Though you might think great hair is all about the right hair gel or style, great hair actually begins in the shower. The shampoo and conditioner you choose can make all the difference in your hair, starting right at the roots.
Certain ingredients in shampoos yield certain results, so you should pay attention to your ingredient list when shopping for the best shampoo for you. Keeping your scalp clean, nourished, and free from buildup is one of the best things you can do, especially if you deal with thinning hair. Apple cider vinegar is recommended by many experts, including celebrity colorist Rachel Bodt, who says you should use a clarifying shampoo to bust buildup.
If you deal with a seriously itchy scalp, opt for anti-inflammatory ingredients like aloe vera, according to another expert, Diane Stevens. Want some volume? Typically, you’d want to look for shampoos that have starches or other thickening polymers in the ingredient list. It all depends on your hair type and desired outcome, so be sure to consider these factors when selecting your shampoo.
Of course, using the “wrong” shampoo won’t end in disastrous results, but it might keep you from the best hair of your life. Just as diverse as hair types can be, so are the options when it comes to shampoo. It’s recommended to pick shampoos that have been specifically formulated for your particular hair needs.
Whether your mane is thick, thinning, unruly, or gray, these are the best shampoo for men that will help you achieve your greatest hair days, according to experts and editors.
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BEST OVERALL
GARNIER
Fructis Pure Clean Hair Reset Clarifying Shampoo
The aloe vera and citric acid in this stuff dig out dirt, oil, and product buildup. It’ll leave your hair feeling “soft, not squeaky,” according to one of the testers. No wonder it took the top spot at our 2022 Grooming Awards.
PRONS
Great at removing dirt and oil without over-drying
Leaves hair feeling soft, but not squeaky
- Active ingredients: Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Coco-Betaine, Glycerin
BEST THICKENING SHAMPOO FOR MEN
Old Spice Hair Thickening Shampoo for Men
Dealing with men’s hair loss? Another favorite of our editors here at Men’s Health is this thickening shampoo from Old Spice, which is specifically designed to support healthy hair growth. It’s great for those dealing with thinning hair.
PRONS
Great for thinning hair
Pleasant smell
- Active ingredients: Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine
BEST SHAMPOO FOR DRY SCALP
NIOXIN
Scalp Relief Kit for Sensitive, Dry, and Itchy Scalp
Do you have a dry or itchy scalp? Grab this soothing kit that comes highly recommended by hairstylist and scalp expert Diane Stevens. “It contains aloe vera, an anti-inflammatory ingredient to soothe the scalp, help increase softness or smoothness of hair,” she said. “It also reduces tangles and hair surface roughness.”
PRONS
Increases hair softness
Reduces tangles and roughness
- Active ingredients: Aloe Vera, Soothex, Glycerin
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BEST SHAMPOO FOR MEN WITH FRIZZY HAIR
KIEHL’S
Smoothing Oil-Infused Shampoo
Infused with soothing and nourishing ingredients, like Argan and Babassu oils, this shampoo from Kiehl’s is great for those who deal with dry hair or frizz.
BEST 2-IN-1 SHAMPOO
DOVE MEN+
Care 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner
We get it. If you don’t have serious hair concerns and just want a quick and easy way to cleanse your hair, this Dove 2-in-1 shampoo will do just the trick.
ODELE
Volumizing Shampoo
It’s a great shampoo for any hair type but also works well for pumping up the volume if you have skinny strands that need some more oomph.
