As barbers in Denver, we get a lot of questions. “Will you just fix my at-home haircut?” is a common one. But near the top of the list is definitely “What is the best shampoo for men?” That’s a wonderful question because it’s just as important as your new haircut from our shop.

Take a walk down an aisle in a grocery store, and you’ll find that you have a lot of choices before you. Rather than just grabbing a bottle that looks good or costs less than its competitor, it’s often a good idea to wait and choose a product that will actually work well for you. Choosing the best men's shampoo is one of the best ways to keep your hair healthy and looking its best.

What Constitutes a Good or a Poor-Quality Shampoo?

First of all, let's get back to basics. A good shampoo should have one job, and that's to clean your hair without removing the natural oils that it produces. This fluid is known as sebum, and it's an absolute necessity in order to keep your hair healthy.

There’s a common ingredient in several cheap shampoos that you might want to steer clear of altogether. This is known as sodium lauryl sulfate or SLS. This is a harsh detergent that will give you a lot of foam when you use it, so much so that you might just confuse that with a clean. In reality, it’s a bit too harsh, leading to your hair being stripped of its natural protective oils.

An effective shampoo incorporates mild cleansers. This may or may not produce a lot of foam, but it will clean as well as get rid of product buildup without damaging your hair. You want to seek out ingredients that clean and care for your hair and scalp.

How to Choose for Your Hair Type

“The best” shampoo is definitely not one that fits all, as it's completely hair and scalp-specific. We get a lot of guys in our dry Denver weather for whom extra moisturizing is a necessity, but your situation may be different.

For Oily Hair

Firstly, if your hair is prone to becoming greasy within a day after washing, it is a sign that your hair needs a balanced shampoo that will regulate its oil output. You will need a clarifying shampoo that will easily get rid of all that extra oil without causing too much damage to your hair.

For Dry or Frizzy Hair

For your hair when it's been feeling coarse, frizzy, or straw-like, you will require a moisturizing shampoo. This type of hair product is full of nourishing elements that will work well at restoring your hair's smooth texture. You may also find that you do not have to wash your hair daily, but perhaps several days a week at most.

For Thinning Hair

Thinning hair is a concern that you may want to turn to a volume or thickening shampoo, depending upon your needs. This type of product will work to expand your hair strands, making your hair look fuller and denser. It will not weigh your hair down, either.

For a Flaky Scalp

A flaky or dry scalp, also known as dandruff, needs a medicated or specialty shampoo. Products containing ingredients that target a flaky or itchy scalp are best. Be sure to read and follow all instructions that come with a particular brand of flaky or itchy scalp product.

Finding Your Perfect Match

An often overlooked but highly beneficial means of improving your grooming game is selecting the best male hair shampoo. By learning about how a good shampoo is defined and learning about your individual type of hair, you'll no longer have to settle for nondescript shampoos in your grocery store's beauty aisle and will be able to choose one that makes your hair look its absolute best.

Can't seem to choose a good one? Ask your barber at Frank’s Gentlemen’s Salon when you're in the chair again - we’re always here to assist you with barber shop services and can recommend the best shampoo for men for your needs!