Forget the 2-in-1—Our Testers Agree These Are the Best Shampoo for Men (2024)

TL;DR

Overall our favorite shampoo for men is the John Paul Mitchell Systems Tea Tree Special Shampoo—it provides a thorough clean, without stripping the hair of moisture, and also leaves your hair smelling minty fresh. If you are looking for a gentle formula to use every day, we recommend the Necessaire The Shampoo.

Shampoos for men can address concerns like hair shedding, hair loss, and dandruff. It’s a bonus if they also smell great. But how do you separate the shampoos that actually make a difference from the rest? Celebrity colorist Mark DeBolt suggests looking for formulas that include proteins, like keratin, for a stronger hair shaft and glycerin and coconut oil to boost moisture.

Limiting your options to shampoos marketed directly to men is also not always necessary. “I’ve seen the versatility required for both men’s and women’s hair care, confirming that many products can be used interchangeably,” says salon owner and stylist Rachel Voss. “However, men’s hair often has different texture and oiliness levels, which might require specific formulas, but a quality universal option is always beneficial.”

We went to work and tested a handful of top-rated shampoos for men spanning a range of budgets, hair types, and concerns to find a slew of top performers. After using them for several weeks, our testers rated each formula’s effectiveness on targeted concerns, scent, and value. We then combined these results with recommendations from professional stylists to bring you a curated list of the best picks for every man.

Our Top Picks

Jump to Review
Jump to Review
Jump to Review
Jump to Review
Jump to Review
Jump to Review

What We Like

  • Improves hair and scalp health

  • Lathers well

  • Comes in multiple sizes

What to Consider

  • Smell isn’t that pleasant

Hair Type: All | Key Ingredients: Tea tree oil, peppermint, lavender | Scent: Mint | Size: 10.1, 16.9, 33.8oz

Meet Paul Mitchell's bestselling shampoo. This shampoo is for anyone who wants an invigorating cleanse that removes impurities from the scalp and hair. We can't say we're surprised because it truly does check all the boxes. It cleanses the hair well, invigorates the scalp, and leaves behind a scent that's not too overpowering. You can thank a blend of tea tree oil, peppermint, and lavender for that, which also promote hair and scalp health.

Forget the 2-in-1—Our Testers Agree These Are the Best Shampoo for Men (2)

Emily Algar, Byrdie writer: "The best thing about Paul Mitchell's Tea Tree Special Shampoo is definitely the feeling. Like a mint for your scalp, it’s tingly, refreshing, and super invigorating. Results-wise, I found it did a great job at restoring volume and movement, all without stripping away my natural oils."

What We Like

  • Great price

  • Available in 4 scents

  • Sulfate and paraben-free

  • Helps prevent breakage

What to Consider

  • May not lather enough for some people

Hair Type: All | Key Ingredients: Sodium benzoate, sodium cocoyl isethionate | Scent: Various | Size: 16.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you are looking for an affordable shampoo without compromising on the quality of the ingredients, this hair replenishing pick came especially recommended to us from celebrity stylist Valery Joseph. “This shampoo has the ability to wash away dirt and product buildup without stripping the strands of their natural moisture, which in turn helps to restore shine to the hair," says Joseph. He also loves how the gentle formula is free from sulfates, silicones, and parabens.

The ideal option for those who wash their hair every day and tend to work through products quickly, in addition to delivering much-needed hydration to the hair, it also reduces breakage. This shampoo is also available in four delicious scents, meaning you get to choose whether you want your hair to smell like honeycomb and cider, cashmere and rain, sugar cookie, or almond and shea butter.

What We Like

  • Luxury formula

  • Available in 3 sizes

  • Strengthens hair

What to Consider

  • Not very volumizing

Hair Type: All | Key Ingredients: Zinc, copper, magnesium, vitamin B6, vitamin E, pro-vitamin B5 | Scent: Spicy and sweet | Size: 1.6, 6.7, 16.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

We are of the opinion here at Byrdie that investing in hair care is always worth it, especially if it makes an overall improvement to the health of your strands. Another top recommendation from Joseph, this shampoo does more than just clean your hair—it delivers it with a ton of nourishing ingredients to ensure everywhere from root to tip is taken care of. It contains natural origin alpha-bisabolol to soothe your scalp, while cotton proteins enhance the hair’s structure. Ceramides and shea oil also work to rehydrate the cuticles and leave them shinier, as hazelnut and camellia oils tackle damage and improve softness.

Clare Holden, Byrdie contributor: “My hair gets dry really quickly and sometimes a deep conditioner just isn’t enough. The ingredients in this shampoo work on my colored hair, and I see a huge difference immediately after using it—my hair combs more easily and blow-dries smoother.”

What We Like

  • Doesn’t strip hair of moisture

  • Color safe

  • Removes scalp buildup

What to Consider

  • Slightly smaller bottle

Hair Type: All | Key Ingredients: K18 peptide, salicylic acid | Scent: Citrus | Size: 8.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you find shampoos tend to leave your hair feeling dry, this peptide-infused option is the one to go for. We are huge fans of the entire K18 range and this shampoo doesn’t disappoint. It effectively cleanses the hair and scalp while also working to rebuild broken bonds and protect weakened strands. New York-based hair stylist and salon owner Paul Labrecque, recommends this shampoo for any men, praising its moisturizing abilities. The PH-optimized formula revitalizes parched hair from the inside out resulting in stronger and healthier looking hair.

Holly Rhue, editorial director: “My hair is a wavy, sweaty mess during the summertime, so I love that this formula leaves my scalp and hair feeling squeaky clean without completely stripping the moisture out. Instead, it felt like I had a clean canvas for a rich conditioner (or K18’s leave-in mask) and styling products to really penetrate. I’m definitely adding this to my regular rotation!”

What We Like

  • Contains expanding polymers to increase fullness

  • Masculine scent

  • Strengthens hair strands

What to Consider

  • Not as widely available

Hair Type: All | Key Ingredients: Creatine, ginger root extract | Scent: Bergamot and vetiver | Size: 8.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

This shampoo had been specifically created for men to enhance the thickness of their hair and make it appear more voluminous. The scent is a gorgeous bergamot and vetiver, and the formula contains an innovative mix of creatine and polymers to increase texture. Joseph uses this on his male clients, citing it as the perfect option for anyone with thinner or flyaway hair. This shampoo also has the added benefit of containing ginger root extract to help to prevent damage from heat styling. One thing to note when using this product—it needs to be left to absorb for a few minutes once applied, so while it isn’t the quickest wash the results make the short wait worth it.

What We Like

  • Sustainable and portable packaging

  • Soothes irritation

  • Fresh scent

What to Consider

  • Those with drier may need to use a conditioner after

Hair Type: All | Key Ingredients: Sodium Coco sulfate, green olives, Sicilian lemon oil | Scent: Citrus | Size: 1.9 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

For those short on time in the mornings, this shampoo bar is the ideal no-fuss option to provide a thorough cleanse to your hair and scalp, while also leaving it smelling zesty fresh. This shampoo bar combines Sicilian lemon oil and green olives with scalp-soothing rosemary to promote hair growth.

Michael, product tester: “This shampoo bar is super easy to use. The size fits perfectly in my hand, and I was pleasantly surprised to see how easy it was to wash my hair with this bar.”

What We Like

  • Redefines curl structure

  • Hydrating ingredients

  • Leaves hair soft

What to Consider

  • Scent may be slightly sweet for some people

Hair Type: Dry, curly | Key Ingredients: Squalane, sea-buckthorn, coconut water | Scent: Vanilla, clover, citrus | Size: 9.2, 16.9, 33.8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Get the bounce back into your curls with this hydrating option from Amika. The ingredient list reads more like skincare as it is packed full of everything you could need to replenish the softness to your strands. Containing both hyaluronic and polyglutamic acid to simultaneously hydrate and retain moisture, it also delivers a dose of squalane for protection, along with bio-fermented coconut water and sea buckthorn to promote a healthier scalp.

Taylor, product tester: “It helped add so much moisture to my hair that my curls looked a lot smoother and were less frizzy, but my hair also just feels a lot better since beginning to use the shampoo. It never weighed my hair down, and I also found myself using less leave-in products after washing.”

What We Like

  • Thickens fragile hair

  • Adds shine

  • Strengthens strands to prevent further breakage

What to Consider

  • Can be drying

Hair Type: Thin | Key Ingredients: Rice water, salicylic acid | Scent: Woody musk, citrus | Size: 10 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

The main aim of this shampoo is to repair thinning hair and ward off future breakage. It uses Japanese rice water which is rich in amino acids, protein, and vitamins to restore strands and return much-needed moisture and elasticity to your hair. The lightweight texture gently cleanses your hair without irritating the scalp or leaving any residue. Our tester who normally always double washes said that with this product only one shampoo was necessary.

Ciara, product tester: “I loved the scent. It's musky and manly and maybe even a little citrusy.”

What We Like

  • Fortifies strands to promote growth

  • Helps reduce breakage

  • Replenishes hair protein

What to Consider

Hair Type: All | Key Ingredients: Biotin, castor oil | Scent: Citrus | Size: 10, 16.9, 33.8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Whether it be from over-styling or constant coloring, anyone whose hair is looking and feeling depleted can benefit from using this biotin-rich shampoo. Weak strands are infused with a potent mix of castor oil and soy protein to strengthen your hair and get it back to its former glory.

Grace, product tester: “I noticed hair growth within two weeks. My hair seemed to be growing in thicker at the root and on my front hairline.”

What We Like

  • Can be used every day

  • Approved by The National Eczema Association

  • Hydrating formula

What to Consider

  • Unscented

Hair Type: Oily | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice | Scent: Unscented | Size: 8.4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

For those with oily hair, shampooing every day is non-negotiable, which is why it is so important to use a product that doesn’t dry out your strands or irritate your scalp. This pick from Necessaire gives your hair a dose of TLC as it not only cleans your hair but provides it with vitamins, hydration, and scalp-soothing properties.

Our tester loved how only a small amount of this product was needed to effectively wash away any grease and how bouncy her hair felt once dry. For those with colored hair, our tester also pointed out how their dye job still looked freshly colored a month after using this shampoo daily.

Donna, product tester: “It lathers beautifully and washes out beautifully without any residue. My hair feels washed but not stripped.”

What We Like

  • Rebalances scalp moisture

  • Improves shine

  • Nutrient-rich ingredients

What to Consider

  • Some may prefer shampoo that provides more volume

Hair Type: All | Key Ingredients: Royal sugar kelp, green microalgae | Scent: Crisp apple, leafy green, mint leaf, pineapple and white woods blend | Size: 8.5, 33.3 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

We know there is nothing worse than a dry and itchy scalp, which is why we have been on a serious hunt for a shampoo that can provide a thorough clean without aggravating the skin. After testing out various options, this pick from Bumble & Bumble came out on top as the soothing shampoo solution that washes away buildup while also keeping your scalp moisturized. It uses a combination of three nutrient-dense seaweeds to keep your hair and scalp nourished. Our tester saw an immediate reduction in flakiness and any previous scalp irritation was instantly soothed and alleviated after the first wash.

Forget the 2-in-1—Our Testers Agree These Are the Best Shampoo for Men (13)

Lisa, product tester: “It delivers exceptional results across the board. Not only does it effectively cleanse the scalp and hair, but it also provides hydration, nourishment, and repair, leaving hair looking and feeling its absolute best.”

What We Like

  • Controls flaking and scaling

  • Kills scalp bacteria

  • Fresh scent

What to Consider

  • Can be drying if used too often

Hair Type: All | Key Ingredients: Ketoconazole | Scent: Fresh | Size: 7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

If you are looking to get your dandruff under control, this shampoo comes highly recommended by Joseph as the only over-the-counter option to really tackle the issue. It uses 1% ketoconazole to kill the dandruff-causing scalp fungus and get your hair back being flake-free. This shampoo is safe to use on both colored and chemically treated hair and gets to work immediately after the first shampoo. While it may not be as moisturizing as other options, it only needs to be used twice per week, so you can always follow up with a deep conditioner on the days you do use it.

What We Like

  • Sulfate-free

  • Adds thickness

What to Consider

  • If you have thick hair it may add too much volume

Hair Type: All | Key Ingredients: Ginger root, nettle extracts | Scent: | Size: 8.4 oz| Cruelty-Free: Yes

Kevin Murphy’s hair line is a favorite with us and this shampoo, as with all of the products in his collection, is formulated without sulfates or parabens. We especially love this one for men as it is designed to plump up finer hair and leave it looking thicker and fuller. Designed to replenish hair from root to tip, this shampoo does everything from stimulating circulation in the scalp to improving the integrity of each individual follicle, creating an overall healthier, shinier, and softer head of hair.

“When shampooing men, my preference leans towards lighter formulas like Kevin Murphy's sulfate-free line, which are particularly effective for thinning hair and preserving natural oils,” says Voss.

What We Like

  • Rebuilds hair bonds

  • Leaves hair looking healthier

  • Improves shine

What to Consider

  • May be too heavy to use everyday

Hair Type: All | Key Ingredients: Glycerin, behntrimonium methosulfate, cetearyl alcohol | Scent: Mild citrus | Size: 3.3, 8.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Labrecque loves this shampoo for those lucky enough to have lots of hair. “Olaplex No. 4 helps close the hair bonds, and in turn makes thick hair look extra radiant," he says. This shampoo not only contains bond-building technology but is also packed full of hydrating essentials to nourish your hair. Coconut, sunflower seed oil, glycerin, banana fruit and noni fruit extract all come together to help maintain both the long-term integrity of the strands and provide instant softness and moisture to your hair. Your scalp is also taken care of through a powerful mix of acetic acid, biotin, rosemary leaf, oregano, and burdock root extract—that work to reduce flakiness and stimulate hair growth.

Forget the 2-in-1—Our Testers Agree These Are the Best Shampoo for Men (17)

Loren Savini, Byrdie writer: "I love how healthy and fresh my hair feels after using the Bond Maintenance shampoo. My hair went from feeling brittle and frayed to smooth, shiny, and healthy—without having to sacrifice any volume."

What We Like

  • Mostly plant-based ingredients

  • Provides UV protection

  • Moisturizing with quinoa and aloe

What to Consider

  • Doesn't lather well

Hair Type: Dry, damaged | Key Ingredients: Rahua oil, coconut, quinoa | Scent: Herbal | Size: 9.3 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

It’s hard to find any label today on which you can read every ingredient, especially in the shampoo aisle, but you can with this one. And the list of power players here is not to be reckoned with. Rahua oil is rich in Omega-9, coconut gently removes dirt and oil, quinoa promotes healing and moisture retention, organic aloe hydrates and creates shine, and antioxidant-rich organic green tea helps protect the hair and scalp from harmful UV damage. We think it's ideal for colored or chemically treated hair. Some reviewers did note it didn't lather as well as they'd hoped.

Forget the 2-in-1—Our Testers Agree These Are the Best Shampoo for Men (19)

What We Like

  • Blocks DHT to stimulate hair growth

  • Gentle formula

  • Addresses dandruff

What to Consider

  • Not everyone loves the smell

Hair Type: Thin | Scent: Herbal | Key Ingredients: Saw palmetto | Size: 6.4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Shampoos for thinning hair typically use proteins and panthenol to fatten up hair strands, yet their effect can be fleeting as they are washed down the drain. Shampoo that can actually prevent hair loss needs to perform a key function, and that’s blocking DHT—or dihydrotestosterone—the sex hormone in men that is a byproduct of testosterone. How it all works is a long story, but in a nutshell, you'll want to reach for a shampoo like this one that can do just that to reduce hair loss. We do wish the full ingredients list was available online though.

What We Like

  • Designed for textured hair

  • Natural ingredients

  • Moisturizing with glycerin

What to Consider

  • May weigh down finer hair

Hair Type: Curly, dry | Key Ingredients: Shea butter, coconut oil, glycerin | Scent: Coconut | Size: 12 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Designed for the specific requirements of coarse, textured hair, Bevel formulated its new shampoo without sulfates and silicones that can easily strip natural oils resulting in dry hair that's more prone to breakage. Instead, uber moisturizing shea butter, coconut oil, and glycerin keep even the tightest coils hydrated and the softest waves intact.

What We Like

  • Swoon-worthy scent

  • Detangles

  • Lightweight

What to Consider

  • Reviewers say that no other shampoo may compare after using, making it an expensive habit

Hair Type: Color-treated | Key Ingredients: Ginger root extract, la mariposa blanca | Scent: Italian bergamot, Aomori apples, cassis, muguet, leafy greens, cedarwood, white amber, musk | Size: 2.5, 8.5, 33.8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

There are nice-smelling shampoos...and then there’s Oribe. Conceived as a rival to fragrance house creations, the “Signature Scent” from the brand is so popular it has its own loyal following. Notes familiar to the olfactory aficionados among us include Italian bergamot, Aomori apples, cassis, muguet, leafy greens, cedarwood, white amber, musk, and la mariposa blanca—the national flower of Cuba, the birthplace of the late founder, Oribe Canales. It's ideal for all hair types, especially damaged hair, and anyone wanting to enhance their daily wash.

Jordan Julian,news and deals editor, with oily-prone, highlighted straight hair:“Thanks to this shampoo, I’m actually able to go a few days between washes, it leaves my hair feeling silky and thoroughly cleansed of buildup.”

What We Like

  • Great for sensitive skin

  • Gentle formula

  • Noncomedogenic

What to Consider

  • Formula may not be cleansing enough for greasy hair or product buildup

Hair Type: All | Key Ingredients: Hemisqualane, bisabolol | Scent: None | Size: 8.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you have sensitive skin and full-fragranced shampoos aren’t your jam, this hypoallergenic, fragrance-free shampoo is the way to go. Seen has a fragrance-free edition of its dermatologist-developed, hair-cleansing vegan shampoo that works wonders and is even safe for folks with eczema. Rather than traditional sulfates, this shampoo has hemi-squalane, a natural version of a sulfate.

Forget the 2-in-1—Our Testers Agree These Are the Best Shampoo for Men (24)

What to Look for in Shampoos for Men

  • Your Concerns: Shampoo shouldn’t be a one-size-fits-all situation, so finding a formula that targets a specific hair or scalp concern will help you achieve your best hair yet. DeBolt appreciates formulas that contain “skincare for hair” formulas to promote healthy hair growth. If you’re suffering from dandruff or scalp irritation, choose a formula that specifically improves scalp health. If your hair is on the oilier side or you use a lot of styling products, opt for a clarifying formula that’ll help dissolve buildup and balance oil.
  • Thickening: According to DeBolt, shampoos with thickening benefits are often formulas that men appreciate. Hair thinning and hair loss are common hair concerns for men, and thickening shampoos can help combat this problem by giving the hair a fuller, healthier-looking appearance.
  • Scent: Some shampoos can be heavily scented with sweet and floral fragrances, so some men may appreciate shampoos that have a subtler fresh scent or a fragrance-free formula—though it's really up to your personal preference. However, if you have a sensitive scalp or are suffering from dandruff and flakes, a fragrance-free formula will be your best bet against avoiding further irritation.

How We Tested Shampoos for Men

Forget the 2-in-1—Our Testers Agree These Are the Best Shampoo for Men (25)

To find the best shampoos for men, we put together a list of editor’s favorites, bestsellers, expert recommendations, and top rated products. We then had testers with various hair types try them out to see how well they performed for their target concern. We rated each product on the following:

  • Ease of Application: We looked for shampoos that lathered easily and didn’t require an excessive amount of product to provide a deep clean.
  • Effect: We tested various products for different hair types and evaluated each on how well they left the hair feeling afterwards.
  • Feel: We noted how clean the hair felt, along with softness, shine, and whether the products left any residue.
  • Scent: We considered the fragrance of each shampoo and how long it lasted.
  • Ingredients: We paid special attention to the ingredients in each shampoo and how theyperformed in dealing with the intended hair concern.
  • Value: We considered the price and bottle size and measured them against how effective the results were to ensure the shampoo provided value for money.

FAQ

  • Can men and women use the same shampoo?

    “Men and women can use the same shampoo as the formulations are generally similar, however, the main difference would be there are specific ingredients in some men's shampoos which target specific male hair concerns," says Joseph. Instead of choosing a shampoo based on genderwe recommend picking one for your hair type or issue.

  • Is it bad to use 2-in-1 shampoo?

    While the experts we spoke to weren’t completely against 2-in-1 shampoos, they did highlight the limitations that come with a quick wash. “Using a 2-in-1 shampoo is not necessarily bad for you as it does allow some benefits such as time and space, especially if you are at the gym or traveling,” says Joseph. “However, using a combined 2-in-1 will not enable you to properly target issues such as dry scalp, frizziness, damage.”

  • Should men use shampoos with or without sulfates?

    Sulfates in shampoo work to remove buildup, dirt, and oil from the hair and while they help provide a deep and thorough cleanse, they can also strip the hair of moisture.“Everyone should use a sulfate-free shampoo if they want an experience that's better for their hair and scalp health in both the short and long-term,” says LaBrecque.

Meet Our Experts

  • Rachel Voss has almost 20 years experience as a hairstylist. She founded her first Salon in 2016 in Dallas.
  • New York-based Paul Labrecque is a renowned hair stylist and salon owner, who has over 20 years experience working with innovative color, cutting, and styling techniques.
  • Valery Joseph owns four salons across New York and Miami and has also worked on the hair of celebrities such as Lady Gaga and Helen Mirren.
  • Mark Debolt is a trusted celebrity colorist and co-founder of Mark Ryan Salon.

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Barret Wertz has many years of having hair under his belt. He’s also been writing about men’s hair and chatting with some of the most respected barbers, stylists, and groomers in the world about it for almost 10 years. He considered dozens of shampoos for men for this roundup, evaluating each on its active ingredients, how well the formula targeted concerns, scent, and value. He combined these insights with stylist-recommended products as well as research from our own testers.

Clare Holden has over 15 years experience working as a beauty journalist and makeup artist. She has extensive knowledge of haircare and skincare from her years of researching ingredients and testing out products.

Catherine Hufton is a London-based lifestyle journalist and has been a contributing writer and editor for Byrdie since 2022. Her freelance career has allowed her to work for some of the world’s biggest beauty brands and women’s titles and test hundreds of makeup, and skincare products in the process. She digs deep into all things fashion and beauty to find the very best shopping must-haves using her knowledge, expert advice, and detailed insights from Byrdie’s NYC testing lab.

According to ourDiversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough shampoos for men from Black-owned and/or Black-founded businesses to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com, and we will evaluate the product ASAP.

Forget the 2-in-1—Our Testers Agree These Are the Best Shampoo for Men (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Edmund Hettinger DC

Last Updated:

Views: 5415

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (78 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Edmund Hettinger DC

Birthday: 1994-08-17

Address: 2033 Gerhold Pine, Port Jocelyn, VA 12101-5654

Phone: +8524399971620

Job: Central Manufacturing Supervisor

Hobby: Jogging, Metalworking, Tai chi, Shopping, Puzzles, Rock climbing, Crocheting

Introduction: My name is Edmund Hettinger DC, I am a adventurous, colorful, gifted, determined, precious, open, colorful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.