Which shampoo bottle stacked with dozens of other bottles on a drugstore aisle won’t dry out my hair too much? Which will give my hair a thicker appearance? Do 2-in-1s even function? Is it worth it to spend much money on shampoo? At TRI-Princeton, an independent hair fiber science research organization, Trefor Evans, Ph.., is the director of measurement services, research director, and an institute fellow. He is here to demystify everything. “Shampoo is soap,” explains Evans. significant
So, how is shampoo different from the bottle of liquid soap on the edge of your kitchen sink? In the end, a lot depends on personal preference and hair concerns. With the correct shampoo, your scalp will feel clean without feeling dry or brittle, and your grooming regimen will feel luxurious.
Our top picks:
3
BEST CONDITIONING SHAMPOO FOR MEN
Dove Men+Care Hydration Fuel 2-in-1 Shampoo Plus Conditioner
6
BEST SHAMPOO FOR MEN WITH DRY HAIR
Herbal Essences Bio:Renew Hydrate Coconut Milk Shampoo
8
BEST SHAMPOO AND BODY WASH FOR MEN
Jack Black Turbo Wash Energizing Cleanser for Hair & Body
The Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab at the Home Accessories Institute has tested a variety of shampoos over the years. It can recommend the best ones for dry hair, fine hair, oily hair, and any other problem you may think of. The foam, rinse, aroma, and, most crucially, how the shampoos made their hair look were all considered by consumer testers as we sought out the best shampoos for guys. We also called in a variety of top-sellers and specialized options. We integrated this data with information from years of research and testing to compile a list of the top shampoos available.
After reading our reviews, please scroll down for additional information on how we test shampoos and what to look for when buying men’s shampoos. Consult our guides on the best beard shampoos and hair growth products for men if you’re looking for more hair-related goods.
1
BEST OVERALL SHAMPOO FOR MEN
American Crew Daily Deep Moisturizing Shampoo
NOW 22% OFF
PROS
- Creates a satisfying lather and smells great
- Hydrating formula
CONS
- May not be suitable for oily hair
specifications
Hair Type
Normal/Dry
Sulfate-Free
Yes
Silicone-Free
No
Formulated Without Parabens
Yes
American Crew’s Daily Deep Moisturizing Shampoo balances moisturizing and washing to leave hair smooth and clean. This unquestionably results from the presence of panthenol, a provitamin of vitamin B5 that works as a humectant to attract moisture into the hair strand. We gave this shampoo good ratings for its lather and rinse, and online reviewers also praised the citrus mint scent.
2
PROS
- Grease-cutting formula cleanses scalp without being too drying
- Great value
CONS
- May not be suited for dry hair types
specifications
Hair Type
Oily
Sulfate-Free
No
Silicone-Free
Yes
Formulated Without Parabens
Yes
This shampoo combines the cleansing powers of sodium laureth sulfate with moisturizing and irritation-reducing ingredients like niacinamide and vitamin E to create a foam that cuts through grease without being too abrasive or irritating, making it an excellent choice for men with oily hair.
If you use a lot of gel, pomade, or other hair products, a clarifying shampoo like this can help eliminate the buildup of residual oil and development in your hair. The shampoo’s texture and lather impressed testers and garnered good marks for cleaning ability and hair hydration after washing.
While we appreciate this shampoo’s grime-removing recipe, we must point out that its clarifying nature may not suit people with dry or damaged hair.
3
BEST CONDITIONING SHAMPOO FOR MEN
Dove Men+Care Hydration Fuel 2-in-1 Shampoo Plus Conditioner
PROS
- Conditions hair as you shampoo
- Great value
CONS
- May not be as conditioning as a standalone conditioner
specifications
Hair Type
Normal/Dry
Sulfate-Free
No
Silicone-Free
No
Formulated Without Parabens
Yes
Dove’s 2-in-1 delivers pure simplicity if you want to simplify your haircare routine. Because of the inclusion of guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, a conditioning agent that has been demonstrated to make combing easier after use, this shampoo-conditioner combination cleanses and moisturizes hair strands simultaneously.
Our testers discovered this shampoo lathered and washed nicely without weighing down hair, making subsequent combing and style more accessible. However, it should be noted that a 2-in-1 solution may not give equivalent conditioning to a single conditioner.
4
PROS
- Achieves thicker-looking hair without feeling dry
- Contains ingredients which may help with androgenetic alopecia
CONS
- Very low lather
specifications
Hair Type
Thinning
Sulfate-Free
No
Silicone-Free
Yes
Formulated Without Parabens
Yes
Finding the proper shampoo for thinning hair can be tricky – many thickening formulas can be somewhat drying (a reduced inclusion of moisturizing chemicals is one method of thickening shampoos to create fuller-looking hair). Keeps finds a balance by increasing hair volume while leaving it dry and brittle. Saw palmetto is included in the formula, and there is some evidence that it may aid with androgenetic alopecia.
Testers liked this shampoo’s aroma, as was how it made their hair look after washing. It’s important to note that the formula lathers far less than many other shampoos, so you may be tempted to use more than is necessary. If you can’t live without that rich, foamy lather in your shower but still want a thickening effect, you might be better off using another thickening shampoo.
5
PROS
- Humectant-rich formula hydrates hair
- Indulgent scent
CONS
- Pricey
specifications
Hair Type
All
Sulfate-Free
Yes
Silicone-Free
Yes
Formulated Without Parabens
Yes
Are you considering elevating your shower to a new level of luxury? Take a look at Oribe’s Signature Shampoo. The perfume alone is so luscious that the steep price tag is justified. Fortunately, the recipe for this shampoo warrants it as well.
From the luscious, thick texture to how it left our hair after washing, we enjoyed practically everything about this shampoo. It was noticeably softer and more straightforward to style than other shampoos. While it is a premium shampoo, we found ourselves using less than usual to clean our scalps, and given how wonderful it made our showers, we can justify the cost.
6
BEST SHAMPOO FOR MEN WITH DRY HAIR
Herbal Essences Bio:Renew Hydrate Coconut Milk Shampoo
PROS
- Lathers well
- Lab-approved conditioning
CONS
- Scent may not be masculine enough for some
specifications
Hair Type
Dry
Sulfate-Free
No
Silicone-Free
Yes
Formulated Without Parabens
Yes
After dominating our most recent dry hair shampoo test, it’s a no-brainer that this selection is ideal for guys with dry hair. This shampoo provided the most conditioning to hair strands when used with its matching conditioner, with testers praising how hydrated it made their hair feel and its outstanding lather. However, the aroma may need to be more masculine for all men’s tastes.
7
PROS
- Contains conditioning ingredients
- Variety of masculine scents
CONS
- May not be suited for oily hair
specifications
Hair Type
Normal/Dry
Sulfate-Free
No
Silicone-Free
Yes
Formulated Without Parabens
Yes
Two-in-one products get a poor rap — many people believe that by combining the two phases in the haircare process, they can’t get their hair as clean and conditioned, but if you keep your hairstyle short, it’s likely all you need to keep your hair looking fresh and healthy. Method’s 2-in-1 disproves the critics. Jojoba and argan oils are included in the recipe to nourish strands while you wash them.
This shampoo received high marks from consumer testers. “Overall, [I like] everything, from the smell to the packaging to how well it lathered and rinsed off,” one customer tester said. This shampoo received high marks for its lather, rinse, and cleanliness. We did discover that some customers rated this shampoo poorly for weighing down their hair after usage, so if you have delicate or greasy hair, you should opt for a more clarifying shampoo.
8
BEST SHAMPOO AND BODY WASH FOR MEN
Jack Black Turbo Wash Energizing Cleanser for Hair & Body
NOW 18% OFF
PROS
- Dual-use formula contains hydrating and conditioning ingredients
- Smaller sizes are perfect for the gym/travel
CONS
- Scent and tingling may be too strong for some consumers
specifications
Hair Type
All
Sulfate-Free
Yes
Silicone-Free
Yes
Formulated Without Parabens
Yes
Jack Black’s Turbo Wash elevates dual action to new heights. The thick 2-in-1 shampoo/body wash contains plant extracts like shea butter, rosemary, and juniper berries, which give it an addictively revitalizing smell, panthenol, and vitamin E.
This hair and body cleanser’s pump container is ideal for dispensing the correct amount. It comes in sizes ranging from three to 33 ounces, with the smaller being suitable for tossing in a gym bag for a quick wash after a workout. “I’d buy this just for the scent!” one consumer tester exclaimed. While we enjoy the perfume, it may be too intense for sensitive skin, and the tingling feeling on the scalp can sometimes be overpowering.
9
BEST SHAMPOO FOR MEN WITH COLORED HAIR
TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Color Shampoo
NOW 13% OFF
PROS
- Caused least color fade in testing
- Great value
CONS
- Feminine scent may not appeal to all men
specifications
Hair Type
Dyed
Sulfate-Free
No
Silicone-Free
No
Formulated Without Parabens
Yes
Shampooing will always cause hair colour to fade to some extent, but some shampoos are designed to mitigate this fade more effectively than others. Home Accessories has conducted extensive research on shampoo for coloured hair, and this one emerged as the clear winner in our most current round of tests.
Despite being the least expensive colour-protective shampoo in our previous round of testing, coloured hair samples washed with this shampoo and its matching conditioner showed the least fading after 20 washes and 10 hours of UV radiation. Consumer testers also preferred this shampoo above other colour-protective shampoos, citing the formula’s luscious texture. Though we appreciate this shampoo’s colour protection, we recognize that the feminine aroma may not be suitable for other males.
10
PROS
- Pharmaceutical-grade dandruff relief
- Dermatologist recommended
CONS
- Can be drying or irritating for sensitive scalps
specifications
Hair Type
All (Dandruff)
Sulfate-Free
No
Silicone-Free
Yes
Formulated Without Parabens
Yes
Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo contains ketoconazole, a topical antiandrogen and antifungal medication that can inhibit the growth of dandruff-causing microorganisms. However, the potency of this treatment may cause irritation or dryness in some people, so if you have a sensitive or dry scalp, you should look for a less potent choice.
Though we did not test this shampoo in our most recent round of testing, we spoke with Rajani Katta, M.D., a dermatologist and author of Glow: The Dermatologist’s Guide to a Whole Foods Younger Skin Diet, for our roundup of the best anti-dandruff shampoos, who recommended it for its ability to combat one of the leading causes of dandruff.
11
PROS
- Lavender, tea tree and peppermint oils tingle scalp
- Refreshing smell
CONS
- Scent can be overpowering to some
specifications
Hair Type
All
Sulfate-Free
No
Silicone-Free
No
Formulated Without Parabens
Yes
Almost every listicle on men’s shampoo mentions the Tea Tree Special Shampoo, and for good reason. Morning showers are stimulating and rejuvenating because of the herb-infused formula’s unique tingling sensation and delicious smell. Tea tree oil, menthol, and lavender oil are used.
Though we did not test this shampoo in our most recent round of testing, its online cult reputation necessitates its inclusion, with over 43,000 five-star reviews on Amazon attesting to its efficacy and lovely smell. We particularly appreciate the straightforward package and pump for pouring the appropriate shampoo. Sensitive sniffers and those who dislike tingly shampoo should avoid it, as it may be overbearing.
12
PROS
- Good at de-brassing hair without excessive drying
- Great value
CONS
- Floral scent may not be for all men
specifications
Hair Type
Gray/Bleached
Sulfate-Free
Yes
Silicone-Free
Yes
Formulated Without Parabens
Yes
Purple shampoo can assist in preserving vibrancy and crush brassy tones for a more polished appearance, whether your grey is entirely natural or dyed. The One Purple Shampoo, invented by celebrity hairstylist Kristin Ess, is a favourite of HA editors due to the efficacy it provides at a reasonable price.
The shampoo is scented with Ess’s The One fragrance, a fresh yet sweet aroma of pear and magnolia. While we adore the perfume, you should look into other possibilities if roses aren’t your thing. If you’re trying to eliminate major brassiness or have just bleached your hair, keep it in for 5 to 10 minutes to load up the violet pigments in your strands.
13
PROS
- Mild surfactants cleanse curly hair without over-drying
- Larger size saves money and comes with a pump
CONS
- Doesn't lather as much as other shampoos
specifications
Hair Type
Curly
Sulfate-Free
Yes
Silicone-Free
Yes
Formulated Without Parabens
Yes
Dry hair is a worry for everyone with curly hair since oil from the scalp has difficulty penetrating curls. The trick to cleaning curly hair without making it frizzy is to use a moisturising shampoo that is free of harsh chemicals. Briogeo’s Curl Charisma Hydrating Shampoo contains sodium cocoyl isethionate, a mild surfactant derived from coconut oil that is ideal for dryer and more sensitive hair and scalps.
While we did not test this shampoo, we were happy with the ingredients in its formula. We appreciated that it also comes in a larger version with a pump dispenser, which saves you money per ounce and makes it more accessible to some people than a squeeze bottle. Over 200 five-star Amazon reviews support our recommendation, while some have noted that the minimal lather provided by this product may induce you to use too much.
14
PROS
- 2022 Beauty Award winner
- Mild detergent goes easy on long, damaged hair
CONS
- Best results are observed with using all three parts of the system
specifications
Hair Type
Long/Damaged
Sulfate-Free
Yes
Silicone-Free
No
Formulated Without Parabens
Yes
People with longer hair frequently experience dryer, more brittle hair, especially near the ends, as the natural oil from your scalp fights to make its way down the long strands. If this is the case, you should use a milder shampoo to avoid drying out your hair strands with regular washing. This 2022 Beauty Award winner is created with sodium cocoyl isethionate rather than harsher surfactants to clean long hair gently.
When paired with the matching conditioner and leave-in treatment, the acidic bonding concentration in this product left 93% of consumers stating their hair felt hydrated after usage, making it an excellent choice for damaged hair. It is worth noting, however, that you may only obtain the optimum results once you use all three products in the system.
How we test the best shampoo for men?
The Beauty Lab at the Home Accessories Institute has years of shampoo testing under its belt, including thorough dives on certain hair types and textures. Testing includes both in-lab investigations and input from an extensive network of consumer testers.
Preparing uniform hair swatches, which are then accurately dosed and cleaned at our swatch-wash station, is the first step in in-lab testing. Though we can’t quantify the exact cleansing ability of shampoos in our lab, a critical statistic in testing is how well-conditioned the treated hair is. The force required to comb through the wet swatches is measured using an Instron machine.
We examined 11 of the most famous men’s shampoos to determine the best shampoo for men. Though we could not do in-lab testing during this testing phase, we sent samples to 14 male consumer panellists. We asked them to use the shampoo for two weeks to evaluate washing effectiveness, how it made their hair look, lather, packaging, and aroma. We then reviewed past shampoo testing data and included the top performers from this round and previous rounds of testing.
What to look for when shopping for the best shampoo for men?
The shampoo you’ll choose is mainly determined by your hair type and how you want your hair to look, so keep the following variables in mind:
If you have dry hair, look for shampoos labelled “moisturizing” or “hydrating.” The ingredients contain conditioning chemicals like panthenol and humectants like glycerin to help keep strands hydrated and smooth.
✔ Oily hair: “clarifying” formulas aid in removing excess oil from the scalp. After using a recipe like this, you should shampoo with an excellent conditioner, as grease-cutting procedures might be more drying.
✔ Curly hair: Because the spiral shape of curly hair makes it difficult for natural oils from the scalp to find their way down the strands efficiently, persons with curly hair frequently rely on extra moisturizing and conditioning products. To eliminate filth without over-drying, looking for a recipe that does not contain sulphates may be helpful in favour of a less harsh detergent.
✔ Colored hair: Choose a shampoo branded “repairing” or “strengthening,” as these frequently contain high quantities of conditioning chemicals. These compositions help improve the appearance of damaged hair while protecting it from additional damage. Choose a purple shampoo to assist in minimizing yellow tones if you’re concerned about brassiness.
✔ Matching shampoo and conditioner: Shampoos are made by their maker in collaboration with a conditioner, and these formulae are designed to complement each other. Because they’re typically tailored to work well together, using a shampoo and its matching conditioner means receiving the total amount of the advertised advantages.
Why trust Home Accessories?
HA has more than 15 years of experience researching, producing, and editing content on skincare. It draws on the knowledge of top industry experts like dermatologists and aestheticians as well as the scientists at the Home Accessories Institute Beauty Lab. She is an authority in moisturizers and all other types of facial skincare products. April collaborates closely with the HA Beauty Lab to organize the testing of skincare products and transform test results into top-notch, enticing content for Home Accessories that is factually correct and validated by science.
Former senior editor at the Home Accessories Institute, Nicole Saporita frequently worked with specialists from the Beauty Lab.
