When it comes to choosing the right shampoo for your hair, the options can seem overwhelming. With so many products on the market, it can be challenging to determine which one is the best fit for your specific needs. To help you navigate the world of hair care products, we’ve compiled a list of the top 9 shampoos recommended by grooming editors. After testing over 75 products, these shampoos stood out for their effectiveness, quality, and overall performance.
Best Overall: Kérastase Genesis Bain De Masse Epaississant Shampoo
Kérastase Genesis Bain De Masse Epaississant Shampoo stood out as the best overall shampoo in our testing. This hair thickening formula contains creatine and ginger root, making it an excellent choice for strengthening weak hair, thickening thinning strands, and delivering a potent lather while cleansing. One editor noted that after months of using this shampoo, his hair felt stronger and thicker. It even won a 2023 Men’s Health Grooming Award for its outstanding performance.
What sets this shampoo apart is its ability to not only thicken and plump thinning hair but also strengthen all hair types against breakage and damage. Despite its higher price point and smaller bottle size, a little goes a long way thanks to its rich lather. This shampoo is truly a case of “you get what you pay for,” as the results speak for themselves. Give it a try and experience the difference in your hair’s strength and thickness.
Active ingredients: Creatine and Expanding Polymers, ginger root
Size: 80 mL, 250 mL
Hair Type: Thinning Hair
Best Shampoo for Sensitive Scalps: Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Hair Reset Clarifying Shampoo
Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Hair Reset Clarifying Shampoo is an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin or scalp. Formulated with aloe vera and citric acid, this shampoo effectively removes dirt, oil, and product buildup while leaving hair feeling soft and not stripped. It’s free of silicones, parabens, and dyes, making it ideal for guys with sensitive skin. It’s no surprise that it took the top spot at our 2022 Grooming Awards for its cleansing and nourishing properties.
Unlike many clarifying shampoos that can leave hair feeling dry and crispy, this shampoo manages to cleanse the scalp without stripping moisture. The gentle formula and pleasant scent make it a favorite among testers, especially for those with sensitive skin. Plus, its budget-friendly price point makes it a great option for regular use without breaking the bank.
Active ingredients: Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Coco-Betaine, Glycerin
Size: 12 oz.
Hair Type: Normal
Best Shampoo for Curly Hair: Hairstory New Wash Original
Hairstory New Wash Original is the best shampoo for curly hair in our testing. This non-foaming, sulfate-free hair cleanser is designed to cleanse and condition your hair simultaneously without stripping natural oils. It’s ideal for curly hair as it helps protect curls from frizz while moisturizing and maintaining their natural texture.
While it may take some getting used to due to its lack of lather, this co-wash is worth the adjustment for its benefits to curly hair. Traditional shampoos can strip and dry out curly hair, but this non-lathering formula cleanses without compromising moisture. With botanical oils, aloe vera, and glycerin, this shampoo is gentle yet effective at maintaining the health and beauty of curly hair.
Active ingredients: Botanical oils, aloe vera, glycerin
Size: 8 oz
Hair type: Curly, textured
Best Shampoo for Oily Scalp: Ouai Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Ouai Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is the top choice for those with oily scalps in our testing. This shampoo helps degrease the scalp, remove buildup, and control oil production without harshness. The salicylic acid in this shampoo clarifies the scalp and reduces oil production, making it ideal for greasy or oily hair.
Think of this shampoo as an exfoliator for your scalp, gently removing buildup and flakes while soothing itch and irritation. The fresh scent and luxurious lather make it a pleasure to use, unlike typical dandruff shampoos. While it’s not recommended for daily use, using it 1-2 times a week can effectively control oil and maintain scalp health.
Active ingredients: Salicylic acid
Size: 10 oz
Hair type: Normal, Oily
Best Dandruff Shampoo for Textured Hair: Head & Shoulders Royal Oils Sulfate Free Scalp Care Shampoo
Head & Shoulders Royal Oils Sulfate Free Scalp Care Shampoo is the top choice for controlling dandruff in textured hair. This sulfate-free shampoo contains pyrithione zinc and nourishing ingredients like apple cider vinegar and coconut oil to combat dandruff while maintaining hair hydration.
In addition to fighting dandruff, this shampoo leaves hair soft, smooth, and healthy-looking. The pleasant scent and gentle formula make it a favorite among testers, especially for those with textured hair. While it may be too heavy for fine or thin hair, it’s perfect for nourishing and soothing dry, flaky scalps.
Active ingredients: Pyrithione zinc, coconut oil, apple cider vinegar
Size: 12.8 oz
Hair type: Curly, textured
Best Luxury Shampoo: Sisley Paris Hair Rituel Revitalizing Volumizing Shampoo
Sisley Paris Hair Rituel Revitalizing Volumizing Shampoo is the ultimate luxury shampoo for those looking to elevate their hair care routine. This volumizing shampoo boosts hair volume and body while softening and smoothing strands. The invigorating scent and gentle formula make it a luxurious addition to your daily shower routine.
While the price may be higher than other shampoos, the results speak for themselves. The rich lather, creamy formula, and pleasant scent make it a truly indulgent experience. Despite the smaller bottle size, a little goes a long way with this shampoo, making it a worthwhile investment for healthier, lustrous hair.
Active Ingredients: Zinc, copper, magnesium, vitamin B6, vitamin E, shea oil, camellia oil
Size: 6.7 oz
Hair Type: All, but especially thin
Best Thickening Shampoo for Men: Hair Thickening Shampoo for Men
Hair Thickening Shampoo for Men is the top choice for those looking to add volume and thickness to their hair. This Old Spice shampoo is specifically designed to support healthy hair growth and make thinning hair appear fuller and thicker. With biotin in the formula, this shampoo plumps and strengthens hair for a volumizing effect.
While this shampoo won’t control hair loss, it effectively enhances the appearance of thin or thinning hair. The pleasant scent and budget-friendly size make it a practical and effective choice for daily use. Whether you’re dealing with hair loss or simply want to add more volume to your hair, this shampoo delivers noticeable results.
Active ingredients: Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Size: 17.9 oz
Hair Type: All, but especially thin
Best Shampoo for Dry Scalp: Nioxin Scalp Relief Kit for Sensitive, Dry, and Itchy Scalp
Nioxin Scalp Relief Kit for Sensitive, Dry, and Itchy Scalp is the top choice for those with dry or itchy scalps. This soothing kit contains a shampoo, conditioner, and serum formulated to moisturize the scalp, reduce itchiness, and increase hair softness. The aloe vera, Soothex, and glycerin in this kit help soothe and hydrate the scalp for optimal scalp health.
While the full three-part system is recommended for chronic dryness or itchiness, the shampoo alone is effective at providing relief for occasional scalp concerns. The gentle formula, pleasant scent, and soothing ingredients make it a must-have for those with sensitive or inflamed scalps. Whether you use the full system or just the shampoo, you’ll notice a difference in scalp health and comfort.
Active ingredients: Aloe Vera, Soothex, Glycerin
Size: 200 mL
Hair type: All
Best Moisturizing Shampoo for Men: SACHAJUAN Moisturizing Shampoo
SACHAJUAN Moisturizing Shampoo is the top choice for severely dry, dehydrated hair. This shampoo rehydrates hair through a blend of Ocean Silk Technology and Argan oil, providing optimal moisture levels for healthy, hydrated hair. Testers found that after using this shampoo, their dry hair was noticeably improved and softer.
Unlike other hyper-moisturizing shampoos, SACHAJUAN’s formula is lightweight and effective at hydrating all hair types. Whether you have dry, fine, or color-treated hair, this shampoo leaves hair feeling soft, manageable, and healthy. While it may come at a higher price point, the results speak for themselves in terms of moisture and shine.
Active ingredients: Ocean Silk Technology and Argan Oil
Size: 250 mL
Hair Type: Dry or color treated
Are There Any Real Differences in Shampoos?
When it comes to choosing a shampoo, the biggest difference lies in the strength of the cleanser. If you have an oily scalp, opt for a strong shampoo, while a dry scalp requires a gentler formula. For thinning hair, look for volumizing formulas with plumping polymers to create the illusion of thicker hair. Likewise, controlling dandruff requires ingredients like zinc pyrithione or selenium sulfide to combat the fungus causing flakes.
How Often Should You Wash Your Hair?
Experts recommend washing your hair every other day to avoid stripping the scalp and hair of natural oils. However, the frequency of washing depends on your hair type and lifestyle. Curly, textured, or dry hair may require less frequent washing, while those with oily scalps or active lifestyles may need to cleanse more often. Always follow shampoo with conditioner to replenish moisture and maintain hair health.
Can Shampoo Really Help With Dandruff?
Yes, using a shampoo with the right ingredients can help combat dandruff. Ingredients like zinc pyrithione and selenium sulfide are proven to kill the fungus causing dandruff and soothe scalp irritation. Alternate these with salicylic acid shampoos for exfoliation and flake removal. Using a dandruff shampoo consistently can help control dandruff and maintain scalp health.
What’s the Deal With Sulfates in Shampoo?
Sulfates, such as sodium laurel sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate, are commonly used in shampoos to create lather. While sulfates are effective cleansers, they can strip the scalp and hair of natural oils, leading to dryness and damage. Consider avoiding shampoos with sulfates if you have dry, fine, or color-treated hair, as they can exacerbate dryness and fade color. Additionally, those with sensitive skin may experience irritation from sulfates.
In Conclusion
Choosing the right shampoo for your hair type and concerns is essential for maintaining healthy, vibrant hair. Whether you have oily scalp, dry scalp, dandruff, thinning hair, or curly hair, there’s a shampoo out there to meet your needs. By selecting a shampoo with the right ingredients and formula, you can achieve optimal scalp health, hair growth, and moisture levels. Experiment with different shampoos to find the perfect fit for your hair, and enjoy the benefits of a well-cleansed, nourished mane.
