After 12 hours of research evaluating 95 products, we picked Brickell Daily Strengthening Shampoo as our top choice.
Your hair is your crowning glory. That saying isn’t just true for women, it’s valid for men’s hair too. Caring for natural black hair isn’t as complicated as people may think but you do need the right tools for the job.
Hands down, the Brickell Daily Strengthening Shampoo is our winner. Although it is on the pricier side compared to K + S Salon Quality Men’s Shampoo and Maple Holistics Biotin Shampoo, you get your money’s worth as it practically does all in one.
The shampoo is made with 97% natural ingredients and 83% organic ingredients that safely nourish the hair. It thickens hair, shines it, and improves texture. With its deep-cleansing abilities, you’re guaranteed better re-growth! Unlike K +S and Maple, there’s less risk of Brickell drying out hair in the long run.
RELATED: 14 Best Conditioners for Men
#1 Best Shampoo for Men Overall
Brickell Daily Strengthening Shampoo
- Thickens hair and improves texture
- Give yourself the gift of shinier, richer, fuller hair
- Get rid of dandruff and cleanse your scalp
Pros
Increases shine, improves hair thickness, treats your scalp while cleansing, eliminates dandruff, safe for all hair types, formulated using organic and natural ingredients, great lather, and beautiful smell.
Product Ratings
Fragrance
9.5/10
This shampoo produces a thin lather that’s easy to apply to your hair, though it means you’ll have to use a lot to feel like you’ve got enough on your hair. You’ll love the minty smell, compliments of the organic mint and tea tree oil included in the ingredients. The smell isn’t overpowering, but it’s potent enough that you can feel the ingredients doing their work of cleansing your scalp and fighting dandruff.
Ingredients
9.5/10
The shampoo is made with 97% natural ingredients and 83% organic ingredients, including tea tree oil, peppermint oil, Vitamin B5, Vitamin E, silk amino acids, and Vitamin E. These potent ingredients will help to not only counteract dandruff and excessive skin oils, but they can stimulate circulation in the scalp and increase follicle activity. The result: better natural hair re-growth!
Value
9.5/10
At $20 for an 8-ounce bottle, this is shampoo is on the pricier side, but well worth it if you’re looking for something natural to improve your hair health and restore some of the lost texture and fullness.
Overall Editor Score
9.5/10
#2 Best Dandruff Shampoo for Men
K + S Salon Quality Men’s Shampoo
- Leaves hair smoother and shinier, without the use of conditioner
- Eliminates dandruff and itchy scalp
- Has a refreshing tingling feeling and minty smell
Pros
A dandruff-eliminating shampoo that leaves the scalp feeling refreshed and less irritated.
Product Ratings
Fragrance
9.5/10
We love this shampoo because it smells good like a man should. We’re pretty sure you’re going to love it too. The all-natural fragrance, pepperment oil, gives your hair a fresh and clean minty smell. The peppermint scent isn’t overpowering but it is refreshing and will help with clearing your sinuses.
Ingredients
9.5/10
We love the fact that this shampoo is made in the USA and it does not contain a bunch of chemically-based ingredients. Also, it is 100% additive-free and isn’t tested on animals. This shampoo’s main ingredients include a rich blend of tea tree oil and peppermint oil. Tea tree oil has been used for hundreds of years because of it’s dandruff-fighting properties. In fact, according to the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, a study found that tea tree oil has antifungal properties that have been proven to treat dandruff. And that also makes it the perfect ingredient for treating a dry, itchy scalp. As an added bonus, the peppermint oil leaves your scalp with an invigorating tingle that men say calms the irritation.
Value
9.5/10
The cost of this shampoo is rougly $12 for a 16-ounce bottle. Although it is a little more than your average drugstore shampoo, you’re paying for quality ingredients. Not to mention, a small amount of shampoo provides a lot of lather. The good news is it’s backed with a full money-back guarantee. So if you don’t love it you can request a full refund. But, chances are you will be 100% happy with the results you get from it. The brand Krieger and Sohne also makes a conditioner, forming so be sure to check out the full line of products.
So if you’ve been searching for the right shampoo for treating dandruff – consider yourself done.
Overall Editor Score
9.5/10
#3 Best Shampoo for Thinning Hair
Maple Holistics Biotin Shampoo
- An effective shampoo to thicken and speed up hair growth
- Packed with critical nutrients, including B vitamins and zinc
- Improves hair health, may slow hair thinning
Pros
Excellent for nourishing hair, may slow hair loss or thinning, rich in hair-thickening B vitamins, gets rid of flakes and dandruff, stimulates hair follicles, improves circulation to scalp, all natural ingredients, non-GMO, and suitable for all hair types.
Product Ratings
Fragrance
9.5/10
You get a very pleasant smell with this shampoo—as one user put it, a “chemically fresh” scent. This is the result of the tea tree oil, jojoba oil, rosemary extract, and other naturally nice-smelling ingredients. The shampoo is free of any artificial fragrances that could irritate your skin.
One user compared its texture to “honey”, and you’ll find it’s a thick shampoo that goes a long way with just a small dollop per use.
Ingredients
9.5/10
This shampoo is made with 11 nutrient-rich botanical ingredients, including green tea extract, tea tree oil, jojoba oil, rosemary extract, argan oil, and coconut oil. It’s also loaded with zinc, which can decrease inflammation and improve scalp circulation, as well as pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5), one of the vitamins your hair and scalp need to be healthy. It’s loaded with biotin (Vitamin H), which has proven effective for improving hair health and may even be able to slow (in some cases, even reverse) hair thinning and loss.
The ingredients are all natural and non-GMO, and the shampoo is hypoallergenic and free of sulfates and parabens.
Value
9.5/10
At $12, this is a well-priced shampoo! The 8-ounce bottle may be a bit smaller than average, but considering the potency of the shampoo, it’s definitely one worth trying.
Overall Editor Score
9.5/10
#4 Best All Natural Shampoo
Art Naturals Daily Argan Oil Shampoo
- Hair looks cleaner and healthier after one use
- Doesn’t leave behind an oily residue
- Makes hair shinier and easier to manage
Pros
All-natural, sulfate and paraben-free shampoo that is reasonably priced. Plus, it smells AMAZING and makes your hair feel magically soft.
Product Ratings
Fragrance
9.5/10
The product has a fragrance that can be described as either like “vanilla and honey” or “rose-y” (men can smell pretty too!), but it’s so subtle you can hardly smell it. Because it works for both men and women, and doesn’t have much of a fragrance, you can expect your girlfriend or wife to use it without telling you. We suggest sharing – or hiding it if you’re no good at the sharing thing.
Ingredients
9.5/10
This baby is pumped full of everything good for your hair and doesn’t have anything you don’t want. And, when we say full, we mean it. All of the ingredients are 100% natural and fair trade – including the Moroccan and Jojoba oil, which are the two active ingredients. As the Moroccan oil conditions, the Jojoba oil soothes the scalp and promotes hair growth. So, for those of you with some thinning up on top, this product is perfect for you.
Value
9.5/10
At $14.95 for 16 ounces, this shampoo is one of the pricier ones on our list. But considering the A-list ingredients, you can justify paying the extra amount, and you won’t be disappointed in the results. This product also comes with a reliable guarantee, so you know they’re serious.
Overall Editor Score
9.5/10
#5 Best All-in-One Men’s Shampoo
American Crew Classic 3-in-1 Shampoo Plus Conditioner
- Excellent all in-one product (shampoo, conditioner, and body wash)
- Great value for the size of the bottle, great for traveling
- “Just what a guy in a hurry needs, conditioner and shampoo, rinse and you’re outta there”
Pros
An efficient all-in-one shampoo, conditioner, and body wash perfect for travel or the gym. Smells great, good value, and highly effective!
Product Ratings
Fragrance
9.5/10
The consistency of this product feels like the typical body wash or shampoo. And, for those of you who are familliar with and fans of the American Crew classic scent, you’ll be happy knowing this shampoo has the same scent.
Ingredients
9.5/10
The active ingredients in this product include Sage Leaf Extract, Dimethicone, Citric Acid, and Sodium Chloride. Although none of the ingredients are natural or organic, they get the job done. The Sage Leaf Extract cleans and stimulates the hair and scalp while the sodium chloride softens the skin. And if you’re wondering what in the world Dimethicone is, it conditions and adds shine to hair.
Value
9.5/10
At just around $18 for a 33.8 ounce bottle, this is one of the best-priced items on our list. You’ll get a quality cleansing product that will moisturize and condition your hair, and comes at a price you’ll be happy to pay every time.
Overall Editor Score
9.5/10
#6 Best Budget Shampoo
Dove Men+Care 2 in 1 Shampoo and Conditioner
- A two-in-one—double the effectiveness at half the price!
- Makes your hair thicker, stronger, and healthier
- A good product at a great price
Pros
Four bottles for $17, anti-dandruff formula, highly-recommended product, eliminates scalp flakes, strengthens hair, smells great, may help slow hair thinning, combination shampoo and conditioner, formulated specifically for men’s hair, and menthol effect.
Product Ratings
Fragrance
9.5/10
The fragrance is heavy on the menthol, and there’s even the mentholated (chilling) effect after you wash and condition. However, there are a few artificial fragrances added, so it has a nicely fresh scent that you’ll find very pleasant.
The texture isn’t too thick or thin, but is rich and smooth—easy to apply to your hair. Some users claim that it leaves your hair feeling a bit greasy, but ultimately the nutrients improve the texture and thickness of your hair.
Ingredients
9.5/10
The main active ingredients in this shampoo are menthol, caffeine, and Zinc pyrithione. Menthol helps to disinfect and cleanse, caffeine stimulates better circulation, and Zinc pyrithione is an antibacterial ingredient highly effective at treating seborrhoeic dermatitis, a skin condition that causes dandruff-like flaky scales on your scalp. All in all, it leaves your hair much healthier, richer, and free of dandruff.
Value
9.5/10
At $17 for four 12-ounce bottles, you won’t find better value than this! If you want to treat your dandruff at rock-bottom prices, this is your top pick.
Overall Editor Score
9.5/10
#7 Best Shampoo for Daily Use
Baxter of California Daily Fortifying Shampoo
- Soft mint scent
- Keeps hair soft and manageable
- Contains essential nutrients for healthy hair
Pros
This cleansing and strengthening shampoo is a must-have. The minty scent leaves your hair feeling fresh and clean, while the nutrient-rich formula leaves hair healthy and ready to take on the day.
Product Ratings
Fragrance
9.1/10
One of the features that everyone seems to love is the scent of this shampoo. It has a mild yet refreshing mint scent that leaves hair smelling fresh and naturally clean.
Ingredients
9.2/10
This shampoo is packed with nutrients, including wheat protein, coconut extract, and vitamin E. These nutrients work to strengthen and soften hair, as well as product hair growth. Have a dry scalp? No problem, this formula works as a remedy for dry scalp thanks to the nourishing coconut extract.
Value
9.1/10
The price is definitely a little steep, with 16 fl oz selling for $32, but you have to remember that you’re getting what you pay for. This shampoo is perfect for daily use and is going to leave your hair healthier and stronger than ever. You only need a little meaning that one bottle should last for quite a while. And it’s worth noting that several reviewers who looked elsewhere for cheaper shampoo always wound up coming back to this brand.
Overall Editor Score
9.1/10
Shampoo for Black Men Tips & Advice
You need the proper tools if you want your naturally black hair to flourish. Black men have naturally dry, curly hair so you need products that can nourish and condition.
What to look for in a shampoo for black men?
Your hair type is more prone to damage than others so you should be using a shampoo that has nourishing and repairing ingredients. Look for ingredients like castor, olive, coconut, and jojoba oil. These would help lock in moisture better to keep your strands from being dry and fragile.
Not only do you want to treat your hair strands right, but you need to take care of your scalp too to facilitate healthy growth. With the number of conditioners, treatments, and other leave-on products that you might be using, make sure that you give your scalp a deep yet gentle clean to prevent product build-up. Look for a shampoo that targets scalp health, too.
Haircare tips for black men
If you want to keep your natural hair shiny and healthy, there are simple steps that you can do aside from choosing the right shampoo.
1. Stop shampooing every day
Shampooing rids your hair and scalp of dirt, but it also strips off natural oils and moisture that your hair needs to be healthy. On days when you don’t go out or sweat a lot, skip the shampoo. Your hair would be thankful for the quick break.
2. Moisturize and condition
Dryness is the enemy of natural black men’s hair as it leads to frizz and breakage. You can counter dryness by moisturizing and deep conditioning. Using conditioners, hair serums, hair masks, or even leave-on treatments would help hydrate your strands to keep your hair looking shiny and healthy.
3. Avoid product build-up
Moisturizing and conditioning are essential steps to hair health, but it can lead to product build-up in the scalp. You can manage this by choosing a shampoo that targets clearing your scalp. You can also buy a dedicated clarifying shampoo to be used occasionally, or an exfoliating scalp scrub to help deep clean once in a while.
4. Avoid heat styling
If you straighten your hair with a hot iron or use a blow dryer with a hot air setting, you may be subjecting your hair to heat damage. Stop to avoid it altogether if you can, or at least use a protective serum if it can be helped.
5. Protect your hair while sleeping
Speaking of protecting, a silk hair cap is not just for women. Men can benefit from hair caps too to reduce the friction between their hair and pillowcases. An added bonus: it can help your hair serums absorb better, too!
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best shampoo for black people?
Natural black hair is texturally unique, but the pattern often ranges from slight kinks to tightly coiled curls. Black people tend to have drier, more porous hair that retains moisture. It looks strong but it is actually quite fragile. To find the best shampoo for black people, you’d want to look for something that is nourishing and deep conditioning. The Brickell Daily Strengthening Shampoo is our top pick because it is formulated using organic and natural ingredients that are great for natural black hair. It increases shine and improves hair thickness, and can clean the scalp without drying it out.
How do black men take care of their hair?
As a black man, the most important thing to do to care for your hair is to moisturize it everyday. Natural black hair has a greater tendency of drying out. Aside from using the best shampoo, hydrating conditioning cremes are a good addition to your hair care routine, too. Shampooing less frequently also helps.
What are the best hair care products for African American?
Grooming African American hair does take more effort than other hair types but it’s not an impossible feat. Aside from choosing a good natural shampoo, a deep conditioner that delivers superior moisture and hydration will guarantee good hair days. Ingredients like shea butter as well as castor, olive, tea tree, and jojoba oil are good candidates that you should look for. If you have especially tighter coils, a paddle brush with wider spaces can help you maintain and style your hair texture.
