No two shampoos are created equal, nor should they be. Everyone has a different concern for their hair, whether it’s unruly curls or an itchy scalp. When it comes to the best shampoos for men, start by assessing your hair type and needs. For example, if you’re thinning up top, pick something that encourages nutrient delivery to the follicles and helps fortify each strand—such as the Davines Energizing Shampoo. For those who periodically get dandruff, it’s good to have a scalp-toning option on hand.
The same goes for your natural strand density: If you have thick, curly hair, choose a formula that honors your natural texture and moisturizes every curl. If any natural graying is cropping up, silver strands can benefit from purple-toned shampoo to help emphasize shine. Below, we’ve rounded up the best shampoos for men that tackle a variety of hair concerns.
Best Shampoo Overall For Men: Kevin Murphy Hydrate Me Wash
Best Value Shampoo For Men: Nexxus Therappe Shampoo
Best Shampoo For Men With Thinning Hair: Davines Energizing Shampoo
Best Shampoo For Men With Dry Hair: Lumin Keratin Recovery Shampoo
Best Dandruff Shampoo For Men: Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Best Shampoo And Conditioner Men: R+Co Cleansing Foam Conditioner
Best Shampoo For Men With Curly Hair : Bevel Moisturizing Shampoo
Best Shampoo For Men With Gray Hair: Unite Hair Blonda Shampoo
Best Solid Shampoo For Men: HiBar Solid Shampoo
Best Shampoo Overall For Men
A Nourishing Pick That Gives A Burst Of Hydration
Kevin Murphy Hydrate Me Wash
This kakadu plum-infused shampoo “is high-performance when it comes to ingredients, and the brand also offers a wide array of options for all hair types,” says celebrity groomer Colleen Dominique. This one is the most universal, since it focuses on hydration and replenishing the nutrients that are typically lost in a wash. It’s also color-safe and a a fan-favorite among Dominique’s clients, too—with a refreshing scent that further adds to its appeal.
Best Value Shampoo For Men
A Great Brand For Low Cost And High Quality
Nexxus Therappe Shampoo
Nexxus is Dominique’s go-to brand for low cost and high quality. And while this particular formula targets dry hair with added moisture, it can also help anyone whose strands have some texture (since it ensures minimal moisture loss while washing). But there are alternative Nexxus products to consider if you have oily hair or need a major detox, too. “The brand offers a variety of options for all hair types at an inexpensive price,” Dominique says. “Plus, they're all designed to tame frizz and protect against humidity, always leaving hair soft and shiny.”
Best Shampoo For Men With Thinning Hair
A Cleanser Infused With Caffeine To Stimulate The Scalp
Davines Energizing Shampoo
This refreshing shampoo is infused with caffeine, which helps stimulate blood flow to the hair follicles. This can increase the delivery of nutrients to each strand, which may help address thinning and hair loss. It also leaves the scalp feeling nicely invigorated while hydrating and nourishing your hair—and it doesn’t create any build-up or greasy residue.
Best Shampoo For Men With Dry Hair
A Double-Duty Shampoo
Lumin’s hair-strengthening shampoo also moonlights as a scalp soother. The peppermint and tea tree oils in its formula help neutralize any fungal buildup; they also help stimulate circulation at the scalp. Meanwhile, ceramides and keratin strengthen hair strands and follicles, preventing additional breakage or hair loss—all while giving healthy body and shine.
Best Dandruff Shampoo For Men
A Pick That Provides Formidable Flake Control
Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
This clinical-grade shampoo halts all kinds of dandruff—even the worst cases—thanks to its key active ingredient, 1% ketoconazole. Use it once or twice a week, depending on the severity of irritation, itching or flaking. If you know you’re prone to a flaky scalp, you can also wash with this to prevent a flare in symptoms.
Best Shampoo And Conditioner Men
A Time-Saving Co-Wash
R+Co Cleansing Foam Conditioner
For those looking to streamline, Dominique recommends R+Co’s co-wash (short for conditioning wash). “This one mimics shampoo-like texture because it comes out like a foam, which may help you get used to using a co-wash,” she says. “It won’t weigh down thin or short hair and leaves no residue.” You can try to replace your shampoo-conditioner regimen entirely with it if you’d like, or use it the majority of days while periodically going for a deeper cleanse with a standard shampoo (like once every other week).
Best Shampoo For Men With Curly Hair
A Moisturizing Curl Booster
Bevel Moisturizing Shampoo
Curly strands benefit from a gentle shampoo that won’t strip hair of its natural oils, which can lead to frizz. Bevel’s curl-focused shampoo is a great option that cleanses without dehydrating. It uses shea butter to nourish curls, as well as coconut oil to fortify and protect the hairs, all while avoiding sulfates and silicones that can dry out strands. This gentle formula respects your natural wave pattern and leaves hair healthy and easy to style.
Best Shampoo For Men With Gray Hair
A Shampoo That Protects And Enhances Color
Unite Hair Blonda Shampoo
If your hair is bleached or has turned silver or gray, it’s time to take your shampoo regimen in a different, color-protecting direction. A purple shampoo tones the strands to counter the threats to its vibrant color: pollution, hard water minerals, heat damage and chemicals from pools. Unite’s toning shampoo helps restore the rich color to hair, rather than leaving it with a dull, yellow or brassy finish. Lather with it just once per week and use your regular or hydrating shampoo on the other days.
Best Solid Shampoo For Men
A Cleansing Bar With A Unique And Moisturizing Formula
HiBar Solid Shampoo
Unlike washing your head with a regular bar of drying body soap, HiBar’s formula is specifically designed to cleanse, hydrate and condition your strands while also keeping your scalp soothed and healthy. Just rub the bar all over your scalp, and it foams up pleasantly. One 0f these is the equivalent of a 16-ounce bottle of shampoo, making it ideal for travel, gym bags or any time you want to pack light. Reviewers also like how the shape fits easily in your palm; plus, water slides down the sides so the bar doesn’t become mushy.
MORE FROMFORBES VETTED
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
At Forbes Vetted, we’ve researched and written dozens of haircare stories, which include roundups of top-rated products, like the best scalp treatments, and robust guides like how to get healthy hair.
- Author of this piece Adam Hurly is a regular contributor with deep experience covering a breadth of grooming and lifestyle topics.
- This story was overseen by deputy editor Jane Sung, who has assigned, edited and produced everything from the best hair growth serums to the top dry shampoos.
- For an expert opinion, Hurly also gathered key insight and guidance from Colleen Dominique, a celebrity groomer.
How We Chose The Best Shampoos For Men
We finalized our list by considering the following factors to ensure that everyone would be able to find a great shampoo for their needs.
- To select the best shampoos for men, we first took into account each product’s active ingredients—we carefully evaluated each ingredient list and ultimately chose formulas that cleanse, hydrate and nourish.
- We made sure that final list is inclusive of different hair types and concerns, ranging from dandruff to thinning hair. And, as everyone’s haircare budget looks a little different, we included both affordable and luxury options.
- Additionally, our expert chimed in with recommendations based on her own experiences, while customer reviews were examined for standout product traits.
What To Consider In The Best Shampoos For Men
There are two things to keep in mind when it comes to choosing a shampoo. First, no one has the same hair or scalp needs, and the type of shampoo you purchase should cater to your specific needs. Strand density, curl pattern, hair fullness, scalp oil levels and even dandruff play a role in finding the best product for you. Therefore, start by evaluating your personal hair concerns before choosing a bottle.
Secondly, remember that if you’re buying a great shampoo, you should also invest in a good conditioner. While shampoo gently cleanses your strands, a conditioner makes your hair softer, smoother and easier to manage. It can also reduce frizz and boost the natural shine. Conditioners work by coating the cuticle and adding a protective layer, which in turn helps reduce breakage and split ends.
