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If you have hair, which you do, then you need a good shampoo. Yes, even if you’re bald—many of them double as body- and beard-washes. And while you’re at it, might as well make sure it smells amazing.
Scent is incredibly subjective, making the topic of the best-smelling shampoos for men a polarizing one. Put another way, one man’s olfactory trash is another man’s olfactory treasure.
So as I put together this list of the eight best-smelling shampoos for men, I made every effort to appeal to the masses by way of subtle-yet-noticeable scents derived from natural ingredients (with the caveat that most budget-friendly options aren’t all-natural).
Not a pomade guy? Can’t get behind hair paste, powders, or other niche hair products? I see you, and I get it. But adding the right shampoo to your grooming routine (and a great conditioner, for that matter) should not be considered optional.
And with that, away we go to eight of the best-smelling shampoos for men.
Key Takeaways
To find the best-smelling shampoos for men, I began by poring over dozens of products, reviews, ingredient lists, and even my own cache. The resulting eight shampoos are the best of the best based on factors that include but aren’t limited to ingredients, scent, value for money, general scalp feel, and overall efficacy.
My top overall pick among the best-smelling shampoos for men is Triumph & Disaster’s gentle and effective shampoo, followed by my budget pick of American Crew’s 3-in-1 Classic Shampoo.
Why it’s great: Why is it great aside from the fact that it’s named “Triumph & Disaster”? That’s a tough act to follow, but you’re also working with sulfate- and silicone-free ingredients, plus calming scents like peppermint oil, mint, and pepper.
The New Zealand-based shampoo brand has created a premium shampoo suitable for thick hair, thin hair, and anywhere-in-between hair. Sorry for accidentally going full Dr. Seuss back there.
Who is this for? Triumph & Disaster shampoo is suitable for all skin types. If your skin, hair, and olfactory nerve are of importance to you, well, so should be this shampoo.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Thanks to its price point and other factors, this is an all-in type of shampoo. If you’re a staunch CVS shampoo purchaser, then this probably isn’t for you. If you prioritize and respect natural ingredients, then swan dive in at your leisure and enjoy this paragron of the best-smelling shampoos for men.
Scent: Peppermint Oil, Cucumber, Mint | Product Benefit: Sulfate- and silicone-free | Size: 16.9 oz
Why it’s great: Tea Tree’s Special Shampoo has earned nearly 46,000 5-star reviews on Amazon. That’s… not nothing. It’s an excellent value, sure.
But pepper in the fact that it’s vegan, cruelty-free, and smells like peppermint and lavender, and you’ll quickly realize this thing’s onto something. Peppermint is a particularly long-lasting scent and lends an invigorating sensation to your scalp.
Who is this for? Whether you have sensitive skin, normal hair, or any other combination, Tea Tree’s shampoo hits the sweet spot for almost all skin and hair types.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: This is one of the best-smelling shampoos for men, but an overwhelming minority of reviewers have complained about how small the bottle is in relation to the price. Like Aesop’s shampoo, however, a little goes a long way here.
Scent: Tea Tree Oil, Peppermint, Lavender | Product Benefit: Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Tingling Scalp Sensation | Size: 2.5–33.8 oz
Why it’s great: Say what you will about American Crew and its ubiquity across every chain store in existence. No, it’s not made of all-natural ingredients. No, it’s not right for all skin and hair types. But every one of its products that I’ve come across over the years smells damn good and does its job more than adequately.
For a budget product, its 3-in-1 Classic Shampoo pulls its weight and then some.
Who is this for? For starters, you’ll love this dual formula if you don’t prioritize using a conditioner or can’t remember to use the one you have. It’s also ideal for those with normal skin and hair who don’t need their shampoo to contain specific ingredients.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Insert ye olde “you get what you pay for” adage here. This is an excellent product if all-natural ingredients are a priority of yours. Otherwise, you’re better off with another option from this list.
Scent: Tea Tree | Product Benefit: Hair and body wash | Size: 3.3–33.8 oz
Why it’s great: Melbourne, Australia-born Aesop hits all the right notes with its handsomely packaged product, one of the best-smelling shampoos for men. The vegan formula is suitable for all hairstyles, lengths, and textures. 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied: check. Excellent lather: check.
And lest we forget this luxurious shampoo’s scent profile, it’s a masculine yet subtle combination of bergamot rind, frankincense, and cedar atlas.
Who is this for? If you’re the type of guy who prioritizes self-care and understands the value of spoiling yourself from time to time, then this premium product will not let you down.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: You’re dealing with some pretty prominent and glorious spa vibes with this one. That’s a no-brainer for a lot of guys. But the whole experience is going to be lost on you if you’re an in-and-out showerer who doesn’t give a second thought to what he’s washing his hair with.
Scent: Bergamot Rind, Frankincense, Cedar Atlas | Product Benefit: Vegan | Size: 16.9 oz
Why it’s great: Brickell is another shining example of what a quality everyday shampoo can and should look like. Specifically formulated for men, its Daily Strengthening Shampoo is sulfate- and paraben-free incorporates all-natural ingredients, and prominently features peppermint in its fragrance profile.
Who is this for? This best-smelling shampoos for men are for the uncompromising guy who isn’t afraid to prioritize himself and his billowy locks. You can’t go wrong by injecting this easy-on-the-follicles shampoo into your grooming routine.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Like many other products on this list, it’s a few steps above a drugstore shampoo in terms of both quality and price point. It’s not for everyone, but (ahem) it probably should be.
Scent: Peppermint | Product Benefit: All-Natural Ingredients | Size: 8 oz
Why it’s great: Have I used Dove Men+ Care products for quite some time now? Yes, sure have. Do I appreciate their oft-complimented scents, impressive lather, and smooth skin feel? Of course. Am I done asking myself questions? Apparently not, but I promise that was the last one.
Onward: The household-name personal care brand’s shampoo and conditioner does not disappoint with its gentle formula and long-lasting scent.
Who is this for? In a word: Everyone. There’s something to be said about keeping some splurge-y products on standby in your shower, but there’s nothing wrong with keeping a trusty drugstore option nearby, either.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Although many of the ingredients of this best-smelling men’s shampoo are derived from natural sources, it’s not a 100% natural formula. If that’s a priority for you, look elsewhere.
Scent: Fresh/Menthol | Product Benefit: Strengthening, Anti-Breakage, Nourishing, Thickening | Size: Multiple
Why it’s great: Maple Holistics’ Cedarwood Shampoo is a great option for those with dandruff or dry skin. Free of sulfates and parabens and packed with essential oils like tea tree and cedarwood oil, its formula targets specific skin conditions with gentle, aromatic ingredients. Subtle. Masculine. Effective. Go.
Who is this for? The obvious candidate is the dry-scalp guy, but let’s not paint this product into a corner. If you like hydrating shampoos that smell amazing—regardless of your hair type—then this is for you. This is one of the best-smelling shampoos for men.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Because of the shampoo’s targeted formula, guys with longer hair and normal skin are better off using a more general product. In other words, you’ll be leaving a lot of performance on the table once the shampoo leaves your scalp and starts traveling south.
Scent: Cedarwood, Tea Tree | Product Benefit: Sulfate-Free | Size: 8 oz
Why it’s great: Hims Thick Fix Shampoo is 100% vegan, paraben- and sulfate-free, and cruelty-free. Beyond those obvious benefits, it’s incorporated with volume-promoting saw palmetto and has a calming eucalyptus scent.
Who is this for? This best-smelling men’s shampoo is worth a shot from any guy seeking a fuller, thicker head of hair. It’s anything but a magic hair-growing formula, but the daily use of products with ingredients that promote volume is a step in the right direction.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Niche products like this one require some trial and error to figure out if they actually work or if you’re being subjected to marketing lip service. Hims’s reputation and this shampoo’s mostly positive Amazon reviews go a long way in validating its claims, but only you can decide if it’s a fit.
Scent: Eucalyptus | Product Benefit: Hair thickening, vegan, paraben- and sulfate-free | Size: 6.4 oz
Buying Considerations For The Best-smelling Shampoos For Men
Scent
At risk of stating the (very) obvious, the best-smelling shampoos for men should… smell good. But it bears repeating that scent is incredibly subjective. A product can have thousands of glowing reviews, but if it’s not your thing, it’s not your thing.
Some shampoos (and hair gels, and hair oils, and and and…) are formulated to make their presence known. Others have subtle scents that work their magic in the background. Just know that you don’t have to compromise—the market is filled with excellent shampoos.
Ingredients
The best-smelling shampoos for men are the ones that incorporate all-natural ingredients and avoid parabens and sulfates. The presence of the former and the absence of the latter promote healthier skin and help moisturize your hair and scalp without causing irritation. Heavily fragranced formulas can also irritate sensitive skin, so be sure to factor that into your ingredient considerations.
Skin Type
From pomades and hair clays to gels and hair waxes, no two grooming products are created equal. Shampoos: no exception. This is especially true when it comes to which are best for specific skin and scalp types. If you have dandruff or eczema, for instance, you’ll need a product that targets those common yet bothersome conditions. There’s a shampoo out there for every skin type, so don’t skimp on the research when choosing the right one for you.
How We Chose
As a fashion and grooming writer at FashionBeans, I compare, test, and research the products that make a gentleman a gentleman. If it can be worn, carried, or used in a way that elevates your look and feel, I’m into it.
For this review of the best-smelling shampoos for men, I pored over trusted sources, customer reviews, ingredient specifications, and my own experience to understand what makes the best-smelling shampoos for men. After comparing over 50 products, the resulting eight are what I’m calling the best of the best. Some of my key considerations include:
Transparency: In compiling this list of the best-smelling shampoos for men, I made every effort to prioritize brands and products that proudly utilize all-natural ingredients that are gentle on all skin types.
Customer Reviews: I pored over dozens of product reviews in search of both positive and negative throughlines before citing various perspectives throughout this list.
Price: Yes, you need your shampoo to work, but you also need the expense to make sense for your current financial situation. With the selection of incredible products on the market today, there’s no need to overpay for anything. I kept that consideration top of mind when choosing these best-smelling shampoos for men.
Why Trust Us?
When it comes to deciphering the essence of style and grooming, Kelly Larson stands out as a beacon of expertise. He has a prolific 12-year tenure in the fashion and grooming industry, and his insights are not just words on a page—they are a compass for those seeking guidance in a sea of trends.
Witness his detailing of the best beard growth products and tips for your overall hair care routine.
To compile this list, Kelly used that same dedication, so you have everything you need at your fingerprints when choosing the best-smelling shampoos for men.
Final Verdict
The best-smelling shampoos for men are ones made with quality, natural ingredients. Bonus points for being free of parabens, sulfates, and other ingredients that may damage or irritate your scalp over time. You’ve got plenty of options, but Triumph & Disaster’s Shampoo is my top pick for both scent and efficacy.
FAQ
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Peppermint, aromatic woods, and other natural ingredients create some of the most crowd-pleasing and longest-lasting fragrances. Shampoos from Triumph & Disaster, Aesop, and Brickell deliver excellent performance and long-lasting scents.
Kelly Larson is a writer and editor with over 12 years of professional experience. In addition to writing articles for sites like UrbanDaddy and Visit The USA—America’s official travel site—Kelly has led editorial newsrooms in the creation of award-winning content in the digital space. When he’s not writing, Kelly enjoys running, spending time outdoors with his two sons, and searching for his next exceptional finger of bourbon.