12 Sulfate-Free Shampoos for Men to Buy in 2021

It can be hard to find a shampoo that is effective for your hair. Hair care is an essential part of every man’s daily routine.

You’re likely to have seen the term “sulfate free” in shampoos if you’ve ever looked at shampoo’s ingredients. However, unless you are an expert, it’s possible that you don’t know why. Understanding sulfates is key to understanding why the sulfate free movement is so popular.

Sulfates, which are cleansing chemicals found in shampoos, are used to make a lather that removes dirt and oil. Because they are great at cleaning hair, sulfates are a common ingredient in shampoos. Shampoos will typically contain either sodium laureth or sodium lauryl.

Sulfates can cause hair damage. Healthline points out that sulfates can cause adverse reactions in people who have sensitive skin, allergies, skin problems, dry or fine hair, and those with sensitive skin. Sulfates can cause skin irritations, allergic reactions, and strip fine or dry hair of its natural oils. Consider switching to a sulfate free shampoo if you fall within any of these categories. This shampoo will be gentler on hair and skin, but still provide a thorough clean.

We found 12 great shampoos for all hair types for men. This list has a shampoo that will not sulfate your hair no matter what type of hair you have. (Some of shampoos are designed for women but can be used on men as well).

• Pureology Hydrate Shampoo

Another product that focuses on moisturizing hair, Pureology Hydrate Shampoo uses an aromatic blend of patchouli, ylang-ylang, and bergamot to moisturize and refresh hair. Pureology uses a mixture of corn, coconut and sugar instead of sulfates to clean the hair. This does not strip the hair of its oils, or color. Pureology shampoo protects hair from the sun with full-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Hydrate is best for men with medium-to-long hair, which tend to be drier. Hydrate is also safe for color-treated hair.

• AG Hair Curl Revive Sulfate Free Hydrating Shampoo

It can be hard to find shampoos that cater to certain hair types. You probably already know this if you have curly hair. AG Hair has a powerful shampoo that is made for curly hair. The shampoo contains coconut oil and sunflower oil, which hydrate curls and add shine and bounce. This shampoo prevents frizz and increases hair strength. It also retains moisture. Curl Revive can be used on hair that is curly or straight. This shampoo won’t work well for people with coiled or kinky hair (fourth-grade, fourth-grade, and fourth-grade).

• OGX Renewing + Argan Oil Morocco Shampoo

Sulfate shampoos can strip oil of the hair, causing it to lose its natural shine and bounce. OGX Renewing+ Argan Oil of Morocco shampoo fights this problem with its vitamin-rich formulation that’s designed to strengthen and repair hair. Argan oil is well-known for its ability to moisturize and rejuvenate hair. This makes it a great choice for a shampoo that doesn’t contain sulfates. It’s creamy and lightweight so it won’t harm your hair. This shampoo is a great sulfate-free option for frizzy hair. Its ingredients combat frizz and protect hair from damage by heat and UV.

• Pura Dawn Original Gold Label Anti-Thinning Biotin Shampoo

If your hair is thinned, it’s a good idea to use a sulfate free shampoo. This will prevent the hair from becoming more thin. This anti-thinning shampoo by PURA D’OR helps to prevent hair loss and gently revitalizes the hair. Biotin and other vitamins are used in this shampoo to reduce hair loss and increase strength. This shampoo is enriched with natural ingredients such as nettle extract, aloe vera, and aloe vera to add moisture and reduce irritation. These ingredients can reduce breakage, dry scalp, and improve hair health. This shampoo currently has more than 21,000 Amazon reviews and an average rating of 4.75 stars. That’s quite impressive. This shampoo is worth considering if you have thin hair.

• Art of Sport Sulfate- Free Shampoo

Art of Sport shampoos were designed for athletes, but you don’t have to be an athlete to reap the benefits of their 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioner. To hydrate and protect hair, this shampoo for men is sulfate free and contains coconut oil and witch hazel. It is free from sulfates and parabens as well as phthalates, alcohol, and any other irritants that could harm your hair or skin. It also comes in three refreshing scents: Cool Eucalyptus, Extra Fresh, Energizing Citrus. This shampoo is made for athletes and is sweat-resistant. This shampoo is worth a look if you are an active man (or just a guy who sweats a lot–no judgement here). This shampoo and conditioner combination is a favorite of many men.

• Jack Black True Volume Thickening Shampoo

You may recognize Jack Black products or have one of his products. The company is a top-rated brand for men’s skin care. They make great moisturizers for men. Their shampoos are amazing, especially the True Volume Thickening Shampoo. This shampoo for men is sulfate free and contains creatine, wheat protein and other natural ingredients to remove oil and dirt from hair. There won’t be any parabens or sulfates in this shampoo, but there will be a lot of vitamins, antioxidants, and nutrients. This shampoo is great for men who want to increase their hair’s volume and thickness. It’s great for those with thin hair because it is volumizing and sulfate free.

•  R+CO Texturizing Shampoo

Texture is difficult to achieve, especially if you have flat hair or dry hair. R+Co Cactus Texturizing Shampoo solves this problem with its gritty formula, which gives you textured hair straight out of the shower. This shampoo is similar to a sea salt spray. It contains tiny particles that give your hair texture and fullness. This allows your hair to retain its shape, bounce and texture. It also makes styling products easier to use. This shampoo will also make your hair look better the next day. It contains ingredients such as sunflower seed extract and coconut oil, which will give your hair an extra boost. This shampoo is vegan and cruelty-free. It also contains no sulfates or parabens.

• Living Perfect Hair Day Shampoo

Living Proof’s easy-to-use shampoo is designed to improve hair health and reduce hair grease. Perfect hair Day is a balanced shampoo which delivers volume, smoothness and strength. It is designed to solve many hair problems, it can be used on any type of hair. It produces a gentle lather, which is much better than what you would get from a sulfate-based shampoo. It is free from sulfates, parabens and silicone as well as phthalates.

• Bevel Sulfate-Free Shampoo

Black men’s hair is special, so it makes sense to have a different formula. This shampoo is sulfate free for hair 4a/4b/4c. This shampoo is gentle but thorough, yet doesn’t strip hair of its natural oils and texture. Coconut oil and shea butter combine to give your hair a lot of moisture. Your hair will not get greasy.

• Oribe Shampoo for Moisture and Control

This one is for guys with ‘messy’ hair. You will have control of your hair once and for all with Control Shampoo. This shampoo gives hair a silky smooth feeling and shines. This shampoo is designed for thick hair. It devolumizes hair to keep it in control. This shampoo is best for men with naturally thick hair.

• Kiehl Damage Repairing Shampoo

You might also recognize Kiehl’s brand from their skin care products. Their shampoos, just like their skin care products, are designed to hydrate as well as repair. Their Damage Repairing & Hydrating shampoo is for men who have dry or brittle hair and need some extra care. This shampoo is not your typical shampoo, it is designed to repair and cleanse damaged hair. It contains Moringa tree oil and hyaluronic acids, as well as ceramides, which provide strength, smoothness and shine. Sulfates can cause hair damage, so avoid using shampoos that contain sulfates. It can be used with Kiehl’s hydrating conditioner, or leave-in treatment for hair that has been damaged.

• Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Shampoo

The Invisible Oil shampoo by Bumble and bumble rounds out our list. This moisturizing shampoo, like the Kiehl’s, is designed to repair damaged and dry hair. The unique combination of six light oils gives this shampoo its name. This shampoo has all the benefits of oils, but without the residue or grease. It will soften, defrizz and detangle hair, while providing shine and protection against breakage. Shampoo is recommended by Bumble and Bumble for people with straight or curly hair that is medium to thick in texture.

While a sulfate-free shampoo may not be necessary for everyone, it might be worth considering if your hair is sensitive or damaged that won’t respond to regular drugstore shampoos. These sulfate free shampoos for men can be used in a variety of ways, but you should make sure that the one you choose suits your hair.