No two shampoos are the same, and they shouldn’t be. Everyone has different problems with their hair, whether it’s unruly locks or an itchy scalp. When it comes to the best shampoos for men, you should first determine your hair type and needs. For example, if your hair is thinning, choose something that promotes the delivery of nutrients to the follicles and strengthens each individual strand – like Davines Energizing Shampoo. For those who get dandruff on a regular basis, it’s good to have a scalp strengthening option on hand.
When purchasing the best shampoo for men, consider your hair type and scalp concerns.
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The same goes for your natural hair density: if you have thick, curly hair, choose a formula that enhances your natural texture and moisturizes each curl. If natural graying is starting to appear, silver strands can benefit from a purple-tinted shampoo to accentuate the shine. Below, we’ve rounded up the best shampoos for men that address a variety of hair concerns.
Overall the best shampoo for men: Kevin Murphy Hydrate Me Wash
Best value for money 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 anti-dandruff shampoo for men: Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Best Shampoo and Conditioner for Men: R+Co Cleansing Foam Conditioner
Best Shampoo for Men with Curly Hair: Bevel Moisturizing Shampoo
Best shampoo for men with grey hair: Unite Hair Blonda Shampoo
Best solid shampoo for men: HiBar Solid Shampoo
This bush plum-infused shampoo “is powerful in terms of ingredients, and the brand also offers a wide range of options for all hair types,” says celebrity hairstylist Colleen Dominique. This one is the most universal, as it focuses on hydration and replenishing nutrients that are usually lost during washing. It’s also color-safe and a favorite among Dominique’s clients, too—with a refreshing scent that makes it even more appealing.
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Nexxus Therappe Shampoo
Nexxus is Dominique’s go-to brand for low prices and high quality. And while this particular formula will add extra moisture to dry hair, it can also help anyone whose hair has some texture (since it ensures minimal moisture loss when washed). But there are alternative Nexxus products to consider if you have oily hair or need a thorough detox. “The brand offers a variety of options for all hair types at a great price,” says Dominique. “Plus, they’re all designed to tame frizz and protect against humidity, so hair always stays soft and shiny.”
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Davines Energizing Shampoo
This refreshing shampoo contains caffeine, which stimulates blood flow to the hair follicles. This improves the supply of nutrients to each strand, which can help with thinning hair and hair loss. It also invigorates the scalp while moisturizing and nourishing your hair – and it doesn’t leave behind any buildup or greasy residue.
Lumin’s hair strengthening shampoo also acts as a scalp soothing agent. The peppermint and tea tree oils in the formula help neutralize fungal growth and stimulate blood flow to the scalp. Ceramides and keratin simultaneously strengthen hair strands and follicles, preventing further breakage or hair loss – while also giving hair healthy body and shine.
Nizoral
Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
This clinical-grade shampoo stops all types of dandruff – even the worst cases – thanks to its main active ingredient, 1% ketoconazole. Use it once or twice a week, depending on the severity of the irritation, itching or flaking. If you know you have a tendency to have a flaky scalp, you can also wash with it to prevent flare-ups of symptoms.
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R+Co Cleansing Foam Conditioner
For anyone looking to tone their hair, Dominique recommends R+Co’s Co-Wash (short for Conditioning Wash). “This product mimics the texture of shampoo because it comes out like a lather, which can help you get used to using a co-wash,” she says. “It doesn’t weigh down thin or short hair and doesn’t leave residue.” You can try replacing your shampoo and conditioner routine entirely with it if you want, or use it most days while occasionally doing a deeper cleanse with a standard shampoo (about every two weeks).
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Bevel Moisturizing Shampoo
Curly hair benefits from a gentle shampoo that doesn’t strip hair of its natural oils, which can cause frizz. Bevel’s curl-specific shampoo is a great option that cleanses without drying. It uses shea butter to nourish curls and coconut oil to strengthen and protect hair, while avoiding sulfates and silicones that can dry hair out. This gentle formula respects your natural wave pattern, leaving hair healthy and easy to manage.
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Unite Hair Blonda Shampoo
If your hair is bleached or has turned silver or grey, it’s time to take your shampoo routine in a different, colour-protecting direction. A purple shampoo tints strands to counteract the threats to their vibrant colour: pollution, minerals from hard water, heat damage and chemicals from swimming pools. Unite’s tinting shampoo helps restore hair’s rich colour rather than leaving it with a dull, yellow or brassy finish. Lather up just once a week and use your regular or moisturising shampoo on the other days.
Unlike washing your hair with a regular bar of drying body soap, HiBar’s formula is specifically designed to cleanse, moisturize, and condition your hair while soothing and keeping your scalp healthy. Simply rub the bar over your scalp and it will lather up nicely. One of these is equivalent to a 16-ounce bottle of shampoo, making it ideal for travel, gym bags, or anytime you want to pack light. Reviewers also like that the shape fits easily in the palm of your hand; plus, water runs down the sides so the bar doesn’t get soggy.
Why trust Forbes Vetted?
At Forbes Vetted, we’ve researched and written dozens of stories about hair care, including roundups of the top-rated products, like the best scalp treatments, and in-depth guides like how to get healthy hair.
The author of this article, Adam Hurly, is a regular contributor with extensive experience covering a wide range of grooming and lifestyle topics.
This story was handled by deputy editor Jane Sung, who has covered, edited, and produced everything from the best hair growth serums to the best dry shampoos.
To get an expert opinion, Hurly also sought key insights and advice from Colleen Dominique, a celebrity hairstylist.
This is how we selected the best shampoos for men
To ensure that everyone finds a great shampoo for their needs, we have finalized our list by considering the following factors.
To select the best shampoos for men, we first considered the active ingredients of each product. We carefully evaluated each ingredient list and finally settled on formulas that cleanse, moisturize and condition.
We made sure the final list took into account various hair types and concerns, from dandruff to thinning hair. And since everyone has a slightly different budget for hair care, we included both affordable and luxurious options.
In addition, our expert gave recommendations based on her own experience and examined customer reviews for special product features.
What to look for in the best shampoos for men
When choosing a shampoo, there are two things you should consider. First, everyone has the same hair or scalp needs, and the type of shampoo you buy should meet your specific needs. Hair density, curl pattern, hair fullness, scalp oiliness, and even dandruff all play a role in finding the best product for you, so first evaluate your personal hair concerns before choosing a bottle.
Secondly, remember that if you buy a good shampoo, you should also invest in a good conditioner. While shampoo gently cleanses your hair, a conditioner makes your hair softer, smoother and easier to manage. It can also reduce frizz and enhance natural shine. Conditioners work by coating the cuticle and creating a protective layer, which in turn helps prevent breakage and split ends.
