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18 Best Shampoos for Men of 2024, According to Experts

 

A good grooming routine starts with the right men's shampoo and conditioner.

A solid grooming routine hinges on finding the right shampoo. But when faced with a drugstore shelf loaded with endless shampoo bottles, it can feel like diving into the unknown. Which one won't leave hair looking greasy? Can any really make hair look thicker? And do those 2-in-1 combos even do the trick? Is it worth dropping some extra cash on a fancy shampoo?

In the end, the best shampoo for men is the one that leaves the scalp feeling fresh without turning hair into a dry, brittle mess, making every shower feel like a mini spa session. Men's shampoo and conditioner options cover everything from fighting dandruff to hydrating dry scalps, all the way to wallet-friendly, low-maintenance suds. To make things easier, our editors uncovered men's shampoo tailored to every hair type and concern.

The Good Housekeeping Institute's Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab regularly tests shampoos and conditioners, putting them through the wringer with consumer testers to pinpoint top choices for various hair dilemmas: dry hair, fine hair, oily hair, you name it. They gathered an assortment of popular and niche shampoos, having folks test them on lather, rinse, scent and, most importantly, how they left the hair looking. Combining this data with years of research, a list of the best shampoos for men emerged.

For all the details on shampoo testing and tips for picking men's shampoos, just keep scrolling past the reviews. Check out our guides to the best beard shampoos and hair growth products for men afterward.

BEST OVERALL SHAMPOO FOR MEN

American Crew Daily Deep Moisturizing Shampoo

PROS

• Creates a satisfying lather and smells great
• Hydrating formula

CONS

• May not be suitable for oily hair

Get a good scrub with a nice shampoo that properly cleanses and moisturizes on the way out. American Crew's Daily Deep shampoo nails that combination by leaving softer and cleaner-feeling hair. Its panthenol ingredient acts as a humectant to draw moisture into the hair strand. GH testers reaped the benefits, giving it high marks for its lather and its rinse. Shoppers echoed that sentiment, highly rating its citrus mint fragrance. The only qualm? Its hydrating formula may not benefit oily hair types.

BEST VALUE SHAMPOO FOR MEN

Suave Essentials Daily Clarifying Shampoo

PROS

• Lightweight formula
• Beauty Lab's "gold standard" for preparing hair swatches
• Amazing value

CONS

• Scent may be too strong for some

A must-have for men who wear styling products, clarifying shampoo can combat excessive oil and grime. The Essentials Daily Clarifying Shampoo is a potent yet lightweight cleanser, and it does such a great job at eliminating dirt that it's what the Beauty Lab uses to prepare hair strands for product studies. Its simple yet effective formula rings in at only $2 a bottle, but it should be noted that some found its fresh, clean-smelling scent "overly strong and potent."

BEST LUXURY SHAMPOO FOR MEN

Oribe Signature Shampoo

PROS

• Humectant-rich formula hydrates hair
• Indulgent scent

CONS

• Pricey

Taking your shower to a new level of indulgence? Look no further than Oribe's Signature Shampoo. The scent alone is so decadent it merits the hefty price tag. Luckily, this shampoo's formula justifies it, too. We loved almost everything about this shampoo, from the luxurious, thick texture to the way it left our hair after washing — noticeably softer and easier to style afterward than some other shampoos we tested. While it's undeniably pricey, we found ourselves using less than normal to clean our scalps, and given the way it made our showers more luxurious, we can rationalize the cost.

BEST HAIR LOSS SHAMPOO FOR MEN

Keeps Thickening Shampoo

PROS

• Achieves thicker-looking hair without feeling dry
• Contains ingredients which may help with androgenetic alopecia

CONS

• Very low lather

Finding the right shampoo for thinning hair can be difficult — many thickening shampoos are somewhat drying because of their lesser inclusion of conditioning ingredients to achieve fuller-looking hair. Keeps strikes a balance by improving hair volume without making it feel dry and brittle. The formula contains saw palmetto, which may help with thinning hair caused by androgenetic alopecia. Testers enjoyed this shampoo's scent and how it made their hair look after washing. It's worth noting that the formula lathers considerably less than many other shampoos, so you may be tempted to use more than is needed.

BEST EXFOLIATING SHAMPOO FOR MEN

Kérastase Genesis Homme Shampoo

PROS

• Great for acneic scalps
• Lab pro-favorite brand

CONS

• Scent may be too strong

When it comes to getting down to the nitty gritty, Kérastase excels at catering its line of products to specific hair conditions, said Shelly Aguirre, a professional hairstylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. The brand's haircare has impressed in GH Beauty Lab tests, including the volumizing shampoo and conditioner dubbed the "holy grail" by testers. Infused with the skincare ingredient salicylic acid, this shampoo deeply cleanses by exfoliating scalps. Shoppers compared its scent to men's cologne, but it may not be best for those sensitive to scents.

BEST CONDITIONING SHAMPOO FOR MEN

Dove Men+Care Hydration Fuel 2-in-1 Shampoo Plus Conditioner

PROS

• Conditions hair as you shampoo
• Affordable

CONS

• May not be as conditioning as a standalone conditioner

If you're looking to simplify your haircare routine, Dove's 2-in-1 offers just that. This shampoo-conditioner combo simultaneously cleanses hair strands and hydrates them thanks to its conditioning agents, which have been shown to make combing easier after use. Our testers found that this shampoo lathered and rinsed well without weighing down hair, while making combing and styling afterward easier. It should be noted, however, that a 2-in-1 product may not be able to provide comparable conditioning to a standalone conditioner.

BEST NATURAL SHAMPOO FOR MEN

The Seaweed Bath Co. Gentle Shampoo and Conditioner Set

PROS

• Unscented
• Great for sensitive scalps

CONS

• Dispenses thin

"Seaweed Bath Co. shampoos are a great affordable option for paraben and sulfate-free shampoos," recommends Aguirre. "They're all natural and easy to find at [major retailers]." Combining soothing aloe with moisturizing argan oil, the scent-free shampoo and conditioner set gently clean sensitive scalps. Aguirre also likes their Smooth Shampoo for curly hair and the sea clay and apple cider vinegar Detox Shampoo for removing scalp impurities. However, a few users wrote online that the shampoo came out on the watery side.

BEST TINGLING SHAMPOO FOR MEN

John Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo

PROS

• Lavender, tea tree and peppermint oils tingle scalp
• Refreshing smell

CONS

• Scent can be overpowering to some

Almost every guide on the subject of men's shampoo brings up this Tea Tree Special Shampoo, and for good reason. The herb-infused formula boasts a unique tingling sensation and decadent scent (of tea tree oil, menthol and lavender oil) that makes morning showers feel invigorating and refreshing. Its internet cult status demands its inclusion, with more than 45,000 five-star ratings on Amazon speaking to its efficacy and pleasant smell. We also love the simple packaging and pump for dispensing just the right amount of shampoo. Sensitive sniffers and those who don't like tingly shampoo are best to steer clear because it may be overpowering.

BEST CLARIFYING SHAMPOO FOR MEN

Garnier Pure Clean Hair Reset Clarifying Shampoo

PROS

• Great for oily hair types
• Thoroughly cleanses hair and scalp

CONS

• May not be suited for dry hair types

A great drugstore find, Garnier's $7 shampoo combines the cleansing powers of sulfates with calming niacinamide and vitamin E. The results? An impressive lather that cuts through grease sans drying. Those who reach for gels or pomades can benefit from a clarifying shampoo because it reduces residual oil and product buildup on scalps. Testers enjoyed the shampoo's texture and lather, awarding it high scores for cleaning ability and hair moisture. While we appreciate the grime-obliterating formula, it may not be suited to those with dry or damaged hair.

BEST SHAMPOO FOR MEN WITH DRY SCALP

Head & Shoulders Smooth & Silky Shampoo

PROS

• Effectively treats flaky scalp
• Leaves hair feeling soft and nourished

CONS

• Some users feel it leaves a residue

Hair and scalp plagued by a trifecta of dryness, itchiness and flakiness? Consider Head & Shoulders the salve. It's formulated with the dandruff-fighting ingredient pyrithione zinc. For GH Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek, the creamy formula kept dandruff at bay without stripping the hair and scalp. Bringing it out for dry, winter months, a GH beauty expert appreciates that the scalp treatment leaves hair feeling soft and smelling nice. However, some users felt it left a residue even after rinsing.

BEST 2-IN-1 SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER FOR MEN

Method Men 2-in-1 Shampoo + Condtioner

PROS

• Contains conditioning ingredients
• Variety of masculine scents

CONS

• May not be suited for oily hair

Two-in-one formulas get a bad rap. Method proves the naysayers wrong. Its shampoo and conditioner contain jojoba and argan oils to condition strands as you wash. GH consumer testers praised everything, "from smell to packaging to how well it lathered and rinsed off," one said. This shampoo scored well for its lather, rinse and how clean it left hair feeling. We did find that some consumers ranked it poorly for weighing down their hair after use, so fine or oily hair types may want to look for a more clarifying shampoo.

BEST SHAMPOO AND BODY WASH FOR MEN

Jack Black Turbo Wash Energizing Cleanser for Hair & Body

PROS

• Dual-use formula contains hydrating and conditioning ingredients
• Smaller sizes are perfect for the gym/travel

CONS

• Scent and tingling may be too strong for some consumers

Jack Black's Turbo Wash takes dual action to new heights. The thick shampoo and body wash is filled with refreshing scents of shea butter, rosemary and juniper berry, and nourishing ingredients like panthenol and vitamin E. We love its pump packaging, which helps dispense just the right amount. It comes in sizes ranging from three to 33 ounces, the smaller of which can be thrown in a gym bag for a speedy post-workout wash. "I'd buy this just for the scent!" remarked one tester. While we agree, its tingling sensation may be too strong for the more sensitive.

BEST SHAMPOO FOR MEN WITH DRY HAIR

Herbal Essences Bio:Renew Hydrate Coconut Milk Shampoo

PROS

• Lathers well
• Lab-approved conditioning

CONS

• Scent may not be masculine enough for some

Having dominated our most recent test of shampoo for dry hair, it's a no-brainer that this pick is great for men with dry hair. When used with its matching conditioner, this shampoo conferred the highest levels of conditioning to hair strands, with testers raving about how moisturized it made their hair feel and its impressive lather. The scent, however, may not be masculine enough for all men's preferences.

BEST SHAMPOO FOR MEN'S DANDRUFF

Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

PROS

• Pharmaceutical-grade dandruff relief
• Dermatologist recommended

CONS

• Can be drying or irritating for sensitive scalps

Nizoral's Anti-Dandruff Shampoo contains ketoconazole, a topical antiandrogen and antifungal medicine that can combat the growth of bacteria that causes dandruff. Rajani Katta, M.D., a dermatologist and author of Glow: The Dermatologist’s Guide to a Whole Foods Younger Skin Diet, recommended this dandruff shampoo for its ability to combat the flake-causing yeast. The strength of this treatment, however, may result in irritation or dryness in some, so if you have a sensitive or dry scalp you may want to look for a less potent option.

BEST SHAMPOO FOR MEN WITH COLORED HAIR

TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Color Shampoo

PROS

• Caused least color fade in testing
• Great value

CONS

• Feminine scent may not appeal to all men

Color fading is inevitable when it comes to shampooing, but some formulas can reduce fade better than others. Our Beauty Lab has run extensive testing on shampoo for colored hair, and TRESemmé came out top dog. Despite being the least expensive in our last round of color-protective shampoo testing, this one and its matching conditioner displayed the least amount of fading on colored hair samples after 20 washes and 10 hours of UV radiation. Consumer testers also favored it more than other shampoos, noting its luxurious texture. However, we realize its feminine scent may not suit all men.

BEST SHAMPOO FOR MEN WITH CURLY HAIR

Briogeo Curl Charisma Hydrating Shampoo

PROS

• Mild surfactants cleanse curly hair without over-drying
• Larger size saves money and comes with a pump

CONS

• Doesn't lather as much as other shampoos

Dry hair can be a concern for anyone with curly hair as oil from the scalp struggles to penetrate curls. Choosing a hydrating shampoo that's free of harsh detergents is key to cleaning curly hair without leaving it frizzy. Briogeo's curl shampoo is made with a mild surfactant synthesized from coconut oil, which can be better suited to dryer and more sensitive hair and scalps. We appreciate that it also comes in a larger version with a pump dispenser, saving you in price per ounce. More than 200 five-star Amazon reviews encourage our suggestion, though some pointed out that the low lather this product provides can mislead you into using too much.

BEST SHAMPOO FOR MEN WITH GRAY HAIR

Kristin Ess The One Purple Shampoo

PROS

• Good at de-brassing hair without excessive drying
• GH editor favorite

CONS

• Floral scent may not be for all men

Whether your gray is all natural or dyed, purple shampoo can help maintain vibrancy and diffuse brassy tones for a more polished appearance. The One Purple Shampoo, created by celebrity hairstylist Kristin Ess, is a favorite among GH editors for the efficacy it offers at a great price. While we love Ess's The One scent, a clean yet sweet aroma characterized by pear and magnolia, you may want to consider other options if florals aren't your speed. For those trying to banish brassiness on recently bleached hair, leave it in your hair for 5 to 10 minutes to load up the violet pigments in your strands.

BEST SHAMPOO FOR MEN WITH LONG HAIR

Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Shampoo

PROS

• GH Beauty Award winner
• Mild detergent goes easy on long, damaged hair

CONS

• Best results are observed with using all three parts of the system

Oftentimes, people with longer locks struggle with dryer, more brittle hair. If that's the case, opt for a milder shampoo that won't dry out hair strands with frequent washing. This 2022 GH Beauty Award winner is formulated with gently cleansing sodium cocoyl isethionate instead of more harsh surfactants. When combined with its matching conditioner and leave-in treatment, the bonding shampoo left 93% of consumers saying their hair felt moisturized after use, making it a great pick for damaged hair. It's worth noting that you may not get the best results without using all three products in the system.

How we test the best shampoo for men

The GH Institute's Beauty Lab has years of shampoo testing under its belt, including deep dives on specific hair types and textures. Testing consists of both in-Lab studies and feedback provided by an extensive network of consumer testers. The former consists of preparing uniform hair swatches, which are then precisely dosed and washed at our swatch-wash station. Though we aren't able to measure the exact cleansing ability of shampoos in our Lab, a key metric in testing is how conditioned the treated hair is. This is evaluated by measuring the force necessary to comb through the wet swatches using an Instron machine.

To find the best shampoo for men, we tested 11 of the most popular shampoo marketed toward men by sending samples to 14 consumer panelists who identified as men. We then asked them to use the shampoo over two weeks, evaluating cleansing performance, how the shampoo made their hair look, lather, packaging and scent. We then consulted data from previous shampoo testing and selected the highest performers from both this round and previous rounds of testing for inclusion.

What to look for when shopping for the best shampoo for men

According to Aguirre, the kind of shampoo you'll want is largely dependent on your hair type and how you like your hair to look, so keep these factors in mind:

Dry hair: Look for shampoos labeled as "moisturizing" or "hydrating." Check the ingredients for conditioning agents like panthenol and humectants like glycerin that help keep strands hydrated and sleek.

Oily hair: Formulas labeled as "clarifying" help combat excess oil on the scalp. You'll want to follow shampooing with a good conditioner after using a formula like this because grease-cutting formulas can be more drying.

Fine hair: Opt for a voluminous shampoo. Adding protein and collagen will help the finer strands feel and look thicker, per Aguirre.

Curly hair: The coiled nature of curly hair can make it difficult for natural oils from the scalp to make their way down the strands effectively, so people with curly hair rely on more hydrating and conditioning formulas. It may be worthwhile to find a formula without sulfates in favor of a less aggressive detergent to remove dirt without overly drying. Hydrate parched curls with ingredients such as coconut or argan oil.

Colored hair: Go for a shampoo labeled as "repairing" or "strengthening" because these often include high levels of conditioning ingredients. These formulas tend to improve the appearance of damaged hair as well as protect over-processed hair from further distress. If you're concerned about brassiness, opt for a purple shampoo to help reduce yellow tones. Aguirre added: "The shampoo should be sulfate-free, which indicates that it is safe for color."

Dandruff: Anti-flake or dandruff shampoos can help promote a clearer scalp. "Products with zinc pyrithione help to kill yeast that causes dandruff, while salicylic acid dandruff shampoos exfoliate flakes," said Aguirre. "If you have an actual dandruff condition, you should seek medical advice to get to the root of the problem. It could be a form of psoriasis or eczema."

Matching shampoo and conditioner: Shampoos are created in conjunction with a conditioner by their manufacturer, and these formulas are designed to complement each other. Using a shampoo with its matching conditioner ensures you're reaping the full extent of claimed benefits — they're often optimized to work well together.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

As a data engineer at the GH Institute, Nikolas Greenwald works across Labs applying his expertise in chemical engineering to develop new protocols and manage institute data. He combines his knowledge of chemicals with product knowledge from working in cosmetics retail to evaluate men's grooming products, consulting the GH Beauty Lab's extensive history of product testing to make the most apt picks. Commerce Editor Jacqueline Saguin updated this guide in 2024 with additional Beauty Lab picks. She interviewed Chicago-based hairstylist Shelly Aguirre for additional expertise. Before Maxine Salon, Aguirre spent 12 years teaching classes at salons and working at trade shows across the U.S.