Ouai Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Best Shampoo for Oily Scalp

Ouai Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Now 16% Off$36 at theouai.com

Pros

Helps degrease scalp and remove buildupControls oil productionFresh scent

Cons

Not designed to use every day (use it 1-2 times a week)

You don’t have to have actual dandruff to reap the benefits of this shampoo. Salicylic acid helps to clarify the scalp and help decrease oil production, which makes it ideal if your scalp and hair tends to get oily or greasy.

Head & Shoulders Royal Oils Sulfate Free Scalp Care Shampoo

Best Dandruff Shampoo for Textured Hair

Head & Shoulders Royal Oils Sulfate Free Scalp Care Shampoo

Now 13% Off$7 at Amazon$7 at Walmart

Pros

Won’t dry out curly or textured hairControls dandruff with clinically proven ingredients

Cons

Too heavy for thin or fine hair

Controlling dandruff when you have textured hair can be a hassle, because traditional dandruff shampoos can leave it dry and crispy. This version, however, the requisite pyrithione zinc you want to control dandruff, but is sulfate free and packed with nourishing ingredients to help keep your hair hydrated.

OLAPLEX No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo

Best Strengthening Shampoo

OLAPLEX No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo

$34 at Revolve

Pros

Helps strengthen the protein bonds in hairProtects against damage from color, hot tools, and the environmentSoftens hair

Cons

May not be necessary for normal hair

Coloring your hair or using hot tools like a blow dryer can damage the protein bonds in the strands of your hair, leaving is crispy and prone to breakage. Even if you don’t, but you notice your hair is dull or looking lifeless, a bond-building shampoo like this comes in handy. Two editors noted that using Olapex’s maintenance shampoo for more than a month help soften and strengthen their hair.

Act+Acre Cold Processed Cleanse Shampoo

Best Shampoo For A Flaky Scalp

Act+Acre Cold Processed Cleanse Shampoo

$76 at Amazon$76 at Skinstore$76 at Dermstore

Pros

Removes build-up after one useReduces itchiness caused by scalp dryness Helps strengthen damaged hair

Cons

ExpensiveNot designed for every day use (use 1-2 days a week)

A healthy scalp is fundamental to healthy hair that grows thick and long, and this shampoo gently cleanses and balances the scalp for all-day comfort. A nourishing blend of apple amino acids and baobab oil gently breaks down dirt and oil while cooling and soothing an irritated scalp. Some editors note that using this more than twice a week overly dried their hair.

Sisley Paris Hair Rituel Revitalizing Volumizing Shampoo with Camellia Oil

Best Luxury Shampoo

Sisley Paris Hair Rituel Revitalizing Volumizing Shampoo with Camellia Oil

$83 at Nordstrom

Pros

Increases volume in flat, thin hairSoftens and smoothes strandsGentle enough to use every day

Cons

Expensive

If you want your upgrade your daily shower from mundane to sublime, we recommend this volumizing shampoo from Sisley Paris. It gives your hair an added boost of volume and body and the invigorating scent is the perfect way to kick-start your day. One tester noted that his hair felt softer and smoother after using it for more than six months. He also noted that Sisley’s formula was gentle enough to use every day, without drying his scalp.

Hair Thickening Shampoo for Men

Best Thickening Shampoo for Men

Hair Thickening Shampoo for Men

Now 35% Off$13 at Amazon

Pros

Great for thinning hairPleasant smellLarge, budget-friendly size

Cons

Won’t control hair lossIdeal thickening may require using the full 3-part system

Dealing with men’s hair loss? Another favorite of our editors here at Men’s Health is this thickening shampoo from Old Spice, which is specifically designed to support healthy hair growth. It’s great for those dealing with thinning hair. One tester found that after using Old Spice’s shampoo for two months, his hair appeared thicker and fuller. We also love its large, budget-friendly size, which lasted us more than three months.

NIOXIN Scalp Relief Kit for Sensitive, Dry and Itchy Scalp

Best Shampoo for Dry Scalp

NIOXIN Scalp Relief Kit for Sensitive, Dry and Itchy Scalp

Now 20% Off$36 at Amazon$12 at Walmart$45 at Dermstore

Pros

Increases hair softnessReduces tangles and roughnessSoothing ingredients help moisturize scalp and control itchiness

Cons

Best results require using the full system

Do you have a dry or itchy scalp? Grab this soothing kit that comes highly recommended by hairstylist and scalp expert Diane Stevens. “It contains aloe vera, an anti-inflammatory ingredient to soothe the scalp, help increase softness or smoothness of hair,” she said. “It also reduces tangles and hair surface roughness.” Our editors found that

Read more: Best Shampoos for Itchy Scalps

dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse

Best Clarifying Shampoo for Men

dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse

$37 at Amazon$37 at Nordstrom$37 at Ulta Beauty

Pros

Great for guys who use tons of hair productDeep cleans while adding volumeGood for protecting color treated hair

Cons

Not designed to use every day (use once or twice a week)Some people may not like the vinegar smell

If you regularly use a lot of hair product, especially heavy waxes or pomades, you should grab a clarifying product. “I recommend using an apple cider vinegar rinse to remove build-up,” celebrity hairstylist Rachel Bodt told us.

This hair rinse from dpHUE is formulated to both cleanse the hair thoroughly and add volume. Editors with colored hair found that the formula helped keep their strands look and feel healthy.

Read more: Best Clarifying Shampoos for Men

SACHAJUAN Moisturizing Shampoo

Best Moisturizing Shampoo for Men

SACHAJUAN Moisturizing Shampoo

$28 at Amazon$10 at Walmart$32 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Pros

Can fix dry hair after a few washesProtects color treated hair

Cons

PriceySmall size

SACHAJUAN Moisturizing Shampoo is perfect for severely dry, dehydrated hair. It rehydrates hair through a blend of Ocean Silk Technology and Argan oil; providing optimal moisture levels. A few of our editors say that after using it for two weeks, they found that it helped fix their dry hair. Testers with color-treated hair also found that Sachajuan’s moisturizing formula kept their locks soft and healthy-looking.

Kiehl’s Nourishing Olive Fruit Oil Shampoo

Best Shampoo For Dry Hair

Kiehl’s Nourishing Olive Fruit Oil Shampoo

Now 25% Off$25 at Kiehl’s

Pros

Good for wavy, curly, or textured hair that needs moistureLeaves hair feeling soft and shinyUses natural moisturizing agents

Cons

Not for thin hair

Our editors with wavy hair found that Kiehl’s Olive Fruit formula left their hair feeling extra soft and shiny. That’s probably because of its smoothing and nourishing ingredients, like olive fruit oil and avocado oil, this shampoo from Kiehl’s is great for those who deal with dry hair or frizz. Though testers with thinning hair found that this shampoo didn’t play nice with their mane.

Dove Men+ Care 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner

Best 2-in-1 Shampoo

Dove Men+ Care 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner

$13 at Amazon$22 at Walmart

Pros

Oversized bottle Fresh and clean scent

Cons

Not a deep clean

We get it. If you don’t have serious hair concerns and just want a quick and easy way to cleanse your hair, this Dove 2-in-1 shampoo will do just the trick. Our testers loved its oversized bottle that lasted them for more than three months. One editor noted that its fresh and clean scent was much more pleasant than other drugstore soaps he’s tried, though he did note that it didn’t provide as deep of a clean as other shampoos on this list.

R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo

Best Shampoo For Thin Hair

R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo

$34 at Amazon$34 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Pros

Adds texture to thin, fine hairAdds volumeParaben and sulfate free

Cons

Small size

R+Co was founded by three heavy-hitting experts in the hair industry: Thom Priano, Garren, and Howard McLaren, so you know their products are quality. Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo is perfect for men who want to add volume and create the effect of thicker hair. It also gives that grippy texture that’ll make it easier to style. A couple of our testers found that after using it for a month, they noticed their hair looked fuller.

American Crew Daily Cleansing Shampoo

Best Everyday Shampoo

American Crew Daily Cleansing Shampoo

$32 at americancrew.com

Pros

Hydrating formula leaves hair looking healthy

Cons

Pretty expensive

Two of the dermatologists we consulted with say that American Crew’s Daily Cleansing Shampoo is a great formula to use every day. They love its moisturizing ingredients like Vitamin B5, which helps give a healthy shine after each wash. “Men with normal hair can use gentle, all-purpose shampoos that don’t contain harsh sulfates or synthetic fragrances,” says Dr. Divya Shokeen, MD, FAAD.

CLn Shampoo

Best Medicated Shampoo for Scalp Pimples

CLn Shampoo

$33 at Walmart

Dr. Brendan Camp, a board certified dermatologist with MDCS Dermatology, recommends a medicated shampoo if you’re experiencing pimples on your scalp. “Also referred to as folliculitis, it can be treated with this formula, which contains sodium hypochlorite, a disinfectant, and salicylic acid, which helps exfoliate skin and prevent blocked pores,” he says.

Odele Volumizing Shampoo

Best Shampoo For Wavy Hair

Odele Volumizing Shampoo

$12 at odelebeauty.com

Pros

Moisturizes without weighing hair down

Cons

Scent might not be pleasant for some

The editors of Men’s Health tested countless shampoos and this one grabbed the top spot in the 2021 Grooming Awards. It’s a great shampoo for any hair type, but also works well for pumping up the volume if you have skinny strands that need some more oomph.

Read more: Best Hair Conditioners for Men

Are There Any Real Differences in Shampoos?

Every potion for your pate is designed to remove oil, dead skin cells, and grime from your scalp, says Paradi Mirmirani, M.D., a dermatologist with Kaiser Permanente. “the biggest difference is the strength of the cleanser.” If you have an oily scalp (and greasy hair), you need a strong shampoo; a dry scalp (and wispy hair) requires gentler stuff. but don’t confuse dryness with dandruff, which is caused by a fungus. Now, if you’re running out of hair to shampoo, you need a formulation that creates the illusion of thicker hair. We’ve identified four categories and tested a slew of shampoos in each to find the best. top off with conditioner for a covetable coif.

Dry Scalp

Look for mild cleansers called betaines high up
on the ingredient list, says Zoe Draelos, M.D., a consulting professor of dermatology at Duke University school of medicine. These don’t bind to oil as well as harsher cleansers do, so they leave some of your natural moisture.

Thinning Hair

Minoxidil is the only proven OTC way to stimulate hair growth. But the shampoo you use can make each strand appear thicker. Look for volumizing formulas with plumping polymers (like quaternium) that bind to each strand, says Jim Hammer, M.Ed., a cosmetic chemist.

Oily Scalp

Control greasiness with a shampoo that contains anionic surfactants, such as sulfates, sulfoacetates or sulfosuccinates. An Italian study review found that these detergents, which contain negatively charged particles that bind to oil, are the strongest cleansers.

Dandruff

Eliminate the itch by using a product containing either zinc pyrithione or selenium sulfide, which fight the flake-causing fungus and soothe inflammation, says Dr. Draelos. Alternate that with a salicylic acid shampoo, which exfoliates to remove dead skin cells and flakes.

How Often Should You Wash Your Hair?

Most experts say that washing your hair more than a few times a week is unnecessary because over washing an strip the scalp and hair of it’s natural moisturizing and protective oils. A good rule of thumb is to wash it every other day and always follow shampoo with conditioner to replenish moisture. However, there are some caveats and how often you actually wash is personal. If you have curly, textured, or dry hair, you may need to wash it even less. Washing once or twice weekly may be enough. On the flip side, if you have an oily scalp, sweat or exercise a lot, or use a lot of hair products, you may need to cleanse your hair more often.