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Let’s come right out and say it: The best shampoo for men is not a single product, because no two of us have the exact same needs. From scalp oil levels to hair texture, from individual strand density to overall fullness (or a lack of hair altogether!)—not to mention lifestyle habits, formula preferences, sensitivities, hairstyling preferences and so forth. All of this reinforces the notion that the shampoo men should use really ought to factor into the above variables. And when you do consider all of your needs and preferences, then you arrive at the best shampoo overall…for you, specifically.
On the topic of the best men’s shampoo: We’re being sold short, gents. So many brands that target male consumers are selling a single shampoo, as if one-size-fits-all is suitable. “It is important to consider your hair type when choosing a shampoo,” says celebrity groomer Sonia Lee, whose A-list clients include Steven Yeun, Mark Ruffalo, and Orlando Bloom. “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.”
British M Kombucha Shampoo – The Best Universal Men’s Shampoo
Again, it’s hard to prescribe a single shampoo to everyone, but if there’s one ‘poo to rule them all—in that it would win the plurality of votes for satisfying the most customers’ needs—then it’s British M. (It’s a Korean brand, by the way, not a British one.) The hero ingredient here is fermented tea—like kombucha, but of course—which gives this recipe a supremely balancing finish, due to its “subacidic” pH levels that jive with the scalp’s natural pH needs.
This is my go-to product whenever I run out of my more prescriptive products, or whenever I have really short hair. It builds a beautiful lather but never leaves hair dried out. It’ll reduce the amount of conditioner you need, that’s for damn sure. (And while you can get it in various sizes, I love having this chonky economy size container in the corner of my shower, which seemingly lasts forever.)
Olaplex Bond Maintenance Shampoo – The Best Shampoo for Men with Dry Hair
This shampoo could easily have been the “best universal” winner as well, because of its cult status and ability to resurrect the saddest, most frayed and damaged hair from the brink of breakage. I’m even traveling right now for a couple weeks as I write this, mid winter, and this is the shampoo I’ve brought along (with Hairstory’s co-wash, above), to counter the winter air and keep my strands soft but strong.
Malin + Goetz Peppermint Shampoo – The Best Shampoo for Men with Oily Hair
On my oiliest days, this purifying and balancing shampoo has allowed my strands to preserve their natural shine while also tempering oil at the scalp. So, I flush away the excess grime without compromising the necessary moisture levels. In terms of “having a good hair day”, that means my hair starts and ends the day with the same body, volume, and liveliness, as opposed to looking too limp, too oily, too dry, or too anything else by noontime.
MANTL Face + Scalp Cleanser – The Best Bald Head Shampoo for Men
I have to yield to my brother Sam on this one, who is my tester of all things targeting bald heads. MANTL’s pH-balanced cleanser is his preferred way to combine scalp cleansing and facial cleansing in one fell swoop. Sam feels like he has the most “presentable head” when he uses MANTL, especially after a fresh head shave when it’s imperative to calm any inflammation. While I’m an endorser of using regular shampoo on bald heads (to temper oil levels and such), MANTL is one of the few products (and brands, at that) which effectively streamlines things for men. See also, their SPF and moisturizer.