Sooner or later, gray hair is coming for you, whether you’re ready or not. If you’re feeling uninspired by a Clooney crop, then you have options. Send those pesky pewter hairs packing with the 7 best men’s hair dyes for gray hair.
If you’re in your mid-30s to mid-40s, chances are you’re on the way to going gray. Some guys may even see signs of silver strands in their 20s.
Gray hair lacks oil and isn’t as receptive to dyeing because it’s less porous than the rest of your hair, so regular hair dye won’t be up to the job. In the same way that you would choose the best men’s shampoo for your hair type, you need to tackle your tresses with a targeted hair dye for men’s gray hair.
Once you’ve chosen the best men’s hair dyes for gray hair, look for a shade closest to your natural locks. If you’re between shades, lean towards the lighter side. Trust me; subtlety is the key to covering silver. Another heads up: make sure your beard and hair color match.
Although women may go crazy for 50 shades of gray, most guys prefer to relegate grays to the back bench. Stick to your roots and check out the 7 best men’s hair dyes for gray hair here.
Key Takeaways
I hunted high and low, reading reviews, dissecting ingredients, and drawing from personal experience to bring you these solid options. From subtle shampoos to permanent dyes, the 7 best men’s hair dyes for gray hair cater to all species of silver fox.
My go-to pick is Just For Men Easy Comb-In Color. The comb attachment is a winner when it comes to straightforward application, even for DIY dye newbies. Coming in a close second is American Crew Precision Blend Natural Gray Blending Hair Color, a barber-rated dye that offers a professional finish at home.
Our Top Picks
Why it’s great: There’s no need to feel intimidated at the prospect of coloring your hair. Just for Men Comb-In Color gets the job done with minimal fuss. This product is free from ammonia and peroxide, making it gentle on the scalp.
Plus, it’s quite literally impossible to mess it up. The dye automatically stops developing after 10 minutes, preventing any dodgy disasters. This is simply one of the best men’s hair dyes for gray hair.
Who is this for? Beginners can’t go wrong with this idiot-proof formula. The dye comes pre-mixed in a squeeze bottle with a comb applicator. Twist the cap and run the comb through strands as if you’re brushing your hair. Just 10 minutes later, you can rinse off the dye and reveal a beautifully blended barnet that lasts up to 8 weeks.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Although this dye can be applied all over, the small comb applicator works best for targeted areas.
Benefits: Targeted gray coverage, easy-to-use comb applicator | Type: Permanent | Cruelty-Free: No
Why it’s great: Many of the best men’s hair dyes for gray hair are single-use. If you need just a touch-up, then this can result in a lot of waste. What I love about Bigen EZ Color is that you need to squeeze out only the amount you want and then re-seal the tube for another day.
Not only does this mean that one box of color lasts months, but it also makes Bigen EZ Color excellent
Who is this for? M2 Bigen has a range of color options, from medium brown to jet black to cater to most tresses. The drip- and stain-free formula minimizes mess. This is a big plus when working with deep black dye.
Flaws but not deal breakers: EZ Color is sold in a three-pack. Although this initially makes it a bigger investment, the pack will easily last a year for touch-ups.
Benefits: Stain-free formula, multi-use tube | Type: Permanent | Cruelty-Free: No
Why it’s great: Still not sold on permanent dye? Let me propose a more low-maintenance option. Menfirst Gradual Gray is a shampoo that darkens gray hairs over time, helping them blend into darker strands.
Enriched with vitamin B5, collagen, and protein, this shampoo nourishes while being kind to sensitive scalps. More importantly, the formula is free from parabens and sulfates. It’s a gentle alternative to harsher dyes.
Who is this for? For guys not ready to take the plunge with permanent dye, menfirst offers the perfect solution. Ditch your regular shampoo and rub a dollop of Gradual Gray into wet hair using your palms. Allow to soak for 5 minutes, then rinse out. It really is that easy, and with a super-natural finish, you won’t raise any eyebrows.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: After applying, wash your hands thoroughly with a good-quality soap, or you may have stained palms. I speak from experience!
Benefits: Natural and gradual results, suitable for sensitive skin | Type: Wash out | Cruelty-Free: No
Why it’s great: American Crew Precision Blend was recommended to me by my barber. At first, I was wary when he explained that it needed to be mixed with a separate American Crew developer. It seemed a bit above my pay grade.
But I squeezed half a tube of dye in a bowl, mixed in an equal amount of developer, brushed it onto my hair, and sent up a wish and a prayer. To my surprise, the result was salon-worthy, if I say so myself.
Who is this for? One flaw with many of the best men’s hair dyes for gray hair is that they cater only to dark tones. But pesky grays don’t affect only brunette bros. So, if you’re a fair-haired guy, you’ll be happy to learn that American Crew Precision Blend offers gray coverage for a wider range of shades, including light blond.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: This is one of the best men’s hair dyes for gray hair. However, it isn’t an all-in-one. You’ll need to buy some extras, including American Crew Developer, a plastic bowl, a coloring brush, and gloves. I buy my supplies in a handy kit.
Benefits: Natural finish, infused with vitamin B5 for moisturization | Type: Semi-Permanent | Cruelty-Free: No
Why it’s great: L’oreal One Twist Hair Color is a one-stop shop for fuss-free gray removal. Twist the cap, shake the bottle, remove the stopper, and start combing the dye through your hair. The product is designed to fade gradually over six weeks, so you won’t have any tell-tale harsh regrowth lines.
Who is this for? If you’re after a realistic looking finish, L’oreal One-Twist is a great option. For the best results, choose a dye as close to your natural color as possible. Remember, the goal is to blend grays into darker strands rather than re-color your hair.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: This product has a strong ammonia smell. I recommend applying it in a large room with a window open.
Benefits: Mess-free applicator with a comb, works in 5 minutes | Type: Permanent | Cruelty-Free: No
Why it’s great: I’m convinced that 2-in-1 products are every guy’s kryptonite. There’s just something appealing about a product that does it all in one go, saving time, shopping, and shower rack space.
Not only does Just For Men Control GX gradually reduce grays with each wash, but it also replaces your shampoo and conditioner. It’s ammonia and peroxide-free and will leave you with thicker and fuller-feeling hair.
Who is this for? Control GX is ideal for salt and pepper hair since it allows you to customize your level of gray coverage by building it gradually. If you want to tone down grays but not eradicate them, then use it every other day.
When you’ve reached your optimum shade, cut down to a few times a week. Then, alternate with regular shampoo and conditioner.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: It can take 2–4 weeks of continued use to achieve the maximum level of gray reduction.
Benefits: Works on all hair shades, 2-in-1 formula | Type: Semi-Permanent | Cruelty-Free: No
Why it’s great: Air impurities, product buildup, and minerals in shower water can all cause gray hair to turn yellow. Let’s be honest, it’s not a vibe.
American Crew Daily Silver Shampoo minimizes brassy tones and leaves silver hair looking shiny, bright, and healthy. The vegan formula is made with 95% naturally derived ingredients for a feel-good product that’s kind to your hair and the planet.
Who is this for? For silver foxes who are after that “my hair but better” look, a silver shampoo is the ultimate buy. And there’s none better than American Crew’s offering designed especially for men.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Silver shampoos tend to be drying. Follow up with a moisturizing conditioner for added hydration.
Benefits: Minimizes yellow tones, enhances natural gray hair | Type: Wash-Out| Cruelty-Free: Yes
Buying Considerations for The Best Men’s Hair Dyes For Gray Hair
Hair Type
Before you reach for that bottle of dye, it’s important to determine if at-home coloring is for you. If your hair is gray in concentrated patches, then you’d be better off heading to a salon for help from a professional. However, if your salt is sprinkled in amongst the pepper, then you’re a prime candidate for DIY dye!
Full-blown silver foxes embracing their inner Clooney should ditch the dye completely. After all, there’s nothing sexier than a confident guy who is unapologetically himself.
Instead, incorporate American Crew Daily Silver Shampoo into your routine. This vegan shampoo minimizes brassy tones and gives naturally gray hair a bright, healthy finish.
Coverage
Do you want to send gray hairs to the sin bin permanently? Then, you need a permanent dye that will completely cover grays for at least several weeks. My permanent go-tos for a lasting look are Just For Men Easy Comb-In Color and L’oreal One-Twist Hair Color.
If you have a beard that’s letting the side down, M2 Bigen EZ Color for Men is a permanent color that’s also safe for facial hair.
If you’re looking to subtly blend your grays into your natural color, then opt for a wash-out dye with a realistic-looking result. Products like menfirst Gradual Gray Shampoo and Just for Men Control GX Gray-Reducing Shampoo & Conditioner can be used in place of your regular shampoo.
They gradually darken hair, minimizing the appearance of grays.
Application
Modern hair dyes for men’s gray hair have never been easier to apply. Just For Men Easy Comb-In Color and L’oreal One-Twist Hair Color have small brushes pre-attached to the bottle. It really is as simple as brushing your hair.
Plus, a brush applicator allows you to take a more targeted approach, which is ideal for guys who have only a smattering of grays.
For an all-over job, a precision brush isn’t an efficient approach and may lead to patchy results. I recommend American Crew Precision Blend Natural Gray Blending Hair Color. This professional-grade color is mixed in a bowl and painted on with a larger brush for quick and even application.
Finally, if you’re a beginner who wants a low-risk option, then wash-out dye is going to be your best friend. Slather it on like shampoo and rinse out after 5 minutes.
How We Chose
We all dread seeing those first few grays pop up, providing a reminder that we’re growing older. But many men find the idea of using hair dye embarrassing or intimidating.
I’m here to bust the stigma and empower guys to boost their confidence by embracing the best hair dyes for men’s gray hair. But these dyes had to jump through a lot of hoops to earn a spot on my list.
Natural Finish: For most of us, the whole point of covering gray hairs is to portray a naturally youthful appearance. Using an artificial-looking dye that draws undue attention to our strands defeats the purpose. It’s also what has given hair dyes for men’s gray hair a bad rap in the past.
When picking the best men’s hair dyes for gray hair, I selected products that offer a realistic finish.
Application: The first time you embark on dying your own hair, it’s probably going to feel like rocket science. Let me reassure you that it won’t be because I selected straightforward products that allow even beginner box dyers to achieve great results at home.
Reviews: When selecting the 7 best men’s hair dyes for gray hair, I drew from personal experience, feedback from friends, and buyer reviews to get a clear picture of whether these products pass muster.
Why Trust Us?
As a skincare and grooming expert and regular FashionBeans contributor, Mal researches, tries, and tests some of the best hair products for men.
He specializes in cleansing advice and treatments, from shampoos and conditioners to styling must-haves, like the best hair pastes, powders, and pomades, to creams, clays, oils, waxes, and gels.
You’ll find lots of options to choose from, but Mal knows what it takes to transform a crop into a crowning glory.
After reading a study from the National Library of Medicine, he found that hair dyes are one of the main forms of treatment for cosmetic concerns. He also discovered that according to a 2024 report, the men’s hair dye segment is poised to grow at a rate of 9.1% by 2025.
With these facts under his belt, he decided to take on the task of uprooting the best men’s hair dyes for gray hair.
But finding such things is no mean feat. There are dozens of dyes on the market. Mal read reams of reviews to discover which products guys rate as the best for covering silver strands. With all the follicle facts stacking up, plus his due diligence, you can trust Mal to keep those gray hairs at bay. He’s got you covered.
Final Verdict
Growing older gracefully isn’t for everyone. So, if you want to stick the middle finger up to gray hairs, let me introduce you to the 7 best men’s hair dyes for gray hair. Easy to apply, fast-acting, and effective, these modern offerings are suitable even for hair color virgins.
My pick of the bunch is Just for Men Easy Comb-In Color. With an ultra-simple comb applicator, it’s never been easier to banish gray hairs and rock a fresh, youthful look.
FAQ
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There are three common types of hair dye for men’s gray hair: permanent, semi-permanent, and wash-out. Permanent hair dye means grown-out roots, which may not be an option for everyone. If you’re one of these men, go for a semi-permanent or wash-out dye that fades gradually.
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My motto is; if it feels good, do it! Dying your hair is no different than growing a beard or getting the latest haircut. If switching up your style makes you feel more confident, it’s a no-brainer.
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