If you want a head of hair that not only feels nice but looks amazing, it all starts with having a great shampoo. The starting point for establishing your hair care routine is shampoo because it has the biggest effect on your hair's look and health. Finding the right shampoo and, just as importantly, finding the right hair care routine will be more impactful than anything else you do for your hair.
There are so many different types of shampoos available, so it's challenging to find the best one for you. We made this list to help you narrow down the field. We've picked the best shampoos for men for each particular category of hair.
Best overall shampoo
Odele Clarifying Shampoo
Odele is a women-owned and operated hair care brand, designed, formulated, and manufactured in Minneapolis. The product focuses on creating a quality formula suitable for everyone. After trying several shampoos (which is exhausting on the hair) we noticed Odele was one that, despite using it multiple times a week, didn’t leave hair brittle and dry.
With clean, cruelty-free, and vegan ingredients, Odele restores hair to a refreshed and neutral version. Between a price point that’s easy on the wallet and its quality-made formulas, we found Odele to be a great addition to kick off your hair care routine.
Best for thinning hair
Patricks Daily Thickening Shampoo
Patricks is hair care brand dedicated to addressing thinning hair. They utilize the best science available to combat hair loss while keeping their products responsibly produced in the USA. If you are concerned about thinning hair then their Daily
Thickening Shampoo is the best place to start your hair care routine. It will provide more body and bounce to keep your hair looking its fullest, and is finished off with an appealing scent.
Best for curly hair
SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter & Mafura Oil Moisturizing Shampoo
SheaMoisture is a household name for those with curly hair, and rightfully so! Its recently launched men’s collection was developed to be gentle enough for daily use and as well as a leading option for men of color. The raw shea butter and mafura oil help moisturize and cleanse the hair, leaving curls bouncy and hydrated.
Best combo shampoo and conditioner
Method Men Bergamot 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner
We get it, a 2-in-1 is just so much easier than a multiple-step hair care routine. Especially with a busy schedule, a one-stop shop sounds like the way to go. After trying out several 2-in-1 products, we’re convinced multipurpose shampoos have come a long way since their early days.
Not only does the Method Man Shampoo and Conditioner clean and hydrate incredibly, but the scent is also worth noting as a major pro. This no-fuss, quick and easy
Best shampoo bar
Love Beauty and Planet Muru Muru Shampoo Bar
Although the concept of bar cleansers isn’t new, the popularity in shampoo bars has increased within the last few years. As more brands are starting to become more mindful of packaging waste and water consumption,
Just like your body bar, you need water to activate the shampoo and then simply work it into your hair like you would a regular
Best dandruff control
Head & Shoulders Supreme Nourish Shampoo
When you think of dandruff, you probably think of Troy Polamalu’s luxurious mane featured in the Head & Shoulders’ commercials. Head & Shoulders is the de facto shampoo for combating pesky dandruff, and it’s no surprise it is our recommended
This shampoo line has evolved throughout the years to not only fight dandruff but to give your scalp and hair the nourishment it also needs. The Supreme Nourish and Smooth line is formulated with argan and jojoba oil and free from harsh chemicals such as phosphates, dyes, and parabens. In addition to providing moisture and PH balance to your scalp, this
Best drugstore shampoo
Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine Shampoo
Garnier Fructis is certainly not a newcomer to the world of hair. There’s not a drugstore you won’t see carrying this brand. The Sleek and Shine line from Garnier Fructis will give you up to three days of sleek hair, providing a long-lasting frizz control, even in 97% humidity. This hair fortifying formula contains active fruit protein to strengthen the hair to make it healthier and stronger.
Best for volume and scalp health
Hair La Vie Shampoo
Hair La Vie Shampoo is an all-natural
Best for faster growth
Revita Hair Growth Stimulating Shampoo
There might be times when you wish your hair grew faster. Maybe you’re trying to grow out a bad haircut or want to sport a new look that requires longer hair. Revita High-Performance Hair Stimulating Shampoo is a result of cutting-edge research, employing unique compounds chosen for their hair-stimulating properties.
In clinical studies, 70% of men experienced increased hair growth when using this shampoo daily for 90 days. Caffeine, biotin, and MSM are just some of the 13 key compounds for hair growth proven to give you the results you’re looking for.
Best for color-treated hair
Pureology Hydrate Moisturizing Shampoo
This shampoo brings the hair salon straight to your home. The Pureology Professional Color Care Hydrating
Best for any hair type
hims Hair Thick Fix Shampoo
We've all seen the commercials for various products from hims and hers. The hims Hair Thick Fix Shampoo for men is for any and every hair type, so no matter what you have on your head, you could give it a try. While promoting healthier and thicker hair with added volume, this
Unlike other hair growth shampoos, this one is safe to use every day and doesn't contain sulfates, silicones, or parabens. It is also a cruelty-free option and vegan. But in addition to all of that good stuff, it will leave you with a refreshing eucalyptus scent you and everyone around you will love.
Once you find the shampoo for men that works best for your particular type of hair, then you're ready to figure out your routine. The best way to do that is good old experimentation. You don't want to wash every day because that strips away the hair and scalp's natural oils. You also don't want to go too long without washing because that causes irritation, and sometimes, even a bad smell.
On average, you want to wash a couple times a week. If you work out often, or wear styling products every day, then the frequency could increase, but if your hair keeps a good natural PH and oil balance then that could decrease. Start out with washing every three days then adjust as needed, letting your hair tell you what it needs. Always go with what feels best to you and leaves your hair the way you want it to look.
