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There are a number of shampoos out there on the market for you to choose from. So, from everything from shampoos specializing in odor care to those rich in amino acids for a gentle wash, just which ones stand out above the rest?
Our editors searched Japanese e-commerce sites (Amazon, Rakuten, etc.) for the most popular selling men's shampoos and put them to the test to give you our highest recommendations!
Under the supervision of a hair specialist, we inspected each shampoo for the following 5 criteria.
So, which ones stood their ground to become our choice for best buy? Take a look at our results as well as our hair specialist's "Correct Way to Shampoo" explanation for the next time you decide to buy!
In 1994, while head of R&D for hair care products, Inoue established the International Research Institute for Hair and Skin Science. Their main research themes are shampooing and hair restoration. Mr. Inoue gives lectures at cancer treatment wards all over Japan and at over 7,000 salons as well as other medical treatment seminars. Recently he has appeared on TV and in magazines.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Here we have 3 points we would like everyone to consider when choosing their men's shampoo.
It wouldn't be an overstatement to say that all shampoos consist mainly of water and a cleansing agent. That is why you should put importance on which cleansing agent is used in each shampoo before purchasing it.
It's important to determine what kind of hair and scalp you have and make your decision based on the following points.
For those of you with an itchy scalp or think that regular men's shampoos just don't do the trick, we recommend using a shampoo rich in amino acids. Although they have low foam-ability and weak cleaning power, you'll find them easy on the scalp.
To get better results, try lathering up well and rinsing for at least 3 minutes.
There are a lot of different kinds of amino acids present in shampoos so use the list below as a reference. Spoiler: they often contain the words cocoyl- and lauroyl:
ーLow foam-ability and weak cleaning powerー
ーComparatively better foam-abilityー
High grade alcohol shampoos come with plenty of cleaning power and foam-ability at a low price. However, you'll find that they're not as comfortable to use as other composite shampoos on the market. Actually, these shampoos tend to permeate and irritate the scalp, possibly causing damage.
You'll be fine using it every day during the summer when you sweat more often, but we recommend only once in a while during winter and other dry months. Sodium laureth sulfate is the ingredient you should watch out for.
When most people think of soap, they think of it being gentle to the skin; but that is not the case when it comes to shampoos.
Soap-based shampoos are known to cling to hair and be difficult to rinse out. After using it, you'll notice that your hair is in fact smooth, but only due residue left on the hair that acts like a coating. The more you use it, the more damage you'll do to your hair and scalp so we recommend avoiding it at all costs.
Don't damage your scalp just to get a clean, refreshing wash! Choose something gentle to the hair and scalp by checking your shampoo for these harmful ingredients.
Salicylic acid just one ingredient that prevents the growth of bacteria. You can find antibacterials in some medicinal shampoos to relieve dandruff or itchiness, but salicylic acid in particular is highly irritating to your scalp.
If you continue to irritate a healthy scalp every day with a germicide, not only will dandruff and itchiness persist; if you happen to get some in your eyes while showering, it'll cause inflammation and discomfort.
We recommend those of you with healthy scalps to avoid any shampoo that contains salicylic acid. If for some reason you insist on using one, try to only use it on days you feel you have the most dirt and grease on your scalp.
Next, we have menthol shampoos, which leave your scalp feeling refreshed right after you use it. But did you know that this feeling is caused by oil? This oil coats the scalp causing a cool, refreshing feeling but leaves behind a residue that, when mixed with sweat, can leave your scalp all gross and sticky.
An excess of menthol can clog pores causing harm to your scalp, which is why we recommend avoiding shampoos that contain it. If you do find yourself using one, make sure to rinse it out thoroughly.
It's more or less okay to feel a slight cooling sensation but if you find that your shampoo is causing you pain, this would undoubtedly cause harm to your scalp and should be avoided.
Naturally, there are no problems with shampoos that don't contain additives but sometimes you find one that has artificial coloring.
To tell whether a product contains harmful pigments, just look on the list of ingredients for colors followed by a number. These impure substances are known as tar dyes which can accumulate on the scalp causing damage so you should avoid using shampoos that contain them.
There are shampoos out there that only contain a faint amount of artificial coloring but you should keep an eye out for shampoos that contain caramel, since this coloring agent is made from browned sugar, a natural ingredient.
Shampoo can give you so many more benefits with extra effects! Find one that suits your concerns.
For those of you out there concerned with odor, choose a shampoo specific for getting rid of such odors. If you can find a shampoo that contains Isopropyl Methyl-phenol, you can expect it to have a positive effect on scalp odor.
Non-silicon shampoo is recommended for those concerned with having sticky hair. These shampoos don't contain silicon, which is known for sticking to and coating hair, so you'll be able to avoid having flat hair, even if it's long! It's also good for those who color or perm their hair.
For those of you wishing to try a non-silicon shampoo, make sure it is written on the package. Also, watch out for ingredients such as silica, silyl, silane or siloxane.
Also check for these ingredients:
Parts that aren't coated can cause friction between hairs so I recommend using leave-in treatment on your hair after getting out of the shower.
However, don't apply treatment all the way down to your roots as this will cause your hair to go flat. Just apply it to the tips.
A lot of men's hair waxes have strong holding power and are difficult to wash out with just a single wash. Therefore, we recommend a shampoo especially for getting rid of excess hair product, like hard wax and the like.
Of course, these shampoos have high cleansing power in order to remove wax, so it is not recommended for everyday use - just days when you lather on the product.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Social Tech Chap Up Shampoo | $54.60 High Mid | The Best Japanese Shampoo for Men on the Market! | ||
2 | HMENZ Scalp Shampoo | $21.75 Low | The Best Men's Shampoo for Sensitive Skin | ||
3 | Haru Men's Scalp Pro | $27.88 Low Mid | The Gentlest Shampoo with a Citrus Scent | ||
4 | ACRO THREE for Men Gentling Shampoo | $65.90 High Mid | The Best Natural Shampoo for Men | ||
5 | BOTANIST Botanical Scalp Shampoo | $28.20 Low Mid | The Gentlest Shampoo with the Most Foam | ||
6 | Quattro Botanico Botanical Scalp and Hair Shampoo | $35.85 Mid | The Best Botanical Shampoo for Men | ||
7 | Otsuka Pharmaceuticals ULOS Medicated Scalp Shampoo | $44.88 Mid | A Shampoo That's Great for Removing Sweat and Odor | ||
8 | ORBIS Men's Hair Shampoo | $35.66 Mid | The Best Medicated Shampoo | ||
9 | Zero Plus U-MA Premium Shampoo (Medicated) | $59.75 High Mid | A High-quality Shampoo for Itchiness | ||
10 | Alphaway Mongoryu Shampoo EX | $71.51 High | Not at All Bad but a Little Pricey |
This shampoo may seem a bit expensive when compared to other products, but there are a lot of reasons why the quality matches the price.
First off, it's gentle on the hair and scalp and it keeps moisture in while at the same time getting rid of dirt and grease. The foam is easy to wash out and, even though it's non-silicon, it made our hair nice and smooth.
Although we said it has a fruity rose scent, the scent itself is refreshing enough for men as well making it a great unisex shampoo for the whole family. It's perfect for yourself or to purchase as a gift!
This scalp shampoo brought to you by HMENZ does wonders for the scalp! The most unique ingredient is the so-called plectranthus, which holds in moisture. Its cleaning power isn't so high, but it's great for those with sensitive skin.
The amino acid cleansing formula makes for an invigorating foaming sensation. It takes a bit to wash it all out but it's recommended for those who're busy but would still like to wash every day. It's also quite relaxing with its refreshing tea-like scent.
This shampoo was made intended for those with sensitive scalps, with no harmful chemicals or agents like silicone or mineral oils.
It has moderate cleaning power, making it a sufficient shampoo as long as you don't use any hair styling products or tend to sweat a lot.
With a greasy feel to it, you'll need to rinse it out well. Its mixture of natural moisturizers will help keep the scalp nice and moist. You'll also be able to relax with its light citrus aroma.
This natural cosmetics brand's scalp shampoo is number one in cleaning power without being too harsh on the scalp. With a natural scent like eucalyptus, it's perfect for those who hate cheap-smelling shampoos.
It doesn't have the most immediate foaming action but if you lather it in nicely, you'll no doubt enjoy your shampooing experience!
Easy on the scalp leaving hair smooth without the use of silicon, this shampoo gives you that great bubbly washing experience, with a soap-like scent with a touch of citrus. This scent is versatile and removes unwanted odors.
But since it lacks cleansing power, you might need to wash twice if you feel your scalp is a bit greasy or sticky from sweat, etc.
Here we have a rare botanical shampoo for men. With a base of lemongrass and an accent of black pepper, you'll be entranced by its natural, refreshing scent.
It's easy on the scalp with foaming action that reaches every nook and cranny of your scalp. Though it's a bit more expensive than other shampoos, it's perfect for those wanting to try a botanical shampoo.
This shampoo works to remove dirt and odors from your scalp caused by sweat. Despite being a combination of 2 active ingredients, it's easy on the scalp and comfortable to use.
Although it has a smooth texture much like soft water, it leaves a bit of residue so it's important to rinse thoroughly. With almost no scent at all, it's a great choice for people worried about odors.
This medicated shampoo helps keep dandruff and itchiness in control. Made with no oils or artificial coloring, it's incredibly gentle on your scalp.
Its foam-ability isn't bad but it didn't have very buoyant bubbles. However, it's easy to rinse off without making your skin all slimy. The natural feel it gives your scalp makes washing with it a delight.
U-MA, the shampoo that protects your hair and scalp from dandruff and itchiness. Although it advertises that it's gentle on your scalp, we thought it only deserved a 3.5.
There's a hint of medicinal odor but nothing to shake a stick at - not for those of you hoping to get that relaxing feeling.
Although non-silicon, it allows your hair to feel smooth without the stickiness giving you a fresh, clean feeling.
This shampoo is an amalgamation of over 30 different kinds of natural plant oils, making it perfect for strong hair.
It didn't really excel in much besides smoothness, giving it an average score overall. Being so smooth without containing silicon is a great feature yet we didn't find it worth the actual price.
The ice mint scent of the shampoo is enough to clear the sinuses. What we found surprising was that this cool sensation wasn't harsh at all on the scalp.
With decent foaming action and the cool, refreshing sensation of menthol, this shampoo is incredibly comfortable to use. Pairing it with its conditioner is enough for total care of your hair and scalp.
This shampoo is made from plant extracts and is easy on the hair and scalp. Its cleaning power is not outstanding but you'll be fine if you wash twice.
It takes a while to foam up, but the bubbles are actually very fine and make it easy to rinse. We think it's great for a no-hassle wash.
This shampoo was designed for young, healthy, and voluminous hair.
Cleaning power and gentleness have around average scores, but its foam-ability was something that stood out. We also rather enjoyed its floral scent.
This is a shampoo designed specifically for a man's scalp, giving it that mild yet clean feeling. The instructions say that you should absolutely double-wash with this shampoo; but since we find it a bit drying, we think you could get away with just one.
A great feature of this shampoo is how easy it is on the scalp compared to other scalp shampoos. In exchange for that, it's lacking a bit in cleansing power but is overall recommended for those with sensitive skin.
An amazing 5.0 in smoothness without the use of silicon! It could leave your hair a bit slimy, though, so be sure to rinse thoroughly.
We purchased the top 28 best-selling men's shampoos from Japanese websites like Amazon, Rakuten, etc. and put them to the test!
We tested each product for the following 5 points:
Test ① Comfort Level
Test ② Gentleness
Test ③ Foam-ability
Test ④ Smoothness
Test ⑤ Cleansing Power
First, we tested each product for the most vital of criteria, its comfort level. We gave out each shampoo to our mybest editors so they could put them to the test.
We didn't want what was written on the bottle to impact anyone's judgment so we put them all in clear containers to be tested.
Each shampoo was rated from 0.1 - 5.0 for scent, foam-ability, ease of rinsing, and smoothness, of which the average was taken and used to represent its overall rating for comfort level. We especially checked to see if the scent of each shampoo was accurate to what the makers were boasting.
When people think about medicated shampoos, they often wonder if they leave the hair a bit greasy or whether its foaming action is strong enough.
However, 3 out of the 6 shampoos that scored over a 4.0 in our study turned out to be medicated shampoos! They were all quite effective at protecting against dandruff and itchiness. We recommend them for those of you worried about your scalp as well as your hair in general.
Next, we tested to see how stimulating each shampoo was by conducting a 「protein degeneration test」 using egg whites.
We poured a tiny amount of diluted shampoo on our egg whites, gently mixed it, waited and then placed the cup on a sheet of black paper to observe how cloudy it became.
The more irritating a shampoo was, the cloudier the mixture of egg whites became. The cup on the left in the photo above would receive a rating of about 1.0 while the one on the right would receive a rating of 5.0.
We then checked to see what compounds were being used in each shampoo and for each one we found other than ones added for cleaning power, we would deduct 0.5 points from their score.
We found that the shampoos which exhibited the most stimulating effect were those that had "deep cleansing" or "removes dirt and sebum" written on the bottle next to the active ingredients.
Naturally, it would be nice to have your scalp feel refreshed after washing it; but if you use a deep cleansing shampoo every day, it could lead to damage which causes itchiness and dryness. Therefore, we recommend using it only on days in which you sweat more than normal.
Next, we conducted tests on each shampoo's foam-ability, which is necessary to effectively remove dirt and sweat from the scalp.
First, we put an amount of diluted shampoo in a large plastic cup.
We then used a hand mixer to mix the fluid in order to see how each foamed. We also noted how quickly each shampoo foamed up to get that feeling of effectiveness in cleansing.
To see just how much a shampoo could foam in just a short period of time, we used a ruler to measure the height of the bubbles in the cup, giving each shampoo a rating between 1.0 - 5.0.
The shampoos that foamed the most and the quickest were mostly clear with a silky texture! Those with soft textures tended to bubble up faster and more effectively when mixed with water.
Those shampoos with good foam-ability could clean every nook and cranny of one's scalp and rinses easily giving you that clean, refreshing feeling.
For those of you hoping for a quick shampooing routine every day, we recommend a shampoo with good foam-ability.
We then tested each shampoo for smoothness and feel. In order to do this, we prepared 28 individual tufts of human hair.
We then washed and dried each tuft of hair 10 times with each shampoo. Then we combed each tuft to simulate the friction one's hair would go through during a normal everyday routine of shampooing and hair treatment. We then dried each tuft using the same temperature and speed setting.
After washing and drying each tuft ten times, we rated each one based on how wet they remained.
We also used a machine that measures the stress put on a comb when running it through hair. After running it through 10 times, we took the average and gave each a rating of 1.0 - 5.0.
Contrary to the predictions of our editorial department, almost every shampoo received a score of between 4.0 and 5.0 on the smoothness test!
Since men's hair tends to lose volume after the use of conditioner or treatment, it would be ideal for them to use a shampoo with good smoothness that doesn't coat the hair too much. Because of that, many shampoos with silicon compounds exist on the market.
Shampoos with silicon surely increase the smoothness of one's hair but it is also true that they tend to leave a residue after rinsing. When using a men's shampoo, wash for about 3-5 minutes and be sure to rinse thoroughly.
Lastly, we tested each shampoo for their cleansing power. We focused on how well each shampoo removed dirt, etc. from the hair and scalp.
We started by diluting each shampoo to the same degree.
Next, we took stearic and oleic acids to mimic natural sebum and mixed them with an artificially-colored sebum. We then spread the formula over a glass plate.
Then, we dipped each glass plate into our diluted shampoos and gave the shampoos that removed the most sebum a rating of 5.0. Those shampoos that failed to remove a decent amount of sebum from the plate received a rating of 1.0.
Each shampoo that was able to effectively remove the artificial sebum turned out to be the ones that boasted also being able to remove hair styling products.
Men's hair styling products like wax and gel are especially strong and difficult to wash out so we recommend using shampoos that scored well in this category since they're effective in removing such products with only a single wash.
However, if a shampoo's cleaning power is too strong, it could deprive your hair and scalp of essential oils so we don't recommend using such shampoos on an everyday basis.
Even with the right shampoo, you might not get the results you're looking for if you don't know how to shampoo properly. So we had our hair specialist, Professor Inoue, teach us the proper way to shampoo our hair!
Having a clean scalp is also vital to preventing hair loss so go ahead and try this yourself at home!
Before even applying shampoo, take about 2-3 minutes to wash the scalp with warm water. Just wetting your head does nothing. Massage the scalp while letting the water get in between every hair. By doing so, you'll be able to get rid of all the dirt and grease from the day as well as any styling product you may have used.
A lot of men's hair products are difficult to remove so make sure you wash thoroughly before shampooing.
Next, lather up your shampoo and apply it to your hair and scalp, massaging your pores for about 1-2 minutes to get rid of dirt and grease.
Be sure not to imitate the motion seen in the picture above marked with an X. By rubbing your scalp in such a manner, you could not only cause damage to your scalp but also to newly grown hair follicles.
Keep about a 2-3 centimeter gap between the fingers from both hands. Make sure to wash thoroughly from front to back. This kind of massage stimulates blood flow on the scalp and doing so every day aids in helping to prevent hair loss as well!
After thoroughly washing your scalp, it's time to start washing your hair. Most men have short hair but it's very important for even those men to make sure they get rid of all the dirt and grease. Take note of the photos above and wash in the sequence lined out for you below!
(※Photos are shown without the use of shampoo for simplicity purposes.)
This counts for 1 set! 3 sets of the above sequence is enough for any one spot. Work from front to back getting every inch and then rinse.
The simple disappearance of bubbles does not mean you have finished. In order to get all the shampoo residue that may have permeated into your hair and scalp, it is recommended to rinse for 3-5 minutes. Rinsing should take you longer than it did to shampoo your hair to begin with.
Shampooing is only the first step in what should be the best hair treatment of your life. Here are some products that will keep your locks luscious for days.
No. 1: Social Tech|Chap Up Shampoo
No. 2: HMENZ|Scalp Shampoo
No. 3: Haru|Men's Scalp Pro
No. 4: ACRO|THREE for Men Gentling Shampoo
No. 5: BOTANIST|Botanical Scalp Shampoo
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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