16 Best Natural Shampoos for Men in 2024
Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. We update when possible, but deals expire and prices can change. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission. Questions? Reach us at shop@mensjournal.com.
Over the past several years, the idea of a detox has grown increasingly popular. The word implies ditching unhealthy habits and behaviors in favor of sustainable ones. Diet-related, technological and even emotional detoxes have helped individuals improve their health and regain control over their lives. So, why not a hair detox?
After a lifetime of using hair products filled with harmful chemicals – sulfates, parabens and artificial fragrances – this might be the perfect moment to switch to an all-natural shampoo. All-natural shampoos are composed of essential oils and plant-based extracts rather than synthetic additives. As a result, they nourish and strengthen hair without stripping it of the natural oils it needs to thrive.
In spite of these obvious benefits, many users wonder if an all-natural shampoo is really as effective as a traditional one. But whether you need a volumizing formula, a rich moisturizer or a gentle cleanser, it is simply a matter of choosing the right product.
To help you on your shampoo-buying journey, we created this list of the 16 best natural shampoos for men right now. Read on to discover our top picks.
Looking for even more tips on improving your hair-care ritual? Read on for some of our most frequently asked questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the proper way to use shampoo?
Although shampooing your hair may seem pretty self-explanatory, there are some ways to get the most out of your hair-washing experience.
To begin with, it is important to wet your hair completely before applying any product. Again, this may seem like an obvious suggestion, but not wetting your hair thoroughly often leads to a frustrating shampoo experience. It may be difficult to work up a proper lather on semi-dry hair, and you may end up using more product than you need. This is particularly true for men with dense or thick hair; it may take up to three minutes of steady water pressure until your hair is ready for shampoo. Before applying any product, run your fingers through your hair to make sure that all sections are equally soaked.
Most of us are using too much shampoo. In reality, you only need about a coin-sized amount for a thorough wash. The secret lies in working up a good lather, rather than dousing your hair with product. Besides, too much shampoo can strip hair of its natural oils and lead you to unnecessarily spend money on replacements. As a rule of thumb, use a nickel-sized amount for short hair, a quarter-sized amount for medium, and a half-dollar-sized amount for long hair. To ensure an even application, you can use a styling brush to disperse the product.
When you are applying shampoo, it is best to focus on the scalp first and the ends later. The scalp is usually the first place where buildup, dirt and oils start to gather. Giving the scalp a thorough scrub helps you target the areas where problems usually occur. For best results, concentrate on your scalp for the first few minutes and then run the product through the ends for the final 30 seconds. However, if you plan to apply conditioner, it is best to thoroughly condition the ends before reaching the crown of the head.
Finally, it is important to give your hair a good rinse after a shampoo. Experts note that shampoo residue is likely to cause buildup, making rinsing a top priority for a healthy head of hair. Before you leave the shower, run your fingers through your hair several times to check for any leftover product.
How often is it necessary to shampoo?
By now, most of us have probably heard the warnings against shampooing hair too often. Using shampoo too frequently tends to dry out the hair and strip it of its natural barriers. But how often you shampoo also depends on hair type, environmental factors and daily activities. Experts suggest that men with fine hair, men living in hot climates or men who perform intense physical activities should consider washing daily for optimal hair health. On the flip side, men with thick or texturized hair can get away with shampooing much less frequently. For the average person, shampooing once every two to three days should be enough to keep the hair in good condition. Just make sure that you shampoo before attempting to use any styling tools.
Is an all-natural product truly worth it? Will it make a difference?
Although a natural product is frequently more expensive than a chemically formulated one, its benefits are well worth the additional investment. The scalp is a porous and highly absorbent part of our skins, and the chemicals in hair products are quickly and easily absorbed into our bloodstreams. Many of the common ingredients found in shampoos and conditioners, including parabens, sulfates, phthalates and artificial fragrances, have been linked to cancer and reproductive problems.
In terms of your hair health, chemical products tend to strip away the hair’s ability to heal itself and protect its surface against the elements. At first, it may seem as though these chemical products are more effective. But with time, we find that we need more frequent washes and a greater volume of product to achieve the same results. Instead of cutting down on chemicals, we end up adding more and more of these items to our drugstore shopping list. Not only does this become expensive, but it takes away the hair’s natural properties, such as regulating oil production. Hair becomes thinner, more brittle and less shiny.
Another factor to consider is the environmental one. All-natural products do not contain ingredients that damage the planet. They are frequently packaged in more eco-friendly containers, such as those made with recycled plastic. Companies producing natural shampoos usually commit to a more sustainable business practice. Furthermore, natural products are less likely to be tested on animals than their chemical counterparts. These are all important factors to consider when purchasing something as simple as your daily hair wash.
All in all, people may have varying reasons for choosing an all-natural product. But even with the added expense, the health and environmental benefits make it worth your while to attempt a switch.
How does one switch to an all-natural shampoo?
Believe it or not, transitioning to an all-natural shampoo can be a rather lengthy process. While many people may try an all-natural shampoo and immediately decide that it does not work, your hair needs a four- to six-week transition period to make the switch.
Once you start using an all-natural shampoo, it is important to remain patient while your body grapples with the adjustment. In the first few weeks, you may notice that your scalp seems excessively oily, and that your hair feels heavier than normal. Your hair may even feel more brittle and more tangled. This is nothing to worry about! Your hair is most likely detoxing from chemical products and needs two to three weeks to find its new balance. Once you do make the switch, you will find yourself using less product, and will feel clean for longer periods of time.
1. Blu Atlas | Shampoo 
Also featured in the No. 1 spot on Men’s Journal’s list of the overall best shampoos for men, Blu Atlas’ 99% naturally-sourced shampoo allows you to keep your hair free of chemical byproducts for good. Thanks to Blu Atlas’ innovative new technology, this shampoo works for all hair types without compromising on the quality of its ingredients.
After just a few washes, you’ll be surprised by how quickly you notice the results: Blu Atlas’ shampoo actually outperforms its sulfate- and paraben-filled competitors. This product is guaranteed to make your hair visibly stronger and fuller, while doing away with irritating oil buildup.
Featured among the year’s best shampoos for men by top-tier magazines, Blu Atlas’ formula keeps hair healthy and voluminous. Vitamin-rich jojoba oil strengthens and moisturizes the hair follicles, whie aloe leaf nourishes the hair with vitamin C, antioxidants and beta carotene.
An infusion of coconut-based surfactants makes for a surprisingly lush and creamy texture. Blu Atlas’ shampoo stimulates hair growth and thickens hair after every wash. Its sustainable ingredients will leave both your scalp and your conscience satisfied.
[$25; bluatlas.com]
2. Avalon Organics | Thickening Shampoo 
Contemporary science meets the natural world in Avalon Organics’ remarkable hair products. Made with certified non-GMO, vegan and organic ingredients, Avalon’s shampoo is EWG verified for full transparency. The Avalon brand is committed to cruelty-free products, and only uses cruelty-free suppliers. You can now rest easy in the knowledge that neither your shampoo nor its ingredients have been tested on animals or produced in a manner that was harmful to the environment.
Though Avalon’s thickening shampoo works best for limp or fine hair, any of us can benefit from a boost in volume. Avalon’s pH-balanced formula thickens your mane while cleansing the scalp and leaving hair more manageable. A careful blend of biotin, saw palmetto, quinoa protein and vitamin E delivers hair-strengthening nutrients to each of your strands. Affordable prices and a wide range of products make Avalon Organics an excellent addition to any shower caddy.
[$19; amazon.com]
3. Dr. Squatch | Fresh Falls Shampoo 
Designed to make you feel like a man, Dr. Squatch’s natural shampoo comes with a revitalizing, nature-inspired scent – Crisp Forest Waterfall. Notes of birch and pine join to remind you of brisk summer mornings spent in nature. Most importantly, this shampoo’s lasting freshness is created without harsh chemicals or synthetic preservatives – it is sulfate- and paraben-free.
Dr. Squatch’s formula relies on burdock root as the shampoo’s key scalp-saving ingredient. Oat protein, jojoba and honey strengthen the hair shaft and follicles. Tea tree oil soothes and refreshes the scalp with a mild tingling sensation. Dr. Squatch’s shampoo helps you bid goodbye to the harmful side effects of artificial ingredients. If you like what you try, the brand boasts an impressive array of creative, affordable products designed specifically for men.
[$17; amazon.com]
4. Art Naturals | Argan Oil and Aloe Shampoo 
For salon-quality shine from the comfort of your home, we recommend Art Naturals’ Argan Oil and Aloe Shampoo. This sulfate- and paraben-free shampoo is part of Art Naturals’ larger line of argan-oil-infused products. By blending argan oil – a tried-and-true classic – with a new formulation of botanical extracts, Art Naturals creates a much-needed update to a well-known staple.
After every wash, Art Naturals’ organic Moroccan argan oil leaves your hair with an incomparable shine. The shampoo’s other ingredients – soothing aloe vera, moisturizing jojoba oil and nutrient rich B-complex vitamins – help keep hair healthy and lustrous. Art Naturals’ shampoo strengthens hair follicles, eliminates dry scalp and locks in moisture long after each wash. This makes the shampoo suitable for hair of any type, including dry, frizzy and distressed.
[$10; amazon.com]
5. Brickell | Men’s Daily Strengthening Shampoo 
For a shampoo that delivers on quality, look no further than Brickell, the brand trusted by millions of men worldwide. Founded in 2014, the Brickell company combines the best of both worlds – products that are designed for men and formulas crafted with all-natural ingredients.
Brickell’s strengthening shampoo is formulated with an aloe base instead of a water one. The shampoo is rich in plant-derived proteins and amino acids to fortify your hair and stimulate new growth. The shampoo’s tea tree and peppermint essential oils improve circulation, remove buildup and inspire an unforgettable scent profile.
Brickell’s strengthening shampoo is gentle enough for daily use by any hair type, but works particularly well for men with dry, damaged or thinning hair. For an even more thorough wash, pair the shampoo with Brickell’s all-natural strengthening conditioner.
[$20; amazon.com]
6. Jason | Thin to Thick Shampoo 
Admired by health-conscious customers worldwide, the Jason brand’s products are a staple in many all-natural grooming routines. Made with the gentlest, most eco-friendly ingredients, Jason’s Thin to Thick shampoo contains no parabens, sulfates, phthalates or petrolatum. It is no surprise that the name “Jason” is Greek for “healer,” and it was a no-brainer to include it as one of the best natural shampoos for men this year.
Jason’s Thin to Thick shampoo delivers fortifying panthenol and biotin to each of your strands, guaranteeing up to a 10% increase in volume. (You read that right: Jason stands firmly behind the effectiveness of their products.) The shampoo’s botanical surfactants cleanse the scalp, ridding the hair of irritating dirt and oil. With long-term use, customers noticed an increase in their hair’s volume, elasticity, manageability and overall health. Jason’s shampoo gives fine hair the nourishment it truly deserves.
[$15; amazon.com]
7. Byrd | Purifying Shampoo 
Byrd’s California-inspired shampoo brings you a beach-day look with a nourishing sheen. Like all of Byrd’s products, this shampoo is free of sulfates, parabens and artificial fragrances. Formulated with a patented blend of sea kelp, green tea, vegetable-derived glycerin and aloe vera extracts, its composition is gentle enough for daily use.
Byrd’s purifying shampoo leaves your hair soft, shiny and more manageable. For the outdoor adventurer in all of us, the shampoo contains additional UV protection against sun-related risks. A touch of sea salt is added to the ingredient list to give your hair that straight-out-of-the-ocean texture. An all-natural salty coconut fragrance leaves your hair smelling subtly delicious. For maximum effect, pair the shampoo with Byrd’s purifying conditioner.
[$17; amazon.com]
8. John Masters Organics | Scalp Stimulating Shampoo 
As much as we love an original fragrance, we really cannot resist the classic scent of fresh spearmint. John Masters’ scalp-stimulating shampoo lists mint as one of its..
