MENFIRST vs Just For Men: Gradual Gray Shampoo Compared
The short answer: MENFIRST Gradual Gray 3-in-1 Shampoo is made for men who want their gray to fade so gradually that nobody notices. You use it in place of your regular shampoo, leave it on for 5 minutes, and your gray darkens a little with each wash over about 2 to 4 weeks. Just For Men Control GX is also a gradual shampoo with a similar 2 to 4 week timeline. The biggest difference: MENFIRST can be used on hair that has been colored before, while Just For Men says Control GX should not be used on hair that has been lightened, bleached or colored.
If you want all your gray gone today, Just For Men's instant color products are built for that job, and a gradual shampoo is not.
1. Nobody notices
Gray fades over 2 to 4 weeks, a little with each wash, so there is no overnight change for anyone to spot. You decide how far to go: use it daily until you like the shade, then 2 to 3 times a week to keep it.
2. Works on hair you've colored before
MENFIRST Gradual Gray can be used on hair that has been colored before, and results may come a bit faster on processed hair. Don't use it at the same time as a permanent dye. Just For Men's own FAQ for Control GX says: "Do not use on hair that has been lightened, bleached, or colored."
3. It's just your shampoo
Gradual Gray is a 3-in-1 that cleans, conditions and darkens in one step. Leave it on for 5 minutes in the shower and rinse. There is nothing to mix. For beards, there's a matching Gradual Gray Beard Wash and a leave-in Darkening Beard Balm.
Side by side
| MENFIRST Gradual Gray 3-in-1 Shampoo | Just For Men Control GX Shampoo | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Gradual gray darkening shampoo | Gradual grey reducing shampoo |
| Time in hair | 5 minutes, then rinse | 1 to 2 minutes in the shower |
| When you see results | Generally within 2 to 4 weeks | Generally within 2 to 4 weeks |
| Hair colors | Medium brown to black, plus a blonde to light brown version | Medium brown to black; Control GX for Lighter Shades covers blond to medium brown |
| Hair that's been colored before | Can be used; don't use at the same time as a permanent dye | Not for hair that has been lightened, bleached or colored |
| Beards | Gradual Gray Beard Wash and Darkening Beard Balm | Control GX Beard Wash |
| Where to buy | menfirst.com and Amazon | Amazon, CVS, Target, H-E-B, Walmart, Walgreens |
When Just For Men may be the better pick
- You want all the gray gone today. Just For Men Shampoo-in Color covers gray in 5 minutes and lasts up to 8 weeks.
- You want a quick blend in one go. Just For Men Touch Of Gray blends some gray in a single 5-minute use.
- You want to pick it up at the drugstore today. Just For Men is sold at CVS, Walgreens, Target and Walmart.
Frequently asked questions
Is MENFIRST like Just For Men?
MENFIRST is closest to Just For Men Control GX: both are gradual shampoos that darken gray over about 2 to 4 weeks. MENFIRST does not make instant or permanent color.
Will people notice I'm covering my gray?
That's the point of going gradual. Gray darkens a little with each wash over 2 to 4 weeks, so there's no sudden change, and you stop when it looks right.
Can I use MENFIRST if I've used Just For Men before?
Yes. MENFIRST Gradual Gray can be used on previously colored hair, and results may be a bit quicker on processed hair. Don't use it at the same time as a permanent dye.
Which is faster, MENFIRST or Control GX?
Both brands say results generally show within 2 to 4 weeks. MENFIRST stays on for 5 minutes per wash and Control GX for 1 to 2 minutes.
Does MENFIRST make a beard product?
Yes: the Gradual Gray Beard Wash and the Darkening Beard Balm. The shampoo itself is for head hair only.
What happens if I stop using it?
If you stop, your hair will slowly start showing the grays again.
Shop Gradual Gray 3-in-1 Shampoo
Just For Men® and Control GX® are trademarks of their owner. MENFIRST is not affiliated with Just For Men. Product details are from each brand's website as of November 2026.