Have you used the same 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner you started buying in college? If you’re tired of your hair feeling scruffy and dry and lacking those wonderful benefits of a premium shampoo, like volume and shine, it may be time to look into a slightly fancier bottle formulated for your hair. 

In recent years, major brands have introduced premium products targeting men’s skin and hair concerns. Shampoo for men has taken giant leaps in the past ten years, with top brands putting in the time and effort to create formulas that give men fuller, healthier, more vibrant-looking hair. 

You’ve likely bought shampoo a time or two (or maybe you’re the king of shampoo on your 1,000th bottle), but there may be a few features you’re missing as you shop. Our guide explains how to choose the right shampoo for your hair type, what to avoid, and where to buy the best men’s shampoo. 

How to Choose the Right Shampoo 

Whether you’re dealing with dry, dull strands or trying to curb an itchy scalp, there’s a shampoo that’s right for you. To ensure you’re selecting the right ‘poo, we’ve made a list of key features to be aware of as you shop. 

Know Your Hair Concerns and Type 

Before getting into anything else, you should know and understand your hair type. Understanding your hair’s needs or concerns lets you choose the right ingredients and cleansing agents. 

What’s Your Hair Type? 

1. Straight: If your hair lays flat and has very little “oomph” on its own, you likely have straight hair. Guys with straight hair often deal with issues like oiliness and should opt for mild cleansers that are great at removing excess oil. 
2. Wavy: This hair type often resembles loose beach waves that don’t form a proper curl. It is prone to frizz, breakage, and dryness. To prevent concerns like this, use nutrient-dense cleansers that keep hair moisturized. 
3. Curly: Gents with curly, coily, or kinky hair should look for nourishing, hydrating cleansers that penetrate thicker hair. It is essential to use a shampoo that can dive into the hair and scalp and remove excess oil without stripping natural oils. Shampoos for curly hair should straddle the line between moisturizing hair and gentle cleansing. 

Common Hair Concerns 

From itchy, flaky scalps to oily, greasy locks, there’s a wide range of issues you might want to treat. The first step to treatment is knowing your concerns so you can find the right formula to prevent them in the first place. 

Here are some of the most common hair and scalp issues: 

• Dryness. Many men deal with dry hair and scalp, especially if they use cleansers with harsh chemicals. A simple way to prevent dryness is to use shampoos formulated with rich, moisturizing ingredients and a formula that won’t strip natural oils. We recommend looking for shampoos with vegan, cruelty-free formulas and naturally derived or organic ingredients. They’re often full of rich ingredients that cleanse the scalp. 
• Excess oil. Are you dealing with greasy strands and an oily scalp? You’re not alone. As a common concern among men, there are shampoo products that efficiently remove excess oil and keep it clean. 
• Dandruff. Do flaky patches of skin, itchiness, or other dandruff-related issues keep you up at night? A recent study on seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff shares that dandruff “affects approximately 50% of the general adult population worldwide,” and it’s more prevalent in men. The best way to treat dandruff is with a medicated shampoo that utilizes popular ingredients like zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid, ketoconazole, and selenium sulfide.  
• Sensitivity. Guys with sensitive scalps and hair that reacts to almost anything should stick to gentle cleansers and mild shampoos that don’t rock the boat. Look for products with short ingredient lists and, ideally, an ingredient list that explicitly states what you’re lathering up on your head. When dealing with sensitive hair or scalps, starting a grooming schedule and not cleaning hair daily is a good idea. 

Look for Nourishing Ingredients 

In your quest for healthy, voluminous hair, you should always look for nourishing, nutrient-dense ingredients. 

Ingredients your hair will love: 

• Coconut-derived surfactants 
• Jojoba oil 
• Argan oil 
• Aloe vera 
• Chamomile
• Coconut oil 
• Organic essential oils like lavender, peppermint, and lemon

Shampoo for men contains various ingredients. To find the best product for your hair, identify any concerns and look for ingredients that offer improvement. 

Avoid Harsh Ingredients 

The simplest way to upgrade your hair care is to stop using products full of harsh fillers. These toxic materials are rough on the hair and scalp and may cause dryness, redness, inflammation, bumps, flaky skin, and other types of irritation. 

Steer clear of harsh ingredients like sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and silicones. 

Men’s Shampoo Cheat Sheet: The Quick and Dirty Guide to Buying a New Men’s Shampoo

Step 1. Identify your concerns: Make a list of issues you have with your hair and scalp. This may be dryness, dandruff, oiliness, and more. Be clear on what improvements you’d like to see. Do you want more volume? Less breakage? Get clear on your goals. 

Step 2. Consider ingredients: You know what you’d like to treat, so identify ingredients to help you achieve that goal. Also, avoid products that contain harsh chemicals, which may cause more stress on the hair and scalp. 

Step 3. Go shopping:  Now that you know what you want (and what should be in your new men’s shampoo), head to the store or website for your favorite men’s brand. 

What’s the Best Shampoo for Men? 

Overall, Blu Atlas Shampoo is the best shampoo for men. It contains everything you need to get clean, healthy-looking hair. The formula is ideal for all hair types but really works its magic on stressed, damaged locks and flaky, dry scalps. 

Blu Atlas Shampoo harnesses nourishing, naturally derived ingredients to deliver moisture, shine, and smooth-looking strands. Jojoba oil, saw palmetto, aloe vera, and vegan biotin dive into the hair and scalp to invigorate and strengthen every inch of your head. 

The best part? It’s free from sulfates, parabens, and phthalates, so you can finally join the #SulfateFreeShampooClub. Pair it with Blu Atlas Conditioner to achieve the best results and have healthy, vibrant hair. 

At Blu Atlas, we care about transparency. Our ultimate goal is to help you upgrade your grooming rituals. Check out the Starter Set or Shower Bundle to explore our product line. But if you like to test out travel-size products first, sign up for the Blu Atlas Free Trial and only pay shipping. 

Signing up for the Free Trial enrolls you in the Subscribe & Save program that offers 20% off on full-sized products. Once enrolled, we’ll ship you a full-sized bottle each month so you can scrub a dub dub with spa-quality products in the comfort of your home. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can men use women’s shampoo? 

Yes, men can use a shampoo made for women. Women’s shampoo may contain different ingredients that target volume or moisture, but they can still cleanse your hair and provide you with shiny, healthy hair. That said, shampoo for men may treat specific hair or scalp concerns, and the formula may better target your concerns. 

Do I need to use conditioner after shampoo? 

Yes, always follow up with conditioner when washing your hair. Conditioner locks in moisture and helps hair look healthy and vibrant. If you’re using a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner, you don’t need to follow up with another conditioner.