What Is The Best Shampoo for Men?
In all of the beauty talk circulating the internet, there’s a large group of people that are often left out of the conversation: the guys. Whether you’re wanting to look good for your date or wanting to take better care of yourself: beauty and self-care are for everybody, not just women.
We love helping our readers take care of their hair, and in turn, look 100% whilst doing so, but we get that men have specific concerns and needs that aren’t always addressed. If you’re a guy who is looking to build a hair care routine that leaves your hair healthy and looking suave, then keep on reading.
In this article, we’re going to cover our recommendations for the best shampoo for men. We’ve broken down our suggestions based on specific needs, and issues. We’re here to help you find the shampoo that’s perfect for you!
The Best Shampoo for Men with Thinning Hair
Thinning hair, and general balding, is something most men worry about (and many will experience), especially as they age. The unfortunate truth is that at least 35 million men suffer from hair loss.
Luckily, there are products out there that can help stave off hair thinning, improve hair volume, and stimulate hair growth. Here is our recommendation for the best shampoo for men experiencing hair loss:
Ultrax Labs’ Hair Surge
Ultrax Lab’s Hair Surge is one of the most popular and praised hair regrowth shampoos on the market. Using caffeine as its main active ingredient, to stimulate follicles and encourage hair growth at the scalp, Hair Surge has been shown time and time again to slow down hair loss.
Ultrax Lab also claims that Hair Surge’s ingredients help to block the effects of testosterone within the skin; ensuring that male pattern baldness is slowed down and shut out. At close to $60 a pop, this is definitely an investment shampoo, but according to reviewers – well worth the price.
Majestic Pure Argan Oil
If you’re not looking to break the bank, why not try Majestic Pure Argan Oil Shampoo for gentle, enriching hair regeneration?
Besides natural ingredients such as argan oil and almond oil, which are bound to moisturize and replenish, this shampoo contains Vitamin E, carotene, and essential fatty acids – ingredients that help feed your hair and soothe your scalp.
A healthy scalp is able to grow more hair; and by targeting your scalp issues with this shampoo, you will see voluminous results.
If you’re looking for more recommendations for hair loss/thinning: a GetGoodHead.com reader suffering from hair thinning made her own tried-and-true suggestions here. It’s a great read for any gender!
The Best Shampoo for Men with Curly Hair
Don’t lie: Have you been hiding your curls under a baseball cap? Fret not; we’ve all been there.
Wearing your curls naturally can be daunting for lots of guys who aren’t aware of curly-specific haircare. Curls are fragile, and while most men can head to the pharmacy and buy whatever shampoo and conditioner combo that’s in the sale bin, that definitely spells unruly frizz chaos for the curly man.
If you’re sick of trying to hide your hair, or shave it off, and are keen to nurture your natural texture, we have three simple rules for you: no silicones, no sulfates, no towel!
Curly Hair & Haircare Tips
Make that your new mantra. Say it with us now: no silicones, no sulfates, no towel!
When buying a shampoo and conditioner, avoid sulfates (which dry out your hair), and silicones (which create product build up).
Lastly, when drying off, keep your curls intact by avoiding a towel. Instead, use an ordinary T-shirt to dry your hair; and dry in a scrunching motion rather than an all over tousle.
When it comes to the perfect product, here’s our #1 recommendation for the best shampoo for men with curls:
thank God it’s natural Moisturizing Shampoo
Best suited for those with thick textured hair, thank God it’s natural’s ultra-moisturizing shampoo is full of natural ingredients and completely free of all the nasty stuff (sulfates, parabens, etc), and is perfect for keeping any unruly curls and coils in check.
This shampoo’s main ingredient is coconut oil; making it a creamy, nurturing shampoo that cleanses your hair and keeps it frizz-free. It’s also imbued with amla oil, which reduces breakage to keep moisture locked right in.
Shea Moisture
We’re often harping on about Shea Moisture whenever we discuss natural sulfate-free hair products. Shea Moisture uses ancient herbal recipes to produce some incredibly nurturing and fantastically fragranced shampoos and conditioners. It’s a brand popular amongst textured haired folks, and has been lauded by wavy, curly and coily people alike.
If you’re wanting to give Shea Moisture a go, try the Coconut and Hibiscus Curl and Shine Shampoo to define your curls and keep the frizz at bay.
If you’re looking for more curly hair care inspiration, check out Gio’s Wave on YouTube:
Products Gio Uses:
1. Tresemme Flawless Curls Shampoo and Conditioner
2. Shea Moisture Curl Style Milk
3. Shea Moisture Curl Gel Soufflé
The Best Shampoo for Blonde Men (Natural, or Not)
The reason blonde hair requires its own type of shampoo is that it requires regular toning. Blondes, platinums, greys, and some pastels are known for yellowing, dulling, and developing brass undertones – which is generally not a hot look. The only way to upkeep a bleached or natural light-colored look is to tone your hair with purple shampoo.
Wondering “why purple”? You’ll notice on a color wheel that purple is yellow/orange’s exact opposite. This gives purple the ability to neutralise brassy, yellow undertones in blonde hair, making it the perfect remedy for inevitable dulling.
We could go on, but we’ve talked extensively about purple shampoo here. It’s definitely worth the read, if we do say so ourselves.
Naissant’s Purple Shampoo
The best shampoo for men with light-colored hair is definitely Naissant’s Purple Shampoo. A favorite amongst hair stylists, it works as both an intensive toning treatment as well as an everyday color-correcting shampoo.
With nourishing ingredients like olive oil, and hydrolyzed wheat protein, Naissant’s Purple Shampoo will not only rid your hair of brassy undertones, it’ll also clean your hair and scalp without drying it out.
Clairol’s Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo
Looking to tone your golden locks without taking out a second mortgage? Try equally as corrective, equally as purple Clairol’s Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo. The only bummer with this shampoo is that it smells like your Great Aunt Patty, so try following up your rinse with a more pleasantly scented product.
The Best Shampoo for Men with Color Treated Hair
Covering up your grays, or simply sporting a dyed ‘do? Whether you’re jet black, red, or green – the best shampoo for you is one that cleanses, without fading out your color. Avoid having to touch up your color on the regular by using a color-preserving shampoo!
Here’s our recommendation for the best shampoo for men with color-treated hair:
Honeydew Color Preservation Shampoo
This shampoo promises to keep your color vibrant and fresh, by using ingredients that don’t cause color loss or fading. If you’re suffering from other hair issues, you’ll be glad to know that Honeydew Color Preservation Shampoo uses active ingredients: coconut, sesame, and jojoba oils, a trio of ultra-moisturizing herbals that will prevent breakage, and hair loss, as well as soothe the scalp; fighting against dandruff and itchiness.
It’s a great all-rounder shampoo for any dye-using guy.
L’Oreal Paris EverPure Moisture Sulfate-Free Color Care System
Looking to go with a more known brand? L’Oreal Paris’ EverPure shampoo is formulated with rosemary leaf oil, an effective color stabilizer. Keep your color-treated hair radiant with this shampoo to avoid the ongoing costs of regular coloring sessions.
The Best Shampoo for Men with Dry Hair
Fighting frizz, the ‘pouf’, breakage and general dryness? Your hair may be damaged and require extra care.
Go for an extra-moisturizing formula to key to find the best shampoo for your dry hair. It’s best to avoid shampoos with sulfates as your hair doesn’t need to be any more stripped than it already is.
Other important tips for dry guys is avoiding heat styling tools, hairdryers (on hot), and straighteners. Heat can damage your hair even further, compounding your issue.
As for our suggestions for the best shampoo for dry hair, check out:
Aussie Moist Shampoo
As the brand name suggests, Aussie’s hair products are inspired by natural ingredients found amongst the hot deserts and beaches of ‘down unda,’ and if there’s anywhere in the world that knows the ins and outs of thirsty hair (caused by the surf, or the extra exposure to UV rays) it’s Australia. Aussie Moist Shampoo is guaranteed to quench even the thirstiest mop top.
The main ingredient is aloe vera, chock full of water and moisturizing, regenerative qualities. This shampoo moisturizes without weighing you down; and it cleanses your scalp without stripping you of the natural oils needed to protect a damaged noggin’.
Nexxus Therappe’s Moisture Shampoo
For a shampoo that delivers an intensive moisturizing and protective treatment to very dry hair, try Nexxus Therappe’s Moisture Shampoo. This formula is enriched with concentrated 100% pure elastin protein and caviar complex, ingredients that will both cleanse and nourish your hair from the inside out.
This shampoo also protects against UV, helping to prevent further damage from happening to your already dry hair.
The Best Shampoo for Men with Dandruff
Has it been snowing on your shoulders? Tired of avoiding wearing black? It’s time to fight the flakes with the right hair care products.
Besides routinely massaging your scalp (which helps to lift off dead skin, and stimulate your skin cells and follicles), we recommend using a shampoo that combats the problem directly.
If you’re looking for a few recommendations, we’ve covered anti-dandruff shampoos before in this article. As for our suggestion for the best shampoo for men suffering from a bad case of head crumbs, here’s our favorite:
Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
This anti-dandruff shampoo is a bestseller because it does exactly as it says on the label: it will rid you off your flakey scalp issues. This medical-grade shampoo contains 1% ketoconazole, which is proven to control flakiness, scaling and scalp itchiness. Use this bad boy for about 8 weeks, and kiss your shoulder snow goodbye!
JASON’s Natural Dandruff Relief Shampoo
Only dealing with a little bit of the ‘druff and don’t really feel like using something strong to combat the issue? A great natural alternative is JASON’s Natural Dandruff Relief Shampoo.
Using active herbal ingredients such as rosemary, jojoba, and olive oil, this formula will nurse your scalp back to health without using any harsh chemicals. If the above ingredients sound too gentle, don’t worry – some colloidal sulfur included in the mix is bound to control skin flakiness, and itchiness.
The Best Shampoo for Men with Long Hair
If you, like Fabio, are rocking a lusciously long mane, then you know that hair care is of the utmost importance. Nothing ruins a long haircut more than flyaways, split ends, and general unruliness. If you’re wanting to tame the mane, we recommend using shampoos that help detangle, and repair, resulting in a shiny finish. Our recommendations for the best shampoo for men sporting long locks is:
Avlon Keracare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo
Avlon’s Keracare shampoo is a pH-balanced shampoo that produces a rich lather that helps to smooth out hair shafts by lightly conditioning at the same time as deeply cleansing. Containing natural botanical extracts, this formula helps to heal trichorrhexisnodosa (damage along the hair cuticle), fixing up split ends, and making hair easy to comb, and detangle.
Kiss hair nests and flyaways goodbye by using this shampoo in your regular wash routine. If you’re into low maintenance, then definitely invest in a shampoo that smoothes, and detangles – as all you’ll need to do is take a brush to your head to sort yourself out.
Design Essentials Almond & Avacado Detangling Shampoo
If you’ve got the length, but also the waves, curls, and kinks, then consider using a sulfate-free detangling shampoo such as Design Essentials’ Almond & Avocado Detangling Shampoo. Using a gentle, paraben, and sulfate-free formula, and containing active ingredients: avocado, and almond oil, this shampoo is guaranteed to moisturize, condition, and tame your long textured hair.
If you’ve got naturally curly/wavy/kinky hair, try detangling in the shower when your hair is slick. This helps along the detangling process, without damaging or breaking your fragile hair. Keep your long locks healthy, and happy!
The Best Shampoo for Men with Shaved, Bald, and Buzzed Heads
Like John McClane in Die Hard, many guys go for the ultra short shaved ‘do, because they’ve got action, business, and a few laughs on the coast to attend to. Although it may seem like a super low maintenance hairstyle choice, shaved heads, and buzzcuts still require a bit of lovin’ come wash day.
There are a few things to watch out for when you’re sporting that velvet-touch cueball: scalp dryness and sun damage. No matter the shampoo and conditioner you use (and it is recommended you use them, even though there’s not much to ‘poo or condition) you should be regularly massaging your scalp (or asking someone else to do it for you) to stimulate hair growth, and lift off dead skin cells.
You should also be moisturizing your head, and protecting it from the sun (with either a UV protectant moisturizer, or a hat). If you’re not into feeling greasy on your noggin, try aloe vera gel as a water-y, dry finish moisturizer.
Without further ado, here’s our recommendation for the best shampoo for men with shaved heads:
Dove Men+Care
Dove’s Men+Care 2-in-1 is formulated to strengthen hair, fortify against thinning and loss, and ensure that new hair growth is strong and healthy.
Using caffeinated ingredients and patented ‘oxycharge’ technology, this product will stimulate the skin cells at your scalp; helping to prevent flakiness and oiliness, while encouraging faster, and healthier hair growth. Even though you’re not sporting much hair to begin with; look after those little follicles of yours, and fight against thinning and loss for the long run!
K + S Salon Quality Men’s Shampoo
K + S Salon Quality Men’s Shampoo is Amazon’s best-selling shampoo for men. With tea tree oil as its main ingredient, this shampoo will purify your scalp, using anti-bacterials to fight dandruff, oiliness, itchiness, and hair loss. Tea tree is a great herbal to have in your shampoo if you’re a fan of feeling the burn (or more like a tingle) of a good lather and rinse.
Our Best Hair Care Tips for Men
If a lot of this has gone over your head (no pun intended), and you weren’t even aware of the concept of a haircare routine until you came across this article, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
And remember, you don’t have to stick with hair products that are specifically marked for men. Use products that work! Here are our tips for building a basic men’s hair care routine:
Don’t skip the conditioner!
We get it, you think less hair = less maintenance, but that’s simply not true. Hair, whether short or long, needs to be nourished to prevent breakage, thinning, dandruff, and other annoying issues. Conditioning is absolutely necessary post shampoo, as your hair needs the reintroduction of moisture following a cleanse. If you have a very frizzy, or poofy head of hair post-wash – it might be because you’re skipping conditioning, or not leaving it on long enough before rinsing.
Try an oil treatment, or hair mask, as a pre-wash
If you’re suffering from dry hair no matter what shampoo and conditioner you use, try introducing a moisturizing pre-wash treatment such as a conditioning hair mask, or an oil scalp massage. Simply apply to your hair pre-wash, then use shampoo as you normally would after leaving your treatment to soak in for the recommended time. This should help pre-moisturize your scalp and hair; ensuring the shampoo doesn’t strip too much oil off.
Apply your styling products to wet, or damp hair
If you’re finding that your gel, wax, or other styling product is leaving your hair looking crunchy and styled, try applying your styling product to your hair when it’s still wet, or damp. Applying your product when your hair has yet to dry will result in a more natural finish. If there’s still a bit of crunch in there, simply scrunch or tousle your hair a bit!
Want an effortless messy bedhead? Use saltwater spray on dry hair.
Sometimes, we have to try to look like we haven’t tried at all. That’s especially true for the perfect bedhead look. You can make your own saltwater spray easily, and simply apply it to your hair, shaking it out as you go. When you’re done, it’ll look like you’ve just dried off after a day in the surf.
(Also see our complete guide on using Sea Salt Spray!)
Check out this video on DIY-ing your own saltwater hair spray!
Looking after your hair is as important as looking after your body – so if you’re hitting the gym, you should be using a hair care routine. If you’ve been wrestling with more bad hair days than you can count, it’s time to use the best shampoo for you. Every guy has his own unique needs and issues, so finding the right shampoo will be a big win. Whether you’re a guy who wants to look good or feel good, we guarantee that healthy hair makes a happy man. Try out one of our recommendations, and take the first step towards a new you!
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