Let’s come right out and say it: If you’re not using the best shampoo for men, you’re being sold short, gents. Those chemical-smelling, synthetic-feeling formulas that strip your strands and quietly sabotage your scalp aren't doing you any favors, and a one-size-fits-all approach will generally wreck your hair—not to mention the parabens and sulfates hiding in the average 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 hair texture, strand density, lifestyle habits, sensitivities, and formula preferences—basically everything that makes your hair yours.
The good news is that there’s a sea of better shampoos out there: elevated, ingredient-forward, and targeted formulas that will pay dividends over time in both scalp care and overall hair health. We’ve broken down the best shampoos for every hair type based on personal testing, plus guidance from the hairstylists and dermatologists we trust, below.
The Best Shampoo for Men, According to GQ:
The Best Overall Shampoo: Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Shampoo
Living Proof’s new Perfect Hair Day Shampoo proves that investing in a better shampoo will pay follicular dividends over time. The niche-luxe haircare brand’s latest sudser is a stellar all-rounder for all hair types and a significant upgrade from your standard fare. The foam action is next level; just a small amount lathered like crazy, leaving my hair silky, clean, and with that “run-your-hands-through-it” commercial-esque softness. It’s powered by their Sili-CLONE HairTech, which delivers shine and smoothness without the buildup or dulling you’d get from actual silicone, and it’s gentle on natural oils, too. While the hair stays cleaner longer claims may vary, I did notice my hair felt fresh well into the next day. The scent and texture have that clinical-shiny familiarity—but here it’s sulfate-free, non-stripping, and housed in a tactile, handsome tube that takes up minimal tub-side real estate. Kinda perfect all around, indeed.
| Key Ingredients | Sili-CLONE HairTech, amino acids, surfactants, conditioning agents |
The Best 2-in-1 Shampoo: Native
Two-in-one shampoo-and-conditioners get too much hate for no reason. They're effective and convenient, and they've only gotten better over the years. Native's is one of the best ones we've tried recently, giving our hair a clean feeling without making our locks feel like they've been stripped of all their moisture. The lathering effect of this shampoo adds to the overall spa-like feel of these shampoos, and it makes us want to hit the shower night after night (or morning after morning).
| Key Ingredients | Sodium benzoate, polyquaternium-10 |
The Best Volumizing Shampoo for Thinning Hair: Ulo Thickening Shampoo
We have a lot of great shampoo recommendations for those with thinning hair, and if someone falls in that category and wants to add volume to their coif, then Ulo's thickening shampoo is the way to go. It adds that oomph that so many hope to get from a shampoo like this, leaving strands deeply nourished while washing away days' worth of grime and buildup. No, you won't magically gain two inches on your hairline, but it will help stimulate potential growth in areas that may be lacking.
| Key Ingredients | Panthnol, glycerin, hydrolyzed keratin, wheat protein, caffeine, saw palmetto |
The Best Shampoo for Damaged Hair: Davines NOUNOU Shampoo
From the no-frills packaging to the targeted blends and salon-grade insider vibes, we’re a full-on Davines fan club. There are plenty of repair shampoos out there, but for a gentle, no-fuss formula that does what it promises, NOUNOU is downright reliable. Damage can mean many things—over-treatment, seasonal dryness, brittle ends, or that lesser shampoo not on this list that’s been drying your strands out. A hairstylist friend recommended this one for its repair qualities, and I’m guessing NOUNOU is short for “nourishing,” because that’s what this viscous formula delivers. It works across all hair types and leans on a few soft-spoken, niche ingredients to boost elasticity and replenish moisture with deep, comforting hydration, soothing stressed-out strands with its conditioning-treatment-meets-shampoo vibe.
| Key Ingredients | Fiaschetto tomato extract, vitamin C, hydrolyzed wheat protein, glycerin |
The Best Shampoo for Fine Hair: Verb Ghost Shampoo
I’ve got to give Verb its flowers; the Density Peptide Shampoo is one of my favorite cleansers and could easily be a best-overall pick for many hair types. But if you, like me, have fine hair (not thinning per se), you want a formula that adds volume without the weight—and that’s where the newest Ghost Shampoo shines. The formula is silky and feather-light, doesn’t lather a ton but delivers impressive cleansing power, and, most importantly, gives fine strands airy volume and healthy shine without weighing them down. Chalk that up to moringa oil, which softens without heaviness, and sunflower seed extract for added gloss. The subtle citrus notes add a bright sensory moment, and once it’s rinsed out, there’s no residue—just lifted, light, voluminous, cleansed hair. The kind of ghosting we can absolutely get behind.
| Key Ingredients | Moringa oil, green tea extracct, sunflower seed extrat, hydrolyzed soy protein |
The Best Shampoo for Thick Hair: Ouai Thick Hair Shampoo
I’ve got plenty of follicularly varied friends (some with thick hair whose routines shift with the seasons), and I’ve been doing this long enough to know what that hair type craves: moisture, and lots of it. Whenever I talk shampoo shop with said colleagues, one name is always in the top 5 discussion (and conveniently makes a formula for every hair type): Ouai. Their thick-hair shampoo is rich, dense, and syrupy, coating strands in glossy, great-smelling goodness from root to end. Shea butter and avocado oil keep frizz in check, detangle like a dream, and leave thicker hair plump, soft, and hydrated. It also packs marshmallow root (from the plant, not the campfire treat) to soothe the scalp- fitting, since the shampoo’s results are soft, cushy, and comforting for all thicker strands.
| Key Ingredients | Shea butter, avocado oil, marshmallow root, hydrolyzed keratin |
The Best Shampoo for Dry Hair: Act+Acre Daily Hydro Hydrating Shampoo
Act+Acre’s latest Daily Hydro Hydrating Shampoo is a mega-moisturizing formula built for hair that needs extra hydration TLC, targeting both the scalp and the hair shaft. It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid (yep, the same hero from your face cream) to replenish moisture, plus Tilicine (their proprietary plant-powered extract) to lock it all in. The lather is rich and creamy, and you can actually feel it infusing your strands as you suds up, with hydration that lingers long after rinsing. It also comes housed in a cool, beaker-esque pump in a punchy blue that looks great in the shower. You may not reach for this every single day, but when cold temps leave your hair tight, thirsty, and in need of moisture, this targeted powerhouse is what you want on deck.
| Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, tilicine, aloe vera, amino acids |
The Best Shampoo for Textured and Coily Hair: Frederick Benjamin Invigorating Cleanser Shampoo
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. The eucalyptus-y, minty tingle is a nice touch, too. “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.”
| Key Ingredients | Hydrolyzed wheat proteins, menthol, spearmint |
The Best Anti-Dandruff Shampoo: Vichy Dercos Selenium Sulfide Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
While anti-dandruff shampoos aren’t exactly the sexiest category (they’re usually more ketoconazole-filled, drugstore clinical), French skincare mainstay Vichy (the same brand known for its soothing thermal water) also makes one of the most potent dandruff shampoos on the market. The key is micronized selenium sulfide, an antifungal, anti-seborrheic powerhouse milled into ultra-fine particles, so it spreads evenly across the scalp, feels less gritty, and rinses clean. It cuts excess oil, calms inflammation and itch, and, most importantly, knocks back Malassezia, the cause of much dandruff. And beyond its flake-fighting powers, the formula is nourishing and hydrating, leaving hair softer, healthier, and downright luscious—proof that solving flakes can be (dare I say) a surprisingly pleasant ordeal to get under control.
| Key Ingredients | Micronized selenium sulfide, salycylic acid, ceramide R, niacinamide, glycerin |
The Best Clarifying Shampoo: Sachajuan Clarifying Shampoo
I was chatting with a colleague recently about “clarifying”—because technically, don’t all shampoos lift off gunk? Yes… and no. The term gets tossed around a lot, but a proper clarifying shampoo isn’t an everyday wash; it’s an occasional deep-clean reset that removes buildup from products, minerals, and grime. Sachajuan already makes some of the best shampoos around, and their latest Clarifying Shampoo is basically a once-a-week juice cleanse for your scalp. The lotion-like texture, powered by citric acid to break down residue and glycerin to soften and hydrate, leaves hair clean but not stripped. My strands felt smooth, balanced, and, importantly, revived. If you’re looking for a weekly reset that brings your hair back to a healthy, glossy baseline, this is the shampoo to reach for.
| Key Ingredients | Ocean silk technology, surfactants, glycerin, citric acid |
The Best Shampoo for Curly Hair: Aveda Be Curly Advanced Shampoo
With decades of expertise under its belt and a track record of seriously impressive formulas, Aveda is an OG in the shampoo game. I don’t have curly hair, but plenty of my friends do, and while tons of shampoos claim to cater to curls, Aveda’s Be Curly Shampoo wears its credentials on its sleeve. Curly hair dries out faster than straight hair, so hydration is everything. This formula is packed with a lush seed butter (giving subtle “body cream” vibes) to nourish and condition, plus plant-powered ingredients that fight frizz without disrupting your natural pattern. The rich, thicker texture moisturizes, saturates, and softens on contact, working with your curls and amplifying the shape, bounce, and definition curly-haired folks are lucky enough to flaunt.
| Key Ingredients | Peptide blend, kokum seed butter |
The Best Shampoo for Thinning Hair: Nutrafol 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner
I know this is technically a 2-in-1, but Nutrafol’s shampoo hybrid (yes, the same brand behind the best hair health supplements) is in perpetual rotation because it genuinely shifted my perspective on what a thinning-hair formula can do. As you’d expect from a brand whose whole MO is regrowth, it doesn’t just nourish your strands—it deeply cleanses the scalp so follicles can thrive, working to unclog pores and support the microbiome overall. I love how lightweight it feels, the natural-meets-clinical vibe, and how the gentle conditioners leave hair soft and naturally volumized. The twist-top dispenser is a thoughtful touch, too. Pair it with their supplements, and you’ve got a powerhouse foundation to help halt thinning hair in its tracks.
| Key Ingredients | Glycerin, konjac root, fruit extracts, aloe vera, lemon peel oil, hydrolyzed jojoba esters |
The Best Smelling Shampoo: Flamingo Estate Rosemary Clary Sage Shampoo
Everything Flamingo Estate makes carries that unmistakable herbaceous DNA—an ode to the lush foliage of their estate and, of course, olive oil. The Clary Sage Shampoo is vibrant, herbal, and downright transportive, like crushing fresh sprigs between your fingers while wandering their gardens at golden hour. And it’s so packed with goodness it feels like feeding your hair a nourishing meal after a long fast. A powerhouse blend of oils cleanses while strengthening, antioxidants boost overall vitality, and the intoxicating mix of sage, rosemary, and lavender turns an everyday shower into a full-on sensory ritual.
| Key Ingredients | Babassu oil, barley seed extract, olive oil, alove vera, vitamin B5, biotin |
The Best Shampoo for Straight Hair: Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo
Luxury haircare stalwart Oribe has a shampoo for every texture, but its brand-new densifying formula is clutch if you’ve got straight hair that sometimes falls flat. The Oribe team even consulted a trichologist to craft a wash that gives straight strands exactly what they crave: density, lift, and a natural sheen without the weight. The blend includes pea sprout extract to support follicle density, red clover extract to help reduce shedding, and peptides to strengthen and fortify. After a few uses, my finer, straighter strands felt denser, fuller, and noticeably shinier. For thicker straight hair, it adds depth; for finer straight hair, it’s a no-brainer.
| Key Ingredients | Pea sprout extract, red clover, extract, peptides |
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.
| Key Ingredients | Vitamin B, peppermint extract |
The Best Natural Vibes 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 synthetic, mass-produced stuff. The second is how simple and recognizable the ingredient list is, leaning heavily on oils (cedarwood, grapefruit, frankincense, lime, yuzu, plus a mix of leaf extracts), which give it a natural simplicity. The silky formula doesn’t erupt into a dramatic lather; instead, it forms a subtle, creamy foam that gently cleanses and helps detoxify buildup. There’s a faintly old-world vibe to it: no flashy bells or whistles, just clean, grounding, Mother-Nature-coded nourishment. And we could all use that from time to time.
| Key Ingredients | Botanical oils, glycerin, ginkgo biloba leaf extract, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, marshallow root, calendula extract, aloe vera leaf juice |
The Best Thickening Shampoo: R+Co BLEU Ingenious Thickening Shampoo
Volumizing and thickening aren’t quite the same thing, though they chase similar goals. Volumizing shampoos lift at the root, while thickening (or densifying) formulas work strand by strand to make hair feel fuller. R+Co BLEU’s Ingenious Thickening Shampoo manages to do both exceptionally well, strengthening at the root and delivering serious volume without stiffness. The sulfate-free formula uses a plant-based complex (of course) to plump each strand, plus a proprietary blend of oils and butters (their signature BLEU Complex) to reinforce hair from down under. With this ingenious formula, you’ll see greater density, more lift, and a healthy, natural-looking sheen after just one wash.
| Key Ingredients | BLEU molecular bonding complex, plant-based thickening polymers, micro-encapsulated oils and butters |
The Best Shampoo on Amazon: Pura D’Or Original Gold Label Shampoo
Admittedly, I get a slew of grooming products to test on the reg (one of the perks), but when I needed a shampoo overnighted—and I wanted to see what all the fuss was about with one of Amazon’s best-selling formulas—I read the reviews and added it to cart. Pura D’or’s shampoo isn’t as elevated as some others on this list, but that’s the charm: It’s not trying to be, and it’s still effective AF. The formula leans on a hefty 17-herbal-extract proprietary blend aimed at reducing thinning and boosting volume, and it genuinely helped curb wintertime shedding while leaving my hair feeling healthier overall. I see it as a mix between an old-school apothecary cleanser and a modern cult classic—a far more soothing, natural-feeling upgrade than your average chemical-laden fare. Plus, the bottle lasts a long time.
| Key Ingredients | Herbal extract blend, biotin, argan oil, nettle and pumpkin seed extracts, aloe vera |
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.
| Key Ingredients | Hydrates, panthenol, aloe, tea tree oil, menthol |
The Best Scalp-Soothing Shampoo: Necessaire The Shampoo
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: Healthy strands start at the root, and Nécessaire’s Shampoo treats your scalp with the same respect you give your skincare routine. Think of it as a facial for your follicles. Skincare heavy-hitters like hyaluronic acid deliver deep hydration, niacinamide boosts circulation and balances oil, and vitamin B5 (panthenol) strengthens strands and helps lock in moisture. But it’s not all science-y—a proprietary plant-based infusion calms irritation and creates a healthy environment for follicles to flourish. It may sound clinical on paper, but in practice, this shampoo felt gentle, leaving my scalp and hair clean, not stripped, and (clearly) set up for healthier growth over time.
| Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, panthenol |
The Best Modern-Luxe Shampoo: Bur Bur Growing Season Nourishing Shampoo
Bur Bur is very much that buzzy haircare indie band with the songs to back it up. The brown-and-tan packaging has a retro-cool vibe, and the sleek, weighty metal vessel feels both utilitarian and substantial. Bur Bur infuses burdock root (a longtime staple for scalp health and hair growth) across the lineup, and this shampoo is also loaded with an apothecary-coded mix of nettle root, argan oil, broccoli seed oil, and even wasabi, ginger, and garlic bulb extracts. Niche, indeed. Together, they soften, detangle, and strengthen strands, leaving them looking and feeling noticeably healthier. The creamy texture melts right in, delivering a sensory, elevated cleanse that matches the brand’s new(ish) kid on the block energy.
| Key Ingredients | Nettle root, argan oil, broccoli seed oil, wasabi extract, ginger extract, garlic extract |
More Shampoos We Love
What to Look for in a Shampoo, Based on Hair Type
The first step to finding the right shampoo (and any hair products, body wash, or skin care product, TBH) 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 with active ingredients that match 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 daily 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 or go too hard on the exfoliating properties.
- 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 for healthier hair. (Despite what all those “biotin-rich formulas” say.) 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, Verb, Ouai, Living Proof, R+Co, and Oribe. Note that these are not brands that have built their identity on targeting only men; instead, 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. (Most of these do appear on our roster, though.)
How We Tested
Many of these roundup articles are initiated by calling in a bunch of products, testing them over a short window (maybe a few weeks or months), and then claiming expertise. We are basing our choices not only on decades of experience working in the grooming industry, but also on time spent with each formula and our general knowledge of the brand. And while we each have one head of hair with a limited number of variables, we outsourced expertise on varying hair types to colleagues or friends whose opinions we trust. Ditto for expertise from a curly-haired stylist on products for curls and coils, as well as doctors' advice on dry, dandruff-prone scalps and 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.



















































