The 8 Best Shampoos for Men in 2026, Tested by Grooming Experts
A shampoo for every hair type, recommended by people who get it.
Reviewed by Sean ZuckerGrooming and Commerce Editor
Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?
HEALTHY HAIR STARTS with a healthy scalp. Similar to your face, on which you use a face wash and moisturizer, your hair also needs proper cleansing and hydration to reach its full potential. However, the right shampoo can not only provide both, but it will also make hair easier to style, encourage growth, and promote fuller-looking locks.
Best Shampoo for Men
- Best Overall: Kérastase Genesis Bain De Masse Epaississant Shampoo
- Best for Curly Hair: Hairstory New Wash Original
- Best for Oily Scalp: Ouai Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
- Best for Textured Hair: Head & Shoulders Royal Oils Sulfate Free Scalp Care Shampoo
- Best Luxury: Sisley Paris Hair Rituel Revitalizing Volumizing Shampoo
Of course, finding the right shampoo for you can be tricky, as sorting through all the options can be daunting. Begin by looking for shampoos designed for your hair type (we'll get into those below). After that, if you’re dealing with an issue like dandruff, itchiness, or dry scalp, using a shampoo designed to help with that can make a big difference. And sure, other things like scent and price should always factor in, too.
There is nothing inherently dangerous about using the "wrong" shampoo, but if you want your hair to look its best for as long as possible, a good, high-quality shampoo designed for your specific needs can make all the difference. We’ve sorted through every single shampoo we could get our hands on to find the very best for every hair need, so when in doubt, start with this list.
What to Consider
Active Ingredients
The most important thing to consider when shopping for a new shampoo—whether it's hair thickening shampoos, shampoos for thinning hair, anti-dandruff shampoos, dry shampoos, or all-natural shampoos—is the ingredients. The best shampoos effectively remove build-up, oil, and dirt from the scalp and hair, which helps to balance your scalp's natural oils. For those struggling with hair loss or thinning hair, you'll want to avoid using shampoos with harsh chemicals that over-strip and dry out your roots. Apple cider vinegar is recommended by celebrity colorist Rachel Bodt, who adds that you should use a clarifying shampoo to bust buildup.
If an itchy scalp is causing you problems, look for shampoos with anti-inflammatory ingredients like aloe vera, according to Diane Stevens, owner of Cole Stevens Salon in Washington, DC. 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.
Below are the four most common hair issues men face and what exactly to look for in a shampoo when treating them.
- Dry Scalp: Look for mild cleansers called betaines high up on the ingredient list, says dermatologist Dr. Zoe Draelos, M.D. These don’t bind to oil as well as harsher cleansers do, so they leave some of your natural moisture.
- Thinning Hair: Minoxidil is the only proven OTC way to stimulate hair growth, but the shampoo you use can make each strand appear thicker. Look for volumizing formulas with plumping polymers (like quaternium) that bind to each strand, says cosmetic chemist Jim Hammer, M.Ed.
- Oily Scalp: Control greasiness with a shampoo that contains anionic surfactants, such as sulfates, sulfoacetates, or sulfosuccinates. These detergents, which contain negatively charged particles that bind to oil, are the strongest cleansers for oily scalps.
- Dandruff: Eliminate the itch by using a product containing either zinc pyrithione or selenium sulfide, which fight the flake-causing fungus and soothe inflammation, says Dr. Draelos. Alternate that with a salicylic acid shampoo, which exfoliates to remove dead skin cells and flakes.
Hair Type
In general, there are four primary hair types: straight hair, which lies flat on the scalp with little to no pattern; curly hair, characterized by spirals or loops formed along hair strands; wavy hair, which is essentially in between straight or curly hair with loose "S" shaped waves; and textured hair that has a natural coil pattern.
Just like you want to pick a shampoo based on any issues you have going on with your hair, you also want to choose a shampoo that’s formulated for your hair type. Dermatologist Dr. Paradi Mirmirani, M.D., confirms that every shampoo is designed to remove oil, dead skin cells, and grime from your scalp, but the biggest difference is the product’s cleansing strength. Then, any additional ingredients or formulas are uniquely devised to attack specific concerns.
It might be easy to brush this off, but different hair types have different needs—particularly when it comes to moisture—so using the wrong shampoo could mean you’re not giving your hair what it needs, and your hair won’t be left looking its best. Curly and textured hair, for instance, needs a lot of moisture because it dries out very easily. Conversely, straight hair usually doesn’t need as much moisture because it will weigh it down.
Size
Yes, size does matter. Kind of. It’s not always the deciding factor for a shampoo, but it’s always good to consider the size versus the cost. Depending on how often you wash your hair, you may need to purchase your shampoo frequently, particularly if it’s in a small bottle.
How We Selected
We’ve been testing shampoos for men since this story was first published in 2021. There is no shortage of options at a variety of price points when it comes to these products, so it's easy to feel overwhelmed. That's why our 10-person panel of editors, dermatologists, and grooming experts spent the past two years testing new releases and reassessing old favorites, amounting to over 75 shampoos in total.
We evaluated each product based on how well it cleaned our hair, how well it addressed hair and skin concerns, and how it made our hair look. Whether your mane is thick, thinning, unruly, or gray, these are the best shampoos for men that will help you achieve your greatest hair days.
Best Deal
Kérastase Genesis Bain De Masse Epaississant Shampoo
Kérastase Genesis Bain De Masse Epaississant Shampoo
Pros
- Hair thickening formula worked for our testers
- Strong lather
- Pleasant scent
Cons
- Bottle is on the smaller end considering price
This stuff contains creatine (yes, one of our favorite ingredients in pre-workout supplements) to strengthen weak hair, thicken thinning strands, and deliver a potent lather while cleansing. After months of testing, one editor noted that the shampoo made his hair feel stronger and thicker. While this shampoo is specifically formulated to thicken and plump thinner (or thinning) hair, the reason we chose it as our best overall is that you don’t need to have that issue to reap the benefits.
Thanks to the creatine and ginger root in the formula, it also strengthens strands, so your hair, no matter what kind you have, becomes stronger against breakage and damage. And yes, it also does what all good shampoos must: Clean your scalp and hair effectively without leaving it over-stripped.
This stuff is fairly expensive, and the bottle is smaller than you’d probably want for a shampoo. However, thanks to the rich lather, a little goes a long way, so the small-ish bottle still lasts you a good amount of time, even if you wash your hair every day.
This shampoo is the definition of getting what you pay for. Sure, you can find cheaper shampoos that get the job done and are fine, but shelling out a little bit more for a truly incredible shampoo can really make a huge difference.
Read More: Best Hair Growth Products for Men
| Active Ingredients | Creatine, ginger root |
| Hair Type | Thinning Hair |
| Size | 80 mL, 250 mL |
Hairstory New Wash Original
Hairstory New Wash Original
Pros
- Non-foaming and sulfate free
- Cleanses and conditions at the same time
- Refillable
Cons
- Packaging can be hard to use without aluminum bottle
This non-foaming, detergent-free hair cleanser won’t strip your curly hair of the natural oils it needs to stay healthy. It also moisturizes while it cleanses to help protect your curls and keep them from frizzing. Co-washes like this are ideal for curly hair, but can also be thought of as a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner for very dry or damaged hair, since using one is basically like washing your hair with a conditioner.
If you’re used to high-lather shampoos, using this can take a bit of getting used to (it really doesn’t lather and feels more like a conditioner), but once you get the hang of it, the results speak for themselves.
The reason it’s so good for curly hair is that it doesn’t lather, so even with the learning curve, it’s worth it. Traditional shampoos typically use surfactants and sulfates that cause the lather you’re used to, but they can also strip and dry out hair, particularly curly hair that is already prone to dryness in general.
Not only does this shampoo use non-lathering surfactants to cleanse your hair, but it’s also sulfate-free, so it won’t dry out your hair at all. In fact, it’s so moisturizing you don’t even need to follow it with any sort of conditioner (unless your hair is extra dry). It’s the easiest way to protect your curls and keep them looking their best.
Read More: Best Shampoo for Men With Curly Hair
| Active Ingredients | Botanical oils, aloe vera, glycerin |
| Hair Type | Curly, textured |
| Size | 8 oz |
Ouai Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Ouai Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Pros
- Helps degrease scalp and remove buildup
- Controls oil production
- Fresh scent
Cons
- Not designed to use every day (use it 1-2 times a week)
You don’t have to have actual dandruff to reap the benefits of this shampoo. Still, the salicylic acid included helps to clarify skin and decrease oil production, which makes it ideal for scalp health and hair that tends to get oily or greasy.
Think of this shampoo as an exfoliator for your scalp. The salicylic acid helps to gently remove buildup on your scalp, including flakes, but also goes down into pores to help control oil production. Even doing all of that, this shampoo is anything but harsh and really does help soothe itch and irritation on your scalp. The best thing about it, though, is that it smells and lathers like a fancy shampoo, not like the typical dandruff shampoos you’ll find at the drugstore.
It’s worth a reminder that you really don’t need to use this every day—even though it smells so good that you’ll want to. Because the salicylic acid is potent, overdoing it could risk additional irritation to your scalp. Another usage tip: You want to make sure the salicylic acid actually reaches your scalp, so make sure to use your fingers (or a massaging brush) to thoroughly massage it into your scalp. Once you have, let it sit for a few minutes to make sure the active ingredients penetrate the skin on your scalp enough to be effective. Do that, and you’ll have a flake- and itch-free scalp in no time.
Read More: Best Dandruff Shampoos
| Active Ingredients | Salicylic acid |
| Hair Type | Oily to normal |
| Size | 10 oz |
Head & Shoulders Royal Oils Sulfate Free Scalp Care Shampoo
Head & Shoulders Royal Oils Sulfate Free Scalp Care Shampoo
Pros
- Won’t dry out curly or textured hair
- Controls dandruff with clinically proven ingredients
- Smells and feels like a "normal" shampoo
Cons
- Too heavy for thin or fine hair
Controlling dandruff when you have textured hair can be a hassle because traditional dandruff shampoos leave it dry and crispy. This version, however, has the requisite pyrithione zinc to control flakes, but is sulfate-free and packed with nourishing ingredients to help keep your hair hydrated.
Apart from the pyrithione zinc that helps control dandruff, this specific formula also contains apple cider vinegar to gently cleanse your hair and scalp without stripping it, as well as coconut oil to smooth and hydrate hair. The large size is convenient and lasts a long time, even if you use it frequently. Plus, the scent is pleasant without any of the medicinal quality that some other dandruff shampoos have.
Out of all the medicated shampoos we have tested, this is by far one of the best-smelling, so much so that it’s easy to forget that it’s a medicated shampoo. That means you’ll want to make sure you let it sit on your scalp for a few minutes in order to let the active ingredients go to work. Luckily, that’s easy when it smells and feels like a standard shampoo.
It also doesn’t leave your hair feeling sticky or filmy like other medicated shampoos. However, it’s important to note that since this is formulated for curly and textured hair, the addition of moisturizing ingredients may be too much for fine or thinning hair.
Read More: How to Treat Dandruff
| Active Ingredients | Pyrithione zinc, coconut oil, apple cider vinegar |
| Hair Type | Curly, textured |
| Size | 12.8 oz |
Sisley Paris Hair Rituel Revitalizing Volumizing Shampoo
Sisley Paris Hair Rituel Revitalizing Volumizing Shampoo
Pros
- Increases volume in flat, thin hair
- Softens and smoothes strands
- Gentle enough to use every day
Cons
- Expensive for its formula
If you want to upgrade your daily shower from mundane to sublime, we recommend this volumizing shampoo from Sisley Paris. It gives your hair an added boost of volume and body, and the invigorating scent is the perfect way to kick-start your day. One tester noted that his hair felt softer and smoother after using it for more than six months. He also noted that Sisley's formula was gentle enough to use every day, without drying his scalp.
If you’ve never used a luxury shampoo before, it may be hard to justify spending this much money on a shampoo, but once you use it, you’ll understand immediately. A richer lather, a creamier formula, and a more elevated and pleasing scent are all part of the luxury shampoo experience, but where it really shines is how it leaves your hair looking lustrous and healthy in a way that cheaper shampoos just can’t compete with.
We don’t endorse an expensive product like this unless we truly believe in it, and in this case, that’s absolutely true. Not only is the experience of using it incredible, but out of all the shampoos we’ve tested—from drugstore to luxury—this is one of the best, not just in how it feels and smells to use, but how it left our hair looking.
Sure, you could use it every day if you want (you’ll definitely be tempted), but you really don’t need to with this stuff. It made our hair look its best with only a few washes a week. The healthy shine and feel it delivers lasts much longer than cheaper shampoos. That’s why it’s worth the investment.
Read More: Best Hair Styling Products for Men
| Active Ingredients | Zinc, copper, magnesium, vitamin B6, vitamin E, shea oil, camellia oil |
| Hair Type | All, but especially thin |
| Size | 6.7 oz |
DS Laboratories Revita Hair Density Shampoo
DS Laboratories Revita Hair Density Shampoo
Pros
- Great for thinning hair
- Effective on all hair types, including color-treated
- Sulfate-free and paraben-free
- Contains a series of DHT blockers
Cons
- Some testers found the pump top to be occasionally fickle
Dealing with hair loss or thinning? Don't fret; not only does it happen to most men eventually, but there are plenty of shampoos to help. The most effective of which is DS Laboratories Revita Hair Density Shampoo. This best-tested option is ideal for those genetically predisposed to balding because it contains DHT (the hormone largely responsible for male pattern balding) blockers, including caffeine, biotin, antioxidants, and amino acids, to fight off impending hair loss or thinning.
After using it for only a couple of weeks, we already began to see our hair looking and feeling thicker. The shampoo's formula also contains wheat protein, which helps hair appear fuller, as well as glycerin, a humectant that attracts moisture to the hair to help it stay hydrated and healthy overall.
This is not a huge surprise, given that the shampoo left our hair feeling incredibly soft and healthy. Important to caveat that this shampoo will not cause hair to regrow, but it will certainly help your current hair appear and feel thicker.
Read More: Best Hair Thickening Shampoos
| Active Ingredients | Caffeine, biotin, antioxidants, amino acids, wheat protein |
| Hair Type | Thinning, all |
| Size | 7 oz |
Nioxin Scalp Relief Cleansing Shampoo
Nioxin Scalp Relief Cleansing Shampoo
Pros
- Increases hair softness
- Reduces tangles and roughness
- Soothing ingredients help moisturize scalp and control itchiness
Cons
- Best results require using the full system
Do you have a dry or itchy scalp? Grab this soothing shampoo that comes highly recommended by Stevens. She likes that it contains aloe vera, a natural anti-inflammatory that actively soothes the scalp, enhances hair softness and smoothness, and minimizes tangles and surface roughness for easier manageability. When it comes to boots-on-the-ground testing, our editors confirm that it is certainly effective in attacking dry scalps.
The only minor caveat is that this shampoo is merely one part of a full three-step system that also includes conditioner and serum for those with very dry or inflamed scalps. Naturally, you'll get the best results (especially for more severe cases) if you follow the entire system; however, the shampoo is still effective at reducing itch on its own.
Whenever you use a product that’s designed to be part of a system, naturally, you’re going to get the full benefits if you use the whole system. This is no exception. However, we’ve tested a lot of systems in our time, and we were impressed at how well this shampoo worked at soothing our itchy scalps, even if we didn’t use the other two products. If you have a chronically itchy scalp, you’ll likely want to pick up all three products, but if you just want something on hand to soothe your scalp every now and then, the shampoo will do the trick just fine.
Read More: Best Shampoos for Itchy Scalps
| Active Ingredients | Aloe vera, soothex, glycerin |
| Hair Type | Dry |
| Size | 200 mL |
Sachajuan Moisturizing Shampoo
Sachajuan Moisturizing Shampoo
Pros
- Can fix dry hair after a few washes
- Protects color treated hair
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- Smallest bottle on this list
This shampoo is perfect for severely dry, dehydrated hair. It rehydrates the scalp through a blend of moisture-rich ingredients like algae extract and argan oil.. A few of our editors say that after using it for two weeks, they found that it helped fix their dry hair. Testers with color-treated hair also found that Sachajuan's moisturizing formula kept their locks soft and healthy-looking.
Unlike many other hyper-moisturizing shampoos we’ve tried, this one doesn’t leave your hair feeling heavy or oily. In fact, it’s so lightweight that we found it even works well at hydrating fine and thin hair, which is honestly a rarity. Depending on how dry your hair is, you may still need to follow this with a conditioner, but in general, it’s moisturizing enough that you don’t need to. Because it’s so lightweight, it also helps keep hair more manageable, and on testers with longer hair, there were fewer tangles, and it was easier to brush and style.
Keep in mind that the price, while not the highest on this list, is still up there, making this a more luxury product. But, once again, we wouldn’t endorse it if it wasn’t worth the investment. The bottle isn’t super large, but it lasts a long time because a little of this stuff is all you need. It lathers richly and cleans hair well, even with just a small amount. In fact, you really don’t want to overdo it because it is so moisturizing. Even if you wash your hair every day, the bottle should last you a good while.
Read More: Best Shampoos for Thinning Hair
| Active Ingredients | Glycerin, argan oil |
| Size | 250 mL |
| Hair Type | Dry or color treated |
How Often Should You Wash Your Hair?
Most experts say that washing your hair more than a few times a week is unnecessary because overwashing can strip the scalp and hair of its natural moisturizing and protective oils. A good rule of thumb is to wash it every other day and always follow shampoo with conditioner to replenish moisture. However, there are some caveats, and how often you actually wash is unique to the person.
If you have curly, textured, or dry hair, you may need to wash it even less. Washing once or twice weekly may be enough. On the flip side, if you have an oily scalp, sweat or exercise a lot, or use a lot of hair products, you may need to cleanse your hair more often.
Read More: How Often Should You Wash Your Hair
Can Shampoo Really Help With Dandruff?
Yes, provided it has the right ingredients. Clinical dandruff is actually caused by a fungus that can grow on your scalp and feed off the oils. Ingredients like zinc pyrithione and selenium sulfide have been shown to kill this particular fungus, called Malassezia.
Other ingredients, like salicylic acid, can address associated factors like dryness, itchiness, and oil buildup that can look similar to dandruff, but only zinc pyrithione and selenium sulfide have been approved to stop the fungus itself. Using a dandruff shampoo that contains these ingredients as directed can help curb dandruff (as long as you keep using it).
Read More: Best Anti-Dandruff Shampoos for Men
What’s the Deal With Sulfates in Shampoo?
Sulfates (most commonly sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate) are used in shampoos to create that lather we always expect when washing our hair. They’ve been used for decades because they were thought to have a cleansing effect, but in recent years, the conversation around sulfates has shifted. Many people now believe that sulfates have a stripping effect and can leave your hair dry, unprotected, and needlessly crispy (that squeaky clean feeling).
Still, sulfates themselves aren’t necessarily harmful, but you may want to avoid shampoos with sulfates if you have dry, fine, color-treated, or chemically-treated hair, as they can increase dryness (and fade color). Additionally, avoid sulfates if you have rosacea, eczema, or highly sensitive skin, as they can cause irritation.
Meet the Experts
- Dr. Paradi Mirmirani, M.D., dermatologist with Kaiser Permanente.
- Dr. Zoe Draelos, M.D., consulting professor of dermatology at Duke University School of Medicine.
- Jim Hammer, M.Ed., cosmetic chemist and founder of Mix Solutions.
- Rachel Bodt, celebrity colorist.
- Diane Stevens, hairstylist and CEO/owner of Cole Stevens Salon.
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Sean Zucker is the Grooming and Reviews Editor at Men's Health. He brings over half a decade of experience covering health, wellness, and lifestyle. When Sean's not writing about hair products, you can find him running for exercise, or toward the nearest food truck.
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