Can women use men's shampoo?

According to DeBolt, women can absolutely use men’s shampoo. If the formula targets hair or scalp concerns that would benefit your specific needs, you can use any shampoo you want—whether it’s marketed towards a specific gender or not.

How should you apply men's shampoo?

Men’s shampoo can be applied like any traditional shampoo. First, saturate the hair with warm water and massage a small amount of shampoo into the roots and scalp, working up a nice lather. Work through the ends of the hair, and then rinse out completely.

The 14 Best Shampoos for Men in 2021

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo at Amazon

A blend of tea tree oil, peppermint, and lavender in this formula helps to cleans and invigorate the scalp.

Best Budget:

Every Man Jack 2-in-1 Shampoo + Conditioner at Everymanjack.com

This wallet-friendly pick takes the stress out of using products, acting as both a shampoo and conditioner to strengthen hair.

Best Drugstore:

Dove Men+Care at Amazon

This may not be a Just For Men product, but it really is just for men to create thicker and fuller-looking hair.

Best Splurge:

Leonor Greyl Shampooing au Miel at Dermstore

This luxurious pick uses rose hip and honey to cleanse you hai of unwanted buildup.

Best Natural:

Rahua Classic Shampoo at Dermstore

A blend of natural ingredients, including coconut and quinoa to name a few, promote both cleansing and healing of the scalp.

Best for Dandruff:

Head & Shoulders Itchy Scalp Care at Amazon

Credit the 1% pyrithione zinc for the help in reducing the appearance of dandruff with continued use.

Best for Thinning Hair:

EVO Gluttony at Amazon

Thin hair gets a much-needed boost from this sulfate-free shampoo.

Best for Hair Loss:

Hims The Stimulator at Forhims.com

This shampoo takes on the difficult task of reversing hair loss with its DHT-blocking formula.

Best for Thick Hair:

WOW Skin Science Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo at Amazon

The ACV in this formula works to gently clarify buildup such as dirt, oils, and styling products, resulting on thicker hair.

Best for Long Hair:

Hairstory New Wash at Hairstory.com

Natural and organic ingredients allow you to shampoo everyday (worry-free!) and reap the rewards of oil-free, dirt-free hair.

In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look for
Why Trust Byrdie

There are no two ways about it: Shampoo is one of those products men and women alike just need. Sure you may not use it every single day, but you won't be able to go too long without it. And for that reason, you'll want to be pretty picky about which shampoo you use. Trust us when we tell you that the best shampoos for men offer way more than just a fresh scent.

But, with all the shampoos for men out there, it can be a bit overwhelming to find ones that'll actually tackle common concerns like hair loss, hair thinning, and dandruff. Shampoos can contain everything from proteins for a stronger hair shaft, vitamins and minerals for a healthier scalp, and sulfate-free formulas for less dryness. That’s why we did our research and tapped Mark DeBolt, celebrity colorist and co-founder of Mark Ryan Salon, to bring you a curated list of top picks for every man.

Below, discover the best shampoos for men that'll meet your hair needs.

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Walgreens

Meet Paul Mitchell's bestselling shampoo. We can't say we're surprised because it truly does check off all the boxes. It cleanses the hair well, invigorates the scalp, and leaves behind a scent that's not too overpowering. You can thank a blend of tea tree oil, peppermint, and lavender for all that, which in addition to benefiting your hair and scalp is a real treat for the senses during your shower.

You will notice a cool, tingling sensation when using this shampoo, thanks to the combo of tea tree oil, peppermint, and lavender.

Every Man Jack Tea Tree 2-In-1 Thickening Shampoo + Conditioner

View On Everymanjack.com View On Walmart

Ok so we're not always the biggest fans of a shampoo-conditioner mashup, but we make exceptions for a few, including this one which is actually quite good. If you're in a rush or just can't be bothered with a two-step routine, reach for this formula which also happens to be quite affordable given the bases it covers. Inside you'll find tingling tea tree, coconut-derived sulfates, and conditioning glycerin and shea butter. It's a great pick for fine or thinning hair too; the inclusion of soy proteins helps leave the hair feeling thicker and stronger.

Dove Men+Care 2-In-1 Thick and Strong Shampoo + Conditioner

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This two-in-one also gets our seal of approval. Let's face it—Dove has been a trusted personal care brand for 65 years for a reason; it makes good products that work well. This one is made specifically for guys to achieve thicker and fuller-looking hair. Ingredients such as caffeine to stimulate and calcium to strengthen from root to end help make this the best bargain you’ll find at the drugstore.

View On Dermstore

This shampoo has achieved a cult-like level of popularity for almost 40 years and that's not just pure luck. Protective rose hip extract and acacia honey combine with organic cleansing agents to make a mild, everyday-friendly shampoo that requires no follow-up conditioner. Plant-based proteins also add volume, making this color-safe, silicone- and cruelty-free Parisian shampoo from Leonor Greyl worth every penny you put down for it.

View On Dermstore View On Net-a-porter.com

It’s hard to find any label today on which you can read every ingredient, especially in the shampoo aisle but you can with this one. Using omega-9 rich rahua oil, the list of power players here is not to be reckoned with. Coconut gently removes dirt and oil, quinoa promotes healing and moisture retention, organic aloe hydrates and nourishes, and antioxidant-rich organic green tea helps protect hair and scalp from harmful UV damage.

Head & Shoulders Itchy Scalp Care Daily Shampoo

View On Amazon

Dandruff can be a real buzzkill, and we’re not here for buzzkills. That’s why we go to the trusted brand when it comes to fighting the flakes, and that's none other than Head & Shoulders. Credit the 1% pyrithione zinc for the help in reducing the appearance of dandruff with continued use, and the uncomfortable itching it's often associated with. This specific formula has also got notes of eucalyptus and mint for an invigorating wash and fresh scent you'll look forward to using.

View On Amazon View On Skinstore.com

If you feel like your hair has been thinning out and you'd like to give it a boost with your shampoo, try this. Using gentle sulfate-free cleansers, this shampoo gets strands seriously swole in however long it takes you to lather, rinse, and repeat. To make the most of your thick magnificent mane, follow up with the matching conditioner. You can thank us later.

View On Forhims.com

Hair Type: Thin | Scent: Herbal | Size: 6.4 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Thickening shampoos use proteins and panthenol to fatten up hair strands but are fleeting as they are washed down the drain the next time you lather. It's been said that shampoo that can actually prevent hair loss needs to perform a key function, and that’s blocking DHT—or dihydrotestosterone—the sex hormone in men that is a byproduct of testosterone. How it all works is a long story, but in a nutshell, you'll want to reach for a shampoo that can help block DHT like this one to help reduce hair loss.

Wow Skin Science Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo

View On Amazon View On Buywow.com View On Walmart

Apple cider vinegar has so many uses from all-purpose cleaning and deodorizing to making a winning volcano for science class. When it comes to your hair, and maybe, more importantly, your scalp, it has some pretty practical benefits when used correctly. This DHT-blocking WOW shampoo uses ACV to gently clarify buildup such as dirt, oils, and styling products while coconut and avocado oils rejuvenate damaged hair and dry scalp. WOW, indeed.

4.7

View On Hairstory.com

If you are a serial shampooer, then you may need to take a step back and ditch the traditional sudsy shampoo. That rings even more true for those of you with long locks that are subject to repeated heat styling and less-than-frequent trims. Using a sulfate-free shampoo alternative like any of the three from Hairstory New Wash allows you to keep washing every day while still reaping the rewards of those “every-other-day” washers.

The trick? Loaded with natural, certified organic ingredients, New Wash Deep doesn’t strip away your protective barrier. It only removes excess oil, dirt, and styling products.

View On Sephora View On Net-a-porter.com

Perfect for most curls out there—2A to 3C to be exact—this is a moisturizing, sulfate-free shampoo that helps define curls, coils, and wavy textures without stripping scalp or strands crucial natural oils. Enriched with amino acids, ultra-hydrating shea butter, and avocado oil, this shampoo is designed just for those looking to embrace their natural curls.

View On Getbevel.com

Designed for the specific requirements of coarse, textured hair, Bevel formulated its new shampoo without sulfates and silicones that can easily strip natural oils resulting in dry hair more prone to breakage. Instead, uber moisturizing shea butter, coconut oil, and glycerin keep even the tightest coils hydrated and softest waves intact.

View On Nordstrom

There are nice smelling shampoos...and then there’s Oribe. Conceived as a rival to fragrance house creations, the “Signature Scent” from the brand is so popular it has its own loyal following. Notes familiar to the olfactory aficionados among us include Italian bergamot, Aomori apples, cassis, muguet, leafy greens, cedarwood, white amber, musk, and, la mariposa blanca—the national flower of Cuba, the birthplace of the late founder, Oribe Canales.

View On Helloseen.com View On Hsn.com

If full-fragranced shampoos aren’t your jam, but you still want loads of benefits, Seen has a fragrance-free edition of its dermatologist-developed, hair cleansing vegan shampoo that works wonders from head-to-toe. But fragrance isn’t all this shampoo is free of. Forget sulfates, silicones, phthalates, parabens, dyes, pore-clogging oils, formaldehyde, and of course, animal testing.

Final Verdict

When it comes to the best shampoos for men, our top choice would have to be the Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo. A bestseller from the brand, it addresses the needs of both the hair and the scalp thanks to tea tree oil, peppermint and lavender. Plus, it leaves behind a subtle yet invigorating scent. While a bit of a splurge, we can’t fail to mention the Leonor Greyl Shampooing au Miel Gentle Volumizing Shampoo, which has garnered a cult-following for the past 40 years. It protects the hair with rose hip extract and acacia honey while gently cleansing (read: it isn't so harsh that it requires conditioner). Plus, it’s chock full of plant-based proteins to strengthen and add volume. And finally, when it comes to two-in-one formulas, the Every Man Jack 2-in-1 Thickening Shampoo + Conditioner is a must. Not only does it cut down shower time, but it gently cleanses and conditions while strengthening the hair with soy proteins.

Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino and Avocado Leave-In Defining Creme — Byrdie / Bianca Lambert

What to Look for in Shampoos for Men

A Formula That Targets a Specific Concern

Shampoo shouldn’t be a one-size-fits-all situation, so finding a formula that targets a specific hair or scalp concern of yours will help you achieve your best hair yet. DeBolt appreciates formulas that contain “skincare for hair” formulas in order to promote healthy hair growth. If you’re suffering from dandruff or scalp irritation, choose a formula that specifically improves scalp health. If your hair is on the oilier side or you use a lot of styling products, opt for a clarifying formula that’ll help dissolve buildup and balance oil.

Thickening Formulas

According to DeBolt, shampoos with thickening benefits are often formulas that men appreciate. Hair thinning and hair loss are common hair concerns for men, and thickening shampoos can help combat this problem by giving the hair a fuller, healthier-looking appearance.

A Fresh Scent or Fragrance-Free Formula

Some shampoos can be heavily scented with sweet and floral fragrances, so some men may appreciate shampoos that have a subtler fresh scent or a fragrance-free formula—though it's really up to your personal preference. However, if you have a sensitive scalp or are suffering from dandruff and flakes, a fragrance-free formula will be your best bet against avoiding further irritation.

wow apple cider vinegar shampoo — Byrdie / Leigh Weingus

FAQ

Can women use men's shampoo?

According to DeBolt, women can absolutely use men’s shampoo. If the formula targets hair or scalp concerns that would benefit your specific needs, you can use any shampoo you want—whether it’s marketed towards a specific gender or not.
How should you apply men's shampoo?

Men’s shampoo can be applied like any traditional shampoo. First, saturate the hair with warm water and massage a small amount of shampoo into the roots and scalp, working up a nice lather. Work through the ends of the hair, and then rinse out completely.

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Barret Wertz has many years of having hair under his belt. He’s also been writing about men’s hair and chatting with some of the most respected barbers, stylists, and groomers in the world about it for almost 10 years. He is not only passionate about his own hair but making sure anyone that will listen gets the best hair they can get as well. If he had to pick just one shampoo from this list, it would be EVO, because he has yet to find a better thickening shampoo (and conditioner).

Meet the Expert

Mark DeBolt is a celebrity colorist and co-founder of Mark Ryan Salon. A protégé of celebrity colorist Marie Robinson, his areas of expertise include his signature blend of foil highlighting, balayage, and specialty color placement techniques. Currently, he’s an ambassador, educator, and hair color expert for Wella Professionals.

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