good for keeping your older growth cool in between salon visits.
I live part-time on the island of Martha’s Vineyard, so I am often in the sun and swimming in saltwater.
I changed my Birchbox profile to receive hair products for deep conditioning. I comb the UV-protection deep conditioners through my hair and leave them in while playing outdoors or driving my Jeep with the top down.
This really helps to keep my hair soft and keep the brass at bay, while fighting against the elements.
In November 2018, I was fortunate to work on a campaign for ULTA. A hair stylist on set mentioned a product by Keracolor
This has been the holy grail of hair products for me. It deposits a little bit of color with every wash and keeps my hair soft and most importantly, brass-free! “
Niamh, @niamhkav8
Ireland
You can read Niamh’s Full Silver Hair transition story here!
“I am at 17 months and fully transitioned.
I have a lot of hair, which can be a bit coarse (though since my transition it’s actually much improved!), and it has a wave to it if I let it air dry.
Daily (every second day or every day I use the gym) I use Kerastase Extensionist shampoo on my hair as I want to keep my hair strong and the lengths healthy.
I alternate between the Extensionist Masque and Provoke Touch of Silver Daily Conditioner (it’s purple in
I only use a purple toning shampoo once a month at most. The one I am using at the moment is the Redken
But personally, I prefer my whites to be pure white so I make sure not to overuse the purple shampoo!
I do blow dry my hair, but try to air dry it at least once or twice a week.
Through trial and error, I have found all of this combined means I don’t have a problem with dulling/yellowing of my white/grey hair.
It is trial and error to see what works, because I have a high concentration of white at the front of my head it does have a tendency to yellow/dull if I don’t use the right products, but once you find the products you are happy with, it’s amazing to see the strength and shine your hair can have!”
Have you had any problems with yellow tones in your gray hair?
How did you treat it? If you have any unique ideas for how to get yellow out of gray hair, I’d love to hear it. Please let me know in the comments below!
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Martha,
Thank y’all so much for all the amazing information. My hair started turning white when I was 14. I’m gonna blame it on my Cherokee Native roots. I’m totally White Headed now an have been for the last 12 years. I Love my White hair. On top of being totally white headed. I have natural curly hair. I’ve had some medical issues. An only a small spot near the crown area. I’m gonna try dove for Silver hair. If it works I will let y’all know. An thank you Katie for all the amazing information you’re the absolute best ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Martha.
You’re welcome, Martha! So glad to hear that. 🙂
My gray doesn’t seem to yellow but it gets dull sometimes. I’ve used a purple shampoo for years and mine doesn’t cost a fortune. Try
Pantene Silver Expressions!
That’s a great one! I did a full review of it a while back, and I really liked it!
Do shampoos, conditioners and masques directed specifically to blondes, like TIGI Bed Head Dumb Blonde Purple Toning Shampoo or Pravana The Perfect Blonde Purple Toning Masque perform well for natural gray/silver/white hair?
I’ve stayed away from them thinking they were designed for colored hair only?
Hi, Annie! Purple shampoos for blondes should also work well on gray hair. They both target yellow tones, so you are all set!
Can I just use a purple conditioner vs having to use purple shampoo which is usually drying? Any purple conditioners without dimethicone in them?
I haven’t tried it yet but I’m going to….mix half and half water and hydrogen peroxide in a bottle and spritz in on the yellowing strands.
Hi, Gail – Please don’t do this. It’s very harsh and can be damaging to your hair. You can read more about why NOT to do this here.
A friend of mine aged 90 had the covid 19 injection and she doesn’t smoke had perfectly nice gray hair and within an hour after the injection her hair any suggestion we are n the uk turned bright yellow no one knows why and next to getting it dyed no products work
I’m sorry to hear that! That reaction is so strange. I wish you could get QuickSilverHair clay in the UK. You might want to write to Joli at quicksilverhair.com and ask her advice. She is a genius with hair science!
I have medium short, natural Grey (white) My hair is fine, dry and thinning with some frizzy strays on top. I would love to use a curling iron occasionally for a different look. Does anyone have suggestions of a good iron that wouldn’t damage the strands?
Thank you for all this wonderful information. I am going to try the clay treatment when it is back in stock. I have also been told that sometimes if your natural hair color was a darker brown that yellowing is just part of the natural process. What are your thoughts on that?
I don’t agree that it’s always part of the natural process. Some people don’t get that issue. That being said, dark brown dyed hair often fades to a brassy orange. In that case, blue shampoo is more helpful than purple shampoo.
Great advice! I have a question… I am nearly 2 years in and have henna red at the bottom of my long hair still. If I use a purple shampoo…the fanola one interests me…what will it do to my henna red? Maybe nothing? I’m wondering if anyone has tried this with nonlight color beyond the demarcation line. Thanks for all the information here.
Hi, that’s a great question. If the henna is red, I don’t think purple shampoo will affect it. If it’s faded to orange, it also shouldn’t affect it as purple only counteracts yellow. There’s some info in this post that might help? Let me know what happens!
I am constantly on the lookout for tips for my silver hair, these are great & will bookmark this site to give several a try. By the way, hubby has the most beautiful white head of hair, soft & shiny. He washes his hair with Irish Spring Soap. Go figure??
Hi
I’m at an impasse with using different recommendations to remove the yellow on to strands of my otherwise beautiful silver hair. I’ve used 3different purple shampoos including Klorane’s. It doesn’t help the yellow and I can’t leave it on long or my curly dry hair turns blue.
I do take medications, but my Dr. didn’t know anything about it triggering yellow in gray hair.
I found you by googling “ what causes yello in gray hair”. I don’t do anything the others have mentioned as far as being the culprit. The yellow is only on top and it begins about 1-2 inches from scalp. When COVID first began and I wasn’t going out at all, I didn’t use any heat on my hair and the yellow never went away. We do have hard water, but why then does it only affect the top of my head. The Clay treatment you mentioned sounds promising. Thank you for your enlivening article. I’ve been gray for several years now, and love it except for the Yellow Culprit.
Susan K Fox
Susan, I highly recommend you get in touch with Joli at quicksilverhair.com. That clay is definitely my favorite product to get yellow out of gray hair. Joli can also advise you on why this might be happening. You can contact her through her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/quicksilverhair/
I am at an impasse too! I have lovely silver hair and, the same as you “The yellow is only on top and it begins about 1-2 inches from scalp.” I unsuccessfully just tried Matrix Total Results, So Silver, color obsess, triple power mask for the last 3 weeks, and no change at all, maybe a little worse. I will try the Quiksilver mask now. Good luck to everyone with this problem.
Hi Carol, I have the same issue where the yellow begins a couple
Inches from my scalp- only on the top and around my face. Last visit stylist used a toner. Some of the yellow faded, but didn’t
last long. Have you had any luck
finding a solution?
H Kris,did you get an answer about the clay? Mine is around my face too! Its not a lot but it s there. I have only been gray this year so I am kind of lost.My hair is all different colors really all the way dark gray, light gray and white the white sides is where the yellow is.I tried matrix so silver, from my salon) I HATED it! It turned my multi color into silver and I aged like 10 years. It is finally come out. Do you know if you can spot shampoo on the areas needed?
Same mine starts at just under my ears and is worse at the very front – I have tried the clay masks but no luck, I will do a few more. The purple conditioners make the silver shine but that just makes the yellow look even worse – I definitely have hard water but its odd that its only in some places. I grew my hair long during lock down and I do prefer it to short for the moment
Thanks Katie! You rock! Thank you so much for all this amazing information! Love ya!
Thanks, Vanessa! You’re welcome! Glad it helps.
This is an incredible column. I have bookmarked it. It is choc-full-of ideas and products for this vexing problem. I refer to it often.
Thanks, Jane! 😉
Hi I have dyed my hair platinum grey and have started getting yellow on top. Are these shampoos you recommend also good on dyed grey hair?
Hi, Deb – boy, I’m not sure. I will look into this and get back to you!
My beautiful white/gray hair is a disaster. Last year it yellowed on the top for the first time in my life. It looks like someone peed on my head, truly. I hate it so much and it is so embarrassing I’m considering chopping my long hair incredibly short to get rid of it. I love my thick long hair and don’t want to cut it. The purple shampoos have done nothing. I’ve been reading all the comments and haven’t settled on anything. I’ll have my husband take a pic and send it. You’ll be able to see the demarcation line for my grow out from that awful “sunburn.”
Kristi, you need to try QuickSilverHair Clay – and before you purchase it, contact Joli Campbell via quicksilverhair.com. Tell her your problem, and she can help you figure out the best way to use it to remove that yellow “sunburn.” I think that would be your best solution
Good luck!
Hello Katie! This is @silvertransitions saying hi! I know you asked me for product recommendations awhile back and I honestly could not recommend any outright at the point in my silver journey. There is no one size fits all. It is trial by error ladies. I can add these items: 1) Klorane has done absolutely nothing for my bright silver hair. I have singed yellow hair from the sun and other normal yellowing. It doesn’t treat either. 2) The best thing for my singed hair, is Fanola No Yellow Vegan. I use it on the horrible yellow pieces because it also stained part of my hair lilac. Be careful ladies. It is potent!! Start with a small piece in the back and gain confidence before going all in. Keep rocking those silvers. It’s a Gray Revolution! FREEDOM!!!! #SilverSisters #GrayRevolution
From @silvertransitions (silver and curly hair journey)
Hi, I’m so glad that you found something that helped you! I need to add Fanola to my list as a lot of people are saying it really works! I’ll update the list shortly. Thanks for the recommendation!
Fabulous as always!
Susie
I use Fanola No more Yellow shampoo and Fanola Mask no more Yellow Conditioner. Works great. Use it twice a week as it keeps ends as clear blonde as it can be it grows out and the silver white not yellowing. Can be found at good prices on Amazon.
Thanks, Susan! I’ll add them to the post!
Thank you this was very helpful Katie.
Thanks, Suzie!
Very helpful information, Katie. Thanks you!
Thank you, Laura!
This is really a helpful information Katie..Thanks!
Thanks, Anjana! Glad you liked it!
Thanks so much for all this great information! Very good to know!
So glad you enjoyed it!