And in this regard, hair can be particularly tricky.

How do you even get started trying to find the right products for your hair?

Well, we’ve got you covered.

In this review, we’re going to explore the 14 best hair products available to men – looking at different types of products, and offering you the very best options in each category.

We hope this will give you a foothold in the market and help you find the very best products for your specific needs.

But there’s more:

We’re also going to help you figure out exactly which products are best for your hair, as well as going into some detail about how the various categories of men’s hair products differ.

Let’s start by looking at the 9 key factors men should consider when purchasing hair products.

Quick Summary

	Pomade Seven Potions Hair Styling Pomade	Washes away easily 100% natural Solid hold and shine - it just works	Check on Amazon
	Wax SexyHair Style Control Maniac Styling Wax	Gives a shine that doesn't appear greasy Gives a hold that lasts all day long Great for a variety of hair shapes and styles	Check on Amazon
	Gel American Crew Firm Hold Styling Gel	Great overall texture Includes vitamin B5 Great hold that isn't too stiff	Check on Amazon
	Hair Spray SEXYHAIR Big Spray & Play Volumizing Hairspray	Strong hold Adds volume Reduces frizziness	Check on Amazon
	Clay Baxter of California Men's Clay Pomade	Natural-looking matte finish Long-lasting hold Easy to apply	Check on Amazon
	Sea Salt Spray Davines This Is A Sea Salt Spray	Provides long-lasting hydration Many natural ingredients and no parabens Full, textured look with a matte finish	Check on Amazon
	Shampoo Krieger + Söhne Shampoo	Good for all hair types Infused with natural ingredients Reduces dandruff	Check on Amazon
	Conditioner Nourishing Hair and Scalp Conditioner	Dermatologist-tested natural ingredients Adds thickness to fine hair It feels light on your hair	Check on Amazon
	Hair Growth Shampoo Revita High-Performance Hair Stimulating Shampoo	Contains no harmful chemicals Assists in stimulating hair growth Nanosome delivery system	Check Best Price
	Hair Growth Treatment Men’s Rogaine	Easy to apply Clinically proven results FDA approved	Check on Amazon
	Hair Clipper xtava Pro Cordless Hair Clippers and Beard Trimmer	Amazing battery life All in one set Ceramic/Titanium blades	Check on Amazon
	Hair Comb Seven Potions Hair Comb	Handcrafted Gentle sawcut teeth Durable	Check on Amazon
	Hair Dye Just For Men Easy Comb-In Color	Long lasting Easy to use Protects against overcoloring	Check on Amazon
	Hair Cream Tea Tree Shaping Cream	Firm hold Suitable for all hair types Great scent	Check on Amazon

Before you buy: 9 Things to consider when purchasing hair products

We get it:

Choosing hair products can be tricky, especially given how many different options there are on the market.

Some men simply throw in the towel and opt for a ‘trial and error’ response. Or worse, they just buy whatever’s cheapest and assume they’re getting ‘value for money.’

The truth is there are ways to ensure you make good decisions when purchasing hair products, and while one of them is using authoritative, trusted sources (like, say, a long, detailed review…) there are also several key variables you ought to keep in mind when considering your options.

1. The type of product

As will become clear throughout this review, there are numerous ‘types’ of hair products for men, and sometimes it can be a challenge just to tell the differences between them. Is this a pomade or a wax? Are clays and pastes the same?

Having a clear understanding of the differences between the products – and what each is used for and what kind of results you can expect from it – will help narrow down your search dramatically and ensure you get the absolute best product for your specific needs.

2. Your hair type

Many men go through their whole lives without any real sense of what kind of hair they have. And that’s a big problem because different hair products have dramatically different effects and will inevitably be more or less suited to you, depending on the specifics of your hair.

3. What style do you want?

Of course, not every man has a specific style in mind when purchasing products for his hair.

But if you do – if you know, for example, you want to be able to spike it up or sleek it out – then you’ve got a massive head start, and you’ll be much better positioned to find exactly the best hair product for your needs.

4. Hold and Shine

Directly related to the style you’re looking for, you should have a clear sense of what sort of hold and shine you want your product to achieve.

‘Hold’ refers to how much your hair moves when you’ve applied the product – a stronghold is virtually unmovable, whereas a more pliable hold suggests you’ll be able to readjust as you wish.

The shine is really about how ‘wet’ you want your hair to look. Some men really love that sleek, shiny look; others think it looks greasy and artificial, and are after something much more natural.

Most products will be very clear about these things – if they’re natural-looking, they’ll be labeled ‘matte’ or ‘low shine.’

5. Ingredients

As you’ll no doubt realize, the ingredients in a hair product matter a great deal – they’re basically the thing that determines everything else we’re discussing here.

So it’s extremely important to understand exactly what the ingredients in your products are and what they’re going to do.

It’s easy to think of your hair as separate from the rest of your body, but the reality is it’s literally biologically connected to you, and if you’re putting something in it which isn’t safe or healthy, it can have seriously negative effects.

6. Scent

Hair products are famous for smelling terrible – the classic scent of chemical-laden hair spray, for example. But many of the best men’s hair products actually boast pretty nice smells and can add a little extra kick to your cologne or aftershave.

Equally, some men will much prefer a scentless product, and it’s important, therefore, to decide ahead of time and be aware of the scent of the product you’re purchasing.

7. Application and maintenance

It might be surprising to realize, but different hair products are applied in radically different ways and require much more or less maintenance.

Mostly, there will be at least some degree of lathering or technique required, but if you’re looking for a more or less involved process, you should be aware ahead of time and look for specific products.

8. Brand

Of course, brands aren’t everything – good brands have made terrible products, and unknowns often come out with game-changing stuff.

But there is some truth in the idea that brands are signals of quality, and if you find something from a revered brand – say, Jack Black’s – then you’re very unlikely to go wrong.

9. Cost and value

Finally, you should always be aware of the relative costs/benefits of the hair products you buy. Are you really going to get $50 worth out of a conditioner?

Maybe. But if you leap into the fray with no sense of what you want to spend or how much quality really matters to you, you may end up sorely disappointed with your purchases.

The reality is, the price of men’s grooming products varies so much – from a few dollars to hundreds. And knowing exactly how much you value your hair products is important from the get-go.

The 14 best hair products for men

1. Pomade – Perfect example, Seven Potions Hair Styling Pomade

Seven Potions’ Hair Styling Pomade stands out for several reasons.

For one thing, it is made from a fantastic formula of natural ingredients, with plenty of shea butter, sweet almond oil, and sandalwood essential oil, giving it both great moisturizing properties and a sweet, warm smell that you’ll just love.

There’s also the small matter of the quality of the hold, which is just awesome and gives you a high-hold without being overbearing or too tough.

Plus, the shine is lovely, and gives you a sleek, retro look without appearing artificial or (god forbid!) greasy. It will help you look suave and effortless, even on the worst days.

It’s made without any of the bad stuff – no parabens, PEGs, colorants or synthetic fragrances. And Seven Potions guarantee it is entirely vegan friendly, too.

Cleaning it out of your hair is also very easy, because this stuff is entirely water-soluble, and it doesn’t leave your hair dry or sticky or irritated at all.

Ultimately, it’s the best a pomade can get – easy to apply, low maintenance, and a fantastic hold and finish.

2. Wax – Perfect example, SexyHair Style Control Maniac Styling Wax

A good wax should give great hold and shine without making the hair look oily or greasy. We understand that lots of waxes, leave a completely unnatural and often just plain ugly texture in the hair.

That is why we recommend SexyHair Style Control Maniac Styling Wax!

While its hold is firm, SexyHair doesn’t make the hair stiff or hard, and you’ll have no trouble restyling and shaping your hair throughout the day with this product.

It adds just the right amount of shine, making your hair appear stylish and refined. But this wax doesn’t stop here.

It also hydrates the hair because it contains a lot of moisturizing stuff in it, such as safflower seed oil and panthenol. Also, it is humidity resistant for up to 72 hours and is cruelty-free.

Lastly, it doesn’t feel heavy throughout the day and washes off in seconds when it is time to shower.

3. Gel – Perfect example, American Crew Firm Hold Styling Gel

The first thing you notice about American Crew’s Firm Hold Styling Gel is the packaging: it just looks like the real deal, with its cool, slightly retro-looking bottle and branding.

But there’s far more here than just a stylish aesthetic – this really is a top-quality gel, giving you a firm hold that isn’t too stiff, great for almost every hair type and style you could think of.

It produces a wonderfully stylish texture – especially if you’ve got thicker hair. And it is specifically designed to never dry your hair out – as so many firm holding gels do.

On top of all that, the good people at American Crew have made sure to include Vitamin B5 in their formula – this is a vitamin that is often found in hair loss treatments, and the effect is to promote healthier, stronger growing hair.

So while this truly is one of the best hair products you’ll find for thicker hair, it’s also great for men whose hair is thinning – you can combat the problem whilst improving your style.

4. Hair Spray – Perfect example, SEXYHAIR Big Spray & Play Volumizing Hairspray

Sometimes, when you want to be truly bold, you need a product that matches that ambition and then some.

If that’s you – if you’re after a ‘wild’ style like faux hawks, spikes, and the like – then SEXYHAIR’S Big Spray & Play Volumizing Hairspray is exactly what you’re looking for.

It will give you the lift and hold your hair needs to truly ‘take off,’ with 72 hours of humidity resistance and a ton of added shine to give your hair that extra kick.

The hold itself is medium to firm, but it’s really the volume that you’re looking for here. It also reduces frizziness dramatically, so if you have a problem with hair being too bold naturally and want to reign it in, this stuff is great for that too.

Ultimately, this is not a product for every man – it’s really for a particular kind of trendsetter. And that’s okay: not everything has to be right for us all.

But we have to acknowledge the superior quality here, and if you’re in the market for a hairspray, this is almost definitely as good as you’ll find.

5. Clay – Perfect example, Baxter of California Men’s Clay Pomade

Baxter of California is by now an extremely iconic men’s grooming brand – for decades, they’ve been pumping out a line of truly exceptional products of all kinds, and they don’t show any signs of slowing down.

Their Clay Pomade is an absolute gem: its combination of clay and beeswax is not only ethical and vegan-friendly – but it also produces an exceptionally strong hold that many men will find a game-changer.

It leaves a great, natural-looking matte finish, which adds some extra shine without ever appearing synthetic or greasy. Plus, the hold is an extraordinary combination of long-lasting and pliable – it won’t ever lose shape, but you won’t have a hard time restyling it throughout the day if needs be.

This stuff is really ideal for taming unruly hair – it will help you get into check, restyle it and keep it under control, all without appearing to ever have had to apply a single product.

And the texture it produces is wonderful, too – nice and stylish, without being overtly ‘styled,’ sticky or tough.

Overall, Baxter of California has hit the absolute motherlode, balancing so many different poles to create a truly refined, sophisticated clay – that’s probably why it’s won so many awards!

6. Sea Salt Spray – Perfect example, Davines Sea Salt Spray

Sea Salt Spray is often a mixed ag – whilst it can give you a great, beach-ready look, it also often relies on nasty chemicals and ironically dries out the hair quite badly.

Not so with Davines’ Sea Salt Spray, which is made from completely natural ingredients and products a beautiful, gentle scent while giving you long-lasting hydration and a full, texture look.

The finish has a gentle matte – nothing over the top, just a nice, easy shine that looks authentic and pure. Your hair simply looks like it’s been given the dose of sun it needs to really shine. And the natural ingredients do actually promote healthier follicle growth, too.

For men with straight, fine hair (or a thinning problem!), this stuff will give you the kind of volume you need to hide it.

This isn’t just a niche interest – it’s truly one of the best hair styling products for men you’ll find.

7. Shampoo – Perfect example, Krieger + Söhne Shampoo

You might be forgiven for thinking shampoo is a pretty boring product – it just cleans your hair, what more could it do?

If this is you – if you’re not sold on the potential for shampoo to be a transformative grooming product – then Krieger + Söhne’s Shampoo is exactly what you need to be converted.

See, they use a formula heavily based on tea tree oil to create something which is not really about cleaning your hair – it’s about giving you a relaxing, reinvigorating experience which leaves you feeling energized, motivated, and ultimately excited to start your day.

Whether you’ve just woken up or finished in the gym, there’s always room for a little recharge. And the way this stuff stimulates your scalp and helps your hair feel soft and healthy will give you the boost you need.

It helps tackle dandruff and dry scalps and is safe to use every day without tiring or damaging your hair – as so many shampoos do.

While many shampoos are specialized, this truly is for any man who wants to win. As the name suggests (Krieger means warrior in German), this stuff is for men who take themselves seriously and know how important it is to stay fresh and clean.

8. Conditioner – Perfect example, Jack Black – Nourishing Hair and Scalp Conditioner

Like shampoos, many men assume they know what a conditioner does and don’t bother to worry too much beyond that. But once again, that’s a huge mistake – as a product like Jack Black’s Nourishing Hair and Scalp Conditioner illustrates.

For one thing, Jack Black’s have made sure their conditioner doesn’t weigh your hair down the way so many conditioners can. Instead, it makes your hair feel light, energized, and ultimately gives it that extra life and lift it needs.

The natural ingredients – as you’d expect from Jack Black – are just great. From tea tree leaf oil and silk protein to green tea extract and basil, the formula is beautifully natural and entirely vegan friendly. Plus, it’s dermatologically tested to produce real results.

For men with fine hair, this stuff is just great: it will add plenty of thickness on top, without weighing on it or looking forced. And for men with frizz-related problems, Jack Black’s conditioner will also do well by you.

Jack Black is a great, innovative brand, and it’s unsurprising that they’ve produced such a high-quality conditioner – it’s great for your hair, great for your skin, and even – ultimately – great for your wallet.

9. Hair Growth Shampoo – Perfect example, Revita High-Performance Hair Stimulating Shampoo

DS Labs’ Revita® is a truly game-changing product for men who suffer from hair growth issues – and let’s be real, that’s a lot of men these days!

It is formulated to fight follicular dysfunction – that is, to help your hair grow better, faster, and more healthily.

It uses a unique, highly-effective delivery system that stimulates new hair growth more quickly than other products in the category, and DS’s clinical studies have shown that Revita really does work.

Its key compounds include DHT blockers, ketoconazole, and caffeine, which combine to give the stimulation and nourishment your follicles need.

They’ve also thrown in plenty of biotin (vitamin H, as it’s often known due to its importance in hair growth), which further contributes to the effect.

Another way Revita® sets itself apart is the speed with which it goes to work – rather slowly going to work; it begins immediately working on your scalp to rejuvenate growth and make your hair healthier.

Unlike most of its competitors, Revita® uses no chemicals or other toxic ingredients – it’s just a smart combination of antioxidant and anti-androgen properties, peppered with potent hydrating molecules, hair growth stimulants and amino acids.

Ultimately, this is the absolute most effective hair growth shampoo we’ve come across – and trust us; we’ve tried a lot!

10. Hair Growth Treatment – Perfect example, Men’s Rogaine

Sometimes, hair growth shampoo is simply not enough alone. And in those moments, an actual hair growth treatment like Men’s Rogaine is the best possible route for men with thinning hair.

For one thing, it has been clinically proven to produce serious results – for a long time; it was really the only game in town for sufferers of MPB. It also has a nice, neutral fragrance and is pretty darn easy to apply.

Its key component is Minoxidil, an almost-literal miracle solution that regrows up to 25% more hair. But it also contains botanical extracts and emollient, which combine to help not just regrow hair but make sure the hair that regrows is healthier and thicker and looks better than ever.

Not only that: it also exfoliates the scalp hair, keeping follicles clean and open for hair growth Ultimately, the results speak for themselves: within 12 weeks, you can see visible improvements, and because it’s so easy to apply you can simply slot it into your general grooming regime.

11. Hair Clipper– Perfect example, xtava Pro Cordless Hair Clippers and Beard Trimmer

When it comes to hair clippers, the differences are a little tricky to see. It’s really only when you use them side by side you see the incredible quality of a product like xtava’s Pro Cordless Hair Clippers and Beard Trimmer.

For one thing, their ceramic/titanium blades absolutely saw through your hair with ease and accuracy.

Combined with the precise length control (4 length settings, from 1.0mm to 1.9mm), you’ll be able to achieve the kind of trimming that you’ve always longed for without risking snags or cuts.

They really are just incredibly easy to use: with fantastic battery life (3 hours) and a variety of accessories, it’s a complete hair clipping kit.

The ergonomic design makes them lovely to handle – lightweight, but with plenty of grip and not so light that you overcut. And if you’re cutting for a long time, you’ll avoid the kind of arm fatigue most other clippers produce.

All of that, and they come with an easy storage kit, a cleaning brush, and lubrication oil – a truly low-maintenance, no-hassle kit.

12. Hair Comb– Perfect example, Seven Potions Hair Comb

Hair combs, quite honestly, are often incredibly poor products – they’re flimsy, poorly designed, and crumble after a few uses. But Seven Potions – a great brand which has already popped up on this list – shows us exactly what a hair comb ought to be like.

Theirs is handcrafted for truly quality construction, making for a product that immediately feels superior to its competitors when you hold it. And the construction is backed up by a design that is true class.

The saw cut teeth are extremely gentle on your hair, making for an experience which is easy and effortless – you don’t have to be careful or reserved, you can just go for it and trust that Seven Potions has got your back.

Plus, the comb is extremely durable: unlike so many plastic combs, this thing will last you a long time. Made from cellulose acetate – which is a highly sustainable material – it avoids the static cling and pulling off.

This is a comb any man’s hair can enjoy – whether it’s thick or thin, wavy, or straight. Plus, it’s waterproof and designed to be thin, allowing you to take it wherever you’ve got to go.

13. Hair Dye– Perfect example, Just For Men Easy Comb-In Color

Hair dye is tough to get right: for most men, the biggest concern is to get a dye that looks natural and won’t damage their hair, but historically most dyes have used ammonia or peroxide, which tends to sadly do both.

Just For Men’s Easy Comb-In, Color takes away all of those anxieties: its formula is completely safe, producing natural, effortless coloring in a variety of 11 different shades, so you can match yours to the exact needs of your hair.

It’s also exceptionally easy to use: all you do is comb it in, wait 10 minutes, and rinse your hair out.

The results last up to 8 weeks and look flawless. And the smart people at Just For Men have even built-in protection against the danger of over-coloring – the dye simply stops working after 10 minutes, meaning if you forget or get distracted, you won’t come out of things too badly.

The set also comes with a comb applicator, which helps you apply it more strategically and precisely to exactly where your greys are.

14. Hair Cream– Perfect example, Tea Tree Shaping Cream

Tea Tree Botanicals is a sub-brand of John Paul Mitchell systems – a leader of men’s grooming products you probably recognize from earlier in this review.

Their shaping cream is a fantastic way to conclude our list, with its lightweight formula infused with beautiful tea tree oil that provides a firm but not-too-firm hold.

This is a product that is genuine for ‘all’ hair types – whatever your needs, this stuff will make it totally pliable and give you a long-lasting hold and a strong matte finish.

The flexibility you get – particularly with such a strong hold – is unusual, to say the least. And the extra texture is gentle but effective.

The scent is great, too: a refreshing tea tree kick with the slightest bit of citrus to refresh and reenergize you. Plus, the cream actually has active botanical ingredients that help invigorate and heal your hair throughout the day.

Ultimately, this is a really smart, simple product that will make a great addition to any man’s hair grooming arsenal.

Method to the madness: How we chose these products

There are no two ways about it: cultivating a list like this is tough.

The number of great products we have to leave off the list is tough, and the number of terrible ones we have to try is even worse. And while we can’t try every single item on the market, we try to be as diligent as possible in our pursuit of the best – and that involves testing an awful lot.

Put simply, we make a very large shortlist by checking reviews – both offline and in the trade magazines – and we go about testing them in each category to determine exactly what the best products around are.

The result, we hope, is a list that truly distills the very best products you can get your hands on today. But we’re always open to suggestions for new products, or if you feel a truly exceptional item has been robbed of its place on our list – let us know in the comments!

What hair product is best for my hair?

As we mentioned earlier, the type of hair you have matters a lot in choosing hair products. And the main way to determine which products are best for you is to look at your hair and decide what it is you want to change about it using a product.

If it’s particularly thin, you probably want to give it some extra texture and thickness – a hairspray may well be the best option for you, therefore. But if it’s unruly and wild, it might be a wax or gel that best suits you.

If your hair is thinning, avoid heavy oil-based products that might wear it out and add to the problem. And if you have particularly oily hair, you’ll want to avoid excessively oily products – though you’ve probably already figured that one out!

Ultimately, a certain amount of experimentation is inevitable, and the process of nailing your hair care regime will be one of discovering which ingredients and products work best in different contexts.

Try keeping notes whenever you try something new, and always – repeat, always – remember to read reviews to make sure you know what you’re getting yourself in for.

Knowing the difference: the many types of hair products

When it comes to hair products, there are tons of options out there—and you can’t just grab the first one off the shelf and expect it to do the job. If you’ve been struggling with your hair, don’t worry: we’re here to help.

The differences between all the many types of hair products can be confusing (and if you’re anything like us, then you’ve probably ended up with a product that doesn’t do what you want it to). So, we thought we’d clear things up for you.

Knowing what the best products are is all very well, but it’s still important to understand what each category does and how they differ:

    1. Pomade

Pomade is great for short and medium length hairstyles – particularly if you’re after a more ‘retro look. It gives you a pretty high-shine, but it tends to offer a lighter hold than many other kinds of products. It’s often more about the look of the hair than the styling per se.

2. Wax

Hair wax is usually oil-based and has relatively low-shine, which is ideal for lots of men. The texture can be off-putting, for sure, and it’s much harder to get out of your hair than gel or putty.

3. Gel

Gel is perhaps the quintessential hair product for men. Generally, it’s used on wet hair and gives you a really easy, strong hold. The downside is many gels have too much of a shine – it’s a greasy look, really.

Gels tend to water-soluble, which makes them easy to wash out of your hair. But they also often have a high alcohol count and a tendency to dry out your hair over time.

 4. Hairspray

Traditionally hairspray would be associated with women. But these days, plenty of men are coming round to the uses of it, and there are plenty of great products specifically designed for men’s hair.

If you have thin hair, hairspray is a great way to add volume; equally, longer hair can be given a nice firm hold with the stuff.

5. Clay

Clays tend to be drier than other hair styling products, which gives them a lower shine but also gives them a unique and often very cool texture. You’ll find that clays vary wildly in terms of their hold, and regardless of your hairstyle, you’ll be able to find one that matches you.

The key thing with clays is that they add thickness and a nice rougher texture to your hair.

6. Sea Salt Spray

Sea salt spray is fantastic for getting a beach-like look – particularly if you’ve got thinner hair. It tends to. E used to achieve a tousled, wavy style and gives you a matte finish that looks healthy.

7. Shampoo

Shampoo is obviously a standard hair product even for men with no interest in the dark arts of grooming. But knowing that shampoo can vary so massively – from ingredients to cost – is important.

The best shampoos don’t just clean but actively help promote healthier hair growth and make your hair look not just cleaner but fuller and more alive.

8.  Conditioner

Again, conditioner is a classic you’re likely familiar with. It should be used after shampooing and reduces the friction between strands of hair to make hair look healthier and feel more manageable. It’s essential if you’re looking to style your hair ambitiously.

9. Hair growth shampoo

Hair growth shampoo is a specific sub-genre of shampoo, which is specifically designed to promote hair growth for men who struggle naturally – whether it just doesn’t grow fast enough or is actively thinning.

It tends to use active ingredients that nourish the follicles and help hair grow more easily.

10. Hair growth treatment

For men with real hair growth issues, shampoo often isn’t enough.

That’s where hair growth treatments come in: they are specifically formulated to rescue your hair and rebuild your body’s ability to grow it.

While they might sound like magic, many of them are clinically-proven to produce results.

11. Hair clippers

Hair clippers help you trim and clip your hair with ease: rather than doing it with a traditional razor – which is often dangerous and always unable to fully deliver the results you want.

You get a clipper specifically designed to get to the difficult bits and give you the nuanced, detailed cut you want.

12. Hair comb

Hair combs are another classic, but many men overlook the differences – some combs are woeful and likely to actively harm your hair.

Whereas others – like the one from seven Potions we discussed above – are worth their weight in gold and will help you with virtually every aspect of your hair care regime.

13. Hair dye

Hair dye is often given a bad rap, but that’s really unfair.

The truth is, many men really struggle to grow hair, which looks full or matches their general aesthetic, and for the hair dye can be an absolute lifesaver.

While historically many hair dyes have been ineffective and damaging, these days, we have a whole host of great products that really work.

14. Hair cream

Hair cream is a styling product that adds a natural-look shine to your hair and generally gives you a low-to-medium hold.

It’s generally used to get rid of frizz without having an excessive effect on your hair’s aesthetic, and it can be a godsend for men who want to be as subtle as possible with their use of styling products.

Conclusion

Now that we’ve discussed the best hair products for men, all that’s left is for you to go try them yourselves.

We’d love to know how you find them – which really stand out for you? And which are you most excited to try?

Let us know in the comments below.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

8 Men’s Grooming Tips To Change The Way You See Yourself

28 Best Haircuts for Men with Thinning Hair That Still Look Great

The post The 14 Best Hair Products Every Man Needs appeared first on Balding & Beards.

And that’s a real shame because the best conditioners can be the difference between fine and great hair.

Not only does it make your hair look better, it actually makes it healthier, too. If you suffer from dry hair, fragile hair, or similar problems, conditioner can be the difference you need to make in your morning schedule.

It can be difficult navigating the crazy number of choices you have these days. Just searching for conditioners on eCommerce websites will give you hundreds of brands, along with multiple options from each.

So, we’ve put together this review as a way of narrowing down your options and making sure you only buy the very best conditioners there are. These hair products will provide the extra moisture and health you need for all sorts of hair textures, making sure you never have a bad hair day again.

And that’s not all:

We’re also going to give you an illustrated guide to using conditioner and explore the important distinctions between conditioner and shampoo.

Before we begin, let’s look at the 4 key factors you need to consider when buying a conditioner.

Quick summary

	Best for Sensitive Scalp Jack Black - Nourishing Hair and Scalp Conditioner	Natural ingredients Hydrates the hair Strengthens the hair	Check on Amazon
	Best for Damaged Hair Nia Restructuring Conditioner	Provides long-lasting hydration Reduces damage to hair Helps make hair more manageable	Check Best Price
	Best for Dry Hair V76 by Vaughn Hydrating Conditioner	Reduces itchiness and flakiness Provides superior hydration Cleans and softens your hair	Check on Amazon
	Billy Jealousy Cashmere Coat Hair Strengthening Conditioner	Fantastic peppermint scent Great for scalp acne and psoriasis Detangles the hair and makes them soft	Check on Amazon
	K & S Men’s Hair Conditioner	Heals damaged hair Soothes a dry scalp while reducing dandruff Money-back guarantee	Check on Amazon
	PURA D'OR Biotin Original Gold Label Anti-Thinning Shampoo & Conditioner Set	Helps the fight against hair loss, proven by science Packed full of natural ingredients Smells the finest	Check on Amazon
	Verb Hydrating Conditioner	Formulated with natural ingredients Vegan and cruelty free Repairs and hydrates the hair	Check on Amazon
	It’s A 10 Miracle Leave-In Conditioner	Versatile, multi-faceted product Excellent for curly hair Protects your hair from damage	Check on Amazon

Before you buy: 4 Things to consider when purchasing a conditioner

Like shampoo, conditioner is not a one-size-fits-all type of product. For example, oily hair and coarse hair will need different types of conditioners. You’ll also see the best results with different conditioners if you have straight hair or curly hair.

Yes, all conditioners are designed to add moisture to the hair and scalp, as well as soften the hair and increase its luster, but they come in different types, and some are better for certain kinds of hair than others.

1. Let’s start by looking at the three main types of conditioners:

• Rinse-Out Conditioner

This type is the most common of all conditioners. You know the type: you apply it in the shower after washing your hair and then rinse it off when you’re finished. This type of conditioner is the middle ground between a deep conditioner and a leave-in conditioner.

• Deep Conditioner

Deep conditioners provide more intensive treatment for your hair and work to get to the root of your hair follicle. In most cases, deep conditioning involves leaving the conditioner on your hair for 10 to 30 minutes and requiring you to wear a shower cap or a hair mask after you’ve applied it.

As a general rule, deep conditioners should be applied two to three times a week for maximum effectiveness.

• Leave-In Conditioner

You apply this type of conditioner after your shower and, as its name implies, is meant to remain in your hair throughout the day.

Leave-in conditioner both conditions and detangles your hair and often contains a heavy oil mixture. It works much like a facial moisturizer by nourishing your hair. Some leave-in conditioners include sunscreen to act as a protective barrier from sun and heat damage. Leave-in conditioner is also usually the best type of conditioner for dyed hair.

2. Key ingredients

Hair conditioner is no different than many other men’s grooming products in that you’ll find products with all-natural ingredients and some with a mix of natural and man-made. Here are some ingredients to look for:

• Cetearyl Alcohol

Cetearyl alcohol is a “fatty” alcohol that won’t dry your skin like other types of alcohol. Instead, it acts as a natural emollient to soften your skin and hair.

• Carrier Oils

You’ll find carrier oils in many men’s grooming products, including beard oil, shaving cream, and more. Carrier oils are effective because they mimic the (sebum) oil that’s excreted by the glands along the root of your hair follicle and moisturize your skin and hair.

Jojoba and argan are the mildest of oils and have a mild scent that’s often masked by other fragrances found in a particular brand of conditioner.

• Vitamins

You’ll find vitamin B5 in virtually every conditioner on the shelf because it helps repair damage to your hair follicles.

3. Your hair type

Knowing your hair type is an important part of that care.

Here are some general rules for determining your hair type:

How to Tell Your Hair Type

1) You have straight hair if your hair hangs straight down from the root and tends to look flat when it’s wet.

2) You have curly or wavy hair if your hair bends or curves in different directions from the root and has a lot of volume.

The natural texture of the hair you have is one of the most important considerations when buying a conditioner.

• Oily, Flat Hair

Men with hair that stays oily or greasy often don’t use conditioner, but others do because they overly shampoo their hair to rid it of its greasiness. That said, stay away from conditioners that claim to provide extra hydration and moisture. If you have an oily scalp, these types of conditioners might cause more damage. 

Instead, look for brands that strengthen, volumize, or balance your hair. Leave the moisturizing conditioner for people with dry hair.

• Dry Hair

Excessively dry hair often becomes damaged and brittle, making your choice of conditioner of even greater importance. Dry hair can cause future damage in the long run, and moisture retention should be your number one priority when you’re looking for a conditioner for your needs.

Shop for conditioners that moisturize, hydrate, smooth, or balance hair, while avoiding volumizing, strengthening, and fortifying conditioners that won’t provide enough moisture to your hair.

• Normal Hair

Suppose you have normal hair, congratulations. In your case, the options for buying a conditioner are many, indeed, and you’re able to focus on a conditioner that simply feels good or works the best for you.

• Fine Hair

If you have fine hair, choose a volumizing conditioner that gives your hair more body and a fuller-looking style.

• Thin Hair

If your hair is thinning, look for a conditioner that increases the size of hair strands to give the illusion of thicker hair. There are also hair loss conditioners that stimulate the scalp to support hair growth.

• Sensitive Hair/Scalp

If your scalp is sensitive and easily irritated, look for a gentler conditioner that’s sulfate-free. You’ll have a harder time dealing with a traditional conditioner because of your hair.

4. Do I need It?

Lastly, the question of whether men should use conditioner may be in the back of your mind. The better question, perhaps, is why you need it:

• Your hair follicles become damaged due to brushing, blow-drying, adverse weather, excess sun, etc. Shampoo does a great job in cleaning your strands of hair but doesn’t lock in moisture and may leave your hair looking – and feeling – dry and brittle.
• Conditioner treats your hair with nutrients but also makes it more manageable for styling purposes.

OK, now let’s take a look at the best conditioners for men.

Well, let us help you make up your mind! Here are seven reasons why conditioner works great for men:

1. It makes your hair softer and shinier

2. It helps protect your hair from sun damage

3. It can repair damaged hair

4. It can make styling easier

5. It can reduce tangles and knots in long hair

6. It can keep your scalp healthy by maintaining its natural oils and bacteria levels

7. And it can make your hair smell great!

The 8 best conditioners for men

1. Jack Black – Nourishing Hair and Scalp Conditioner 

Well, I’m sure most of you know Jack Black by now. It is a brand that simplifies skincare for men creating luxurious non-complicated products for their needs.

Jack Black Nourishing Hair and Scalp Conditioner is a great example of its true quality reputation. It is formulated with premium organic ingredients without any artificial fragrances, parabens, or sulfates.

This makes it very ideal for men with a sensitive scalp that is irritated easily.

Looking deeper into the main ingredients it contains:

• Tea tree leaf oil which is antibacterial and antifungal
• Basil which has been proven to improve and speed up hair growth
• Skil Protein which moisturizes and softens the hair
• Green tea extract which stimulates hair follicles to prevent hair loss

Overall, a great selection of ingredients that will soften and certainly improve the health of your hair. While it is free from artificial fragrances, it does have a mild scent from its natural ingredients that you will surely appreciate.

However, quality comes at a price.

The price is a little bit expensive compared to the amount you are getting (295 ml), which might be an issue for some.

Who’s it for: Men with sensitive skin

Bottom line

An exceptional premium conditioner that will amaze you with its effectiveness.

2. Nia Restructuring Conditioner

If there’s one thing you can count on with DS Laboratories’ products, it’s the backing of high-tech innovation, clinical research, as well as the endorsements of leading dermatologists around the world.

They’re all reasons why you should give serious consideration to DS Labs’ Nia Restructuring Conditioner, which combines science and research to create a product that many customers love.

It also has hair-healthy ingredients such as Honey Bee Moisture Complex, which nourishes the scalp and hair; panthenol, which improves that flexibility and elasticity of hair follicles while also creating a nice shine.

There is also tocopheryl acetate, a source of vitamin E that helps stimulate hair growth.

In short, it does everything you’d expect a quality conditioner to do: it repairs split ends, hydrates the hair with long-lasting moisture, reduces damage while giving it a lightweight, soft feel that lasts throughout the day.

The Nia Conditioner is suitable for all hair types and safe enough to use if your hair has had a lot of sun exposure, or damaged by styling or color treatments.

It also features DS Labs’ unique Nanosome delivery system, which allows the conditioner’s active ingredients to penetrate the scalp to the desired depth. The nanosomes, which encapsulate the ingredients, release their contents in a gradual, systematic manner.

Who’s it for: Men with all hair types

Bottom line

The Nia Conditioner by DS Labs is an innovative product that will help your hair’s overall health while making it softer, silkier, and more manageable.

3. V76 by Vaughn Hydrating Conditioner

V76 by Vaughn Hydrating Conditioner is another notable addition to our list of the best conditioners for men. Why? Because it is a product that aims to provide the absolute best hydration to its user.

Free of parabens and other harmful chemicals, its main ingredients consist of sage leaf, chamomile, and vitamin E.

Sage leaf hydrates by bringing back lost moisture while detangling and softening the hair.

Chamomile promotes hair growth and assists in the reduction of unwanted dandruff.

Vitamin E strengthens and brings shine to the hair because of its rich antioxidant properties.

All the ingredients combined reduce scalp itchiness and create a strong hydration effect that moisturizes even the driest hair types.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that some reviewers didn’t like the smell because it was very overpowering. So if you don’t want a conditioner with a strong smell then this one might not be for you.

Who’s it for: Men with dry hair

Bottom line

A great conditioner for hair that thirsts for hydration.

4. Billy Jealousy Cashmere Coat Hair Strengthening Conditioner 

Billy Jealousy clearly knows a thing or two when it comes to hair care products, and this is evidenced by the multiple products they have available, such as hair shampoos, hair conditioners, hair pomades, gels, and the list goes on.

It is a brand well-known for its quality, especially in the USA, so it is no surprise we have included their Billy Jealousy Cashmere Coat Hair Strengthening Conditioner on our list.

The conditioner is made with peppermint, lemon peel extract, and panthenol, which have lots of benefits for our dry and rough hair.

Peppermint prevents hair loss and potentially helps to improve hair growth. It gives a soothing sensation and treats unwanted scalp conditions, such as acne and psoriasis.

Lemon peel extract helps bring back the natural shine and makes the hair easier to detangle.

Last but not least, panthenol gives great nourishment leaving the hair soft and conditioned.

As far as the application goes, rest assured this conditioner is lightweight and great for everyday use. It helps detangle, get rid of dandruff, and generally make your hair more manageable and easier to style.

But there’s more.

Billy Jealousy is famous for the unique and pleasant scents of its haircare products. This means you’ll definitely receive a lot of compliments about how your hair smells.

The scent has peppermint notes, lasts long, and certainly brings out masculinity.

Looking at its staggering bottle and its performance, it goes without saying that this is, unfortunately, a conditioner that is not for everyone’s pockets. But if you decide to purchase it, your hair will surely thank you for it.

Who’s it for: Men of all hair types

Bottom line

A cool conditioner that’s terrific for unruly hair and has a lot of health benefits for the hair.

5. K & S Men’s Hair Conditioner

You’ll see the phrase “warrior grade” associated with Krieger and Sohne products because the word “Krieger” means warrior. That’s part of the reason why they believe their products will unleash the warrior within you.

Now, whether a conditioner is truly capable of that is open for debate, but you have to like the K & S spirit. We also know that they have excellent products for your hair, including their stylist-level conditioner. This stuff answers the bell in true warrior fashion.

Let’s break it down:

• The peppermint oil difference

The K & S Men’s Hair Conditioner is infused with peppermint oil, which helps soothe your dry scalp while reducing dandruff and further skin irritation. Peppermint oil also relieves stress while giving your overall mood a boost. Nothing wrong with that.

• Healing qualities

If you’ve experienced dry, broken hair in the past, you know the frustrations that come with it, but the K & S Men’s Conditioner is designed to alleviate all that negativity and frustration.

Its list of ingredients includes tea tree oil, a substance used in healing ointments, and aromatherapy. Simply put, it’s good for your hair’s overall health and helps make the K & S Conditioner the best conditioner for damaged hair.

• And there’s more

Another ingredient you’ll find in Krieger & Sohne’s conditioner is burdock extract. This product claims to purge toxins from your hair while stimulating new cellular growth.

• Nice scent

The K & S conditioner has a minty smell that is subtle and perfect for a man. You’ll notice it – and others may, too – but it won’t overpower anyone.

• Leaves a nice shine

Another thing we like about this conditioner is that it leaves your hair shiny and smooth but without the greasy feel, and look, of lower-quality conditioners.

• The guarantee

K & S offers a hassle-free money-back guarantee on all of its products, which we know you’ll like. If you’re not happy with the product for any reason, simply send it back for a refund.

Who’s it for: Especially good for men with dry, damaged hair

Bottom line

Krieger & Sohne has an excellent conditioner to pair with its top-quality shampoo. Their conditioner restores and replenishes your hair while making it easy to manage. You’ll like its scent, as well.

6. PURA D’OR Biotin Original Gold Label Anti-Thinning Shampoo & Conditioner Set

PURA D’OR’s Anti-Thinning shampoo and conditioner set is a genuine marvel: rarely will you ever see so many natural ingredients in a single product, let alone so many that are specifically great for reducing hair loss and damage!

And they’ve got proof: in randomized trials, after 8 weeks of daily use, people who washed with PURA D’OR showed significantly less hair loss in their brush as well as generally increased volume and reduced breakages.

So how is it they’re achieving this?

Well, there are 24 different ingredients and 17 DHT blockers in there. And we’re not going to go into the intricacies of every different one. But the most important are:

• Biotin (often known as Vitamin B because it’s so vital to hair growth!), which supports healthier and thicker hair
• He Shou Wu, which promotes better circulation of blood, helping hair grow faster
• Nettle Extract, which is a DHT blocker and helps promote healthier hair growth
• Argan Oil, which is brilliant for keeping your hair naturally moisturized without greasing it up
• Vitamin E, which helps keep your scalp moisturized, promoting hair growth
• Niacin, which is important for circulating nutrients that the follicles need to grow effectively

And that really is just a sample of them.

The net result is a head of hair that is fuller and thicker, with less hair loss and a healthier, cleaner appearance. And it keeps your scalp healthy, too!

It’s also worth mentioning that this is not only a shampoo for the already follicly challenged – it’s also a great way for all men to protect themselves against the tragedy that is thinning hair!

Who’s it for: Men with dry hair

Bottom line

Whether you already have thinning hair or not, this is a great bulwark against the balding and will keep your hair and scalp super fresh and healthy.

7. Verb Hydrating Conditioner 

Verb Hydrating Conditioner is another great conditioner for people who struggle with damaged and dry hair. Its key ingredients are argan oil, hydrolyzed quinoa protein, and vitamin B5.

Argan oil is rich in antioxidant properties, improving the hair’s health and promoting growth.

Quinoa protein prevents breakage of the hair while providing an excellent nourishing and conditioning effect.

Vitamin B5 also strengthens the hair, reducing hair loss and boosting volume.

Its formulation doesn’t contain any parabens or sulfates and is cruelty-free. What more can you ask?

However, it does contain a strong fragrance, which might cause side effects to people who are easily irritated or have sensitive skin types.

Who’s it for: Men with damaged hair

Bottom line

Verb’s is another company that isn’t on everyone’s radar but delivers quality products that outdo those of many big-name manufacturers. You’ll like how this conditioner makes your hair look and feel.

8. It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-in Conditioner

Perhaps the real miracle is all the things It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-in Conditioner can do: from repairing dry and damaged hair to making your coffee in the morning.

OK, so it can’t really deliver your caffeine fix, but there’s no doubt that this is an extremely versatile product that, besides being the best leave-in conditioner, is also the best men’s conditioner for curly hair.

But it’s also a conditioner that works well no matter your hair type. Do not stop reading if you have straight hair.

While its name makes you think of something that’s a perfect 10 (does anyone remember Bo Derek?), it actually references the 10 things that it can do. While not every item applies to men – it is, after all, a unisex product – it’s worth listing them:

1. It repairs dry and damaged hair
2. It adds shine to your hair
3. It gets rid of tangles
4. It controls frizziness
5. It helps protect and seal hair color
6. It prevents split ends
7. It stops hair from breaking
8. It creates a silky feel
9. It enhances your hair’s natural body
10. It also acts as an iron spray and thermal protector

If your hair is curly, It’s a 10 Leave-In Conditioner is particularly effective after rinsing your shampoo and regular conditioner away. Simply add this leave-in conditioner at the end, and you’ll better manage and style those luscious waves, coils, and kinks.

Furthermore, you can use any other hair styling product in conjunction with the It’s a 10 Leave-In Conditioner. In either case, you’ll manage your hair more effectively while also giving it excellent body.

So, what makes this conditioner so good – beyond its many functions, that is?

As with most quality grooming products, it all starts with ingredients, and It’s a 10 Leave-In Conditioner has several that enable it to do what it does.

Green tea leaf extract is one of those ingredients and benefits your hair by shielding it from environmental damage, while vitamin B5 (panthenol) both strengthens and softens your hair.

What else? Well, silk amino acids help repair damaged hair, while Camellia Sinensis leaf extract also aids in softening your hair while curbing breakage.

So, who is It’s a 10, anyway?

Based in the U.S. (Florida), It’s a 10 is a sought-after brand by many salons and professional stylists. It was several years in the making – with long research devoted to finding the best formulas for its products – before hitting the market with rave reviews.

They’re also a socially-conscious company that’s heavily involved with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Right Action for Women, a group devoted to helping women with breast cancer.

Who’s it for: Men with wavy/curly hair

Bottom line

This is a go-to option if you’re looking for a conditioner that stays with you the entire day. It has a long list of benefits, including that it protects your hair from damage. Plus, you can share it with your wife or girlfriend.

Choosing the best conditioner for men

Our reviews of products like conditioner, shampoo, shaving soap, beard oil, essential oils for thick hair – i.e., things you apply to your beard, face, and hair – usually take into consideration a few similar things.

That includes ingredients – the more natural ingredients, the better – price (we strive to find products that fit every budget), user reviews, and even versatility and scent.

But it all comes down to performance, and if products don’t deliver in the performance category, then they aren’t included in any “best of” reviews. To that end, we think all of the products listed here make the grade, and we certainly think they’ll serve you well.

The right stuff: How to use a conditioner in 7 simple, illustrated steps

There’s no need to overly complicate what’s not an overly complicated process, but applying conditioner, like applying shampoo, does have a right way and a wrong way. Let’s look at the right way:

1. Know your hair type

Your first step is knowing your hair type and choosing your conditioner accordingly. Your first step is knowing your hair type and choosing your conditioner accordingly. As mentioned in a previous section in the article, choose your conditioner based on the thickness and texture of your hair, as well as depending on if your hair is oily or dry.

2. Applying the conditioner

Apply conditioner in the same way you would shampoo: squeeze a small amount into the palm of your hand and then spread it through your hair by using your fingers. Most hair experts suggest that you start at your neck and work your way up.

3. Apply away from the roots

Experts also urge you to apply conditioner away from your hair roots and scalp. As conditioners are meant to target your hair more than your scalp, make sure that it is evenly spread across your head and is being applied to all your hair.

4. Let it sit

After you’ve spread the conditioner evenly throughout your hair, let it sit for a couple of minutes – or more – before you rinse it out. This will ensure that your hair and scalp have the time to absorb the ingredients properly for better results.

5. Rinse

Rinse your hair with warm, not hot, water to get all of the conditioner residues out. Conditioner takes a bit longer to rinse out than shampoo. Some say rinsing it with cold water adds extra shine.

6. Dry it, carefully

Blot your hair with a towel to dry it, rather than squeezing it dry. Tugging and squeezing will damage hair follicles. Doing this over an extended period of time might contribute to male pattern baldness. 

7. Or, leave it in

There’s no rinsing if you use a leave-in conditioner. Just apply it as you would other types of conditioner but leave it in until the next time you shampoo. Several people use leave-in conditioners after using rinse off conditioners for even better results, looks, and protection. 

Conditioner, shampoo – It’s all the same, right?

No, it’s not.

And while many shampoo manufacturers offer a 2-in-1 benefit by adding conditioner to their for formulas, shampoo and conditioner are different things.

The basic difference isn’t hard to figure out: shampoo cleans your hair while conditioner adds body and helps strengthen it.

While both of these products work on your hair and scalp, shampoos tend to be more focused on the scalp, while conditioners are more focused on your hair.

But there’s more – namely science.

Conditioner 101

First, conditioners are the we-got-your-back solution for when shampoos may strip your hair of natural oils. Conditioners, normally applied after shampoo, make up for the loss of natural oils.

Whether they’re moisturizing, deep, color protectant, or acidifying conditioners, they perform the same basic function. If you’re looking for clean hair, you need shampoo. But if you’re trying to make your hair soft, conditioners are the answer.

• But how do conditioners work?

Here’s where we’re going to get a bit scientific.

First, when your hair starts to look frizzy or limp, it’s because the cuticle layer of your hair/scalp is worn down. The cuticle layer protects the inner layers of a hair strand. When the cuticle layer of flakes fits snugly together, your hair looks its best.

As the invisible, molecular bonds that hold cuticle cells together weaken over time, individual hair strands tangle and may break off.

However, the key ingredients in conditioners – known as cationic surfactants – bind with hair strands and cover them, as well as covering the cuticle flakes, to provide a nice nest of protection.

The small amount of acid found in conditioners is then able to make the cuticle flakes fall tightly together to give your hair the smooth feeling – even after you rinse the conditioner out.

OK, that’s enough science, although we should mention that conditioners include Cetearyl alcohol, a chemical agent designed to reduce evaporation on the skin.

Meanwhile, emollients keep the skin moist and also reduce evaporation on the skin (while also restoring vitamins and minerals lost during shampooing).

Conditioners have a higher pH level than shampoo because the extra pH provides a balance that helps develop amino acids, which make your hair shinier and full of body. A hydrating conditioner will improve the health of both your hair and scalp in the long run.

• A quick word about leave-in conditioners

While you rinse most conditioners out of your hair after applying them and working them deeply into your hair and scalp, leave-in conditioners – a.k.a. leave-in hair treatment – remain in your hair until the next time you shampoo.

Leave-in conditioners represent a third step during the grooming process that follows shampooing and the use of typical conditioners you rinse out of the hair. They come in many forms, from spray to liquids to creams.

There are many benefits to leave-in conditioners, including

1. They add additional moisture and keep hair hydrated throughout the day. They’re great for hair types that need more moisture than a regular conditioner provides.
2. They help detangle knotted hair while making it easier to brush.
3. They help make hair more manageable and responsive to styling. If you have tight curls, leave-in conditioners can make your hair easier to manage.
4. They provide further protection from environmental damage such as the sun, excess chlorine, or weather extremes.

Shampoo

Shampoo has been around longer than conditioner. While humans have used cleaning agents in their hair since, well, the era of the great pyramids, commercial shampoo first emerged onto the grooming scene at the turn of the 20^th century.

In fact, shampoo comes from the Hindi word “champo,” which means to massage the head with hair oil. The most common oil used in this process is coconut oil, which is known to strengthen the hair shafts and cuticles for better-textured hair.

The easiest way to describe shampoo is to think of it as a detergent for your hair and scalp. It contains detergents and surfactants – chemicals that produce lather and cleanse oil and dirt from your hair.

The primary purpose of shampoo is to remove the particles that build up in your hair, not the least of which are dandruff and environmental pollutants. It also removes dead skin cells that build up on your scalp and attach themselves to hair follicles.

While most shampoos include a nice-sized list of ingredients, water makes up 70-80% of their entire formula. The rest consists of cleaning agents, oils, anti-dandruff agents, etc., but the agents are typically mild.

• Do you need to shampoo every day?

That remains open to debate, but most people choose to make shampooing part of their daily grooming routine.

However, deciding not to shampoo for even a couple of days may have a host of negative consequences, including thinner-looking hair, a musty smell, and even in-grown hairs on your scalp.

And you know how aggravating in-grown hairs are on your face (and under your beard). They’re not any fun on your scalp, either.

Conclusion

The topic of men’s conditioner isn’t explored as much as it should, and making slight changes in your hair care routine can give you hair that looks and feels much better. In this article, we have outlined the best conditioners with high ingredient quality that you can use.

Do you have a favorite conditioner that you think should be on the list? Or questions and comments about those we’ve listed here? If so, we’d love to hear your comments and suggestions! We promise to respond promptly.

Until next time, friends.

You might also like:

Best Shampoos for Men You Should Try (All Hair Types)

Best Hair Loss Shampoos for Men & Women That Work

Best Dandruff Shampoos for Men That Absolutely Work

Best Ketoconazole Shampoos for Hair Loss & Dandruff

Best Oils For Hair Growth & Thickness (Men & Women)

Best Castor Oils For Hair Growth You’ll Like Applying

The post 8 Best Conditioners for Men who Want Magnificent Hair appeared first on Balding & Beards.

But the truth is, the best shampoos do far more than just keep your hair clean – they actually improve your hair’s health, sheen and strength, and keeps it conditioned and hydrated. Bet you didn’t know this

So we’ve scoured the market for the most impressive products available, and put together this fine review – to help you get more from your shampoo, and make smarter decisions next time you’re in the market for a shampoo.

So regardless of your needs, we’ve got you covered.

Plus we’ve put together an illustrated guide to shampooing the right way, and a detailed discussion about the differences between shampoo and conditioner.

But before we get going, we need to look at the 7 simple considerations you need to keep in mind when buying a shampoo.

Quick summary

	Best Overall Krieger & Sohne Quality Men’s Shampoo	Infused with natural ingredients Good for everyday use Relieves dry scalp and dandruff	Check on Amazon
	Best for Damaged Hair Nia Restructuring Shampoo	Nourishes and strengthens hair Provides excellent hydration Safe for use on color-treated hair	Check Best Price
	Best for Dandruff BIOLAGE Scalpsync No-Dandruff Shampoo	Eliminates dandruff Gives hair a healthy look Cleanses hair and clarifies the scalp	Check on Amazon
	Brickell Daily Strengthening Shampoo for Men	Thickens, strengthens hair Quality list of ingredients Gentle formula that provides a strong cleaning	Check on Amazon
	Woody's Daily Shampoo For Men	All-natural ingredients Stimulates the scalp Improves hair’s elasticity	Check on Amazon
	R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo	Nice blend of natural ingredients promotes healthier hair Helps to thicken hair Amazing scent	Check on Amazon
	Malin + Goetz Clarifying Shampoo	Fresh minty scent Deeply cleanses hair and scalp Can prevent hair loss	Check on Amazon
	Rocky Mountain Barber Tea Tree and Peppermint Oil Shampoo	Gently cleanses the scalp Good for all hair types Made with essential oils	Check on Amazon
	Baebody Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo	Contains keratin Strong natural blend of hair-healthy ingredients It provides excellent hydration to the hair	Check on Amazon

Before you buy: 7 Things to consider when purchasing shampoo

So many shampoos, so little time.

But the sheer number of shampoos available today is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to purchasing shampoo. There are many other factors you need to keep in mind before deciding which shampoo is best for you.

1. Know Your Scalp Type

A popular piece of advice says, “Purchase shampoo for your scalp, and purchase conditioner for the hair.”

That’s sound advice when you consider that your scalp type must be a consideration when buying shampoo. Let’s dig deeper:

Oily scalp

There’s no mystery here: if your scalp feels oily or greasy, then you have an oily scalp. And if you’re like many men with oily scalps, you’ve tried a wide variety of shampoos to reduce the greasiness – perhaps without a whole lot of luck.

It’s not the end of the world – your scalp, after all, is like your face in that it has sebaceous glands that produce sebum and oil – but we understand your frustration.

Here are some things to remember if you have an oily scalp:

• Don’t purchase a shampoo that’s labeled moisturizing, hydrating, soothing, etc. These shampoos have extra moisturizer and exacerbate the problem of an oily scalp.
• Shampoos with less moisturizing ingredients, such as those called “strengthening,” “balancing,” or “volumizing,” are good for oily scalp so are those called “daily clarifying” or “rebalancing” are good, as well.
• Make sure you take time to work the shampoo deep into the scalp. It will help the shampoo break up the excess oils and wash them off, so you don’t have oil buildup and a greasy scalp.

Dry Scalp

If you fit into this category your scalp often feels dry, itchy, and dandruff is one of your mortal enemies.

• There are varying levels of dry scalps. If you have minor dryness that doesn’t itch a lot or produce dandruff, then a shampoo that promotes moisture, hydrates, or is specific to curly hair is a good fit on your shopping list.
• If your scalp is very dry, in which itchiness and dandruff abound, then look for shampoos that include ingredients such as tea tree oil that provide deep moisturizing.
• Do NOT purchase a shampoo that has strengthening, fortifying, or volumizing on the label. These types of shampoo will eliminate your scalp’s already limited moisture.

Normal Scalp

Count your blessings if you have a normal scalp. Your hair is usually easy to manage and has the ideal amount of oil. Just look for a shampoo that has an even ratio of moisturizing and cleaning.

2. Cleaning Power

Shampoo’s primary function is to clean dirt and oil from your hair and scalp. Clarifying shampoos usually clean better than other types – although that’s not always the case – they are often harsher and more drying than other types.

3. Right Ingredients

Some of the best ingredients found in shampoo are jojoba oil, shea butter, palm oil, coconut oil, hydrolyzed keratin, silicones, and olive oil. Coconut oil, for example, is highly nourishing and moisturizing and improves hair strength and flexibility.

4. Scent

A shampoo’s scent is a matter of personal choice so you’re on your own here. But read reviews and labels carefully to understand each shampoo’s scent. And some linger and leave your hair feeling fresh all day long.

5. Animal-Friendly

Again, this is a matter of personal choice, but it’s important to know that some companies use animals to test the safety of their products. Look for shampoos labeled “cruelty-free” if animal-testing bothers you.

6. Price

Expensive doesn’t always mean better with most products, and shampoo is no exception. Remember: pricier shampoos you can only buy in a salon often have the same ingredients as those that won’t empty your wallet.

OK, let’s get to the heart (or head) of the matter – the best shampoo for men.

The 9 best shampoos for men

1. Krieger & Sohne Quality Men’s Shampoo

Like Redken’s Go Clean shampoo, Krieger & Sohne’s top-selling product isn’t designed for a single hair and scalp type. Instead, it works for men who have thick hair, thinning hair, dry scalp, oily scalp – you get the picture.

What helps set K & S Quality Men’s Shampoo apart from many others is its use of tea tree oil. The stuff has healing and therapeutic qualities and is found in a variety of men’s grooming products simply because it works.

What’s the big deal about tea tree oil? Well, it has anti-fungal, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties, plus it’s anti-bacterial. Using it will help you get rid of all the nasty germs in your scalp that can cause hair loss and scalp inflammation.

That said, the K & S men’s shampoo is your number one ally against dandruff, dry scalp, and psoriasis as it rids your scalp of dead skin cells while fighting bacteria.

Indeed, K & S is great for battling the annoying, often embarrassing problem of dandruff.

It also gives you another option instead of having to pay for expensive treatments or a medicated shampoo. And it’s great for daily use.

Another cool thing about tea tree oil is that it’s also useful for aromatic therapy. It gives the Quality Men’s Shampoo an invigorating kick and aroma that will last throughout the day.

The K & S Quality Men’s Shampoo’s list of ingredients also includes peppermint oil, wheat amino acids, citric acid, and glycerin. Note: this is not an all-natural shampoo, but it doesn’t contain harmful additives that are known to strip your hair of its nutrients and natural oils.

Finally, it comes with a money-back guarantee. If you don’t like it, just send it back for a full refund.

Who is it for:Men with dry to normal hair

Bottom Line

Once you try this shampoo you’ll be hooked. It’s great for all kinds of hair and scalps, but particularly effective in fighting the battle against dandruff. It’s the best dry shampoo for men and you can use it every day.

2. Nia Restructuring Shampoo

DS Laboratories’ Nia Restructuring Shampoo doesn’t just cleanse your hair and scalp, it also “restructures” the hair while repairing it and making it softer and more manageable.

Lofty claims, to be sure, but DS Labs backs it up with the kind of innovation and ever-evolving technology that goes into all of its grooming products.

Meanwhile, none of their products contain parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and harsh chemicals that irritate the hair and skin.

The Nia Restructuring Shampoo formula includes aloe, green tea extract, ginseng, hydrating honey complex, and protein and natural extract compounds.

It’s a mix of ingredients that not only gently removes dirt and oil, but also provides excellent hydration while helping to repair split ends.

You’ll also like the way it makes your hair feel: soft, manageable, and moisturized. And the Nia formula is safe to use on colored hair and protects hair from color washout.

The Nia Restructuring shampoo comes with DS Labs’ unique Nanosome delivery system that allows the active ingredients to penetrate the skin to the desired depth, while also releasing them in a gradual, programmed way that best serves your overall hair health.

Bottom Line

It’s worth paying attention to any DS Labs’ product because of the science, technology, and innovation they use expertly. Their Nia Restructuring Shampoo is certainly no exception.

3. BIOLAGE Scalpsync No-Dandruff Shampoo 

Dandruff can be a serious problem for many: it’s not only unpleasant, but it also feels yucky and can signal the start of severe hair issues. As a result, many shampoos were specifically designed to help treat it.

BIOLAGE Scalpsync No-Dandruff Shampoo is one of the best shampoos that combat dandruff, and there is a reason why. It contains Pyrithione Zinc which is clinically known for its effects on seborrheic dermatitis (a.k.a. dandruff).

It not only gets rid of dandruff but also cleanses, relieves the scalp from irritation and itching, and reduces the appearance of flakes.

Its smell is great without being overpowering or smelling like medicine, such as many other anti-dandruff shampoos.

However, while it provides great action, its price is undeniably high and not for everyone.

Who’s it for: Men with dandruff

Bottom Line

The ideal shampoo for getting dandruff under control, it’s also great as a general shampoo for giving your hair a healthy shine.

4. Brickell Daily Strengthening Shampoo for Men

Brickell may not be a household name like some of the other companies included on this list but has steadily made a name for itself since Josh Meyer and Matt Bolduc founded it (in Matt’s garage) just a few years ago.

And their Daily Strengthening Shampoo for Men is a steady seller that garners excellent reviews.

Like Redken’s Go Clean Daily Shampoo, this is a shampoo for men of any hair type – thick, thin, oily, whatever. But it’s particularly good for men with thinning hair because of its strengthening and thickening qualities.

There are plenty of reasons why Brickell is the best shampoo to strengthen hair, not the least of which is its natural list of ingredients.

First on the list is hydrolyzed protein, which helps increase the thickness of each hair strand while strengthening the underlying hair structure.

But the list goes on and includes: peppermint and tea tree oil, which get rid of scalp flakes while reducing irritation, amino acids, which restore natural shine, and vitamin E, which enhances hair growth by stimulating the scalp and hair follicles.

Brickell’s Daily Strengthening Shampoo for Men is not only good for everyday use but also safe for men with color-treated hair.

Its gentle natural cleansers provide a deep clean and a scalp that’s free from dandruff flakes. And your hair will look clean when you’ve finished your morning routine.

This shampoo’s fragrance is a combination of tea tree mint and a touch of citrus lime.

Meyer and Bolduc are adamant about creating men’s skincare and grooming products by using only natural ingredients while catering to the needs of every man.

Their products are now sold in over 20 countries and featured in notable publications such as GQ, Men’s Journal, and more.

That said, their Men’s Daily Strengthening Shampoo is worthy of all the attention it gets. It is simply amazing.

Who’s it for:Men with thin to normal hair

Bottom Line

You’ll pay a bit more for this product than you would for some other shampoos, but it’s worth the investment.

While it won’t help stimulate new hair growth like shampoos specifically designed to fight hair loss, it thickens the hair you already have and you’ll notice quick results.

5. Woody’s Daily Shampoo For Men

Woody’s packs a lot of good stuff into its shampoo, all for the benefit of men’s hair. And it leaves out parabens and other chemicals in the process.

So, what’s in it?

There’s ginger root, for starters, and ginger root can help stimulate new hair growth by increasing blood circulation to the scalp. There is also a nice list of essential oils, as well as vegetable and keratin proteins that strengthen and nourish hair.

Other important ingredients found in Woody’s Daily Shampoo are tea tree oil, eucalyptus, amino acids, aloe vera, and vitamin E. Jojoba oil is another, and it offers many benefits to the hair, including that it enhances elasticity and helps enhance its shine.

Who’s it for: This shampoo comes packed with a lot of ingredients that stimulate hair growth while strengthening existing hair. This makes it an excellent choice for Mmen with thinning hair

Bottom Line

Woody’s is a relative newcomer to men’s shampoos, but they’re already taking big strides. Their daily shampoo is chemical-free and improves the hair’s overall health.

6. R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo

For those who don’t know, Biotin is a vitamin which is so vital to the production of healthy, strong hair that it’s often referred to as ‘vitamin H’ – as in, Vitamin Hair.

In several studies, Biotin has been proven to tackle thinning hair, and also seems to improve the general strength and appearance of hair.

All of which explains why R+CO’s Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo is so great for anyone with thin or thinning hair.

It’s absolutely stuffed with Biotin, as well as a host of other great ingredients, such as Vitamin B5, Coconut oil and Palmetto Berry Extract.

The overall result is that your hair will be given a new lease of life, adding bounce and volume, as well as helping to support hair growth and revitalize your roots.

Plus it smells terrific and produces a really lovely, thick lather.

That said, it’s worth noting that you do have to pay a little more than you might expect for this stuff, and it might be that only men who really feel their hair needs the extra help are willing to cough up so much money.

Who’s it for: Men who want thicker, healthier hair

Bottom Line

A fantastic premium product for men with thin hair.

7. Malin + Goetz Clarifying Shampoo

Many guys like to apply hair styling products to their hair before leaving the house for work, the bar, or other activities.

Daily usage of waxes, pastes, and hairstyle sprays builds up on the hair because most washes aren’t powerful enough to entirely remove them.

This is where shampoos such as the Malin + Goetz clarifying shampoo comes in.

Malin + Goetz clarifying shampoo is a shampoo that is formulated with natural ingredients such as peppermint and amino acids.

If you have no clue about what are the benefits of these ingredients, don’t worry. We will dive into the details right now.

Peppermint is one of the most popular ingredients when it comes to hair benefits, and not without a reason. It increases the scalp’s circulation, which, can potentially improve hair growth and prevent hair loss. It hydrates the hair, keeping them soft and strong while providing a refreshed smell and feeling to the scalp. It cleanses the hair effectively from any product used prior.

It is antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory and thus can also help treat conditions such as scalp acne and seborrheic dermatitis (which is the fancy word for dandruff).

Amino acids also help in hydrating the skin, but also in maintaining that hydration. They prevent damage to the hair, such as frizz and breakage, and give the hair a smooth and soft feeling.

Malin + Goetz formula is strong yet gentle enough to be used every day. The shampoo itself lathers well and doesn’t feel heavy. It does a pretty great job at leaving the hair clean and fresh. You will definitely feel the refreshing peppermint calming your scalp and hair after use.

But you might be wondering. What about its scent?

It has a wonderful peppermint aroma that invigorates the senses and calms the scalp. The scent is not overpowering yet not very lightweight as it contains artificial fragrance. If you are very sensitive to fragrance, consider other shampoos on our list.

The price is a little high too for a shampoo, but it is well worth it considering the quality and extra features it comes with. However, it is understandable that this price is not suitable for everyone. Rocky Mountain Barber Tea Tree and Peppermint Oil Shampoo is an excellent, less expensive option.

Who’s it for: All hair types

Bottom Line

A great shampoo from Malin + Goetz that will clean and soothe the most demanding and tired hair.

8. Rocky Mountain Barber Tea Tree and Peppermint Oil Shampoo

Things you won’t find in Rocky Mountain’s products are harmful chemicals. Instead, it crafts its products – such as their tea tree oil, peppermint, and eucalyptus shampoo in small batches with natural ingredients.

Instead, it’s made with natural oils, doesn’t contain artificial fragrance, and is ideal for treating damaged hair. In this case, their Tea Tree and Peppermint Shampoo is meant for folks with dry, itchy scalps, although others can use it, as well.

It’s also good for all hair types – straight, thinning, curly, thick; you name it. And the tea tree, peppermint, and eucalyptus oils not only provide a powerful cleaning without stripping your hair and scalp of natural oils.

Most users also appreciate its “forest mint” scent that’s refreshing without being overpowering.

Who’s it for: Men with dry, itchy scalps

Bottom Line

Rocky Mountain’s natural shampoos tackle tough scalp issues without damaging your hair. And men of all hair types can use it.

9. Baebody Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo

Baebody has a strong reputation for producing quality skin, eye, and hair products, and its Morrocan Argan Oil Shampoo certainly qualifies.

The latter contains an excellent blend of natural ingredients, including argan oil, of course, that offers many benefits to the hair and scalp.

The formula enhances hydration, revitalizes the hair’s elasticity, and helps to give a nice shine to lifeless-looking hair. It even helps to repair split ends.

It’s also safe to use on color-treated hair, as well as fine and curly hair and features a non-greasy formula.

Besides argan oil, Baebody’s Moroccan shampoo also includes olive oil, vitamin E, coconut oil, aloe vera, shea butter, tea tree oil, and activated charcoal. All of its products are paraben and cruelty-free and safe for most skin types.

Who’s it For

Men with dandruff and/or thinning hair

Bottom Line

Baebody offers a unique blend of natural ingredients to promote the health of the scalp and hair. Your hair will be well-moisturized and look thicker.

Choosing the best shampoos for men

There were plenty of contenders when it came to choosing the best of the best of men’s shampoo. But we wanted to keep the list somewhat compact to help you narrow your buying options.

We also wanted to provide a range of shampoos that were good for a variety of hair types, including for men who are experiencing hair loss. And we also strive to choose products from a variety of price ranges to compile a list that works for any man’s budget.

A product’s list of ingredients is another thing we consider. We’re generally partial to those that have natural ingredients, but we’re also open-minded. A shampoo’s scent and anti-dandruff properties are also things we consider.

How it’s done: Shampooing your hair the right way (A simple, illustrated guide)

Now that you’ve picked out your new favorite shampoo it’s time to take it for a spin – around your head and scalp that is.

And what’s so hard about shampooing, right? You just lather, rinse, and if you so choose, repeat.

Ah, not so fast.

There is a right way to do it, especially if you’re looking to get the best results possible from your new shampoo. Here’s a run-through:

Start by thoroughly rinsing your head and scalp. You don’t have to stand under the nozzle forever, mind you, but let a gentle stream thoroughly saturate your hair long enough to make your hair soft.

Also, make sure the water is warm but not too hot. Water that’s too hot can strip your hair and scalp of essential oils.

Next, apply a bit of shampoo into the palm of your hand. A spoonful or so should suffice; the key is to work up enough lather that covers your hair from root to tip.

Work the shampoo into your hair and scalp by using a circular motion with your tips and fingers. Start from the front of your scalp and work your way down to the back, then back up again towards the temples.

Continue this motion for a few minutes so that you’re properly stimulating and exfoliating the scalp.

Don’t be in a rush to rinse the shampoo off of your head and scalp. Let it sit there, up to a minute if you wish, to further let the shampoo work itself into your hair.

Now rinse off the shampoo completely. Don’t be lackadaisical about this step because you truly want to get all of it off or your scalp (and hard to notice places like on your neck or behind your ears). Again, use warm – not hot – water.

Rinse and repeat? OK, there’s some controversy around this step because shampoo manufacturers typically encourage you to rinse your hair clean and then repeat the entire process.

However, most people only need one application of shampoo, and too much shampooing can dry out your hair and scalp.

The fact is, most shampoo manufacturers want you to “rinse, lather, repeat” because it means you’ll use up your bottle of shampoo more quickly – and need to buy more shampoo.

Apply conditioner. It’s up to you to decide if you want to include this step in your regimen. Conditioner can provide many benefits, including extra hydration, and many men are using conditioners these days.

If you decide to join the club, simply apply your conditioner in the same way that you applied shampoo. But you should always leave it in your hair for a few minutes before rinsing it off.

Dry your hair with a soft towel by using a patting or stroking motion. Tugging or pulling at the hair can cause damage and breaking. For better comfort, make sure you use a good robe too.

Question: Should I wash my hair every day?

Answer: Most men do, but it comes down to how dirty and greasy your hair feels on any given day. There’s certainly no harm in washing it every day.

Shampoo. Conditioner. What’s the difference?

There are two bottles on your shelf that look very much alike but do completely different things. You got it, they’re your containers of shampoo and conditioner and while both are hair care products, the similarities often end there.

When used together, however, they may help you get the kind of healthy hair you’ve always wanted – a nice one-two punch, if you will. Let’s take a look at shampoo and conditioner, their differences, their uses, even the chemicals unique to each.

Shampoo

Let’s start with the oldest of the two. Shampoo has been around for, well, not quite forever, but long enough. It comes from the Hindi word “champo,” which means to massage the head with some kind of hair oil.

Indeed, before the advent of commercial shampoo at the turn of the 20^th century, most people cleaned their hair with regular soaps and oils. Perhaps some men still use bar soap as their shampoo of choice today, but we can’t imagine that the percentage is high.

So, what is shampoo, exactly?

Perhaps the best way to describe shampoo would be to say “it’s like a detergent for your hair and scalp.” It’s made up of detergents and surfactants, a chemical that creates suds and cleanses the dirt and oil in your hair.

Shampoo’s primary purpose is to remove the particles that build up in the hair, including dandruff and environmental pollutants. They’ll also help remove dead skin cells that build up on your scalp and attach themselves to hair follicles.

Here’s another thing about shampoo: water makes up almost 70 to 80 percent of the entire formula. The rest consists of cleaning agents, oils, anti-dandruff agents, etc.

These cleansing agents are typically mild and primarily used for removing dust and excess oil from the hair.

Conditioner

Hair conditioner is a hair product that is used to improve the condition of the hair. Simple enough.

Because shampoos may strip your hair of natural oils – although many include moisturizers which seek to alleviate that issue – conditioners may be applied after shampooing to make up for the loss.

And this of conditioner types is long: from moisturizing and deep conditioners to acidifying conditioners and color protection conditioners.

Conditioner ingredients include moisturizers, lubricants, anti-static agents, surfactants, and more. Cetearyl alcohol, an agent designed to reduce evaporation on the skin, is a key ingredient in most moisturizers.

Meanwhile, emollients help keep the skin moist and reduce evaporation on the skin and hair while producing a protective film on the skin. They can also restore vitamins and minerals that were lost through shampooing. So it is safe to say that conditioners help trap moisture in your hair, leaving it hydrated all day long.

The pH level is higher in conditioner because it provides a balance that promotes the development of amino acids – which make your hair shinier and full of body. Shampoos have a lower pH balance.

Unlike shampoo, conditioner can either be washed out or left in the hair depending on the product (and your preference). And, unlike shampoo, it doesn’t produce lather.

Conclusion

OK, that’s all for now. As always, we welcome your comments and general feedback. If you have a favorite shampoo that you think belongs on this list, let us know. Or, if you have questions about the products listed here, don’t hesitate to ask. We’d love to hear from you.

You might also like…

How to Stop Hair Loss in Men & Women Using These 15 Methods

Best Conditioners for Men Who Want Magnificent Hair

Best Dandruff Shampoos for Men That Absolutely Work

Best Hair Growth Vitamins, Pills & Supplements That Work

The post 9 Best Shampoos for Men You Should Try (All Hair Types) appeared first on Balding & Beards.

We’ll also discuss tips for using a ketoconazole shampoo to get the best results. But let’s begin by looking at some ketoconazole shampoo buying tips.

Quick summary

	Our #1 Choice DS Labs Revita Shampoo	Perfect for both men and women, and for all types of hair concerns Nanosome delivery system releases ingredients gradually Free from harmful chemicals that irritate the skin	Check Best Price
	Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo	A market leading product for managing dandruff All-encompassing, helps a range of dandruff issues Also beneficial for male pattern baldness	Check on Amazon
	Ultrax Labs Hair Surge	Combines ketoconazole with caffeine for extra effect Stimulates hair follicles for thicker hair Safe to use on a regular basis	Check on Amazon
	L’emarie Hair Growth Shampoo & Anti-Dandruff Treatment	Packed with ingredients to boost healthy hair Also reduces DHT to help male pattern baldness Fragrance-free and clinically tested	Check on Amazon
	Wick & Strom Anti-Hair Loss Shampoo	Cleans deep within the follicles to revitilize hair Pleasurable aroma, appealing for men and women Exfoliation properties, lifts dead skin cells from the scalp	Check on Amazon
	Lipogaine Big 5 Hair Stimulating Shampoo for Hair Thinning & Breakage	Unisex Contains natural oils such as argan and castor oils Reduces DHT	Check on Amazon
	Regenepure, NT Shampoo Nourishing Treatment	Paraben and sulfate free Suitable for all hair types Reduces dandruff	Check on Amazon

Before you buy: 7 Things to consider when purchasing a ketoconazole shampoo

There are several things to keep in mind when buying a ketoconazole shampoo, especially if you’re purchasing one for the first time. Let’s start with the most important question:

1. What is ketoconazole?

Scientifically-speaking, ketoconazole is an imidazole derivative. In layman’s terms, it’s an antifungal medicine that treats many kinds of fungal and yeast infections, including seborrheic dermatitis.

The latter is dandruff caused by an overgrowth of a yeast fungus that’s naturally present in the skin.

While ketoconazole shampoo fights dandruff, there’s also plenty of evidence that shows it reduces hair loss while promoting hair growth.

The bloodstream doesn’t absorb the ketoconazole found in shampoos, which means that its antifungal effects apply only to the scalp.

2. Other ingredients found in ketoconazole shampoo

Ketoconazole shampoos include several other ingredients that treat hair loss while helping to stimulate hair growth:

• Biotin

Biotin, or vitamin B7, is an important ingredient because biotin deficiencies can lead to hair loss.

Biotin plays an important role in skin cell health. While biotin doesn’t grow hair by itself, it helps ensure that you have the right nutrients in your body that facilitate hair growth.

Biotin is found in many rich protein foods, as well, including meats, eggs, and nuts. It is also good to try biotin shampoos.

• Caffeine

Caffeine is good for more than the desperate jolt of energy needed to clear the mental fog in the morning. It also helps thicken hair and stimulate hair growth by increasing blood flow to the scalp – which means more potential hair growth and less hair loss.

It’s also a natural antioxidant that fights free radicals which may result in premature signs of aging.

• Saw palmetto

Saw palmetto blocks 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone in dihydrotestosterone (DHT). In turn, DHT shrinks hair follicles. Men with a predisposition for male pattern baldness inherit hair follicles that are overly-sensitive to DHT.

The good news is that DHT doesn’t cause hair follicles to die, so there’s still potential for hair growth after DHT is blocked by enzymes such as saw palmetto.

It’s worth noting that many folks think that balding is the result of too much testosterone; the truth is that hair follicles are more sensitive to certain hormones.

3. Proven results

Many shampoos with ketoconazole have backing by research and dermatological testing. While results may vary by product and individual, it’s never a bad idea to check out the research and studies – if available – about shampoos before purchasing them.

4. Additional benefits

We’ll focus a lot on how the best ketoconazole shampoos fight hair loss and stimulate hair growth, but also some on ketoconazole’s other benefits, such as how it fights dandruff and increases the density of hair.

Among the many benefits of using a ketoconazole shampoo is that you can use it to treat dandruff without having to purchase another shampoo.

5. Be patient

While some ketoconazole shampoos work faster than others, at least according to reviewers, you shouldn’t expect instant results. Slowing hair loss and stimulating new hair growth often takes time – even a few months.

It’s important to remain consistent in using ketoconazole shampoo, and you shouldn’t quit applying it if you don’t see results after a few weeks.

Let’s dive into our reviews of the best ketoconazole shampoos.

6. The concentration of ketoconazole

A ketoconazole shampoo can be used to treat dandruff, which is caused by a yeast or fungus called Malassezia globosa. This yeast thrives on the scalp and feeds on sebum (oil) naturally produced by the skin. However, some people have a hypersensitivity to this type of fungus, which leads to inflammation and irritation.

A concentration of 2% is the most common but if your symptoms are more severe you can use 1% or even 3%. A concentration of 1% is also suitable for children while 3% is rarely used because it can be too aggressive.

7. The base of the shampoo

Most commonly, the base of the shampoos is composed of various oils and surfactants. Unfortunately, these oils and surfactants can irritate your skin or cause an allergic reaction. If possible, opt for sulfate-free shampoos, which are less likely to cause an allergic reaction.

The 7 best ketoconazole shampoos

1. DS Labs Revita Shampoo

Best features:

• Suitable for all hair types
• Strengthens and adds density to hair
• Unique Nanosome delivery system

Best ketoconazole shampoo for:

Men and women looking for a natural ketoconazole shampoo

Overview

Revita Shampoo has all the right ingredients – including ketoconazole – to fight hair loss and stimulate hair growth. It also has something else: proven results.

One study showed that 90% of participants experienced a decrease in hair loss when using Revita, while 85% noted an overall improvement in their hair’s appearance. It’s hard to argue with those results.

There are plenty of reasons while Revita is effective, not the least of which is an ingredient list that includes ketoconazole, caffeine, biotin, emu oil, vitamin B2, and key amino acids that aid the structural function and elasticity of hair follicles.

It doesn’t include harsh chemicals such as sodium lauryl sulfate, a detergent found in many shampoos that causes dryness, irritation, and can cause hair loss.

Revita also is hypoallergenic and suitable for all hair types. We think it’s the best sulfate-free ketoconazole shampoo.

Revita’s formula provides plenty of hair-healthy benefits, including that it strengthens hair fibers while reducing shedding, including shedding caused by stress, which can lead to hair loss.

Revita works from the roots outward to enhance the volume and density of hair at its source.

Another plus is that Revita reduces the effects of aging – another common cause of hair loss – by offering benefits for the hair and scalp. And it reduces the appearance of a receding hairline, one of the first signs of impending baldness.

There’s also DS Labs’ unique Nanosome delivery system that sets it apart from other hair growth shampoos. The Nanosome system works by releasing Revita’s active ingredients in a gradual, systematic manner.

It also helps the ingredients to penetrate the skin to the desired depth.

DS Labs say that, unlike other products that contain liposomes, their Nanosome delivery system allows for a higher concentration and more efficient use of ingredients.

What’s more, DS Labs also have a Revita Hair Stimulating Conditioner and Revita Tablets for Hair Revitalization, which can be used in combination with the shampoo for an enhanced effect.

Bottom Line

DS Labs is an innovative company that makes products which work effectively and have proven results. We think it’s the best ketoconazole shampoo for hair loss.

2. Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Best features:

• Proven dandruff fighter
• Relieves the itching caused by dandruff
• Strong enough to use only once or twice a week.

Best ketoconazole shampoo for:

For anyone who suffers from dandruff

Overview

Dandruff is a big deal, at least to most people because, hey, who wants white flakes all over their clothing? But Nizoral has an ideal, yet an uncomplicated, solution to the problem.

Nizoral A-D includes a 1% ketoconazole solution binds to your hair’s natural protein while killing dandruff. And it’s strong enough that only need to use it twice a week, tops.

The only over-the-counter shampoo with 1% ketoconazole, Nizoral A-D offers other benefits besides its main one (fighting dandruff – including severe dandruff).

It eliminates the itching that often comes with dandruff, and it leaves your hair feeling clean and smelling fresh with a scent that’s subtle, not overpowering.

While Nizoral is powerful enough that you only need to use a couple of times a week, it’s still gentle enough to use on color-treated, chemically-processed hair. Some users even report that it helps thicken hair.

Nizoral advises that you leave the A-D shampoo on your hair and scalp for several minutes after application to lets its ingredients have a chance to heal your scalp before rinsing them off. Do not use it unless you are at least 12-years old.

Bottom line

Nizoral A-D is a go-to product if you suffer from dandruff. You can get it over the counter, and it’s strong enough that you only need to use it twice a week.

3. Ultrax Labs Hair Surge

Best features:

• Loaded with hair-healthy ingredients
• Suitable for men and women
• Can use it in addition to your regular shampoo

Best ketoconazole shampoo for:

Men and women looking for a powerful blend of proven ingredients

Overview

Reviewer after reviewer sings the praises of Ultrax Labs’ Hair Surge. It has several thousand ratings and reviews on Amazon.

Clearly, Ultrax Labs is on target with Hair Surge, which is a unique shampoo that provides essential nutrients to hair follicles while stimulating natural hair growth and adding density to thinning hair. It’s also effective for men and women.

Ketoconazole is a key ingredient in Hair Surge and it comes with its anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties, and provides a needed boost to thinning hair.

But Hair Surge also contains Ultrax Labs’ unique CaffinoPlex blend which consists of powerful caffeine compounds.

Caffeine, as mentioned earlier, helps to reduce hair loss, stimulate hair growth, and block the effects of DHT on the scalp. The hair surge caffeine blend also includes essential oils and other active ingredients that help produce superior results.

Moreover, Hair Surge contains saw palmetto, another DHT blocker, as well as menthol – an organic compound with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Peppermint oil, which helps stimulate hair growth and is effective for treating many scalp conditions is another Hair Surge ingredient.

Hair Surge does contain Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), which may lead to skin irritation if used in high concentrations. SLES is closely related to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), a detergent and surfactant which may cause scalp irritations and itchiness.

SLES is different from SLS, however, because it goes through an extra step called ethoxylation in the manufacturing process to reduce the risk of irritation.

A couple of other ingredients in Hair Surge worth noting are rosemary oil and coconut oil. Rosemary oil helps to increase blood oxygen levels – including on the scalp – but also helps cleanse the scalp while blocking DHT.

Coconut oil absorbs easily into the scalp and hair and helps protect the strands from protein loss.

You can safely use Hair Surge in addition to, or in place of, your regular shampoo. Ultrax Labs recommends using it for up to five times a week to experience the best results.

Bottom line

You’d be hard-pressed to find any review of hair growth shampoos that doesn’t include Ultrax Labs’ Hair Surge. Thousands of users attest to Hair Surge’s overall effectiveness.

4. L’emarie Hair Growth Shampoo & Anti-Dandruff Treatment

Best features:

• Quality ingredients
• Helps thicken hair
• Fights dandruff

Best ketoconazole shampoo for:

Anyone who prefers fragrance-free shampoo

Overview

L’emarie’s Hair Growth & Anti-Dandruff Shampoo has a lot going for it: it blocks DHT, it helps thicken thinning hair, it slows the rate of hair loss, and it treats dandruff. It’s no surprise, then, that it’s included in the reviews of many hair growth shampoos.

It’s also good for men and women and contains 1% ketoconazole that helps eliminate DHT on the scalp and around hair follicles. It even comes with a 100% money-back guarantee.

It all starts with L’emarie’s unique formula that includes ingredients which protect, cleanse, and treat your hair and scalp.

• Biotin – Also known as vitamin B7, biotin enhances your hair and scalp while helping to reduce hair loss (biotin deficiency is a cause of hair loss).
• Tea tree oil – Tea tree oil moisturizes and nourishes the scalp and stimulates hair growth without having to use harsh chemicals. It’s blended with herbs and essential oils that gently enhance hair health.Tea tree oil also helps to fight dandruff because it cools the scalp while relieving itching and flaking.
• DHT blockers – L’emarie’s Hair Growth & Anti-Dandruff Shampoo includes a host of vitamins, essential oils, and other ingredients that block DHT while preventing hair breakage and loss. They also help to add moisture and shine to your hair.
• Pea peptide – Pea peptide promotes hair growth by stimulating hair follicles and skin cells. It contains antioxidants, anti-aging properties, as well as hydrating and soothing benefits of the hair and skin.
• Essential oils – The L’emarie Hair Growth & Anti-Dandruff Shampoo includes essential oils and plant ingredients such aloe vera, pumpkin seed oil, as well as tea tree oil, that promote hair growth while providing deep moisturizing to the hair and scalp.

L’emarie Hair Growth & Anti-Dandruff Shampoo doesn’t contain fragrance and is good for men, women, and all hair types.

Bottom line

L’emarie’s Hair Growth & Anti-Dandruff Shampoo solves a lot of issues that stunt hair growth and lead to hair loss. Its blend of essential oils and other ingredients help promote healthier hair.

5. Wick & Strom Anti-Hair Loss Shampoo

Best features:

• Inhibits premature hair loss
• Excellent blend of ingredients
• Strengthens hair

Best ketoconazole shampoo for:

Men and women looking for a hair growth shampoo with a nice scent

Overview

The Swedish-American brand Wick & Strom makes quality hair and skin products that deliver the desired results of users. The Anti-Hair Loss Shampoo is an excellent example of their fine work.

The latter contains all of the right ingredients for fighting hair loss while promoting hair growth, including a 1% blend of ketoconazole that treats hair loss, fights fungus, and helps to create thicker, fuller hair.

It also does a great job cleaning hair, not all hair growth/hair loss shampoos do, and it invigorates the scalp thanks to its blend of ingredients. It even smells great – without the medicinal menthol smell that some hair loss shampoos have.

So what’s in it? Well, one of Wick & Strom key ingredients is aloe barbadensis leaf, a product used in hair since ancient times.

Aloe barbadensis contains enzymes that help clean dead skin cells from the scalp – cells that can prevent important nutrients from reaching hair follicles.

Wick & Strom’s Anti-Hair Loss Shampoo also contains caffeine that helps stimulate hair growth, as well as biotin that helps bolster hair roots by making them stronger and accelerating their growth rate.

You’ll also find saw palmetto in this shampoo and saw palmetto, as we’ve discussed, does an excellent job of blocking DHT that’s commonly associated with hair loss.

The Wick & Strom shampoo is suitable for all hair types and it’s very affordable when compared to many other hair growth shampoos.

The folks at Wick & Strom are confident enough in their product that they offer a 60-day challenge, i.e., if you don’t see positive results after using it for 60 days, you can send it back for a full refund.

Bottom line

Wick & Strom offers an affordable, effective ketoconazole shampoo that offers many benefits for hair health. And they’re confident enough to offer a money-back refund if you don’t see results.

6. Lipogaine Big 5 Hair Stimulating Shampoo for Hair Thinning & Breakage

Best features:

• Works for all hair types
• Suitable for men and women
• Infused with Biotin, Caffeine, Argan Oil, Castor Oil, and Saw Palmetto (Purple)

Best ketoconazole shampoo for:

Those looking for a shampoo to help with thin hair, breakage, and split ends!

Overview

Lipogaine Big 5 Hair Stimulating Shampoo is the perfect ketoconazole product to help you treat hair problems such as thinning and dandruff! It’s even suitable for color-treated hair.

This shampoo comes in different fragrances, some of those being citrus, coconut, and rosemary.

The product is made of natural ingredients, including these major ones for hair volume:

• Biotin
• Caffeine
• Argan Oil
• Castor Oil
• Saw Palmetto

Some other key ingredients are Beta-Sitosterol, Vitamin E, Green Tea, Niacin, and Cedarwood Oil.

It’s pretty simple to use this shampoo, as well. You just need to moisten your scalp, use the shampoo, rinse, use the shampoo again, and let it sit for a couple of minutes. 

You could follow the process 4-5 times a week, but it’s not recommended to use the shampoo more than once a day!

Apart from that, it’s entirely free of harsh chemicals such as SLS. It’s commonly bought with Lipogaine Conditioner to make your hair even smoother. 

Pros

• Reduces levels of DHT
• No chemicals
• Antibacterial and Antifungal

Cons

• Dryness (if you don’t use the conditioner)

Bottom line

Lipogaine Big 5 Hair Stimulating Shampoo is one of the best ketoconazole shampoos out there. It boosts hair volume, helps with dandruff, and makes your hair thicker! It’s a one-stop solution for all your hair problems.

7. Regenepure, NT Shampoo Nourishing Treatment

Best features:

• Supports a healthy scalp
• Perfect for thin hair
• Nourishing ingredients

Best ketoconazole shampoo for:

Those that are looking for a shampoo that will make their hair thicker while maintaining a healthy scalp!

Overview

Regenepure, NT Shampoo Nourishing Treatment is the best nourishing shampoo that will make your otherwise dull hair healthy and voluminous.

It not only treats split ends but also feeds your hair follicles to improve hair growth. The shampoo contains ingredients such as saw palmetto, caffeine, emu oil, niacin, lecithin, linolenic acid, and vitamins B3 and B6, which are essential for hair growth.

The formula is free of harsh chemicals like sulfates and is safe for all hair types! This shampoo contains 1% of Ketoconazole.

Ensure to apply the shampoo on wet hair and gently massage it into your scalp and down the hair shaft.

Pros

• Free of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
• Suitable for all hair types
• Reduces dandruff and helps hair growth

Cons

• It might cause some scalp itching

Bottom line

Regenepure is an excellent option if you’re looking to thicken and volumize your hair. It’s made of the best ingredients that won’t damage your hair or scalp. It also works perfectly on color-treated hair and is suitable for both men and women!

5 Tips when using a ketoconazole shampoo

Ketoconazole shampoo is available in two ways: as an over-the-counter product you’ll find in many pharmacies and supermarkets, or as a product prescribed by your doctor. How you use it often depends on whether you use the OTC version or get it via a prescription.

1. Using the prescription shampoo

Your hair and scalp should be wet, or at least damp, before you apply prescription ketoconazole shampoo.

Remember, ketoconazole shampoos (and creams) are only for use on your skin and scalp. Don’t let it get into your eyes or mouth, and never swallow it. Wash your eyes with plenty of water if it does get into them.

• Apply the prescription shampoo to the affected area and a large area around it. Rub the shampoo into your scalp with your fingers until it forms a lather.
• Leave the shampoo on your hair and skin for five minutes. Doing so allows the ingredients to best absorb into the scalp.
• Rinse the shampoo off, preferably with warm water. Make sure the water isn’t too hot because it can dry the hair and scalp.

2. Using the over-the-counter shampoo

• Make sure that your scalp isn’t broken, cut, or irritated before you apply an OTC ketoconazole shampoo.
• Wet your hair and scalp thoroughly before you apply your shampoo.
• Use your fingers to rub the shampoo into your scalp until it forms a lather. Some shampoos will lather more than others.
• Leave the shampoo on your hair and scalp for a minute before rinsing it off with warm water You can repeat the steps if necessary, although one application usually is enough.

3. Using the 1% and 2% shampoos

The ketoconazole found in hair growth shampoos is either 1% or 2%. The only difference in using the two is that you should leave the 2% solution on your hair and scalp for five minutes before rinsing it with warm water.

4. If you suffer from dandruff

You may want to apply ketoconazole shampoo more frequently if you suffer from seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff). If in doubt, check with your doctor first.

5. A quick note for those suffering hair loss

If you suffer from hair loss, you should consider other treatments, including minoxidil and finasteride.

Minoxidil, originally used to treat high blood pressure many moons ago, stimulates blood circulation to hair follicles. In turn, more hormones and nutrients reach the hair’s roots to help grow thicker, fuller hair. It’s similarly effective on beards, as well.

Finasteride, which is suitable for men only, helps reduce DHT while slowing down hair loss and increasing hair follicles on your scalp.

Two highly-publicized side effects of finasteride are that it may cause a lowered libido and erectile dysfunction. But the percentage of males who’ve experienced those side effects is quite low.

How we chose these products

Plenty of shampoos claim to slow hair loss while promoting hair growth, but not all of them deliver on their promise. The question of “can shampoo help hair grow?” is much-debated, but some shampoos do, at the least, help thicken hair to give it a fuller look.

The ketoconazole shampoos we chose for our review have the backing of many users who’ve experienced positive changes in the overall appearance of their hair.

They also do more than slow hair loss, however, and offer benefits such as moisturizing the scalp and follicles, as well as fighting dandruff.

For our purposes, the more hair healthy benefits a shampoo offers the better. We also sought out shampoos that worked for all hair types and, if possible, were suitable for men and women. As always, we carefully considered the reviews of users.

We also took into account brand name and price, although they’re not as important as the results. We do hope to offer products in a wide price range, whenever possible.

Conclusion

Ketoconazole is an ingredient that’s proven to help stimulate the scalp while also slowing the rate of hair loss. Finding one that’s right for you may involve some trial and error, but we hope that our reviews will help you to make the best choice.

We also welcome your feedback. Do you use a ketoconazole shampoo? Have you used any of the ones we’ve listed above? We hope to hear from you.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

How to Stop Hair Loss in Men & Women With These 15 Methods

Best Hair Loss Shampoos for Men & Women That Work

Best Biotin Shampoos for Hair Growth That Actually Work

Hair Transplant: Should You Get One? (Everything You Need to Know)

Best Minoxidil Products for Men & Women to Regrow Hair

Best Seborrheic Dermatitis Shampoos that Work

The post 7 Best Ketoconazole Shampoos for Hair Loss & Dandruff appeared first on Balding & Beards.

It can be exasperating trying to tolerate a daily dry scalp, scaly skin, and itching that accompany dandruff. The cause can seem a mystery, however, dandruff is simply a result of the body’s response to suboptimal skin conditions. It is the overproduction and loss of skin cells in certain areas of the body due to environmental factors or skin conditions like seborrhea and psoriasis.

20% of men and women suffer from varying degrees of dandruff. For this reason, many have considered it a common enemy to their grooming routine. However, dermatitis (dandruff) is very controllable.

Anti-dandruff shampoos are viable ways to control the annoying dryness of scalp and endless itching.

Here in our reviews of the best dandruff shampoo for men, we list the perfect solutions that the market has to offer.

In this review, we’ll discuss the things to consider when buying a dandruff shampoo, why we get dandruff, best practices in applying dandruff shampoo to ensure maximum efficiency, and much more.

Let’s get started.

Quick summary

	Best Overall Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo	Invigorates and refreshes hair Lathers up really well Only required to use two times a week	Check on Amazon
	Best Exfoliating Shampoo Dandrene Anti-Dandruff Shampoo	Prevents flaking in an instant Soothes and calms the scalp Cleanses hair gently but effectively	Check Best Price
	Best for Severe Dandruff Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength Anti-Dandruff Shampoo	Gentle formula enables daily use Triple action formula Performs as good as product on prescription	Check on Amazon
	Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo	Use once a week is all it takes Long term dandruff solution Manages itching and flaking well	Check on Amazon
	Maple Holistics Sage Shampoo For Anti-Dandruff	A very nice, pleasant aroma Made with organic ingredients Gentle but effective to manage dandruff	Check on Amazon
	Jason Natural Cosmetics Dandruff Relief Shampoo	No nasties, such as parabens or sulfites Keeps your scalp and hair soothed and hydrated Offers dandruff relief and scalp healing in one	Check on Amazon
	KICK Men’s Tea Tree Oil and Peppermint Shampoo	Unisex Made with natural ingredients Suitable for athletes	Check on Amazon

Before you buy: 3 Things to consider when purchasing dandruff shampoo

Dandruff shampoo is different from regular shampoo because it contains active ingredients that address a specific problem. Most people who suffer from dandruff are eager to see the problem vanish as quickly as possible. [1]

The active ingredients in any dandruff shampoo are very important and should be considered before making a purchase. The most common active ingredients are zinc pyrithione and selenium sulfide. These ingredients help to eliminate symptoms associated with dandruff and other conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.

Choosing the right dandruff shampoo to give your hair better health depends on a few factors, each of which should influence your buying decision as discussed below.

1. Cause and Degree

Understanding the cause and degree of your dandruff is imperative to buying the right anti-dandruff shampoo.

• Seborrheic dermatitis is a fungal condition that appears in an area of the skin with a substantial amount of sebaceous cells affecting newborns and adults between the ages of 30 and 60 mostly [2][3]. It happens when yeast-like fungus feeds on oils from the scalp containing those sebaceous cells [4]. If this is the cause of your dandruff, using random anti-dandruff shampoos may prove abortive. Instead, it will be a better choice to buy dandruff shampoos with ingredients like ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, salicylic acid, and sodium sulfacetamide [5].
• Dead skin (scalp) buildup leads to dandruff also. This is caused by sensitivity to hair-care products, oils, or sweat [4]. The best shampoo(s) to take care of this should contain salicylic acid and coal tar. However, daily use of these shampoos may lead to scalp irritation.

2. Ingredients

Knowledge of the ingredients contained in dandruff shampoos will help you avoid contact dermatitis (sensitivity to certain hair-care products), saving you from severe cases of scalp buildup [4].

Here’s a closer look at the key ingredients in anti-dandruff shampoo for men and what they do:

• Selenium sulfide

Selenium sulfide is a topical agent that works to fight fungus. It is available in dandruff shampoos at concentrations of 1% and 2.5% [6]. However, only shampoos containing 1% selenium sulfide are sold over the counter while those with 2.5% concentration are dispensed only with a doctor’s prescription.

• Zinc Pyrithione

Zinc pyrithione breaks up the fungus and bacteria commonly associated with dandruff. In a study, zinc pyrithione was found to be highly effective in controlling dandruff, especially on repeated use [7]. It is not as hazardous as selenium sulfide, so say the experts.

• Ketoconazole

Ketoconazole an active ingredient for treating dandruff. Studies have shown that dandruff shampoos containing 2% ketoconazole are more effective in treating/preventing dandruff than those contain 1% of it [8].

• Coal tar

Coal tar is a keratoplastics drug [9]. Although it appears pretty strong, is an active ingredient that reduces the production of skin cells. Flakiness and itching from dandruff are as a result of the overproduction of skin cells [5].

Coal tar has no anti-fungal effect but is particularly helpful for people with overly oily and hyper-productive skin.

• Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is found in a ton of men’s grooming products –from body wash to regular shampoo to conditioners and much more. It is a natural agent with antiseptic and anti-fungal properties. Also, it’s mildness to the skin can’t go without notice.

3. Use

Dandruff shampoos vary in their suitability of use. Research shows that some products are best used twice weekly [8]. However, many others are designed for everyday use. Make sure to confirm, from the label, how often an anti-dandruff shampoo should be used before buying.

If you have dry hair or sensitive skin, you’ll want to take a look at a gentle anti-dandruff shampoo. If you have oily hair or are looking for a natural shampoo.

Now that you know the things to look at when buying, let’s move on to our reviews of the best dandruff shampoo for men.

7 Best dandruff shampoos for men

1. Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

The Nizoral A-D our top pick for the best anti-dandruff shampoos. Dermatologists recommend this product for the treatment and prevention of dandruff because of its effectiveness in dealing with the flaking, itching, and scaling on your scalp that leads to dandruff.

Also, because of its strong chemical composition, it is seldom available for purchase over the counter. In severe cases, you will need a doctor’s prescription to buy the variation with 2% ketoconazole, which is the key ingredient [10].

Although Nizoral A-D packs a powerful punch, it smells nice (unlike most dandruff shampoos) and is suitable for chemically-processed, color-treated, and gray hair. You’re free to continue your grooming routine in days that you aren’t using it. On very rare occasions, users have reported that it thickens hair texture [11].

Studies have also shown that the active ingredient, ketoconazole, found in Nizoral helps fight male pattern baldness [12]. However, children below 12 years old are not advised to use the product since children’s skin is more permeable than adults [13].

It is recommended that, for healthy use, you should apply the Nizoral A-D Anti-dandruff Shampoo only 2-3 times a week [14]. It’s designed to bind with the natural protein on your hair even after rinsing, thereby fighting fungal activities between uses. Thus, it is long-lasting and very easy to use.

How to Use:

• Apply it evenly to your hair and scalp.
• Leave for several minutes after application to let the ingredients bind to the skin proteins for a lasting effect.
• Rinse thoroughly.

Nizoral A-D Anti-dandruff Shampoo comes in 4, 7, and 14-ounce plastic containers, each with an easy-to-use flip-top cap.

Bottom Line

A truly heavyweight champion among anti-dandruff shampoos, Nizoral A-D is the go-to option for many men. With only a few uses (twice a week), you’ll notice the improvements (and fewer flakes on your clothes).

2. Dandrene Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

DS Laboratories have found a way for you to wear black clothing without worrying about dandruff standing out on it like a sore thumb. However, that’s not the main reason why they developed their Dandrene Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, but it serves that purpose.

Dandrene combines DS’s unique technology and innovation with hair-healthy ingredients that treat the flakes, dryness, itchiness, and redness of dandruff. You’ll notice improved results quickly, and you’ll give your hair a thorough, gentle cleansing in the process. It also delivers positive cosmetic results that leave your hair always looking its best.

Dandrene’s formula includes hydrolyzed lupine protein and pomegranate peel with a 2% zinc pyrithione that exfoliates dead skin cells.

Research has shown that hydrolyzed lupine protein is effective for treating skin blemishes leaving your skin flawless and radiant. Another recent study reveals that this protein is very effective against planktonic cells and biofilms [15]. Therefore, athletes, surfers, and people who spend quality time in admiring nature or at the beach are safe from planktons creating strong biofilms of bacteria and fungi on their scalp.

Furthermore, pomegranate has been an age-long ingredient for formulating dandruff shampoos. A study published on the most recent (2020) release of the Journal of Pharmacognosis and Phytochemistry shows that pomegranate “combats hair loss, prevents dandruff, and darkens hair color”[16]. This makes Dandrene Anti-Dandruff Shampoo an excellent fix for numerous hair care issues.

The 2% zinc pyrithione, however, forces this product out of the counter but can be accessed with relative ease. Zinc pyrithione, although not as strong as selenium sulfide, has an impressive antifungal and antibacterial qualities that stick to hair follicles and actively fight dandruff causative agents between uses.

With the help of Dandrene’s unique Nanosome delivery system, among many things, zinc pyrithione is exposed to every part of the scalp and hair for an extended period, leaving no area unattended.

Dandrene Anti-Dandruff Shampoo also produces a soothing, calming effect on your scalp by limiting excess oil produced by the scalp and reduced sebum degradation.

Bottom Line

You need a shampoo strong enough to handle the job if you have serious dandruff issues. Using Dandrene Anti-Dandruff Shampoo offers you a more-than-strong-enough solution and also provides a nice cleansing that will help your hair look and feel better.

3. Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Head & Shoulders have led the fight against dandruff for over 50 years, reaching several milestones and inventing some of the best solutions for the average human to fight dandruff.

The Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength Anti-Dandruff Shampoo directly addresses the problem of seborrheic dermatitis as well as the itching, flaking, and irritated scalp that come with it. It relieves the symptoms while making those pesky white flakes disappear. There’s no wonder why it is one of the most dermatologist-recommended dandruff shampoos.

This dandruff shampoo contains 1% selenium sulfide which, according to studies, has “cytostatic capabilities”[17] This makes it effective in reducing the number of squames (dead cells on the outermost layer of the skin) that usually cause flaking and itching.

While it’s the strongest dandruff shampoo available for over-the-counter purchase, it’s gentle enough for daily use.

Another key feature of the Clinical Strength Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is Head & Shoulders’ unique “3-Action Formula”.

• Clean,
• Protect, and
• Moisturize.

The 3-Action formula helps create a full, rich lather, and better coverage across the entire scalp. With its strong lather and pH balance, it washes excess oil away from the scalp, giving the yeast-like fungus that causes seborrheic dermatitis less oil to feed on [4].

While packing a heavy anti-dandruff bunch, it has all the cosmetic benefits of leading beauty shampoos, suitable for all hair types, including color or chemically treated hair. Providing a good look and gentle feel with eradicated dandruff problems.

With this 3-Action technology, the size of zinc particles in the shampoo is reduced for ultra-mild cleansing of hair and scalp cells [18].

Bottom Line

Let’s face it, it’s difficult to do any anti-dandruff shampoo review without including a Head & Shoulders product. The H & S team knows what it takes to relieve dandruff and its clinically-strong shampoo attacks the issue with vigor.

4. Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo

Coal tar, as earlier stated, is one of the ingredients you’ll find in anti-dandruff shampoos. Regardless of harsh nature, coal tar is a cytostatic agent when applied intensively on the skin [19]. With this capability, it addresses dandruff issues by reducing the production of corneocytes (dead cells on the outermost layer of the skin). Overproduction of these skin cells is an underlying cause of dandruff resulting from scalp psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.

Although this agent (coal tar) is FDA-approved for dandruff treatment and prevention, it should be considered as a last resort and must not be used daily [20]. Dandruff shampoos with coal tar as a prominent ingredient are formulated to fight some of the most severe symptoms of dandruff.

Neutrogena’s T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo, having coal tar as its prominent ingredient isn’t exempted from these precautions. However, it has a proven record of giving dramatic results when used twice a week as a recommended practice.

All of the products in Neutrogena’s Therapeutic Hair Care line include salicylic acid and zinc pyrithione. The salicylic acid helps to loosen flakes that may already clog the scalp while zinc pyrithione helps to keep the formula attached to the hairs giving it an extended period of functionality [21].

As the Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo is not a combination, it prepares the hair for easy conditioning with any suitable hair conditioner. Conditioning should be a vital part of your grooming routine if you’re using this product because coal tar when used alone causes dryness of hair [22].

Bottom Line

As Head & Shoulders, Neutrogena is in the business of creating extra-strength dandruff shampoos that don’t require a prescription. If you’re looking for an anti-dandruff shampoo that you don’t have to use every day, the T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo is an excellent option.

5. Maple Holistics Sage Shampoo for Anti-Dandruff

With the Alternative Healthcare industry projected to be worth over 69 billion dollars in 2019, there are enough resources for businesses within this industry to develop natural and effective solutions to hair-care issues.

Maple Holistics is one of the companies thriving in the industry. This US-based company is committed to providing natural products for hair grooming and healthy living. Its products are eco-friendly, free of animal cruelty, and vegan-friendly (100% plant sources). Its Sage Shampoo for Anti-Dandruff is one of the best dandruff shampoos for men with no trace of harsh substances like parabens and sulfates.

The Sage Shampoo for Anti-dandruff is stuffed with natural ingredients that deal with dandruff’s symptoms on many levels. Because of their commitment to producing eco-friendly healthcare products, this dandruff shampoo is 100 percent natural with no added chemical or derivatives.

As the name implies, the primary ingredient in this shampoo is sage. Sage (Salvia officinalis) is a plant with anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal qualities that make it ideal for quashing dandruff before it gets out of hand. It even provides a natural benefit for those dealing with hair loss issues. However, because of its strong aroma and earthy flavor, only a small amount of the plant is added to shampoo to prevent offensive smell [23].

Along with sage, this shampoo also includes rosemary and tea tree oil. Rosemary oil stimulates hair follicles and enhances hair growth and “tea tree oil helps remove dead skin cells and flaky skin on a dry scalp,” according to a board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Marnie B. Nussbaum [24][25]

Tea tree oil is also a natural antiseptic that helps fight bacteria and improve oily scalp as shown in a 2016 study [26].

Jojoba and argan oil are also active ingredients in Maple Holistic’s Sage Shampoo for Anti-Dandruff. These ingredients work together to restore moisture to the hair while keeping it from becoming frizzy and damaged.

The excellent mix of healthy breeds of natural plants found in this anti-dandruff shampoo gives it a spicy smell that, although isn’t subtle, is quite suppressible [23].

Bottom Line

If you’re a vegan or nature-loving person, looking for an all-natural solution to dandruff, this Maple Holistics Sage Shampoo for Anti-Dandruff is a good choice. Even with its strong anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities, it is gentle enough for everyday use, and also has moisturizing qualities that prevent damaged hair.

6. JASON Natural Cosmetics Dandruff Relief Shampoo

The JASON brand got its name from the Greek word for “healer.” From California, one of the world’s top trendsetters, JASON’s natural hair-care products have earned wide recognition for their ability to treat and heal severe hair conditions [27].

The JASON Natural Cosmetics Dandruff Relief Shampoo is an excellent, medicated product that contains natural ingredients to fight the daily battle against dandruff.

While it combats the troubles from flaking and itching skin, it ‘heals’ severe dandruff symptoms and restores the healthy balance to your hair and scalp. For this reason and many others including its availability and mildness, it is a high-ranking product among the best men’s shampoo for dry and itchy scalp.

During the winter, cold and dry air dries the hair and scalp leaving layers of dead cells that soon start flaking and causing dandruff. Using moisture-retaining anti-dandruff shampoos, like the JASON Natural Cosmetics Dandruff Relief Shampoo during the winter is the best way to weatherproof your hair.

This natural dandruff shampoo also addresses the underlying causes of dandruff including tissue lesion and irritation. The contained natural ingredients make this possible.

Leading the mix of men’s natural hair-care ingredients are tea tree oil, jojoba oil, and rosemary.

With rosemary oil stimulating hair follicles for enhanced hair growth and tea tree oil fighting bacteria and improving your scalp’s health with its antiseptic qualities, this JASON Natural Cosmetics Dandruff Relief Shampoo both moisturizes the hair, heal ailing scalps and reduce dead cell production and flaking [24][26].

Jojoba oil, on the other hand, is rich in B-vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E, copper, and zinc [28]. These vitamins are essential for healthy hair growth while studies have shown that copper and zinc are equally important to promote hair growth. Due to the correlation between testosterone and copper and zinc levels in the blood, researchers propose that they play a significant role in hair growth (facial hair specifically) [29].

Olive oil and Aloe vera are also ingredients of JASON Natural Cosmetics Dandruff Relief Shampoo. Although olive oil is known as a natural moisturizer, Aloe vera is proven to prevent radiation-induced skin reactions among other benefits [30].

To make the formula an effective solution that heals, treats, and prevents dandruff, sulfur and salicylic acid are included as vital ingredients to neutralize dandruff while dealing with any irritation caused by other agents [31].

Since the product doesn’t contain chemicals seen in other anti-dandruff shampoos, including ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, and selenium sulfide, it is considered safe for frequent (daily) use and can be purchased over the counter.

This dandruff shampoo is ideal for men with sensitive skin because it is free of parabens and sulfites which cause increased irritation when using other shampoos that may contain these chemicals.

From the company’s guide, you’re advised to use the Natural Cosmetics Dandruff Relief Shampoo three times a week at the start until you notice an obvious decrease in your dandruff. After that, you may want to reduce the frequency of use to once a week.

Bottom Line

The Natural Cosmetics Dandruff Relief Shampoo is indisputably effective in fighting those white flakes. It has made our list for its ability to uphold this quality for an extended period. Although it is a great choice for preventing hair dryness and dandruff during the winter, it works excellently for all weather conditions and all types of hair.

7. KICK Men’s Tea Tree Oil and Peppermint Shampoo 

Studies have shown that soaps and shampoos containing surfactants cause skin irritation, dryness, and itching [32]. KICK Men’s Tea Tree Oil and Peppermint Shampoo was designed to fight these challenges that men face when using surfactant-containing shampoos.

With no nasty chemicals and eco-friendly ingredients, this Tea Tree and Peppermint Shampoo is 100% natural, containing botanical extracts with 11 herbal essences, including rosemary, Aloe vera, and tea tree oil among others.

With this all-natural dandruff shampoo, men can grow stronger and healthier hair while maintaining a clear scalp with no flaking and itching.

Depending on preference, this product has a smell that is invigorating although some find it overpowering.

Bottom Line

A great, natural anti-dandruff shampoo that is powered by organic, healthy ingredients. It is an excellent choice for men that are avoiding awful chemicals while maintaining healthy, dandruff-free hair, and beards.

Take control of your dandruff: How to apply your shampoo

The technique for applying an anti-dandruff shampoo is much the same as it is for applying regular shampoo. After all, they are both shampoos, even though their compositions and purpose vary.

1. Wet your hair with warm water.
2. Pour a small amount of dandruff shampoo on your palm.
3. Apply to your hair.
4. Massage your hair and scalp with your fingers.
5. Allow the anti-dandruff shampoo to stay on your hair for 5-30 minutes. This will allow the active ingredients to stick into the hair follicles and penetrate the topmost layer of the scalp.
6. Rinse the dandruff shampoo with warm water.
7. Apply hair conditioner for moisturizing (if your shampoo is not combined with a conditioner).
8. Rinse with clean water thoroughly. Leftover shampoo can irritate the skin, which is one thing you’re trying to avoid in the first place

How often should you use dandruff shampoo?

Dandruff shampoos vary and their composition determines how often you should use them. Some dandruff shampoos have very strong agents that can be harmful to the hair when used frequently.

Shampoos containing 2% coal tar, for instance, may cause hair dryness and consequently, hair loss when used too often. Therefore, applying this type of dandruff shampoo once or twice a week is ideal [9].

Similarly, strong anti-dandruff shampoos containing ketoconazole may be dangerous to the hair and even your health generally. Nizoral A-D Anti-dandruff Shampoo is an example of strong anti-dandruff shampoo containing this active agent. It is recommended that you use the formula no more than twice a week.

However, there are dandruff shampoos designed for everyday use. These ones are mild and often 100% natural with botanical extracts.

Regardless of the ingredients and their concentration, ensure to check the instruction on the label of the shampoo or follow the instruction given by the dermatologist (if you had an appointment).

But use it regularly

Whether you are applying the dandruff shampoo daily or weekly, you have to use it consistently to achieve the best result and prevent further occurrences.

Many people are tempted to stop using an anti-dandruff shampoo after noticing improvement or relief from dandruff symptoms. In most cases, since there’s no ultimate cure for dandruff, the flakes reappear a few weeks later.

Add conditioner to your routine

Omitting a good conditioner from your grooming routine may turn out to be a grave mistake. A conditioner coats the hair from the harsh atmosphere. The hair is like a reactive metal and a conditioner is the non-reactive coating that prevents the hair from corroding.

Dr. Adam Friedman, a board-certified dermatologist describes that “conditioner refortifies the cuticle with a protective coating, allowing the hair to keep growing and not break easily.”

Therefore, to ensure healthy hair growth, you must include a conditioner in your grooming routine.

Nevertheless, there are some anti-dandruff shampoos that contain a combination of conditioner and the active shampoo. This is specified on the label of the product. If your shampoo falls within this category, you shouldn’t panic about missing out a conditioner from your routine. To treat dandruff effectively, look out for anti-dandruff conditioners. They work magic!

Shampoo, dandruff shampoo: What’s the difference?

Shampoos are really important to keep your hair and scalp healthy. However, there are different types of shampoo, each designed for a specific purpose.

Although all shampoos aim to moisturize, soften, and foster growth in hair, dandruff shampoos are designed with extra active ingredients with track records of inhibiting dandruff-causing bacteria and fungi on the scalp and hair.

Below are common differences between regular shampoo and dandruff shampoos

Regular Shampoos

1. Regular shampoos contain synthetic detergents found in laundry detergent, dishwashing detergent, soaps, and others [33]. These detergents serve as surfactants for washing off excess natural oil (sebum) from the hair and scalp.
2. Regular shampoos often appear attractive on the shelf because they are usually in combination with conditioning agents that protects the hair in case the detergent strips away too much sebum, leaving the hair frail and facing risks of hair breakage and loss [33].
3. Regular shampoos contain protectants, like sunscreen, to protect the hair from the sun’s UV radiation and heat that may damage the hair and scalp through drying.
4. Regular shampoos may contain various types of fragrances, giving it some alluring scent.

Anti-dandruff shampoo

1. Anti-dandruff shampoos have the same features as the regular shampoo and more, although some smell more annoying than others.
2. Anti-dandruff shampoos contain ingredients that temporarily re-calibrates your scalp’s pH balance. These ingredients include selenium sulfide, zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, and several others that tackle dandruff in various ways through their anti-fungal and anti-bacterial qualities.
3. Anti-dandruff shampoos contain compounds that are harsher than those in the regular shampoo, thus, you may have to use them less frequently. However, some are labeled “gentle enough for daily use.”
4. There are medicated dandruff shampoos that are less available for purchase than the non-medicated dandruff shampoos. These medicated shampoos (e.g. Nizoral A-D Anti-dandruff Shampoo) are dispensed with a doctor’s prescription because they have very strong active agents that can be harmful when used wrongly [10].

Like regular shampoo, there are anti-dandruff shampoos for specific hair types. It’s important to choose wisely rather than risking damage to your hair.

That said, it’s never a bad idea to choose an anti-dandruff shampoo that uses a moisturizing conditioner in conjunction with salicylic acid.

So, why me? Why do I get dandruff?

Dandruff is a troubling condition suffered by over 20 percent of the world population. Thus, it could inspire anxiety and stress when it starts to appear. However, studies have shown that all kinds of stress causes of dandruff and Seborrheic dermatitis [34].

Dandruff is a common scalp disorder, mostly found in men. It is caused by the abnormal shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp. The severity of the condition is directly related to how quickly your skin cells are shed and replaced.

Other than stress, there are several causes, as well as risk factors, that may lead to dandruff [4].

1. Irritated and oily skin

These are primary symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, a condition that is considered the most common cause of dandruff. People may also experience red and greasy skin covered with yellow scale-like flakes.

Even with good hygiene, anyone can suffer from seborrheic dermatitis. This disease is caused by usually harmless yeasts that live the skin. Also, stress and immune responses can cause it. Studies have shown genetic causes as well and sensitivity to certain medicines is not left out from the list of causative agents [35].

2. Dry skin

Published on Medical News Today, Yvette Brazier wrote that, “people with dry skin are more likely to have dandruff” [36]. She believes that cold weather and a heated room can also increase the itching and flaking experienced by people with dry skin.

The not-so-good news, however, is that dandruff caused by dry skins doesn’t show redness and the frustrating irritations seen in seborrheic dermatitis.

3. Not shampooing enough

Not maintaining a good hair-care routine can cause dandruff. Shampooing your hair regularly can help deal with this occurrence on dandruff.

Failure to keep your hair clean consistently will cause skin cells to build up on your scalp. Also, the skin produces sebum (natural body oil) that needs to be washed off regularly. A deposit of this sebum over time will create a favorable growth culture for the yeast-like fungus (Malassezia) that, otherwise, is a part of the skin flora [37].

4. Malassezia

Malassezia is a yeast-like fungus found on the scalp of most adults. For some, however, it causes scalp irritation, causing increased skin cell growth, which then dies off to produces dandruff.

5. Sensitivity to hair products

Some men are sensitive to certain ingredients found in hair products (or hair dyes) and it may lead to an itchy and irritated scalp.

6. Risk factors

Being a male doesn’t make you less susceptible to dandruff. Both men and women have similar skin flora and the yeast-like fungus that breaks down sebum is present in everyone.

According to a 1991 study, both men and women have equal sebum production [38]. This, however, doesn’t even the “dandruff playing field” for both genders. 60 percent of men have facial hairs as against 5-10 percent of women who have facial hairs due to slight shifts in hormone sensitivity [39][40][41].

With this obvious data, it is clear that we (men) have more scalp areas growing hairs than our female counterparts. This makes us more likely to suffer from dandruff in multiple areas of our body including the face and sheen.

Immune diseases, like HIV, is a risk factor for dandruff. The skin is the body’s first line of immunological defense and a compromised immune system means a compromised body defense beginning from the skin [42].

Poor diet is yet another cause of dandruff. Dry scalp and dandruff are symptoms of vitamin and mineral deficiency. Nutrients like zinc, B-vitamins, and essential fatty acids are necessary for improving the skin’s health [43].

Also, it’s important to drink enough water each day, because dry skin and flakiness are common signs of dehydration.

Our method of choosing the best dandruff shampoos for men

Finding a dandruff shampoo that works for you is tricky. Many factors come into consideration whenever you want to try a dandruff shampoo.

• Your hair type,
• How much oil your sebaceous glands produce,
• Your age, and
• How often you use shampoo.

Hopefully, our reviews of the best dandruff shampoos for men above will steer you in the right direction.

Just like you, we considered several factors when picking these best products; one of which is the overall performance of the formula. We believe that if an anti-dandruff shampoo doesn’t deliver its promise of relieving dandruff, then it doesn’t have a place in our reviews.

Some of the major factors considered in the selection process include:

1. How many positive reviews a product received. Products with a ton of reviews and an overall high rating across the internet (on sites like Amazon) always get our attention.
2. The cost of the shampoo (our main goal is to review products that fit all budget classes).
3. The ingredients. Like with other product reviews, we prefer natural ingredients but understand that not every one of our selections will consist of only organic ingredients. However, we focus on the best products in the market currently.
4. The type of hair and scalp for which the dandruff shampoo works best.

Conclusion

While you make your purchase, we encourage you to do some surface research to confirm the suitability of the product with your hair type and intended use frequency. This will save you time when buying and help you wade through the heap of hair-care products as well as the incessant noise from adverts.

If you have questions, comments, and recommendations on products that you will like us to look into, kindly leave us a note on the comment section below. We will do our best to answer your concerns.

We’d love to hear from you.

References

1. Zoe Diana Draelos, Dianna Chute Kenneally, Lauren Thaman Hodges, Ward Billhimer, Megan Copas, and Carl Margraf. “A Comparison of Hair Quality and Cosmetic Acceptance Following the Use of Two Anti-Dandruff Shampoos.” Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings 10, no. 3 (December 2005); 201-204 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1087-0024.2005.10127.x
2. Betty Anne Johnson, M.D., Ph.D., and Julia R. Nunley, M.D. “Treatment of Seborrheic Dermatitis”. American Family Physician. 1;61(9) (May 2000): 2703-2710. https://www.aafp.org/afp/2000/0501/p2703.html
3. “Seborrheic Dermatitis” Accessed September 17, 2020. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/seborrheic-dermatitis-medref#1
4. Mayo Clinic Staff. “Dandruff: Symptoms and Causes.” Mayo Clinic (September 2019) https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dandruff/symptoms-causes/syc-20353850
5. Gary W. Cole, MD, FAAD. “Seborrheic Dermatitis: Symptoms, Treatment, Causes, and Risk Factors”. MedicineNet Inc. (September 2020). https://www.medicinenet.com/health_beauty_benefits_of_natural_oils/article.htm
6. “Selenium Sulfide (Topical Route)” Accessed September 17, 2020. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/selenium-sulfide-topical-route/proper-use/drg-20065908?p=1
7. R. Marks, A.D. Pearse, and A.P. Walker. “The effects of a shampoo containing zinc pyrithione on the control of dandruff”. British Journal of Dermatology 12 no. 4 (April 1985): 415-422. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2133.1985.tb02314.x
8. Piérard-Franchimont C., Piérard G.E., Arrese J.E., and De Doncker P. “Effect of Ketoconazole 1% and 2% Shampoos on Severe Dandruff and Seborrhoeic Dermatitis: Clinical, Squamometric and Mycological Assessments”. Dermatology;202 no. 2. (2001):171–176. https://doi.org/10.1159/000051628
9. “Anti-Dandruff (Coal Tar) Topical Shampoo: Uses, Side Effects, and Interaction”. WebMD Inc. Accessed September 17, 2020. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-151769/anti-dandruff-coal-tar-topical/details
10. “What is Nizoral?” Accessed September 17, 2020. https://www.goodrx.com/nizoral/what-is
11. Diana Rodriguez. “Hair Loss Treatment: Nizoral” Everyday Health, Inc. February 2011. https://www.everydayhealth.com/hair-loss/hair-loss-treatment-nizoral.aspx
12. A. W. Rafi and R. M. Katz. “Pilot Study of 15 Patients Receiving a New Treatment Regimen for Androgenic Alopecia: The Effects of Atopy on AGA” ISRN Dermatology (April 2011); 241953. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3262531/
13. Fanqi Kong, Carlos Galzote, and Yuanyuan Duan. “Change in skin properties over the first 10 years of life: a cross-sectional study”. Archives of Dermatological Research; 309 no. 8 (2017): 653–658. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5606948/
14. “Nizoral Shampoo: FDA Prescribing Information, Side Effects, and Uses”. Drugs.com (April 2020) https://www.drugs.com/pro/nizoral-shampoo.html
15. Renan Martins dos Santos and Marcus Vinícius Dias-Souza. “Effectiveness of five antidandruff cosmetic formulations against planktonic cells and biofilms of dermatophytes”. Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences; 24, no. 2. (February 2017): 331-337. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1319562X15002284
16. Tanya Malpani, Manali Jeithliya, Nanadini Pal, and Payal Puri. “Formulation and evaluation of Pomegranate based herbal shampoo”. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry 9 no.4 (2020): 1439-1444. http://www.phytojournal.com/archives/2020/vol9issue4/PartT/9-4-157-379.pdf
17. Gerd Plewig, M.D. and Albert M. Kligman, Ph.D., M.D. “The Effect of Selenium Sulfide on Epidermal Turnover of Normal and Dandruff Scalps”. Journal Of The Society Of Cosmetic Chemists 20 (December 1969): 767-775. http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.615.6087&rep=rep1&type=pdf
18. Sherri V. Cox and Monica B. Emelko. “Ultra mild personal cleansing bar containing smaller-sized particulate wax”. Procter and Gamble Co (1995). https://patents.google.com/patent/US5496493A/en
19. Robert M. Lavker, Gary L. Grove, and Albert M. Kligman. “The atrophogenic effect of crude coal tar on human epidermis”. British Journal of Dermatology 105 no.1 (July 1981): 77-82. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-2133.1981.tb00885.x
20. W. Steven Pray, Ph.D., DPh and Gabriel E. Pray. “Is It Dandruff or Seborrheic Dermatitis?” US Pharmacist; (June 2013). https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/is-it-dandruff-or-seborrheic-dermatitis
21. Piérard-Franchimont C., Piérard G.E., Vroome V., Lin G.C., and Appa Y. “Comparative Anti-Dandruff Efficacy between a Tar and a Non-Tar Shampoo”. Dermatology; 200 (2000):181–184. https://doi.org/10.1159/000018362
22. “Psoriasis Treatment: Coal Tar”. Accessed on September 17, 2020. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/psoriasis/treatment/medications/coal-tar
23. Ryan Raman, MS, RD “12 Health Benefits and Uses of Sage”. HealthLine Media.. (December 2018). https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/sage
24. “Evaluation of Rosemary Essential Oil Nanoemulsion On C57BL Mouse’s hair Growth Promotion” Repository of Research and Investigative Information Zanjan University of Medical Sciences. Accessed September 17, 2020. http://repository.zums.ac.ir/id/eprint/6513/
25. Ashley Locke. “All the Hair Benefits Tea Tree Oil Offers, According to a Dermatologist”. Mane Addicts (April 2020). https://maneaddicts.com/hair-benefits-of-tea-tree-oil
26. Camila S Oliveira, Ana Beatriz P.P. Silva, Leopoldina L Fagundes, Nadia R.B. Raposo, Anderson O Ferreira, Marcos Antônio F Brandão, and Hudson C Polonini. “Development and Preliminary Cosmetic Potential Evaluation of Melaleuca alternifolia cheel (Myrtaceae) Oil and Resveratrol for Oily Skin” Journal of Dermatology Research and Therapy; 2 no.4 (August 2016). http://dx.doi.org/10.23937/2469-5750/1510032
27. Emerging Technology from the arXiv. “The Top Five Trend-Setting Cities on Twitter”. MIT Technology Review (October 2013). https://www.technologyreview.com/2013/10/16/175921/the-top-five-trend-setting-cities-on-twitter/
28. Adrian White. “Jojoba Oil for Hair: How It Works”. HealthLine Media. (September 2018). https://www.healthline.com/health/jojoba-oil-for-hair
29. Chung Soo Chang, Jong Bo Choi, Hae Jin Kim, and Sat Byul Park. “Correlation Between Serum Testosterone Level and Concentrations of Copper and Zinc in Hair Tissue”. Biological Trace Element Research 144, (2011): 264–271. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12011-011-9085-y
30. J. Richardson, J.E. Smith, M. McIntyre, R. Thomas, and K. Pilkington. “Aloe Vera for Preventing Radiation-induced Skin Reactions: A Systematic Literature Review”. Clinical Oncology 17 no.6 (September 2005): 478-484. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clon.2005.04.013
31. Leyden J.J., McGinley K.J., Mills O.H., Kyriakopoulos A.A., and Kligman A.M. “Effects of sulfur and salicylic acid in a shampoo base in the treatment of dandruff: a double-blind study using corneocyte counts and clinical grading.” Cutis, 39 no.6 (June 1987):557-561. https://europepmc.org/article/med/3301220
32. Yoshihiro Inami, Tsugunobu Andoh, Atsushi Sasaki, and Yasushi Kuraishi. “Surfactant-induced itching and the involvement of histamine released from keratinocytes”. Journal of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan;132 no.11 (2012): 1225-30. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23123711/
33. Paschal D’Souza and Sanjay K Rathi. “Shampoo and Conditioners: What a Dermatologist Should Know?” Indian Journal of Dermatology; 60 no.3 (2015): 248–254. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4458934/
34. Luis J. Borda and Tongyu C. Wikramanayake. “Seborrheic Dermatitis and Dandruff: A Comprehensive Review”. Journal of Clinical Investigative Dermatology; 3 no.2. (December 2015). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4852869/
35. Jonas A. Adalsteinsson, Shivani Kaushik, Sonal Muzumdar, Emma Guttman‐Yassky, and Jonathan Ungar. “An update on the microbiology, immunology and genetics of seborrheic dermatitis”. Experimental Dermatology; 29 no.5 (May 2020): 481-489. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/exd.14091
36. Yvette Brazier. “How to treat dandruff”. Medical News Today. HealthLine Media. (December 2017). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/152844
37. A. A. Hartmann. “Composition of the Skin Flora”. Skin Cleansing with Synthetic Detergents. Griesbach Conference. Springer (1992). https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007%2F978-3-642-50146-3_11
38. S. Rahrovan, MD, MPH, F. Fanian, MD, PhD, P. Mehryan, MD, P. Humbert, MD, PhD, and A. Firooz, MD. “Male versus female skin: What dermatologists and cosmeticians should know”. International Journal of Womens Dermatology; 4 no.3 (September 2018): 122–130. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6116811/
39. “Share of male consumers who have a beard in the United States as of June 2017”. Accessed September 17, 2020. https://www.statista.com/statistics/725005/men-wearing-beards-us/
40. Adrienne Santos-Longhurst. “Chin Hair: Causes, Meaning, and Removal”. HealthLine Media (January 2019). https://www.healthline.com/health/chin-hair
41. Luis Villazon. “Why do men grow beards but not women?” Science Focus. Immediate Media Company. Accessed September 17, 2020. https://www.sciencefocus.com/the-human-body/why-do-men-grow-beards-but-not-women/
42. Zohra Zaidi and Sean W. Lanigan. “Skin: Structure and Function”. Dermatology in Clinical Practice. Springer, London. (2010). https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-84882-862-9_1
43. Alina Petre, MS, RD. “8 Common Signs You’re Deficient in Vitamins”. HealthLine Media. (November 2019). https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-deficiency

You might also like:

Best Shampoos for Men You Should Try (All Hair Types)

Best Conditioners for Men Who Want Magnificent Hair

Best Hair Loss Shampoos for Men & Women That Work

Best Hair Products for Men You Need in Your Bathroom

Best Ketoconazole Shampoos for Hair Loss & Dandruff

The post 7 Best Dandruff Shampoos for Men That Work Great appeared first on Balding & Beards.

Fortunately, products like shampoo that are designed to fight seborrheic dermatitis, the best of which we’ll review here, can get rid of its symptoms, including dandruff.

Let’s being with some buying tips.

Quick summary

	Our #1 Choice Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo	One of the market leading shampoos for anti-dandruff and skin issues Contains 1% ketoconazole, helps seborrheic dematitis Gentle yet effective, only need to use twice a week	Check on Amazon
	Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength Seborrheic Dermatitis Treatment	Reputable brand for quality shampoo Formulated with a clinical strength without the need for a prescription Can be used every day without drying out hair	Check on Amazon
	DHS Zinc Shampoo	Recommended by dermatologists Conditions and restores the hair Provides itching and flaking relief	Check on Amazon
	Maple Holistics Pure Tea Tree Shampoo	Natural product with many hair health benefits Reduces excess oil yet also boosts hydration Contains essential oils that are therapeutical to the hair and scalp	Check on Amazon
	Puriya Sulfate-Free Tea Tree Oil Shampoo	Natural formula moisturizes and soothes Suitable for daily use and on children Hydrates the hair and scalp without leaving residue	Check on Amazon
	The Body Shop Ginger Scalp Care Shampoo	Packed with natural ingredients and no nasties Helps treat seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff Reduces irritation and itchiness without being aggressive on the scalp	Check on Amazon
	Biolage Scalpsync Anti-Dandruff Shampoo	Contains mint leaf extract, a natural antibacterial Leaves a cooling sensation on your scalp Perfect for all hair types, including color-treated	Check on Amazon
	Nioxin Scalp Recovery Medicated Cleanser Shampoo	Restores the scalp’s natural balance Light fragrance Soothes the scalp	Check on Amazon

Before you buy: 5 Things to consider when purchasing a shampoo for seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis isn’t easy to treat, and many people enlist the help of a physician or someone else in the know. Buying a seborrheic dermatitis shampoo doesn’t need to be complicated, especially if you keep the following things in mind.

Seborrheic dermatitis is incurable, but it can be easily managed with the right shampoo. In this article, we’ll go over the best seborrheic dermatitis shampoos available on the market today.

There are many different kinds of shampoos for seborrheic dermatitis. The best shampoo for you depends on your budget and what type of treatment you prefer.

We’ll go over some tips to help you choose which product is right for you as well as what ingredients to look for in an effective anti-dandruff shampoo

1. Ingredients

The most important factor when purchasing a seborrheic dermatitis shampoo is its ingredients. The thing is, you’ll find many different ingredients in shampoos commonly used to treat the issues. Let’s consider typical ingredients first:

• Ketoconazole

Ketoconazole is often used in dandruff shampoos – and others – as a means to treat seborrheic dermatitis.

You’ll find it in many over-the-counter shampoos, and its primary attribute is that it inhibits fungus growth, which can lead to dandruff, one of the common symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis.

• Selenium sulfide

Selenium sulfate targets a specific yeast, pityropsorum ovale, that may lead to seborrheic dermatitis. It reduces the number of dandruff cells on the scalp while also easing itching and irritation.

• Pyrithione zinc

You’ll find pyrithione zinc in many over-the-counter dandruff shampoos, and it helps reduce bacteria on the scalp. It can also help with inflammation and itching.

• Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is often effective for treating seborrheic dermatitis and used in conjunction with other treatments as a means to reduce scaling on the scalp.

• Coal tar

Coal tar is another ingredient sometimes found in anti-dandruff shampoos and helps suppress fungus while decreasing inflammation. Combined with ketoconazole, coal tar also helps reduce fungal growth.

2. Natural ingredients

If you’re willing to take a more natural route in treating your seborrheic dermatitis, there are some other ingredients (and remedies) to consider.

• Coconut oil

Coconut oil, used in many, many wellness products these days, has antimicrobial and antifungal properties.

• Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar contains malic acid, which may help shed excess skin cells on the scalp.

• Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is an essential oil with antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Raw honey

Besides being antimicrobial and moisturizing to the skin, raw honey also has plenty of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and enzymes that help soothe the scalp and may prevent skin infections.

3. Talk to your doctor

When in doubt, talk to your doctor before purchasing a shampoo that helps treat seborrheic dermatitis – or talk to him or her if your over-the-counter shampoo provides no relief.

4. Usage

How often you need to use a shampoo that treats seborrheic dermatitis (and dandruff) varies from brand to brand.

Check the instructions carefully to see how it fits into your grooming routine. Some shampoos are meant for daily use, while others are effective when used twice a week.

5. Scent

Medicated shampoos have a bad reputation for having a medicinal smell that isn’t to everyone’s liking. Make sure you have a good idea of how a seborrheic dermatitis shampoo smells before you purchase it.

The good news is that many medicated shampoos have a pleasing scent.

Let’s move on to our reviews of the best seborrheic shampoos.

The 8 best seborrheic shampoos

1. Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Best features:

• Proven dandruff fighter
• Includes ketoconazole
• Don’t need to use it every day

Overview

You’d be hard-pressed to find any review of the best anti-dandruff shampoos that didn’t include Nizoral A-D. A big reason for that is that it works, which, in turn, is a good reason why it’s an Amazon bestseller.

Indeed, Nizoral A-D sets the gold standard for dandruff shampoos, and, as we know, dandruff is one of the main symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis. In our minds, that makes Nizoral A-D the best seborrheic dermatitis shampoo.

The effectiveness of any dandruff shampoo comes down to its ingredients, and the key ingredient in Nizoral A-D is a 1% solution of ketoconazole.

We talked briefly about ketoconazole and its role in treating a variety of hair conditions, including hair loss, and Nizoral is the only over-the-counter shampoo with 1% ketoconazole.

An antifungal medication, ketoconazole treats a variety of skin conditions, and researchers say that it’s linked to improvements in hair growth. It’s effective for treating male pattern baldness, and it keeps reducing excess levels of fungus on the scalp long after it’s applied.

As mentioned, ketoconazole binds to the natural protein of hair, which enables it to keep working long after it’s applied. Besides treating the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, it also relieves the flaking, itching, and scaling on the scalp common to dandruff.

While Nizoral A-D packs a powerful punch in the fight against dandruff and for treating seborrheic dermatitis, it’s still gentle enough for use in a salon setting.

You can use it on color-treated and chemically-processed hair, and it has thick, rich lather that rinses cleanly while leaving your hair smelling fresh.

And that’s another plus about Nizoral’s A-D shampoo: it doesn’t have a heavy medicinal smell like other anti-dandruff and medicated shampoos. It has a subtle, fresh scent that’s not overpowering.

It’s also effective enough that you only need to use it a couple of times a week. Some users even report that Nizoral A-D helps thicken hair.

The folks at Nizoral advise users to leave their shampoo on the hair and scalp for several minutes after application before rinsing. That gives its ingredients a chance to treat and heal the scalp. Also, anyone 12-years-old or younger shouldn’t use it.

Nizoral comes in 4, 7, and 14-ounce bottles that have easy-to-use flip-top caps.

Bottom line

You might as well go with a proven product when dealing with seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff. Nizoral A-D continues to be one of the best products of its kind.

2. Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength Seborrheic Dermatitis Treatment

Best features:

• Treats even the most stubborn causes of dandruff
• Well-known brand and reputation for treating dandruff
• No prescription needed

Overview

Head & Shoulders has treated dandruff for what seems like forever, and their shampoos reflect that experience and know-how.

The H & S Clinical Strength Seborrheic Dermatitis shampoo is an excellent product that offers a clinical-strength treatment without a prescription.

In this case, clinical-strength means treating the most stubborn cases of dandruff quickly and effectively. Also, it’s one the highest-rated medicated shampoos for itchy scalp available today.

While many dandruff shampoos include ketoconazole in their list of ingredients, the most important dandruff-fighting ingredient in the Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength shampoo is selenium sulfide.

Selenium sulfide targets Malassezria irritants, a source of dandruff and itchiness.

It also removes excess oil and flakes and, despite being strong stuff, cleanses and moisturizes hair without leaving it overly dry.

Moreover, it’s PH-balanced and gentle enough for daily use, and it’s safe to use on all hair types and textures, including color-treated hair.

Bottom line

It takes a strong shampoo to fight seborrheic dermatitis and all of its symptoms. But Head & Shoulders has a clinical-strength shampoo that produces results quickly without needing a prescription.

3. DHS Zinc Shampoo

Best features:

• Recommended by dermatologists
• Soothes irritated skin
• Provides itching and flaking relief

Overview

DHS tends to produce exceptional, innovative grooming solutions, and this – their Zinc Shampoo – is absolutely no different.

With its unique formula featuring 2% Pyritione Zinc (which kills the yeast which commonly causes scalp issues), it helps combat a huge variety of hair and scalp problems – from seborrheic dermatitis to rosacea. And not only that: it actually helps condition and heal the hair, improving its overall appearance considerably.

By calming irritated skin, it improves the look and feel of your scalp enormously. And the relief from itching and flaking for many is an absolute life-changer.

Not only that: this stuff is actually great for all skin types, so there’s no need to get concerned it’s going to cause rashes or burn like so many shampoos of this kind do. And though the smell is not to everyone’s taste, you’ll be happy to tolerate it when you see how well this stuff tackles your condition!

Bottom line

As is to be expected, a terrific product from DHS – effective, affordable and healthy for the hair.

4. Maple Holistics Pure Tea Tree Shampoo

Best features:

• Tea tree oil has many benefits for the hair and scalp
• Natural ingredients
• Gentle formula

Overview

Maple Holistics makes a variety of shampoos and conditioners that target overall hair and scalp health, and their Pure Tea Tree Shampoo is an excellent product for treating seborrheic dermatitis.

But that’s nothing new for New Jersey (USA)-based Maple Holistics, which provides a wide range of holistic, premium products that are natural, chemical-free, and cruelty-free.

Their Pure Tea Tree Shampoo uses its main ingredient to fight scalp dandruff and other issues caused by seborrheic dermatitis.

As we discuss at various points in this article, tea tree oil has many benefits, including that it fights dandruff, relieves itching, and has antifungal and antibacterial properties that help keep dandruff flakes from returning.

Tea Tree oil may also stimulate hair growth while slowing the effects of hair loss.

Maple Holistics’ Pure Tea Tree Shampoo includes other important essential oils, including argan oil, jojoba oil, rosemary oil, and lavender oil.

Argan oil is rich in vitamin E, which has antioxidant properties that protect hair from everyday damage from pollution, chemical treatments, and grooming tools, such as hair dryers and curling irons.

Jojoba oil serves as an excellent moisturizer and is common to many hair and beard care products. Lavender oil, meanwhile, helps to stimulate hair growth and fight bacteria and fungus that contribute to seborrheic dermatitis flare-ups.

The Maple Holistics’ Tea Tree shampoo has a pleasant botanical smell, within which you’ll notice the many essential oils on its ingredients list, but it’s not overpowering in the least, and no artificial ingredients are involved.

This shampoo also has a mild lather – not too sudsy – that doesn’t strip your hair and scalp of natural oils. It takes away excess oils to prevent build-up but never too much that it leaves hair dry and lifeless. Also, argan oil helps to add shine to your hair.

Bottom line

The Maples Holistics Tea Tree shampoo is another product that effectively fights seborrheic dermatitis without drying or damaging hair.

5. Puriya Sulfate-Free Tea Tree Oil Shampoo

Best features:

• Hydrates dry scalp
• Chemical-free
• Doesn’t leave an oily feeling

Overview

Puriya’s Tea Tree Oil Shampoo is proof that you don’t need a boatload of chemicals to treat hard-to-solve issues, such as seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff.

Instead, Puriya packs this shampoo with an herbal blend of botanicals that provide many benefits to the hair and scalp. Puriya’s blend includes tea tree oil, rosemary, arnica, and sage.

It doesn’t include sulfates, sodium chloride, or parabens – the kind of stuff that can be harsh on hair and may come with harmful side effects.

But let’s look at what’s in Puriya’s shampoo:

• Tea tree oil

The extracted oil from the tea tree shrub has many benefits, not the least of which is that it can destroy microbes and fungi.

It’s also an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial, and it treats everything from dandruff to sinus infections and earaches. It even kills lice.

Tea tree’s many benefits for the scalp and hair include that it fights the fungus that causes dandruff without drying out the scalp. Dry skin and dandruff clog hair follicles and can slow hair growth.

Tea tree oil helps to clear those follicles while preventing a buildup of excess oil.

• Rosemary oil

Among other attributes, rosemary oil encourages hair growth by strengthening the blood flow to the scalp. That keeps hair follicles from being starved of blood and dying off – which leads to hair loss.

But rosemary oil also is used to treat dandruff, an itchy scalp, and even premature graying.

• Arnica oil

Arnica oil is native to colder regions, such as Siberia and Eastern Europe, and has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. That makes it helpful for treating hair conditions, because it clears away built-up oils and bacteria on the scalp.

Arnica oil can improve your scalp’s texture and relieve the itching and inflammation common to seborrheic dermatitis.

• Sage

Sage is a good source of vitamins B and C, magnesium, zinc, and potassium, and it has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties that help improve scalp health.

The Puriya Tea Tree Oil Shampoo ingredients help deal with the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis in a variety of ways.

For one, they provide superior hydration to the hair and scalp while helping to repair brittle and damaged hair. For another, they lock in moisture and rejuvenate the scalp.

Puriya’s Tea Tree Oil Shampoo removes excess oil, product build-up, and impurities on the hair while cleansing it gently. Your hair will never feel too oily when using this shampoo.

What it doesn’t do is bombard your scalp with a bunch of chemicals, because it’s sulfate- and paraben-free, and it doesn’t include synthetic fragrances. It’s also PH-balanced and gentle enough for daily use, and it’s suitable for all hair types.

It also comes with a money-back guarantee. If you don’t like it, send it back for a refund.

Bottom line

Puriya’s Tea Tree shampoo is good for the hair and scalp in many ways, including that it provides superior hydration when compared to many brands.

6. The Body Shop Ginger Scalp Care Shampoo

Best features:

• Gently removes dandruff
• Soothes the scalp
• May help stimulate hair growth

Overview

Another ingredient that has many positive effects on the scalp is ginger essential oil. The Body Shop Ginger Scalp Care Shampoo takes advantage of those effects in a shampoo that features Sri Lankan ginger essential oil.

Why is ginger essential oil effective for hair health? Here’s a look:

• It has antiseptic properties that help reduce scalp infections and dandruff, both signs of seborrheic dermatitis.
• Ginger essential oil helps to promote hair growth, because it stimulates hair follicles. It contains many vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids that help strengthen hair strands to combat hair loss.
• It helps restore your scalp’s natural moisture balance.
• It acts as a natural conditioner and helps improve the look and feel of your hair. Its unique oils act as antioxidants that help protect hair against damage.
• Ginger essential oil helps to treat and prevent split ends. You can add ginger essential oil to your favorite leave-in conditioner or apply it before washing your hair.

You don’t have to worry about adding ginger to your favorite hair products with The Body Shop’s Ginger Scalp Care Shampoo, because it’s blended with other ingredients to create a potent blend with many benefits to scalp and hair health.

Other key ingredients found in this shampoo include birch bark, white willow extracts, and honey. Combined with ginger essential oil, the result is a product that gently removes dandruff flakes while soothing the scalp.

The Body Shop gets its fair trade – and community-produced – honey from the Beza Mar group of Ethiopia, which is dedicated to improving the livelihood of the country’s beekeeping communities while maintaining their traditional methods of working with bees.

The honey helps to enhance the Ginger Scalp Care Shampoo’s moisturizing qualities.

The Ginger Scalp Care shampoo works in a variety of ways, including that it treats the microbes and bacteria that may lead to dandruff.

It’s gentler than many other dandruff treatments but still has more than enough potency to help you rid your scalp of those unwanted white flakes.

For optimal results, The Body Shop recommends following up with its Ginger Scalp Care Conditioner.

Bottom line

The Ginger Scalp Care Shampoo by the Body Shop has many natural, unique ingredients that offer several benefits to the hair and scalp. It’s the best natural shampoo for seborrheic dermatitis.

7. Biolage Scalpsync Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Best features:

• Relieves scalp irritation
• Controls dandruff
• Cool, refreshing sensation

Overview

Mint is another ingredient that we’re all familiar with but perhaps don’t realize has many benefits for hair health. It’s a key ingredient in Biolage’s Scalpsync Anti-Dandruff shampoo and helps make it one of the best seborrheic dermatitis shampoos out there.

But back to mint, one of the highest sources of beta carotene. The body converts beta carotene to vitamin A, and vitamin A is necessary for all cell growth, including hair cells.

It also prevents dandruff – a deficiency of vitamin A can lead to a dry scalp and flaking – while it can also spur hair growth while slowing the rate of thinning hair.

Biolage’s Scalpsync shampoo takes full advantage of mint’s calming and anti-bacterial properties while treating the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis. It targets dandruff and bacteria that lead to scalp irritation and other issues.

It also acts as an ideal cleanser while washing away excess oil on the scalp. Plus, it has the cool, refreshing sensation that you’d expect from mint.

Another key ingredient in Biolage’s Scalpsync shampoo is pyrithione zinc, which we mentioned earlier in our seborrheic dermatitis buying tips. Pyrithione zinc reduces bacteria on the scalp and also helps fight dandruff.

Scalpsync also serves as a scalp conditioner while nourishing hair and giving it a healthy look – not one that’s dull and lifeless. You can also use it in conjunction with Scalpsync’s Conditioner for even better results.

Among the shampoo’s other ingredients is salicylic acid, which has proven effective in the fight against dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.

Something else we like about the Scalpsync shampoo is that it’s suitable for all hair types, including color-treated hair. It’s the best shampoo for seborrheic dermatitis and colored hair.

Bottom line

There’s a lot to like about Biolage’s Scalpsync shampoo, not the least of which is that it’s effective in fighting dandruff and scalp bacteria. You’ll like how your scalp feels after using this shampoo.

8. Nioxin Scalp Recovery Medicated Cleanser Shampoo

Best features:

• Gets rid of dandruff
• Soothes the scalp
• Relieves inflammation

Overview

If you’re looking for a medicated shampoo that delivers excellent results, then you should check out Nioxin’s Scalp Recovery & Anti-Dandruff shampoo.

In the spirit of transparency, however, we’ll remind you that Nioxin’s formula isn’t chemical-free, including that it contains dimethicone and benzyl alcohol.

It also contains pyrithione zinc, which is an FDA-approved active ingredient, as well as green tea extract. And many reviewers and users swear by Nioxin’s results for relieving seborrheic symptoms, including scalp irritation, flaking (dandruff), dryness, and itching.

It also includes two minerals in its formulation, Epsom salt, and smithsonite.

Epsom salt has many health benefits, including that it soothes and exfoliates the skin, while smithsonite is an astringent that helps the skin recover from sores, cuts, and bruises.

Other ingredients include peppermint, a natural analgesic, as well as mint leaf oil and tea leaf extract. Mint leaf oil cools the skin and calms irritations, while tea leaf extract is an anti-inflammatory that reduces redness and calms the skin.

Bottom line

Nioxin offers a powerful solution to problems related to seborrheic dermatitis, including dandruff.

7 Tips for using seborrheic dermatitis shampoo

Let’s be clear: you can’t cure seborrheic dermatitis. It’s a recurring condition that you can treat while reducing its symptoms greatly.

Treatment also has many benefits, including that it can prevent a skin infection while reducing swelling and itching caused by seborrheic dermatitis.

Using a shampoo designed to treat seborrheic dermatitis is a great way to reduce symptoms and even keep them from coming back on a too-frequent basis.

1. Use over-the-counter shampoos frequently

OTC shampoos often are effective for treating seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff, and many of them are good for daily use until symptoms ease.

Make sure that the shampoo penetrates the scalp deeply and leave it on for a few minutes to let the ingredients do their work before rinsing it off.

2. Follow your doctor’s instructions

Always follow your physician’s instructions when using a medicated shampoo available by prescription only. The instructions may vary depending on your age and the severity of your symptoms. Stick to the plan.

3. Alternate with regular shampoos

In some cases, it’s OK to alternate between two shampoos, i.e., you can use a dandruff shampoo one day and your regular shampoo the next.

4. Ease off, if needed

As your dandruff and other symptoms lessen, you may want to decrease your use of shampoos designed to treat seborrheic dermatitis.

In some other cases, a shampoo’s formula is strong enough that you only need to use it a couple of times a week from the start (such as Nizoral A-D).

5. Avoid styling products when possible

It’s a good idea to skip styling products, such as sprays and gels, as you’re treating seborrheic dermatitis with shampoo. Also, you should avoid hair products that contain alcohol, because they can make symptoms worse.

6. Use oils to remove scale and flakes

Mineral oil and olive oil work great for removing scales from your scalp.

Your shampoo will lift and remove dirt and excess oil, but a hot oil treatment – in which you apply oil to your hair with a processing cap and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes – will loosen dandruff flakes. You can use oil as a pre-shampoo or by itself.

Note: Never apply oil without intending to rinse it off. Additional oils, if left on the hair and scalp a long time, will cause irritation and inflammation.

7. Use a conditioner

You can follow up your shampoo with a deep conditioner that helps seal in moisture while making your hair softer and more manageable.

How we chose these products

Shampoos designed to treat seborrheic shampoo do many of the same things but may take a different path to achieve this goal.

Where they diverge is in their lists of ingredients – some use ketoconazole and others don’t, for example – but they’re all designed to achieve the same end goal.

We looked carefully at every shampoo’s ingredients, and we favor natural ingredients whenever possible. We also considered the brand’s reputation and, as always, the reviews of others, particularly the reviews of customers.

Price is another factor we consider in our product reviews, and we try to review products in a broad price range, but effectiveness remains the most important criterion.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is seborrheic dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition that mainly affects the scalp. Signs of seborrheic dermatitis include red skin, scaly patches, and dandruff. It may affect other oily areas of the body, as well, such as the eyebrows, face, and chest.

How is seborrheic dermatitis treated?

Treatments for seborrheic dermatitis include shampoos, creams, and lotions. All of the treatments focus on reducing scalp inflammation and swelling, relieving itching, and loosening scales that lead to dandruff. There are also various home remedies for treating it.

What causes seborrheic dermatitis?

Doctors aren’t sure what causes seborrheic dermatitis, but it could be related to yeast found in the oil secretion of the skin or an irregular immune system response.

How to get rid of seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp

Medicated shampoos, creams, and lotions can reduce and even eliminate seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp. There are also many home remedies, including over-the-counter shampoos that your doctor may recommend before trying prescription-based remedies.

How to get rid of seborrheic dermatitis naturally

There are many natural solutions for treating seborrheic dermatitis. Aloe vera, probiotics, fish oil – all can help enhance scalp and hair health, while essential oils, such as tea tree oil, can also help.

How often should I wash my hair if I have seborrheic dermatitis?

It’s advisable to wash your hair frequently when you begin using shampoo to help treat seborrheic dermatitis. You can cut back a bit when you start to see positive results.

Be careful when using medicated shampoos, however, because they can be harsh on hair follicles.

What is the best shampoo for seborrheic dermatitis?

Nizoral’s A-D Anti-Dandruff shampoo, which we discuss in our reviews above, is the best shampoo for seborrheic dermatitis. It treats and prevents dandruff and includes ketoconazole, an ingredient that binds to the natural proteins of hair to kill dandruff.

How to prevent seborrheic dermatitis

Preventing seborrheic dermatitis is tricky, because researchers still aren’t sure what causes it. However, they do know that it isn’t caused by poor hygiene and that it’s not an allergy, but there are several ways to treat it, including with the shampoos listed in our reviews.

Conclusion

Seborrheic dermatitis is a difficult condition to address, but thanks to products such as shampoos designed to treat it, its symptoms can be managed effectively. We think our list of shampoos above will help make your symptoms much less prevalent.

Do you use a shampoo designed to treat seborrheic dermatitis? If so, which one? We’d love to hear from you and welcome your feedback and suggestions.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

Best Dandruff Shampoos for Men That Absolutely Work

Best Biotin Shampoos for Hair Growth That Actually Work

Here is How to Get Rid of Beard Dandruff Once and for All

Best Hair Loss Concealers & Hair Fibers Reviewed

8 Ways to Grow Thicker Eyebrows (Men & Women) Backed By Science

The post 8 Best Seborrheic Dermatitis Shampoos that Work appeared first on Balding & Beards.

In a hurry? Here are our top picks:

While there are much worse things that can happen to a person than losing their hair, there’s also no denying how incredibly frustrating it can be. Can you imagine going from having a full head of hair, to being bald in an instant? *Shudders* Yeah me neither.

There are many reasons for hair loss and hair thinning, including genetics or nutrient deficiencies, and even more products and solutions,and shampoo for hair out there which claim to slow its progress while growing new hair.

Finding a hair loss shampoo one that works for you, however, can be easier said than done. But, we’re here to help. Sit back and let us do the thinking for you.

Although all of our picks represent the best shampoos available for hair loss each has its own minor differences which may or may not be of benefit to you. We outline what is missing or extra and how that should affect your purchasing decision.

Let’s dig in.

Quick summary

	Best Overall Revita Hair Growth Stimulating Shampoo	Therapeutic and cleansing Highly-effective delivery system Natural ingredients	Check Best Price
	Best with Biotin Ultrax Labs Hair Surge	Remains on hair until it’s actively absorbed Proven results Backed by a money-back guarantee	Check on Amazon
	Best anti-dandruff Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo	Fights dandruff and hair-loss Reduces hair-follicle inflammation Blocks androgen receptors to deter hair loss	Check on Amazon
	Lipogaine Big 5 All-Natural Shampoo	Safe for all hair types Gentle formula Good for men and women	Check Best Price
	Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo	Revives dormant hair roots Reduces DHT Also treats other scalp issues	Check on Amazon
	Classic Lipogaine Big 3 Hair Loss Prevention Shampoo	Designed for men and women Gentle formula Safe for all hair types	Check Best Price

3 Things you need to know before buying a hair loss shampoo

Before you grab just any bottle of hair-loss shampoo off the shelf – many don’t work, which we’ll touch on a bit later – there are a few things you need to keep in mind:

1. Find out why you are experiencing hair loss. If it is due to a biotin deficiency, then you need to make sure you use products that contain biotin. If it is genetic (male or female pattern baldness) or related to a fungal infection, then ketoconazole is going to be your go-to shampoo.
2. Read labels and read reviews. Search for products that have plenty of positive feedback and don’t just trust Amazon reviews. Dig deeper, look at other retail websites that have reviews, and check the label of each product you are seriously considering buying. Again, most shampoos that claim to halt hair loss and grow new hair are nothing more than snake oil. Stick with ingredients that are clinically proven to work and backed by evidence (more on ingredients below).
3. Use one shampoo that works and stick with it. The earliest you can start evaluating results is 6 months. You may also want to use a conditioner, preferably one made for people who are experiencing hair loss. When you find the one that works, don’t change it.

The 4 key ingredients in hair loss shampoos

Whatever shampoo you use, look for the following four ingredients.

Research, though in its preliminary stages in most cases, has shown that all four can not only slow hair loss but also generate new growth.

Keep in mind that the only Food and Drug Administration medications used to treat male pattern baldness are topical minoxidil (a.k.a. Rogaine) and finasteride, more commonly referred to as Propecia.

For now, anyway.

Ketoconazole

You’ll find ketoconazole in Nizoral and other anti-dandruff shampoos. Preliminary research indicates that it may be effective in treating hair loss both alone or in combination with other treatments like minoxidil or finasteride. [1][2][3]

Researchers found that 2% ketoconazole and minoxidil regimens improved hair density, size, and proportion of anagen follicles.

Ketoconazole is also useful in treating a fungus called Pityriasis that often inhabits the scalp and prevents hair growth. hair growth on the scalp.

Studies showed that the most effective use of 2% ketoconazole shampoo was one application every two to four days, leaving the shampoo on the scalp for three to five minutes after it has been applied.

Caffeine

Surprised? Yes, caffeine does indeed promote hair growth. Although Mmost of us use caffeine as an ever-important (if not mandatory) jolt of energy in the morning – or anytime our asses are dragging – but studies are beginning to show that caffeine “counteracts” the suppression of hair-follicle production by testosterone in males, thereby promoting hair growth. [4][5].

Specifically, caffeine enhanced the length of hair shafts, prolonged anagen duration, and stimulated keratinocyte growth. Keratinocyte is the most abundant cell found in the epidermis, the outer layer of your skin.

OK, we know what’s on your mind at this point, and the answer is no.

Drinking massive quantities of coffee or other caffeine-laden drinks will not help make hair grow.

As one German researcher pointed out, you’d have to drink 40 to 50 cups of coffee for caffeine to have any kind of therapeutic benefit for your hair roots because caffeine is easily diluted and quickly excreted by the body. [6]

Besides, that amount of coffee would be toxic because caffeine is, well, kind of a drug known in the medical field as a psychostimulant.

However, there are a variety of topical products available with caffeine that can be directly applied to your scalp and the studies show that topical application is the best, most effective mode of delivery. [7]

Even better, research shows that hair follicles don’t build up a resistance to caffeine-based products as it does with some drugs.

Biotin

The benefits of biotin are based on research that shows that some hair loss is a consequence of biotin and zinc deficiency. [8][9]

Also known as Vitamin B7, Biotin is a compound that’s important for a wide range of bodily processes, including the synthesis of fatty acids, glucose, and some amino acids. Zinc is also vital for growing healthy hair and the functioning of the oil glands around follicles.

But, they also help to strengthen hair and nails. [10]

Biotin is a crucial component in skin cells, which also plays an essential role in hair follicle health. If your follicles are weak or unhealthy, they’ll be unable to retain hair or grow new hair.

The good news is that you can get biotin from many, many food sources, including cooked eggs, peanuts, liver, Swiss chard, cauliflower, bananas, whole grains, mushrooms, and sardines. You can also try biotin shampoos.

Biotin, or zinc for that matter, will only suffice if your hair loss is from a deficiency in either of these nutrients. However, research shows that they make suitable add-on treatments for those with male or female pattern baldness as it led to the formation of stronger, healthier hair. [11]

Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto is hardly new; the Indigenous Peoples of North America have been using it as medicine and as a food source for hundreds of years.

It’s a small plant with berries whose extract shows promise as a way to treat hair loss (and it’s already used as an herbal remedy to treat an enlarged prostate and a decreased sex drive).

What’s the science behind it? An extract of saw palmetto berries may block an enzyme (5-alpha-reductase) that converts testosterone to DHT. [12]

DHT, if you didn’t know, is responsible both for hair loss and enlargement of the prostate – talk about a double-edged sword..

In one study, nearly half of men who were treated with saw palmetto had an 11.9 percent increase in total hair count. [13]

The berry extract from saw palmetto berries can be taken in pill form or from local or online health food stores.

Do most hair loss shampoos work?

The answer, to be brutally honest, is no.

Combine that with the fact that many shampoo manufacturers are hungry for a quick buck and make false claims about ingredients that haven’t been proven to work, and you have a market that can be treacherous and expensive to navigate.

There are even fake reviews – which is a whole additional layer of deceit and trickery.

We’re going to list the ones for you that are the real deal when it comes to hair loss shampoos, but buyer beware when you’re roaming the hair care product aaisle and thinking about buying anything less than the best.

Again, use trusted brands with proven results (backed by scientific study) and with plenty of positive, verified reviews.

And, remember, your hair loss may have many underlying causes, and your shampoo is just one part of your hair loss treatment. Lifestyle and nutritional changes may also be part of the solution.

That said, let’s take a look at the hair loss shampoos that are the real deal.

The 6 best hair loss shampoos for men & women

1. Revita Hair Growth Stimulating Shampoo

DS Laboratories combines proven ingredients with a unique delivery system in its Revita Hair Growth Stimulating Shampoo. The result is a potent product that helps fight hair loss while stimulating hair growth.

And you can’t argue with the results. In one study of 500 men and women between the ages of 18 and 55, 90% of participants using Revita’s shampoo reported a decrease in hair loss while 85% stated they had an improvement in the overall appearance of the hair. [14]

Indeed, Revita works, thanks to proven ingredients such as caffeine, biotin, and ketoconazole.

What you won’t find in this shampoo are harsh chemicals such as sodium lauryl sulfate, a detergent often found in shampoos that can cause skin irritation, dryness, and hair loss.

Revita’s Hair Growth Stimulating Shampoo also includes natural cleansers that boost hydration to your scalp and hair, increase increases protein levels, while also addressing the underlying factors of thinning hair.

The aforementioned unique delivery system is DS Labs’ Nanosome system and how it delivers its ingredients to the hair and scalp. In short, Nanosomes – similar but more effective than liposomes, which are found in many cosmetic products – allow for a higher concentration and more efficient use of ingredients by helping them cross the skin barrier. [15][16]

DS Labs not only has the right ingredients to combat hair loss while improving hair density, but it also has the best method for getting those ingredients to the right place.

You can also use Revita’s Hair Growth Stimulation Shampoo in conjunction with DS Labs Hair Stimulating Conditioner and Revita Tablets for Hair Revitalization for an enhanced effect.

Bottom Line

Revita’s science-backed technology is second to none and benefits anyone wanting to reverse the effects of hair loss and thinning hair. It’s a powerful-yet-gentle shampoo with proven results.

2. Ultrax Labs Hair Surge – Caffeine Hair Loss Hair Growth Stimulating Shampoo

OK, maybe not the best analogy, but if there were Academy Awards for hair-growth products, Ultrax Labs’ Hair Surge would have its share of Oscars. And the company has only been around since 2012!

Seriously, the stuff works, and it has garnered a lot of attention since being introduced to the market.

It is one of only a few caffeinated hair shampoos made for both sexes. In fact, it has almost as many positive reviews online from women as it does from men, and knowing how much women love their hair, we can tell that this product actually works.

One key reason that Hair Surge is a cut above other so-called hair loss shampoos is that it’s formulated not just as a topical shampoo but as a transdermal one. That means the active ingredients do not just sit on the surface of the skin but are absorbed into the deeper tissues. 

Average shampoos include a couple of ingredients that are easily washed away before they have any impact on hair loss and hair growth. Hair Surge is also safe for all skin and hair types.

Hair Surge contains three key ingredients: caffeine, ketoconazole, and saw palmetto. As already mentioned, all three are essential ingredients in any shampoo that’s truly designed for hair growth.

It doesn’t contain biotin, but you can always take biotin as a supplement if you absolutely feel that you have to have it.

Remember:

Biotin is only necessary for those who are deficient, but it may lead to healthier hair for all.

Besides, if you still have doubts that Hair Surge actually works, you can sift through the thousands of positive comments and testimonials about it online – and no, they’re not fake..

Yes, Hair Surge is a bit pricier than your average hair loss shampoo, but that’s the point – it’s not your average hair loss shampoo. It’s more expensive, but it also delivers where it matters most, on your head. The extra dollars that you would spend on this product would be worth picking it over a more affordable shampoo that would end in less results.

The folks at Ultrax Labs are s0 confident enough that you’ll see results from Hair Surge that they offer a 90-day money-back guarantee. They don’t make many products – only three in their entire portfolio – but they have a firm belief in their formulas and remain focused on making the best they can be. Sounds like they really know what they’re doing.

3. Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Nizoral will keep the flakes off of your head while keeping hair on it. It’s a proven anti-dandruff fighter – good for even severe cases of those pesky white flakes – but, for our purposes, also able to treat hair loss.

And treat it pretty darn well, at that.

The critical ingredient in Nizoral is ketoconazole, which reduces the effects of DHT and hair follicle inflammation that contributes to hair loss [18]. Ketoconazole also kills fungi that cause dandruff, but there’s not so much that it is toxic (which large amounts of ketoconazole can be).

Some argue that dandruff may contribute to hair loss; while there’s no direct link (scratching is likely the real culprit), it’s certainly worth noting here.  which makes Nizoral’s 2-pronged approach super effective.

Nizoral’s A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo has 1% ketoconazole, but you can get a 2% version of it in the U.S. with a prescription.

You can get the 2% percent version of it in Europe over-the-counter, although usually under a different name.

The beauty of Nizoral is that it performs three tasks simultaneously;1) it cleanses the scalp, 2) its anti-fungal properties combat dandruff, and 3) it blocks androgen receptors to deter hair loss.

Some caution should however be taken when using Nizoral. Some studies have shown that leaving it on your hair for an extended period (i.e., more than five minutes) can cause rashes and irritation. Be careful if you have sensitive skin and always use as directed by the label or a medical professional. Pregnant women should not use Nizoral unless directed to do so by a physician. [19]

It’s certainly worth noting that Nizoral also comes in a tablet form but sustained, long-term use of it (the pill) has the potential to cause liver damage. Besides, oral Nizoral hasn’t been shown to have any benefits for hair loss.

Simply avoid the stuff altogether and stick with the shampoo. No one likes pills anyway.

4. Lipogaine Big 5 All-Natural Shampoo

What’s in a name? Well, that depends on what or who you’re talking about, but the name is meaningful when discussing Lipogaine’s Big 5 All-Natural Shampoo (which is different from its Big 3 option).

The Big 5 shampoo is a newer addition to the Lipogaine product line, and its five primary ingredients are biotin, caffeine, argan oil, castor oil, and saw palmetto – all of which help to fight hair loss.

A quick word on argan and castor oil: they are useful for treating hair loss and promoting hair growth because they promote the health of the scalp by reducing inflammation and moisturizing. Even better still, argan oil helps the other active ingredients penetrate the skin more effectively. [20][21]

It does not include ketoconazole, unlike the Big 3 version, at least according to its list of ingredients.

The rest of the ingredients are the same for Lipogaine Big 5 and Big 3 and work together to strengthen and nourish hair while preventing thinning and breakage.

Included in the long list of organic ingredients are rosemary oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, green tea, cedarwood oil, and more. These ingredients are cleansing, nourishing, and can contribute to the hair growth process by growing out your natural hair using natural methods. 

One of the positives of buying a hair-loss shampoo that contains most of the essential ingredients in fighting hair loss is that separately purchasing the ingredients isn’t cost-effective.

A bottle of castor oil is in the $20 to $30 range, for instance.

Lipogaine’s Big 5 is suitable for men and women and also safe to use on color-treated hair. It also comes with a 100% money-back guarantee.

5. Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo

Earlier, we talked about the positive effect that caffeine has on stopping the spread of hair loss.

It’s the primary active ingredient in Alpecin’s excellent caffeine shampoo, which many users say produce the kind of results they’ve long sought.

Alpecin works, scientifically-speaking, by using caffeine to reduce DHT – a key factor in hair loss.

It also stimulates hair growth directly from the roots because its active ingredients (namely caffeine) help hair follicles grow faster while providing strength and volume to your hair. This encourages an increased rate of hair growth and the overall hair thickness, making the shafts stronger and more difficult to break off from the roots. 

The caffeine included in Alpecin absorbs quickly into the scalp and covers the hair follicle from tip to root. You only need to leave the shampoo on for a couple of minutes to get its full effects before rinsing it off.

But back to how it works: Alpecin doesn’t cause new hair growth. It only stimulates the growth of existing hair, which means that hair follicles that have been inactive can be made active again, resulting in noticeable hair growth in certain areas. 

However, it nourishes and stimulates hair follicles that have, generally speaking, become dormant over time and contributed to the effects of male pattern baldness. It strengthens the roots of your hair and prevents follicles from falling out easily.

Besides treating hair loss, Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo is also able to treat scalp-related issues such as dandruff and itchy, sensitive skin. It’s also safe to use on any skin type and effective for combating the effects of all kinds of hair loss.

Alpecin is a German-based company that’s hardly new to the hair-loss game; after all, they’ve been around since 1905. They offer a variety of products designed to treat hair loss, including an after-shampoo liquid.

6. Classic Lipogaine Big 3 Hair Loss Prevention Shampoo

We’ve already included Lipogaine’s Big 5 Hair Loss Shampoo on our list, but their Big 3 shampoo is worthy of inclusion as well. And that leads to the inevitable questions of, 1) what’s the difference between the two, and 2) which one is better?

Both questions are simple enough to answer. You’ll find the main differences in a side-by-side comparison of each product’s ingredients; Big 3 contains ketoconazole, which the Big 5 does not, while the Big 5 adds natural ingredients such as argan oil and saw palmetto.

Which one is better? That’s a tough call and, without trying to dodge the question, our view is that you need to see which one works best for you. All bodies are unique and respond differently, making it difficult to predict exactly which shampoo and skincare products would work best with every individual.

Both of these shampoos are packed with proven ingredients. Which is most effective will come down to how each individual reacts and the proper hair care regimen they follow.

That being said, the Big 3 is a classic version of a great all-around product, and you should see similar results from the Big 3 and Big 5.

If you’ve tried both, let us know which one you preferred in the comments below!

The most notable ingredients of the Big 3 are biotin (vitamin B7), castor oil, and emu oil.

We have discussed the first two. The latter helps defend against a variety of scalp and skin issues, including inflammation and allergic reactions—strange but true! [22][23][24]

In addition to fighting inflammation, It also moisturizes the skin.

While you could buy all three ingredients separately, it wouldn’t be very cost-effective, and why bother if you can purchase them in a product designed for hair loss?

Lipogaine’s Big 3, like the Big 5, is mild and free of harsh chemicals, and also is safe for color-treated hair, as well as all hair types. Another thing we like about it is that it comes with a full 90-day money-back guarantee.

5 Tips for using hair loss shampoo the most effective way (A simple, illustrated guide)

Wet your hair, slap on some shampoo, massage it down to the scalp, rinse – that’s all there is to using shampoo of any kind, right?

Well, sort of, but there’s more to it than that, including how you should apply hair loss shampoos such as those we’ve listed above. The following are things to consider before you begin a hair loss shampoo regimen.

1. How soon is too soon?

Most hair and hair loss experts agree that you can start using hair loss shampoo as soon as you notice a loss of hair.

Well over half of all men experience hair loss by age 35 and many others by age 21. The bottom line: there’s no reason to wait. The earlier you get started, the better.

2. Let the shampoo soak a bit

The method for applying hair loss shampoo is the same as regular shampoo, i.e., you apply it to wet hair, massage it into the scalp and rinse it.

The difference with hair-loss shampoos, however, is that you should leave them in for a longer time before rinsing.

Doing so ensures that their ingredients reach your hair’s roots and scalp, where they have the biggest impact.

3. Massage it in

Take your time when massaging your shampoo into your hair and scalp. Hair pros recommend a one to three-minute massage to let the ingredients soak in. Always ensure that the shampoo reaches your scalp and not just your hair, as you need it to treat not just the damaged hair, but also an unhealthy or itchy scalp and the hair follicles on it. 

P

Plus, massaging your scalp with cleansing shampoos increases blood flow to your scalp, stimulatinges it and may sparking those dormant hair follicles to return to action.

4. How often?

The best hair loss shampoos are gentle enough so that you can use them multiple times a week.

Nizoral, however, is most effective when used only a few times a week (and should be left on the hair for three to five minutes before rinsing).

But you can also alternate Nizoral with another type of hair loss shampoo – such as the Lipogaine products or Alpecin’s Caffeine shampoo – for an effective one-two hair loss fighting punch.

Use Nizoral two to three times a week while using your other hair loss shampoo on the other days.

Or, if you want to keep things simple, you can use a product such as Revita or Ultrax Hair Surge as your all-in-one shampoo because they contain ketoconazole and won’t be too harsh on your hair. This will ensure that your scalp grows stronger hair that is more resistant to hair breakage and shedding.

5. Read the instructions & list of ingredients

When in doubt, read the usage recommendations found on your hair loss shampoo’s container.

Those recommendations are there to ensure that you get the best results from your shampoo without causing damage to your scalp or hair.

Also, always pay attention to a product’s list of ingredients to make sure that it doesn’t contain something which may cause an allergic reaction.

Finally, consult with your doctor before using a hair loss shampoo while you’re pregnant.

Most hair loss shampoos are safe for expecting mothers because their ingredients aren’t absorbed into the bloodstream. Nizoral being an exception here as it is unknown if ketoconazole can affect a developing fetus.

Always read the label or follow your healthcare provider’s advice.

Pro tip:

A healthcare provider’s recommendation trumps the label. Consult your dermatologist before trying out anything that might have any kind of side effects on you or your baby. 

A bit about women and hair loss

Hair loss can be devastating to many men, but perhaps even more so for women, who have often suffered in silence. But the fact is, women make up nearly 40 percent of hair-loss sufferers in the United States. While male pattern baldness is more common in women, it is also more socially acceptable, and the loss of hair in women can be damaging in more ways than one.

The psychological damage associated with hair loss is, for one hundred percent of many women, extensive, especially in a society where hair-loss in men – though usually unwanted – is more or less an accepted fact of life.

What’s equally frustrating for women is that their hair loss is not as clearly understood as hair loss in men affecting not only the attitude people have toward it but also the number of product options available for them to deal with.

According to an article from dermentz.org, female pattern baldness “…presents itself quite differently from the more recognizable male pattern baldness.” [25]

The same article also says that it’s uncommon for women to follow a male pattern unless there is excessive production of androgens in her body.

Some factors that are thought to play a role in female hair loss include high androgen birth control pills, menopause, pregnancy, ovarian cysts, and other factors tied to the actions of hormones.

The American Hair Loss Association said it’s essential that women who have a history of hair loss in their family be made aware of the potential effects of birth control pills on normal hair growth. [26]

Since the amount of research conducted on this and the information available to the world at this point is limited, hair loss products and anything else being used for ensuring a healthy scalp should always be tried and tested first. 

Why we chose these products for our list of best hair loss shampoo

We talked about it earlier: while many hair loss shampoos claim to be the real deal, some fall on the side of snake oil. If you want a full head of hair, you will need to put in the proper research to know the ones that work from the ones that don’t. Luckily, we’ve done that for you. 

It’s often challenging to sort through the many reviews to find out what’s fake and what’s not.

All that said, our primary consideration for choosing hair loss shampoos for our list was whether it produced actual results.

We also acknowledge that what might work for someone may not work for another, but we’re interested in the overall picture. Based on your requirements, there are hair regrowth shampoos on this list suited for everyone. 

Perhaps not surprisingly, the “big names” in the hair loss game – Revita, Lipogaine, Nizoral, etc. – made the grade, in part, because they’ve accumulated years of successful results. These shampoos have proven their effectiveness as reliable shampoos for hair growth and can be trusted based on their ingredients and reviews. 

I personally use Revita 5 times a week and Nizoral on the remaining 2 days (Wednesdays and Sundays) and can attest that my hairline hasn’t moved back a hair since. Some of it even grew back.

I’m also on finasteride and a form of minoxidil, which I would highly encourage you to be on if you have aggressive male pattern baldness, like me. You can read all about the finasteride, minoxidil, and ketoconazole combo here.

Conclusion

Be careful when it comes to choosing the best shampoo for hair growth and thickening. There are plenty of companies out there that make lofty claims  about hair loss and hair growth shampoos but don’t walk the walk.

Finding one that works for you will take some research and even trial-and-error, but the five we’ve listed here should serve you well. A lot of research has been put into the ingredients and the working of all these options, and we believe that there could definitely be a product on this list that can help you get fuller hair while also battling problems like dry hair. 

We’d love to hear your comments regarding hair loss shampoos and which ones promote healthy hair growth. We want to hear what you think, and we promise to respond promptly. If you know someone who is struggling with hair loss, share this article with them, and feel free to check out our other articles if you’re interested in similar topics, as well!

References

1. Rafi, A. W., and R. M. Katz. “Pilot Study of 15 Patients Receiving a New Treatment Regimen for Androgenic Alopecia: The Effects of Atopy on AGA.” ISRN Dermatology 2011 (2011). https://doi.org/10.5402/2011/241953.
2. Rajput, Rajendrasingh J. “Controversy: Is There a Role for Adjuvants in the Management of Male Pattern Hair Loss?” Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery 3, no. 2 (2010): 82–86. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-2077.69016.
3. Jiang, Ju, Ryoji Tsuboi, Yuko Kojima, and Hideoki Ogawa. “Topical Application of Ketoconazole Stimulates Hair Growth in C3H/HeN Mice.” The Journal of Dermatology 32, no. 4 (2005): 243–47. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1346-8138.2005.tb00756.x.
4. Fischer, T. W., E. Herczeg-Lisztes, W. Funk, D. Zillikens, T. Bíró, and R. Paus. “Differential Effects of Caffeine on Hair Shaft Elongation, Matrix and Outer Root Sheath Keratinocyte Proliferation, and Transforming Growth Factor-Β2/Insulin-like Growth Factor-1-Mediated Regulation of the Hair Cycle in Male and Female Human Hair Follicles in Vitro.” The British Journal of Dermatology 171, no. 5 (November 2014): 1031–43. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.13114.
5. Fischer, T. W., U. C. Hipler, and P. Elsner. “Effect of Caffeine and Testosterone on the Proliferation of Human Hair Follicles in Vitro.” International Journal of Dermatology 46, no. 1 (January 2007): 27–35. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-4632.2007.03119.x.
6. Sboros, Marika. “Baldness Cure Close? Caffeine CAN Halt Hair Loss, Says German Scientist.” BizNews.Com (blog), March 7, 2015. https://www.biznews.com/health/2015/03/07/baldness-cure-close-caffeine-can-halt-hair-loss-says-german-scientist.
7. Otberg, N., A. Teichmann, U. Rasuljev, R. Sinkgraven, W. Sterry, and J. Lademann. “Follicular Penetration of Topically Applied Caffeine via a Shampoo Formulation.” Skin Pharmacology and Physiology 20, no. 4 (2007): 195–98. https://doi.org/10.1159/000101389.
8. El‐Esawy, Fatma Mohamed, Mohamed Saber Hussein, and Amira Ibrahim Mansour. “Serum Biotin and Zinc in Male Androgenetic Alopecia.” Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 18, no. 5 (2019): 1546–49. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12865.
9. Glynis, Ablon. “A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study Evaluating the Efficacy of an Oral Supplement in Women with Self-Perceived Thinning Hair.” The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology 5, no. 11 (November 2012): 28–34.
10. Patel, Deepa P., Shane M. Swink, and Leslie Castelo-Soccio. “A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss.” Skin Appendage Disorders 3, no. 3 (2017): 166–69. https://doi.org/10.1159/000462981.
11. El‐Esawy, Fatma Mohamed, Mohamed Saber Hussein, and Amira Ibrahim Mansour. “Serum Biotin and Zinc in Male Androgenetic Alopecia.” Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 18, no. 5 (2019): 1546–49. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12865.
12. Bandaranayake, Ilian, and Paradi Mirmirani. “Hair Loss Remedies—Separating Fact From Fiction,” n.d., 8.
13. Arca, Ercan, Gürol Açıkgöz, Yıldıray Yeniay, and Ercan Caliskan. “The Evaluation of Efficacy and Safety of Topical Saw Palmetto and Trichogen Veg Complex for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men.” Turkish Journal of Dermatology / Türk Dermatoloji Dergisi 8 (December 5, 2014): 210–15. https://doi.org/10.4274/tdd.2302.
14. Noronha, Regine Lucia. “Perception_Study,” 2010. https://cdn2.shopify.com/s/files/1/0028/2935/3030/files/Perception_Study_58fe0d61-aab5-4fcb-bc0b-daf79ec3d0d3.pdf?30954.
15. González-Rodríguez, M. L., and A. M. Rabasco. “Charged Liposomes as Carriers to Enhance the Permeation through the Skin.” Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery 8, no. 7 (July 1, 2011): 857–71. https://doi.org/10.1517/17425247.2011.574610.
16. DS Healthcare Group. “Science.” Accessed July 6, 2020. https://dslaboratories.com/pages/science.
17. Gensco Pharma. “The Difference Between Topical and Transdermal Medications,” March 29, 2017. https://genscopharma.com/difference-topical-transdermal-medications/.
18. Jiang, Ju, Ryoji Tsuboi, Yuko Kojima, and Hideoki Ogawa. “Topical Application of Ketoconazole Stimulates Hair Growth in C3H/HeN Mice.” The Journal of Dermatology 32, no. 4 (2005): 243–47. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1346-8138.2005.tb00756.x.
19. RxList. “Side Effects of Nizoral Shampoo (Ketoconazole 2%), Warnings, Uses.” Accessed September 19, 2020. https://www.rxlist.com/nizoral-shampoo-side-effects-drug-center.htm.
20. Vieira, Celme, Stefano Evangelista, Rocco Cirillo, Annalisa Lippi, Carlo Alberto Maggi, and Stefano Manzini. “Effect of Ricinoleic Acid in Acute and Subchronic Experimental Models of Inflammation.” Mediators of Inflammation. Hindawi, 2000. https://doi.org/10.1080/09629350020025737.
21. Lin, Tzu-Kai, Lily Zhong, and Juan Luis Santiago. “Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences 19, no. 1 (January 2018): 70. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19010070.
22. Snowden, J. M., and M. W. Whitehouse. “Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Emu Oils in Rats.” InflammoPharmacology 5, no. 2 (June 1, 1997): 127–32. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10787-997-0021-x.
23. Afshar, Mohammad, Reza Ghaderi, Mahmoud Zardast, and Parvin Delshad. “Effects of Topical Emu Oil on Burn Wounds in the Skin of Balb/c Mice.” Dermatology Research and Practice 2016 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/6419216.
24. Jeengar, Manish Kumar, P. Sravan Kumar, Dinesh Thummuri, Shweta Shrivastava, Lalita Guntuku, Ramakrishna Sistla, and V. G. M. Naidu. “Review on Emu Products for Use as Complementary and Alternative Medicine.” Nutrition 31, no. 1 (January 1, 2015): 21–27. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nut.2014.04.004.
25. “Female Pattern Hair Loss | DermNet NZ.” Accessed September 19, 2020. https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/female-pattern-hair-loss/.
26. “American Hair Loss Association – Women’s Hair Loss / Oral Contraceptives.” Accessed September 19, 2020. https://www.americanhairloss.org/women_hair_loss/oral_contraceptives.html.

You might also like:

How to Stop Hair Loss in Men & Women Using These 15 Methods

Best Minoxidil Products for Men & Women to Regrow Hair

Best Natural DHT Blockers for Men & Women That Work

Can Dandruff Be Responsible For Hair Loss?

Why Am I Going Bald? Here’s A Closer Look…

Best Seborrheic Dermatitis Shampoos that Work

The post 6 Best Hair Loss Shampoos for Men & Women That Work [2022] appeared first on Balding & Beards.