If you’ve spotted a bottle of “black shampoo” on a beauty shelf and wondered, “Wait… will this actually tone down unwanted yellow or brassy tones in my gray hair or turn my hair black?” you’re not alone.
Lately, there’s been a buzz around these deep-pigmented shampoos promising to “darken,” “tone,” or “neutralize brassiness” in gray or white hair. But do they really work? Let’s take an honest look.
What Exactly Is Black Shampoo?
First of all, Black shampoo is not a hair dye. It is a shampoo/ toner, just like purple or blue shampoos. The difference is in the pigments.
Black shampoo usually contains deep violet or black colour pigments designed to neutralize brassiness in gray/white/blonde hair.
Now, an obvious question will come to your mind: why would you even bother with a black shampoo if purple works?
And here’s when black shampoo makes sense:
- If you don’t like the purple tint that purple shampoo sometimes leaves behind.
- If you’ve got platinum or white hair and want to add a little depth so it doesn’t look flat.
- If you prefer a softer, ashier finish rather than that bright, icy look.
And the fourth one, my favourite! If you want an alternative to switch things up in your routine.
Like, you don’t have to choose forever, you know! You can alternate between purple and black depending on your mood or the look you’re going for.
But can it really “turn” gray hair black?
Most black shampoos use temporary dark pigments that cling to the outer layer of your hair, like how purple shampoo neutralizes brass, but with darker pigments.
They don’t penetrate the cuticle like permanent dyes do.
So they just:
- Tone hair (adjust its hue)
- Don’t permanently color it.
Difference between Black vs Purple vs Blue Shampoo:
If you love your bright silver look, stick to purple or blue shampoos.
If you prefer a smokier, deeper gray, a black shampoo might be worth trying.
How to Use Black Shampoo on Gray Hair?
- Wet your hair thoroughly.
- Apply shampoo evenly from roots to ends on damp/towel-dried hair.
- Leave on for 2–5 minutes (depending on how much toning you want).
- Rinse well and condition to balance moisture levels.
- Use gloves (some black shampoos can stain nails and cuticles).
💡 Frequency: Once or twice a week is enough. Daily use can make gray hair look dull or flat.
The Black Shampoo I Use:
milk_shake Icy Blond Shampoo is a toning shampoo. It is free from SLES and parabens. It is made to give hair a polished, cooler finish and extend silver or grey tones.
Why It Works:
Here are its key ingredients and their benefits for grey hair:
– Black/deep violet pigment (CI 77266/Black 2 + Acid Violet 43, etc.): This helps neutralize yellow or brassy tones, adding cool ash or smoky colors.
– Milk Proteins / Hydrolyzed Milk Protein: These proteins condition and rebuild hair structure, making strands softer and easier to manage. Grey hair is often coarser, drier, and more porous, so protein support helps keep strength and texture.
– Grapeseed Oil (Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil): This oil nourishes and protects the scalp and hair, helping to maintain softness and shine. Since grey hair can lose shine and moisture, a nourishing oil is a helpful addition.
– Integrity 41® (Sunflower Seed Antioxidant Complex + Quinoa Proteins): This is made to protect color intensity, prevent fading, and improve manageability and shine. Even though grey hair isn’t dyed, silver and ash tones benefit from protection against dullness and yellowing caused by the sun and pollution.
Black Shampoo for Gray Hair Before and After:
🎥 See It Live: Your Visual Guide
This blog post gives you the theory, but if you’re a visual learner (like me!), you need to see it to believe it. On my YouTube channel, I’ve done all the experimenting for you in a complete video that includes:
- A real-time, side-by-side application of purple and black shampoo.
- Close-up before-and-after shots so you can judge the results for yourself.
- My live reaction to the color outcome and how it feels.
Watch the video here:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Will it darken my hair permanently?
A: No. The pigments wash out over 3-5 washes. However, they can build up over time, so using a clarifying shampoo once a week will help reset your color.
Q: What if I hate the result? How do I get it out?
A: Don’t panic! Wash your hair 2-3 times with a clarifying shampoo or an anti-dandruff shampoo (like Head & Shoulders). These are powerful cleansers that strip away buildup. A baking soda paste can also help, but it’s very drying.
Q: Is black shampoo a hair dye?
A: No! It can deposit a slight tint, but it is not a hair dye. It’s just a toner.
Q: Is black shampoo safe for natural gray hair?
A: Yes. But gray hair is more porous, so some people might notice a stronger toning effect, while others might see none at all.
Q: Can black shampoo stain my hands, nails, or shower tiles?
A: Not necessarily. To prevent staining, wear gloves when using it. And make sure to rinse your shower right after use.
Q: Can I mix black shampoo with my regular shampoo?
A: Yes, for a subtle toning effect.
Q: Can black shampoo damage or dry out gray hair?
A: Yes, it can be damaging if overused and dry out gray hair. Always use a good conditioner or leave-in after each application.
Alternatives to Try:
Not loving the idea of black shampoo? No problem! There are plenty of ways to keep your grays glowing. Ever tried a purple conditioner for extra softness? Or a silver gloss for that mirror-like shine? You can even mix in a few purple tonal drops for a quick brightness boost. Explore what works best for your hair.
Purple Toning Drops:
A purple tonal drop is a concentrated pigment booster designed to be mixed with your regular shampoo, conditioner, or hair mask. It neutralizes yellow or brassy tones in gray, silver, or blonde hair. Unlike a toning shampoo, it allows you to control the intensity of the tone. The violet pigments in these drops work by canceling out the warm yellow tones that can develop in gray hair due to oxidation, pollution, or heat styling.
Purple Conditioner:
A purple conditioner helps neutralize brassiness and restores moisture to gray, silver, or blonde hair. Unlike purple shampoos, which can leave hair dry or overly toned, a purple conditioner provides a gentler and more hydrating way to keep cool, bright tones. Regular use keeps hair silky, manageable, and free from dull yellow shades. It’s a smart choice for anyone seeking tone correction and nourishment in one step.
Silver Gloss:
A silver gloss is a semi-permanent treatment that improves shine and adds a light layer of cool silver or ash tones to natural gray hair. It boosts brightness by depositing pigments that counteract yellow or dull shades. A silver gloss does not change your natural shade; it simply highlights it, making grays appear cleaner and more vibrant. It also helps seal the cuticle, which improves softness and manageability, a big plus for coarse or wiry gray hair. Regular use keeps natural gray hair looking radiant, glossy, and well-toned.
When it comes to gray hair, there isn’t a single solution, including black shampoo. Some products can darken or tone your strands temporarily, while others just coat them without lasting effects.
The important thing is to know what your hair really needs: shine, tone, or moisture.
Whether you pick a black shampoo, a purple conditioner, or a silver gloss, aim to improve your natural gray instead of hiding it.
Embrace the process, experiment thoughtfully, and let your silvers shine proudly on their own terms, bright, confident, and beautifully you.