Best Shampoo for Men 2025: 24 Stellar Hair-Saving Salves
ShoppingDandruff-busting, volume-adding, bad-hair-day-solving formulas for your specific needs.By Michael Stefanov, Adam Hurly, and Tyler Chin June 27, 2025Save this storySaveSave this storySaveAll products featured on GQ are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.Let's come right out and say it: The dollar store brand you've been using? Not good enough. When it comes to the best shampoo for men, we’re being sold short, gents. A one-size-fits-all approach will wreck your hair, to say nothing of the parabens and sulfates you'll find in the average hair wash. “It is important to consider your hair type when choosing a shampoo,” says celebrity groomer Sonia Lee. “Men should be tailoring their shampoo and upgrading to one that fits their hair type from the jump so it can grow into healthy hair.” (Think: scalp oil levels, hair texture, strand density, fullness, lifestyle habits, formula preferences, sensitivities, and hairstyling preferences.)So, if every guy has different shampoo needs, how do we recommend the best shampoo and conditioner? We've broken down our favorite shampoos for every hair type based on personal testing, along with advice and picks from the hair stylists and dermatologists we trust most. And as an added bonus, a lot of these shampoos are already marked down ahead of Amazon Prime Day.The Best Men’s Shampoo, at a GlanceThe Best Shampoo Overall: Sachajuan Moisturizing Shampoo, $34The Best Custom Shampoo: Prose Custom Shampoo, $35The Best Co-Wash Shampoo: Geologie Cooling Co-Wash, $29The Best Smelling Shampoo: Corpus Cypress Shampoo, $32The Best Anti-Dandruff Shampoo: Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Ketoconazole 1% Shampoo, $16The Best Shampoo for Thick Hair: Davines Love Smoothing Shampoo, $35The Best Shampoo for Fine Hair: Ouai Fine Shampoo, $32The Best Shampoo for Thinning Hair: The Grey Stimulating Shampoo, $75The Best Detoxifying Shampoo: Wonder Valley Sandalwood Yuzu Shampoo, $36The Best Nourishing Shampoo: Flamingo Estate Rosemary & Ionian Bergamot Shampoo, $50The Best Volumizing Shampoo: Aveda Pure Abundance Volumizing Shampoo, $32The Best Scalp-Soothing Shampoo: Necessaire The Shampoo, $30The Best Shampoo on Amazon: Nexxus Therappe Moisturizing Shampoo, $26 $21In This GuideAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronMore Shampoos We LoveWhat to Look for in a ShampooThe Best Shampoo BrandsHow We TestedAbout the ExpertsThe Best Shampoo Overall: Sachajuan Moisturizing ShampooChevronChevronMoisturizing Shampoo$34 $31 (9% off) Amazon$34 Dermstore$34 SachajuanPros & ConsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronProsUniversal use—revives and repairs even the most fragile hairs.Sachajuan’s signature scent is refreshing aromatherapy.ConsSometimes a strength is also a weakness.If you are scent averse, this one’s extremely prominent punch might not appeal to you. (But seriously, it’s relaxing and refreshing.)Video by Adam Hurly; Tested by Adam Hurly Key ingredients: Argan oil hydrates strands while the brand’s proprietary “Ocean Silk Technology” complex delivers sea-sourced nutrients to balance strands and scalp alike.There’s no reason we can’t just crown Sachajuan the “best shampoo brand” here, given its range of washes that address all different hair types and needs—even one called “Scalp Shampoo” that keeps things perfectly balanced and simple. But the most universal option from the deliciously scented Swedish salon staple is the brand's Moisturizing Shampoo.This comes as close to a two-in-one shampoo-conditioner without actually being one (Sachajuan, of course, has conditioners for the whole spectrum of hair needs, too); but this product gives any user what they need: a non-stripping and proactively nourishing rinse that helps even the most vulnerable or difficult of strands. (We’re talking those prone to breakage and frizz, as well as those with stubborn coarse hairs or even curls and brittle grays.) While my partner and I both have a respective Sachajuan line that we reach for, this is one of the few products from any brand that we both share—him with his fine, dry, and wavy strands; me with my coarse, dense, oily, and straight ones. Whenever one of us finishes showering, the other comments (from two rooms away): “Oooh, Sachajuan shower?” because that delicious smell permeates the air.The Best Shampoo on Amazon: Nexxus Therappe Moisturizing ShampooNexxusTherappe Moisturizing Shampoo$26 $21 (19% off) AmazonKey ingredients: Elastin protein and green caviar deeply hydrate even the most dry hair.With over 10,000 reviews and a near perfect rating, Nexxus' Therappe shampoo is the most popular option on the ‘Zon. It’s a deeply hydrating shampoo that's boosted with elastin protein and green caviar, which penetrates the hair to moisturize it from the inside out. It's silicone-free, so it won't dry out your hair (which would be pretty counterintuitive for a “moisturizing shampoo”), ensuring that the good-for-you
All products featured on GQ are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
Let's come right out and say it: The dollar store brand you've been using? Not good enough. When it comes to the best shampoo for men, we’re being sold short, gents. A one-size-fits-all approach will wreck your hair, to say nothing of the parabens and sulfates you'll find in the average hair wash. “It is important to consider your hair type when choosing a shampoo,” says celebrity groomer Sonia Lee. “Men should be tailoring their shampoo and upgrading to one that fits their hair type from the jump so it can grow into healthy hair.” (Think: scalp oil levels, hair texture, strand density, fullness, lifestyle habits, formula preferences, sensitivities, and hairstyling preferences.)
So, if every guy has different shampoo needs, how do we recommend the best shampoo and conditioner? We've broken down our favorite shampoos for every hair type based on personal testing, along with advice and picks from the hair stylists and dermatologists we trust most. And as an added bonus, a lot of these shampoos are already marked down ahead of Amazon Prime Day.
The Best Men’s Shampoo, at a Glance
- The Best Shampoo Overall: Sachajuan Moisturizing Shampoo, $34
- The Best Custom Shampoo: Prose Custom Shampoo, $35
- The Best Co-Wash Shampoo: Geologie Cooling Co-Wash, $29
- The Best Smelling Shampoo: Corpus Cypress Shampoo, $32
- The Best Anti-Dandruff Shampoo: Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Ketoconazole 1% Shampoo, $16
- The Best Shampoo for Thick Hair: Davines Love Smoothing Shampoo, $35
- The Best Shampoo for Fine Hair: Ouai Fine Shampoo, $32
- The Best Shampoo for Thinning Hair: The Grey Stimulating Shampoo, $75
- The Best Detoxifying Shampoo: Wonder Valley Sandalwood Yuzu Shampoo, $36
- The Best Nourishing Shampoo: Flamingo Estate Rosemary & Ionian Bergamot Shampoo, $50
- The Best Volumizing Shampoo: Aveda Pure Abundance Volumizing Shampoo, $32
- The Best Scalp-Soothing Shampoo: Necessaire The Shampoo, $30
- The Best Shampoo on Amazon: Nexxus Therappe Moisturizing Shampoo,
$26$21
The Best Shampoo Overall: Sachajuan Moisturizing Shampoo
Moisturizing Shampoo
- Universal use—revives and repairs even the most fragile hairs.
- Sachajuan’s signature scent is refreshing aromatherapy.
- Sometimes a strength is also a weakness.
- If you are scent averse, this one’s extremely prominent punch might not appeal to you. (But seriously, it’s relaxing and refreshing.)
There’s no reason we can’t just crown Sachajuan the “best shampoo brand” here, given its range of washes that address all different hair types and needs—even one called “Scalp Shampoo” that keeps things perfectly balanced and simple. But the most universal option from the deliciously scented Swedish salon staple is the brand's Moisturizing Shampoo.
This comes as close to a two-in-one shampoo-conditioner without actually being one (Sachajuan, of course, has conditioners for the whole spectrum of hair needs, too); but this product gives any user what they need: a non-stripping and proactively nourishing rinse that helps even the most vulnerable or difficult of strands. (We’re talking those prone to breakage and frizz, as well as those with stubborn coarse hairs or even curls and brittle grays.) While my partner and I both have a respective Sachajuan line that we reach for, this is one of the few products from any brand that we both share—him with his fine, dry, and wavy strands; me with my coarse, dense, oily, and straight ones. Whenever one of us finishes showering, the other comments (from two rooms away): “Oooh, Sachajuan shower?” because that delicious smell permeates the air.
The Best Shampoo on Amazon: Nexxus Therappe Moisturizing Shampoo
With over 10,000 reviews and a near perfect rating, Nexxus' Therappe shampoo is the most popular option on the ‘Zon. It’s a deeply hydrating shampoo that's boosted with elastin protein and green caviar, which penetrates the hair to moisturize it from the inside out. It's silicone-free, so it won't dry out your hair (which would be pretty counterintuitive for a “moisturizing shampoo”), ensuring that the good-for-your-hair ingredients can actually do what they're supposed to. It lathers up nicely, making it feel like it's getting every single strand, and the smell is a bit like coconut, which makes it feel like you're on a tropical vacation. As one reviewer writes: "I have used Therappe Shampoo for over 30 years in conjunction with Humectress conditioner. It always leaves my hair fresh smelling, shiny and manageable!"
The Best Co-Wash Shampoo: Geologie Cooling Co-Wash
Geologie has two co-washes—this relatively universal one, plus a smoothing option for thicker hairs. Of all the conditioning washes that have passed through this household, this one always gets drained first. It has supremely purifying prowess thanks to the tea tree oil and leaves the scalp feeling refreshed after a rinse, despite not actually being a shampoo. (Read up on co-washing, if you’re uninitiated.) I’ve used it as an actual conditioner, too, after a full-on shampoo, but moreover rely on this product to get me reset on the second or third day, when I’m just not feeling a full flushing-out. My partner and I even bring it on weekend trips as the sole hair care product for those few days—it satisfies our very different hair needs while streamlining our regimen.
The Best Curly and Coily Hair Shampoo for Men: Frederick Benjamin Invigorating Cleanser Shampoo
Frederick Benjamin
Shampoo Invigorating Cleanser
- Extremely hydrating and smoothing for thick strands, too—not just curly ones.
- That scalp-tingling spearmint has your scalp buzzing happily for the next 30 minutes.
- Great value.
- Many reviewers note that it feels watered down.
- I’ll agree that it feels more runny than other options, and the low price might account for this. Still, I believe that it still delivers on its promise.
Here's a pick from Davie, which should satisfy guys all along the curl spectrum. "This shampoo is a first-class ticket to refreshment paradise," says Davie. “Coily hair is very prone to dry scalp and dandruff. You need a shampoo like Frederick Benjamin's that can settle into the scalp and provide great texture.” It won’t strip away the much-needed moisture from your curls, and instead will flood them with the proteins necessary to stay defined.
“I encourage people to leave this particular shampoo on hair, with intent to reach the scalp, for a couple of minutes before rinsing out allowing those oils to retrieve full coverage,” Davie says. “The longer you keep it in and evenly massage into the head the better chances the scalp is stimulated for healthier growth.”
The Best Shampoo for Men with Thick Hair: Davines Love Smoothing Shampoo
If this article were called “Adam Hurly's Favorite Shampoo of All Time,” then Davines's LOVE shampoo would be in the first spot. But my needs do not match every reader's needs, so this product will have to settle for "Best Thick Hair Shampoo" in the meantime. It is so difficult to find a product that tames my thick hair while it cleanses. The entire LOVE line is like a relaxer for my untenable and rigid-straight strands and becomes even more essential whenever I decide to grow my hair out. If you have coarse or thick hair—and especially if it's on the straighter side—then this shampoo (and LOVE assortment) is a game-changer.
The Best-Smelling Shampoo for Men: Corpus Cypress Shampoo
This shampoo is more than just its delicious aroma, yes. However, we cannot ignore it: Corpus’ woodsy scent is on the more masculine side of the scent spectrum, should you want some aromatherapy that might pair nicely with your cologne. (Vetiver, cypress, and cedar take center stage in this one.) I would pump this scent throughout my home, and happily deploy this moisturizing, fortifying wash through my strands any day of the week. Use it as a beard wash, too, if you want to smell it even more each day.
The Best Shampoo for Men with Fine Hair: Ouai Fine Shampoo
Here is an all-time favorite of my fine-haired partner, who demands a shampoo that fights gravity and gives his hairs extra height and fullness. OUAI's formula here has the ability to deeply rinse without causing any frizzing or fraying, unlike many shampoos that give volume by virtue of parching the hairs. So with OUAI, you get volume, density, and body, plus mega moisture to top it off.
The Best Shampoo for Men With Thinning Hair: The Grey Stimulating Shampoo
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If cost were no object, this would be our best overall shampoo, too. However, I do think that a $75 bottle of shampoo is tough to promote as a universal option—but as a luxury pick, The Grey is a no-brainer. But this Dutch men’s label really packs on the active ingredients, a difference you feel in the strands after rinsing (you can peep the “key ingredients” above for that long list, which benefit far more than just thinning hair). While I never really advertise shampoos as the solution for hair loss—you need to take more clinical measures—however, a shampoo like this can be a game-changer when it comes to maximizing the potential of your precious hair. If you have a stylable length—let’s say an inch or more, then you might notice your styling regimen performing slightly better after a rinse from The Grey. It’s nourishing, it’s smoothing, it’s tingly and refreshing, and it smells brilliant.
The Best Custom Shampoo for Men: Prose Custom Shampoo
Given that basically no single shampoo will work for every guy, the easiest way to find one for you is to go to a customizing brand like Prose. Among the brand's many made-to-order hair and skin care products, this shampoo factors in everything from your hair's density and curl pattern, as well as scalp oil levels and sensitivities, plus the environmental conditions in your area (think: water hardness, air quality, humidity, and more). So, you receive something that doesn't just suit your hair and scalp needs, but that considers all the variables that make for a good hair day.
It's hard for me to tout this as a standalone product, too, considering the fact that Prose builds out entire regimens targeted to your hair and skin, all of which work together to achieve those results. I've always been impressed with Prose, even as my variables have evolved (more hair density due to hair growth efforts, a few zip code changes, seasonal shifts, and length variance). But if you're wondering if Prose lives up to the hype, the answer is yes, absolutely.
The Best Shampoo for Damaged Hair: K18 Damage Shield pH Protective Shampoo
Damage Shield pH Protective Shampoo
- Color-friendly, frizz-fighting, damage-reversing formula.
- Protective base for the conditioning and styling routine ahead.
- Prevents frizz and dehydration while balancing pH.
- Not really necessary for anyone with short hair who will be cutting it frequently.
Few brands have skyrocketed quite like K18, which went from 0-60 in a couple years’ time thanks to fantastic reparative formulas. (The brand's leave-in hair mask, despite the $75 sticker shock, is worth every penny if you have long and/or damaged strands.) And naturally, this balancing shampoo is part of its recipe for success. Not only does it flood your strands with fortifying proteins as it flushes away grime, but it also balances the scalp and strand pH levels. By collectively reducing inflammation and closing off the cuticles, it fights everything from frizz to breakage to swelling, all while giving your head its happy little rinse.
If I need to look my absolute best on any given day, I’ll do a full K18 routine, starting with this shampoo. It ensures I have no frizz, style-cooperative strands, and eye-catching natural shine for the next 24 hours or more.
The Best Anti-Dandruff Shampoo: Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Ketoconazole 1% Shampoo
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For my job, I can call in just about every product I want to test, to use up, to restock…It’s a nice gig, I admit. But sometimes there’s a product or brand that I don’t have a “professional relationship” with, and I actually pay for the thing myself. Nizoral is one of those products I always keep stocked. I can’t have a single conversation about dandruff control with my go-to dermatologist sources without this one being recommended. Not only that, but the active ingredient here, ketoconazole, is more than a fungal foe: It’s arguably the single worthwhile ingredient you can find in a shampoo that can temper follicle-thinning DHT (dihydrotestosterone) on contact, making it potentially the only true ingredient to seek out in “hair loss shampoos.”
Though not a body wash, I spot-treat other parts of my body with this one too, since sometimes I get flakes around my nose or beard dandruff. It’s a great groin-area wash too, if you’re prone to jock itch after a sweaty buildup. It isn’t something you want to overuse, though: This one is drying, so I would only recommend using it as an active treatment to counter dandruff, or every couple weeks to keep the problem at bay. But damn, does it work quickly and effectively. And, if you have severe flaking or itching up top, you can ask your derm for a 2% upgrade of this one, which is available via prescription.
The Best Detoxifying Shampoo: Wonder Valley Sandalwood Yuzu Shampoo
The first thing you'll notice about California-cool grooming brand Wonder Valley's shampoo is that it smells refreshingly natural—none of that overly synthetic, "shampoo-y" scent. The second? Nearly every ingredient is recognizable and easy to pronounce. This silky formula doesn't explode into a dramatic lather but instead forms a subtle foam that cleanses and helps detoxify your hair from daily buildup. It leans heavily on oils—cedarwood, grapefruit, frankincense, lime, yuzu, and leaf extracts—giving it an old-world simplicity. There's a faintly ecclesiastical vibe, like a quiet chapel filled with incense, which is right up my alley. There are few extra bells and whistles—just simple cleansing via Mother Nature, and we could all use that from time to time.
The Best Nourishing Shampoo: Flamingo Estate Rosemary & Ionian Bergamot Shampoo
Oh, Flamingo Estate, I always have one of your products in rotation—whether it’s a fantastically aromatic candle or one of the herbaceous bricks of soap. Mostly everything in the line carries the brand’s unmistakable DNA: an ode to the lush foliage of their estate and, of course, olive oil. This shampoo is so packed with goodness that it feels like feeding your hair a nourishing meal after a long fast. A powerhouse blend of babassu, jojoba, avocado, meadowfoam seed, and olive oils works to cleanse while fortifying. Aloe hydrates and soothes the scalp, biotin thickens strands, vitamin B5 boosts moisture retention and shine, and various antioxidants support overall hair vitality. As expected, the Rosemary & Bergamot scent is herbal and transportive, bringing the garden into your cleansing ritual.
The Best Volumizing Shampoo: Aveda Pure Abundance Volumizing Shampoo
Volumizing and thickening aren’t quite the same, though with similar outcomes. Volumizing shampoo lifts hair at the roots for more body, while thickening (or densifying) shampoo strengthens and plumps strands, making hair feel fuller. This Aveda volumizing shampoo uses acacia gum—a natural ingredient from said tree—and does both. It forms a lightweight shield around each follicle while locking in moisture at the root and enhancing lift. There are no unnecessary chemicals here—just pure volumizing mojo for flat hair. Plus, acacia gum tames frizz and adds shine, so your hair won’t just have more volume; it’ll flaunt it with a luscious sheen.
The Best Scalp-Soothing Shampoo: Necessaire The Shampoo
Think of Nécessaire's shampoo as skin care for your scalp. We've said it before, but healthy hair starts at the root, and this shampoo cleanses your follicles and the skin beneath, using powerhouse ingredients found in top-tier skin care. A hyaluronic acid complex delivers multi-level hydration, vitamin B3 (niacinamide) boosts circulation and regulates oil production, while vitamin B5 (panthenol) strengthens strands and locks in hydration. A proprietary plant-based infusion calms irritation, creating a fertile foundation for follicles to flourish. It all sounds scientific, but in practice, this shampoo felt gentle AF—cleansing my hair and scalp without a stripping feeling and setting the stage for stronger, healthier hair over time.
The Best Densifying Shampoo: Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo
Luxury hair care OGs Oribe have a shampoo for every need—color-treated, moisture control, you name it—but their brand-new densifying shampoo deserves a special shoutout. The Oribe team went all in, consulting a trichologist to craft a formula that adds serious heft to hair. This shampoo packs a bioactive blend of pea sprout extract to support follicle density over time, red clover extracts to help reduce shedding, and peptides to strengthen and fortify. The shampoo plays the long game but as someone with finer hair, I noticed a difference after several uses, and my strands felt denser and fuller. For thicker hair, it adds depth; for finer hair, it’s a no-brainer.
The Best Invigorating Shampoo: Malin+Goetz Peppermint Shampoo
Sometimes, you just need a wake-up call, and Malin+Goetz’s OG cult-classic Peppermint Shampoo is precisely what the old-school follicular physician ordered. This cooling, invigorating formula lathers exceptionally well (thanks to a coconut-derived surfactant) and is always a go-to for me, especially in the warmer months. The formula is packed with plant-based amino acids and vitamins to soothe and soften all hair types, and in M+G apothecary fashion, the packaging and font are on point. But the crisp, minty scent steals the show, delivering an energizing, tingling boost for both your hair and senses.
The Best Exfoliating Shampoo: R+Co Submarine Water Activated Enzyme Exfoliating Shampoo
R+Co is foremost name in luxury hair care, known for its cool packaging, clever names, and targeted formulas. While we’ve highlighted the brand’s products countless times, this Exfoliating Shampoo deserves some accolades. Exfoliating shampoo, you ask? Yeah—this isn’t your everyday cleanser; it’s a concentrated, once-a-week treatment formulated for a scalp and hair detox. Much like a facial exfoliator, it uses naturally derived enzymes and fruit alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) to gently dissolve excess skin cells and buildup. The formula is also packed with botanicals: bilberry extract, rich in tannins and anti-inflammatory properties to calm; radish root to nourish and soften; and tomato extract to stimulate the scalp and regulate sebum. Again, this isn’t a daily driver, but when your follicles need a reset—clearing away flakes, oils, and buildup—this shampoo answers the call.
More Shampoos We Love
OGX
Renewing + Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo
For overly treated or damaged, hair, this OGX shampoo is great for reversing all the abuse your strands have gone through, giving it the refresh it needs. This shampoo supports the hair's protein and lipid barrier, making it stronger and more resilient, all without being formulated with the ingredients that'll just exacerbate damage. Plus, it smells really good, which makes shampooing feel a little less like a chore.
Pantene
Classic Clean Shampoo
When it comes to hair care, you simply cannot go wrong with Pantene. It's a classic brand for a reason, and that's because it offers excellent value, cleanses your hair and scalp, and leaves it feeling fresh and renewed. It features a vitamin-rich formula for protecting and moisturizing the hair, all while ensuring the gunk and grime from the day has been properly washed out.
Highland
The Wash
A little goes a long way with this incredibly high-foaming shampoo from Highland. It comprises only ingredients that are good for your hair, so even if you're a daily shampooer (guilty as charged) you won't risk overdrying or damaging your hair in the long run. But seriously, maybe consider going a day or two between washes?
OUAI
Detox Shampoo
Product buildup got your hair looking greasy? Ouai's detoxifying shampoo will erase all the gunk that's accumulated in your hair since your last shampoo, leaving it—quite literally—squeaky clean. Just know that it does leave your hair smelling a lot like apple cider vinegar, so do what you will with that information.
Cécred
Clarifying Shampoo & Scalp Scrub
Whether or not you believe the Cécred rumors are true (can that hair oil really help you regrow hair?), its shampoo is at least the real deal. It leaves the top of your head feeling clean and exfoliated, with a bottle that you'll happily leave out to let people know that you have taste.
What to Look for in a Shampoo, Based on Hair Type
The first step to finding the right shampoo is to understand your “variables." This means your strand’s overall texture (so, it’s curl or wave pattern, or lack thereof), as well as the individual strand density, the oil levels in your scalp, any sensitivities, etc. Finding a shampoo that matches your needs—and learning the right cadence of using it—is crucial for healthy hair. “I recommend everyone tailor their routine to what works best for them and not just use products that are popular at the time,” Lee adds. “Whether you have short or long hair, your scalp health is important to focus on and make sure you give it what it needs." Celebrity groomer Dan Perri (with A-list clients like Post Malone, Gerard Butler, and Brendan Fraser) adds that men's hair needs and variables might even change as time goes on—aside from just natural thinning. “If you are someone who’s had the same shampoo for years it, may be time for a switch,” he says.
For further evidence of why this is important, here is insight from Lee and Perri into how different textures, lengths, and oil levels impact your shampoo needs, plus advice on what kind of product to seek with each variable. And remember, you may have to combine variables (like, if you have curly hair or straight hair, you will also need to consider if it is coarse and thick, or fine and fragile, as well as oil levels or dryness).
- Curly hair: “Curly hair dries out faster than straight hair. Look for hydration to keep the moisture locked in,” Lee says.
- Coily hair: “Coily hair gets easily damaged and can be frizzy,” Lee says. "I’d look for products that strengthen and moisturize.”
- Straight hair: The big issue here is that straight hair can become lifeless when it’s long, or rigid when it’s short. “I suggest shampoos that focus on shine and smoothing,” Lee says. This will give you more control over its stylability, and provide some eye-catching definition.
- Fine/thin hair: “Fine hair is when you have lots of hair with a small diameter with thin hair.” It can also be more vulnerable to breakage or dehydration as a result. “I would choose volumizing shampoos to bring more life to the hair, or a gentle shampoo to prevent any harsh breakage,” Lee says.
- Thinning hair: Thinning hair (as opposed to “thin hair”) speaks to hair that is losing its overall density, whether it is through rapid shedding, recession, or collective strand shrinkage. “I would opt for volumizing and strengthening shampoos here,” says Lee. Don’t put a lot of emphasis on a shampoo as your solution for hair loss, either. There are other (and actual) remedies for hair regrowth.
- Oily hair: “Clarifying shampoos—which contain ingredients like salicylic acid, acetic acid and sulfates—can effectively remove oil from the scalp and hair,” Lee explains. “I would suggest a product that isn’t too stripping so that your natural oils, though.” This can be a tough line to toe, since you want to get rid of excess grime, but not dehydrate things entirely.
- Short hair: These close-cropped styles aren’t as influenced by hair texture, so does it matter which shampoo you use? Perri says yes: “When it comes to short hairstyles on men, finding a mild shampoo would be more suitable. Longer hair needs a more thorough cleanse.” For you, a more “one size fits all” approach is more acceptable, but choose a product that balances the scalp and nourishes strands, like the “best universal” pick I’ve chosen.
- Dry hair: “Look for shampoos that offer hydration and moisture control,” Lee says. Some hydrating ingredients like aloe can also provide soothing benefits.
- Bald: No, you don’t need a shampoo, but Lee does recommend using a dedicated scalp cleanser; a few brands will even make careful formulations that balance both face and scalp, but always double check that they’ve endorsed this behavior before assuming as much.
Shampoo FAQ
What is the best shampoo for men?
In our testing, and based on expert opinions, Sachajaun's Moisturizing Shampoo is our top pick for shampoos. If you want to shop a shampoo specifically for your hair type or scalp, we also have recommendations for that.
What's the best shampoo brand?
Our favorite brands that offer this variety include Davines, Paul Mitchell Tea Tree, Kevin Murphy, Ouai, Living Proof, and Kérastase.
How often should I shampoo?
We'll say this right off the bat: You don't need to shampoo every day. Instead, only shampoo your hair when it feels particularly dirty or if there's a large accumulation of product buildup. Most people can go two to five days without needing to shampoo their hair.
Is it bad to shampoo every day?
We hate to break it to you, but shampooing daily is most likely going to damage your hair. No matter how moisturizing your shampoo may be, the shampoo's main job is to cleanse the hair. Your locks are more resilient than you think, so they can withstand not being washed that often, but not resilient enough to have to deal with the constant stripping that shampooing does.
Why is silicone bad for your hair?
In the short term, shampoos with silicone may give the hair a shiny, smooth appearance. However, in the long run, it can lead to buildup in the hair, which will also reduce how well a moisturizing shampoo can penetrate the hair and scalp. It'll also weigh down your hair and can clog pores, which may lead to pimples on the head.
The Best Shampoo Brands
If our roster doesn’t lead you to a new favorite shampoo, then here’s the best way to discover one that suits your needs: Look for the salon-favorite brands that offer a wide range of shampoos and conditioners, since their entire focus is on providing customized care to different curl patterns, hair densities, and so forth. Our favorite brands that offer this variety include Davines, Paul Mitchell Tea Tree, Kevin Murphy, Ouai, Living Proof, and Kérastase. Note that these are not brands that have built their identity on targeting only men; rather, they’re largely built on a foundation of professional hair care—which is why we’d encourage you to look towards them for the solution if you aren’t otherwise satisfied with our picks above. (Half of them do appear on our roster, though.)
How We Tested
Many of these kinds of roundup articles are initiated by calling in a bunch of products and testing them in a short window of time (maybe a few weeks or months), and then claiming expertise. For me, I am basing my choices on a decade of experience in this field (and 8 years with GQ, at that). And while I have one head of hair with a limited number of variables, I have always outsourced expertise for other things, such as to my partner of four years, whose hair is thin, wavy/curly, and dry, compared to my thick, straight, and oily pelt. Ditto for expertise from a curly-haired stylist for products pertaining to curls and coils, as well as doctors' advice for dry, dandruffy scalps and guys fighting hair loss.
About the Experts
Sonia Lee is a celebrity groomer and makeup artist whose A-list clients include Steven Yeun, Mark Ruffalo, Willem Dafoe, Brendan Fraser, Kelsey Grammar, and Orlando Bloom.
Dan Perri is a celebrity groomer and barber whose A-list roster includes Gerard Butler, Post Malone, Brendan Fraser, Harry Shum Jr., and Machine Gun Kelly.
Dr. Michele Green is a board-certified NYC cosmetic dermatologist.
Darius Davie is a men's hairstylist and creative director of Groom Guy, a men’s barbering and styling enterprise with various locations and pop-ups across the US.
