18 Best Shampoos and Conditioners for Men

We've rounded up our pick of the 18 best shampoos and conditioners for men, along with some useful hair care tips and frequently asked questions.

Author:
SI Showcase + Grooming Playbook
Publish date:
Jun 7, 2023

We've rounded up our pick of the 18 best shampoos and conditioners for men, along with some useful hair care tips and frequently asked questions.

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Whether you experience dry, dull, oily, irritated, or damaged hair, it's time to deal with the issue. Choose from a range of good quality products that are designed to add moisture and leave your hair feeling and looking healthy.

When it comes to finding the right shampoo and conditioner, look out for formulas that remove the buildup of dirt without stripping the scalp of its natural oils. Avoid products with harsh chemicals and swap them for plant-based ingredients that are enriched with vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids.

While it's possible to use any shampoo and conditioner, products that are designed specifically for men often aim to increase hair thickness and promote growth.

Of course, with so many options on the market, finding the right hair product is not always easy. That's why we've rounded up our pick of the 18 best shampoos and conditioners for men, along with some useful hair care tips and frequently asked questions.

1. Blu Atlas Shampoo and Conditioner

Launched in 2022, Blu Atlas has already made it as a leading skin and hair care brand for men. Their shampoo and conditioner boasts a nutrient rich blend of jojoba oil, aloe barbadensis leaf and saw palmetto.

Great for all skin types, the jojoba oil works particularly well on dry hair by providing additional moisture to the head and scalp. Jojoba oil is also packed with vitamins A, E and D, while saw palmetto fights against hair loss and improves volume.

The Blu Atlas conditioner is lightweight and targets frizzy, dry, or dull hair with a soothing blend of avocado oil, argan oil, and barley protein. White tea extract also makes the list of ingredients for its anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing properties.

Blu Atlas specializes in wholesome plant based ingredients that are free from sulfates, parabens and phthalates. For fuller, softer hair, this shampoo and conditioner is the perfect combination.

2. Olaplex No.4 Shampoo and No.5 Conditioner

Designed for both men and women, the Olaplex No.4 Shampoo is a restorative shampoo that's proven to strengthen hair and fight frizz. Free from silicones and mineral oils, this shampoo promises fast and effective results.

In order to reap the benefits, pair it with the Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner. Suitable for all hair types, including color treated hair, this moisturizing conditioner strengthens locks and makes hair easy to manage.

Lather the shampoo into your hair and rinse thoroughly. Apply the conditioner from scalp to tip and leave it in for three minutes before rinsing.

Olaplex is a globally recognized brand that was first set up by two friends from the back of their garage in 2014. Using innovative technology, it is dedicated to bringing salon quality products straight to the comfort of your own home.

3. SheaMoisture Men Shampoo & Conditioner

Offering ease and convenience, this 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner by SheaMoisture is designed to deeply cleanse and revive men’s hair.

Made using African black soap, fair trade shea butter, and tea tree oil, you can expect extra hydration and a smooth finish. For best results, apply a small amount to wet hair and lather well before rinsing.

SheaMoisture is a family owned company that creates cruelty free products, free from parabens, phthalates, mineral oils, and sulfates.

4. The Groomed Man Co. Musk Have Shampoo & Conditioner

Combining science and nature, the Groomed Man Co. produces premium skincare products using sustainable, natural, and man-made ingredients. Just like the name suggests, Musk Have boasts a musky scent with ylang ylang, cedarwood, and vetiver.

Effective on dandruff, this kit includes a fabulous beard and hair shampoo with notes of citrus. It is made in Australia and features activated charcoal, pomegranate enzymes, and pro vitamin B5 for a softer, healthier appearance all-round.

For even more moisture, the conditioner is made with shea butter, seed oil, and watermelon to restore natural oils to the scalp.

5. American Crew 3-in-1

As a shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, you won't get more convenient than this.

American Crew is next on our list of the best shampoos and conditioners for men with their ultra nourishing 3-in-1 shampoo, using a restorative formula of sage leaf extract and citric acid. This blend detangles hair, hydrates the skin, and offers a natural shine. To use, simply apply to the hair and body as needed.

American Crew is a leading men's hair care brand that has been developing top of the range products for over twenty years.

6. Dove Men+Care Hydration Fuel 2-in-1 Fortifying Shampoo & Conditioner

Designed specifically with men's hair in mind, the Dove Men+Care Hydration Fuel 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner is a moisturizing formula that will leave your hair feeling stronger and softer.

As a leading brand, this product can be found across most supermarkets and pharmacies. It's also one of the most affordable items on the list, making it a great choice for tighter budgets.

This 2-in-1 product cleans and nourishes dry hair, removing it of dirt and product buildup. It also offers an earthy scent of musk and amber.

7. Two Dudes Hair Duo

If you're looking for premium quality products designed for men, this dynamic duo ticks all the boxes. Two Dudes is a brand that truly cares about the health of your hair. They create products that are designed to improve hair growth and protect damaged strands.

Suitable for all hair types, the shampoo boasts a gentle formula made from essential oils, keratin, and wheat protein. The conditioner boasts a moisturizing blend of argan oil, soy protein, wheat protein, coconut extract, shea butter, and sweet almond oil.

These products are great for men with long, thinning, curly, or frizzy hair. They are also cruelty free and utilize a range of naturally sourced ingredients.

Two Dudes is a New Zealand based brand with a commitment to men’s health. For every Two Dudes product you buy, 10% of the profits will go directly towards a men’s health charity. They also run regular campaigns dedicated to the cause, making this brand a great choice for those looking to give something back.

8. Every Man Jack 2 in 1 Shampoo & Conditioner

With so many 2-in-1 products to choose from, Every Man Jack boasts a range of different scents and formulas to suit all hair types and preferences. This Natural Menthol Shampoo and Conditioner makes it onto our list of the best men’s shampoos and conditioners due to its anti-dandruff properties and unique scent.

This product is designed for itchy and sensitive scalps, with a calming formula to reduce itchiness and stop flaking. It focuses on clean ingredients to fully nourish and revive the strands. It also uses natural menthol for its cooling sensation and peppermint oil to soothe.

Made with 99% plant-based ingredients, these products are free from parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and dyes. They are also packaged in bottles made from 50% recycled plastic.

9. John Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo & Conditioner

As one of the best-selling tea tree shampoos on the market, it’s no surprise that this one makes it on our list. With a revitalizing blend of tea tree oil, lavender, and peppermint, this shampoo creates a tingling effect on the scalp to reawaken the skin. It also creates a natural shine and soothes the scalp. It is suitable for all hair types including dry and oily scalps.

Offering a refreshing scent of lavender, this shampoo removes impurities and adds volume. It is a vegan, paraben free formula that will leave your hair feeling clean and smelling great.

When it comes to the conditioner, you can expect the same nourishing ingredients to soothe and moisturize the hair. This hydrating blend is also great for post shaves thanks to its cooling properties. For best results, apply the conditioner after shampooing and leave it to air dry.

Creating professional quality products for over 40 years, John Paul Mitchell uses Australian tea tree oil that is ethically sourced using sustainable practices. Formed in the 1980s, it was the first hair care brand to take a stand against animal testing. The company was set up by two friends with only $700 in their pockets – today, it is internationally renowned for its premium, eco-friendly products.

10. Old Spice Thickening System Shampoo

Another great addition to any hair care kit, the Old Spice Thickening System Shampoo is a restorative blend just for men. This cleansing shampoo is infused with biotin which is known to improve hair health. It works particularly well on thin hair with visible results in just two weeks.

To achieve the full effects, team it up with the conditioner of the same name, infused with vitamin C. This product helps to strengthen strands, add volume, and prevent further hair loss. For noticeable results, try the brand’s thickening treatment for a highly effective 3-step system. This treatment is infused with castor oil for hair that is noticeably thicker.

11. dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse

An alternative to shampoo, the dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse is a great choice for people with sensitive scalps and color treated hair. Designed to keep your hair looking and feeling healthy, this rinse is made with apple cider vinegar to seal hair cuticles and maintain a pH balance.

Unlike traditional shampoos, this rinse does not strip the hair of its natural oils or color. Instead, it gently exfoliates the scalp to unclog hair follicles. The apple cider vinegar creates a subtle shine to keep your hair looking fresh throughout the day.

Argan oil and aloe vera are used for extra hydration, while lavender extract and fire tulip calm the scalp.

To apply, wet your hair and squeeze out excess water until damp. Use the bottle tip to make small sections in your hair and gently squeeze the product onto the scalp before massaging it in. Leave it in for up to three minutes and rinse thoroughly.

12. SACHAJUAN Moisturizing Shampoo

At the higher end of the price scale, this premium shampoo by SACHAJUAN thoroughly moisturizes the hair with a nourishing blend of argan oil and red algae. Ideal for dry, bleached, or color-treated hair, this product provides added moisture to restore and maintain damaged locks.

The argan oil is used to add shine and increase the hair’s elasticity, while the red algae is proven to boost hair growth and increase thickness. Unique to SACHAJUAN is its Ocean Silk Technology which is brimming with zinc, calcium, and magnesium. It consists of rhodophycea and chondrus crispus that are naturally harvested from the ocean. This technology offers extra strength and protection to tired and damaged hair.

SACHAJUAN was set up in 1997 by two world-renowned hairdressers dedicated to creating wholesome products with naturally sourced ingredients. All of its products are free from parabens and animal testing.

To experience the benefits of this fabulous shampoo, apply it to wet hair and rinse thoroughly. Pair it with the SACHAJUAN conditioner for longer lasting results.

13. Dove Men+ Care 2-in-1 Fresh & Clean Shampoo and Conditioner

Due to its commitment to men’s hair, this is the second Dove product to make it onto our list. This 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner offers a deep cleanse to nourish and replenish the hair. Enriched with caffeine and menthol, it works hard to remove dirt and oil from the scalp without stripping it of its natural oils.

This refreshing formula revives tired strands whilst moisturizing and conditioning the hair in one simple wash. It also strengthens the hair and protects it from future damage.

To use, lather a generous size into wet hair, massage into the scalp and rinse thoroughly.

14. The Grey Stimulating Shampoo

Voted best shampoo for thinning hair by GQ magazine, there’s no doubt that this product is a great choice.

Made for men, you’ll enjoy a shampoo that purifies the hair and prevents it from drying out. This product focuses on the scalp by removing excess sebum and product buildup. It also restores moisture levels, making it particularly effective on dry, brittle and frizzy hair.

The key ingredients are camphor, menthol, creatine, vitis vinifera seed extract, rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil and glycolic acid. Camphor encourages hair growth and improves blood circulation on the scalp. Menthol is used for its anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-microbial properties, preventing irritation or infection.

Rich in vitamin E, vitis vinifera seed extract derives from grape seed oil and offers a natural sun protection. It is also great for other hair and scalp irritations including dandruff, dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis.

To use, massage a small amount into wet hair and rinse thoroughly.

15. Aveda Volumizing Shampoo

Great for both men and women, this shampoo does exactly what it says – adds volume. Perfect for fine hair, it is made with acacia gum to thicken and fill out your locks.

Using plant-based ingredients, Aveda Volumizing Shampoo cleanses and exfoliates the hair and scalp. Wheat protein is added to prevent damage, while aloe vera enhances moisture and reduces irritation. Glycerin is also used to strengthen the hair and prevent split ends.

Offering an energizing scent of jasmine, organic peppermint, ylang ylang, and palmarosa, it is a vegan and cruelty free formula that is free from parabens, sulfates and phthalates.

Pair it with the Aveda Pure Abundance Clay Conditioner for a refreshing lift.

16. Davines Pasta & Love Hair, Beard & Body Wash

With so many shampoos to choose from, you will never fail with a Davines product. This brand new offering is specifically designed for men, with a hydrating formula for the hair, beard and body. The main ingredient is Alkekengi (Chinese Lantern plant), rich in antioxidants for a deep cleanse.

With a refreshing scent of citrus, it hydrates and softens the skin to moisturize the hair and leave it feeling well nourished. It is also great for cleansing the beard and mustache pre-shave.

Producing premium quality products from its base in Italy since 1983, Davines is one of the leading experts in the industry. With a focus on sustainability, their products feature biodegradable ingredients and fully recyclable packaging.

17. Sisley-Paris Rebalancing Shampoo

Hair-Ritual-by-Sisley — sisley-paris.com

Another GQ award winner, the Sisley-Paris Rebalancing Shampoo is a soothing formula designed to restore balance to the scalp.

It sets itself apart for its nutrient dense blend of celery seed, sage extract, and exotic verbena essential oil. With cotton protein and pro vitamin B5, this shampoo creates visibly stronger hair with additional body and volume.

Apply to wet hair and leave it in for three minutes before rinsing. To experience the full benefits, use it with the Rebalancing Soothing Cure, three times a week.

18. Geologie co-wash

With the final selection in our list of the 18 best shampoos and conditioners for men, you can say goodbye to frizzy hair and irritated scalps with this soothing co-wash.

Made from avocado and coconut oil, you can expect softer hair with a healthy glow. While it's suitable for all hair types, it works particularly well on thick, wavy, and curly hair.

This vegan, sulfate free co-wash is an effective alternative to more traditional 2-in-1 products. It boasts a protein rich formula to extend the amount of time needed between washes. It also repairs and rebuilds the hair structure to moisturize the scalp and leave it feeling refreshed.

Things to look for in shampoos and conditioners for men

We all know that finding the right shampoo and conditioner can make a huge difference to your hair and scalp. With so many products on the market, it can be difficult to know where to begin. If you're after healthier, stronger hair, here are a few things to look out for.

Thickening formulas

Hair thickening formulas are a popular choice for men. Hair thinning and hair loss are common hair concerns so you may want to look out for ingredients that promote hair growth. Thickening formulas that are specifically designed for men can also reduce hair loss and add volume. On top of that, these formulas will also leave you feeling more confident about your hair.

Naturally sourced ingredients

Say goodbye to harsh chemicals and look for natural ingredients that are designed to improve hair health. Instead of stripping the scalp of much needed oils like sebum, these ingredients will cleanse the skin and restore moisture. Products rich in essential oils, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids will truly nourish your hair to leave it feeling soft and smooth. Some ingredients to look out for include aloe vera, shea butter, and oils derived from plants, seeds, fruits and nuts.

Formulas for specific hair types

In order to get the right product for your hair, it's important to identify your own hair type.

Perhaps you experience dry, dull, or frizzy hair, or maybe you suffer with dandruff or an irritated scalp. Whatever it is, be sure to find a shampoo and conditioner that is specifically designed for your hair type. By doing this, your hair will look visibly stronger and healthier. It will also prevent the condition from getting worse, leaving you feeling more comfortable and confident.

Men's styling products explained

When you've found a shampoo and conditioner that works, there are a few other products to support your hair care routine. With so many options on the market, it can all feel a little overwhelming. To help you get started, we have rounded up some of the most popular styling products for men.

Pomade

If you know how to use pomade, then you will also know just how tricky it can be. Dating back to the 1920s, it is used to recreate vintage styles like the famous Elvis Presley quiff. For slicked back styles that are more suited to black tie events, it is used to shape the hair with a long lasting hold.

Pomade is a waxy product that is traditionally made from lanolin, beeswax, lard or petroleum jelly. You can choose from either oil or water based pomade, depending on the look you are trying to achieve. Oil based pomade will create a slick and shiny look but it requires far more skill than water based pomade.

If you have never used pomade before, we suggest you opt for a water based product as they are lighter, easier to use, and quicker to dry.

Clay

Clay is one of the best and most versatile styling products for men on the market. Perfect for retro inspired looks, it holds the hair well and creates a natural matte finish. Clay is arguably the best choice for those with short to medium length hair. It also has little to no shine and leaves your hair feeling soft and tangle free. Preferred by the stylists, it's easy to use and works with a range of styles.

Salt spray

Salt spray is a quick and easy way to achieve a sophisticated look within minutes. Great for medium to long hair, it enhances wavy and curly locks for a trendy, laid back appearance. A perfect pre-styler, it is typically made of sea salt and other natural ingredients to add volume and texture. Sea salt is a natural oil absorber that removes oil and dirt. To use, apply a quick spritz to damp hair.

Wax

An essential item to any hair care kit, styling wax offers a natural shine and texture whilst holding your hair in place. Great for short to medium hair, it is easy to wash out and doesn't make it look stiff. Wax is also a great way to tame frizz and flyaways. Whether you want to create spikes, waves or something slick, this product can be used for a range of different hairstyles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which shampoos and conditioners are best for men's hair?

The type of product you’ll need will entirely depend on your own hair type and preferences. With so many options available, there is something to suit everyone.

Start by scrolling through our list of the best shampoos and conditioners for men. Look out for products designed for your hair type and undertake some research to find the brands and ingredients that work for you.

How often should men wash their hair?

While everyone is different, on average you will want to wash your hair between two and three times a week. Of course, this entirely depends on your hair type. For example, if you experience oily or greasy hair then you may want to wash it more frequently. Once you have found a shampoo and conditioner that works, you will then be able to establish a frequent haircare routine.

Can men use women’s shampoo and conditioner?

Shampoo and conditioners for women tend to work just as well on men's hair. With thickening formulas, men's shampoos and conditioners are great for thinning hair. Otherwise, the only difference is the scent. Women's hair care products often have fruity or floral aromas while men's products tend to have musky and woodsy tones.

Can women use men's shampoo and conditioner?

The simple answer is yes. Just because a product is marketed for a specific gender, doesn’t mean that you have to follow it. In many cases, men’s shampoo is just as effective on women’s hair too. If you have particularly sensitive skin, you may want to check that the product is designed for your skin type first. This will avoid further irritation and ensure that you experience all of the benefits.

What are the benefits of 2-in-1 shampoos and conditioners?

2-in-1 shampoos and conditioners are great for people on the go. Offering ease and convenience, they are particularly useful for going to the gym or traveling. They cleanse and condition the hair and scalp in one simple step, saving time and making it easy to use. It is also more affordable and sustainable as it reduces the amount of single-use plastic.