Affiliate disclosure: this guide contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.
Most men use whatever shampoo is in the shower. But an oily scalp, a dry or itchy scalp, dandruff and fine hair all need something different, and the wrong shampoo can make each of them worse. This guide picks one top-rated product for each common hair and scalp type. For dandruff, build-up and itchy scalps, see our scalp care and dandruff products guide.
How we chose: we have not tested these products hands-on. The picks are based on each product’s description on its Amazon listing, how well it matches each hair type in our daily hair care routine for men, and buyer ratings (all 4.5 stars or higher, checked on October 14, 2026). Ratings and availability change, so check the listing before you buy. This is general advice, not medical advice.
Quick picks:
- Best everyday shampoo: American Crew Daily Cleansing Shampoo
- Best everyday conditioner: American Crew Daily Moisturizing Conditioner
- Best for dry or sensitive scalps: CeraVe Gentle Hydrating Shampoo
- Best for removing product buildup: Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two (Clarifying)
- Best everyday dandruff shampoo: Head and Shoulders Classic Clean Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
- Best for stubborn dandruff: Nizoral 2-in-1 Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and Conditioner
- Best for fine or thinning hair: Cremo Thickening Shampoo for Men
Which Shampoo for Your Hair and Scalp?
Start with your scalp: if it gets greasy, itchy or flaky, choose for that first. Then think about your hair (fine, thick or curly). For curly and coily hair, see our curly hair products and short afro essentials.
Comparison Table
| Product | Type | Hair or scalp | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Crew Daily Cleansing Shampoo | Shampoo | Normal to oily | everyday shampoo |
| American Crew Daily Moisturizing Conditioner | Conditioner | Most hair types | everyday conditioner |
| CeraVe Gentle Hydrating Shampoo | Shampoo | Dry or sensitive scalp | for dry or sensitive scalps |
| Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two (Clarifying) | Clarifying shampoo | Oily hair, product buildup | for removing product buildup |
| Head and Shoulders Classic Clean Anti-Dandruff Shampoo | Anti-dandruff | Dandruff | everyday dandruff shampoo |
| Nizoral 2-in-1 Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and Conditioner | Anti-dandruff | Stubborn dandruff | for stubborn dandruff |
| Cremo Thickening Shampoo for Men | Thickening shampoo | Fine or thinning | for fine or thinning hair |
Details are taken from each Amazon listing. Prices change often, so they are not listed here.
The 7 Best Shampoos and Conditioners for Men
1. American Crew Daily Cleansing Shampoo
Best for: Best everyday shampoo. Amazon rating: 4.6 out of 5 (8,233 ratings) as of October 14, 2026.
What stands out:
- A silicone-free, vegan daily shampoo with vitamin B5 for moisture.
- Washes away excess oil without drying, according to the listing.
- American Crew says it is best for men with normal to oily hair.
- A large 33.8 fl oz bottle with a citrus mint scent.
Keep in mind:
- A big salon-size bottle; it costs more up front but lasts a long time.
2. American Crew Daily Moisturizing Conditioner
Best for: Best everyday conditioner. Amazon rating: 4.7 out of 5 (2,832 ratings) as of October 14, 2026.
What stands out:
- Detangles and adds moisture without weighing hair down.
- Helps reduce breakage from combing, according to the listing.
- The matching conditioner for the Daily Cleansing Shampoo, with the same citrus mint scent.
Keep in mind:
- On very fine hair, use a small amount and only on the lengths, not the scalp.
3. CeraVe Gentle Hydrating Shampoo
Best for: Best for dry or sensitive scalps. Amazon rating: 4.5 out of 5 (6,354 ratings) as of October 14, 2026.
What stands out:
- Free from sulfates, MIT, dyes, parabens and fragrance.
- Ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to cleanse without stripping moisture.
- Developed with dermatologists and suitable for all hair types and curl patterns.
Keep in mind:
- Fragrance-free, so it has no “fresh” scent if you like that.
4. Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two (Clarifying)
Best for: Best for removing product buildup. Amazon rating: 4.6 out of 5 (14,838 ratings) as of October 14, 2026.
What stands out:
- A clarifying shampoo that deep-cleans and removes dulling buildup.
- Useful if you use pomade, clay or wax most days.
- Leaves hair clean, shiny and full of body.
Keep in mind:
- Too strong for daily use on most hair; once a week is usually enough.
- Follow with a conditioner; the listing says it is ideal before a deep conditioning treatment.
5. Head and Shoulders Classic Clean Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Best for: Best everyday dandruff shampoo. Amazon rating: 4.8 out of 5 (2,088 ratings) as of October 14, 2026.
What stands out:
- A zinc pyrithione formula for dandruff.
- Designed for daily use on all hair types, and pH balanced.
- A light, clean fragrance.
Keep in mind:
- Dandruff usually comes back if you stop; most people keep using it a few times a week.
6. Nizoral 2-in-1 Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and Conditioner
Best for: Best for stubborn dandruff. Amazon rating: 4.6 out of 5 (2,330 ratings) as of October 14, 2026.
What stands out:
- Contains ketoconazole 1%, an antifungal ingredient; Nizoral says it is the only over-the-counter dandruff shampoo with it.
- A 2-in-1 with added conditioning.
- Safe for color-treated hair, according to the listing.
Keep in mind:
- Follow the directions on the bottle; it is not meant to replace your everyday shampoo.
- If flaking, redness or itching does not improve, see a doctor or dermatologist.
7. Cremo Thickening Shampoo for Men
Best for: Best for fine or thinning hair. Amazon rating: 4.6 out of 5 (3,636 ratings) as of October 14, 2026.
What stands out:
- Made for thinning hair, to give the appearance of thicker, fuller hair.
- A rich lather with a juniper and eucalyptus scent.
Keep in mind:
- It makes hair look fuller; it does not regrow hair. For hair loss, see a doctor or dermatologist.
How to Wash Your Hair Properly
- Wet your hair fully with warm, not hot, water.
- Use a coin-sized amount of shampoo and massage it into the scalp, not the ends.
- Rinse well; leftover shampoo can make the scalp itchy.
- Put conditioner on the lengths, leave it for a minute, then rinse.
- Pat dry with a towel instead of rubbing.
If you use pomade, clay or wax every day, a clarifying wash once a week stops buildup; see our pomade and clay guide.
Shampoo FAQ
How often should men wash their hair?
Most men do well with two or three washes a week. Wash more often if your scalp gets greasy, and less often if your hair is dry or curly. Our daily hair care routine has a schedule by hair type.
Do men need conditioner?
Yes, if your hair is longer than a buzz cut. Conditioner makes hair softer and easier to style, and reduces breakage.
Is 2-in-1 shampoo good enough?
For very short hair, it is fine. For longer hair, a separate conditioner usually works better.
Can shampoo stop hair loss?
No. Thickening shampoos can make hair look fuller, but they do not regrow hair. If you are losing hair, speak to a doctor or dermatologist.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Product details and ratings were checked on October 14, 2026 and may change.
