Finding the best shampoo for men starts with a simple question: what does your scalp and hair actually need?

A man with an oily scalp, frequent styling-product buildup, and flat hair may need a stronger cleansing shampoo. Someone dealing with dryness or scalp sensitivity may be better served by a gentler amino-acid formula. Men concerned about dandruff, itching, or scalp odor may prefer a medicated scalp shampoo, while damaged or coarse hair often benefits from a more conditioning approach.

This is where Japanese men's hair care becomes particularly useful. Rather than offering one generic male shampoo, the Japanese products available at Japan Standards cover oily scalp care, dandruff care, sensitive scalp cleansing, amino-acid shampoos, volume support, and damaged-hair care.

Dermatologists also recommend choosing products according to hair type and washing based on how quickly the scalp becomes oily or dirty. Shampoo should mainly be worked into the scalp rather than aggressively through the entire length of the hair.

Below, we compare eight Japanese shampoos to help you find the right match.

Browse the Japan Standards Men's Collection or explore the complete Shampoo Collection.

Best Shampoo for Men: Quick Comparison

How to Choose the Best Men's Shampoo

The right shampoo for men depends more on scalp condition and hair type than gender alone.

For an Oily Scalp

Look for a shampoo that effectively removes excess sebum, sweat, styling wax, pomade, and daily buildup.

A man with straight hair and an oily scalp may need to wash relatively frequently. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that some people with oily, straight hair may shampoo daily, whereas dry, curly, or coarse hair generally needs less frequent washing.

For Dandruff and Itching

A medicated or anti-dandruff shampoo can be more appropriate than simply choosing the strongest cleanser.

The AAD notes that dandruff shampoos use different active ingredients and that persistent or severe dandruff should be discussed with a dermatologist.

For a Dry or Sensitive Scalp

Strong cleansing is not automatically better.

A gentler shampoo with amino-acid cleansing agents or moisturizing ingredients may be more appropriate when the scalp feels dry or easily irritated.

For Fine or Flat Hair

Look for cleansing that does not leave hair feeling overly heavy.

For Damaged Hair

A shampoo designed around moisture, elasticity, or conditioning can complement a repair-focused routine.

For Frequent Styling

Wax, pomade, gel, and other styling products can increase the importance of thorough scalp cleansing.

The Main Rule

Choose by scalp condition first, hair finish second.

01

OILY SCALP + VOLUME

MARO17 Collagen Shampoo Perfect Wash 350ml

MARO17 Collagen Shampoo Perfect Wash is one of the strongest candidates in this guide for men whose priority is excess oil, scalp buildup, and a fuller-looking finish.

✦ Why Consider It

Choose MARO17 Perfect Wash when oil control and root-level volume are higher priorities than very gentle cleansing.

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Best for Oily Scalp and Volume

MARO17 Collagen Shampoo Perfect Wash is one of the strongest candidates in this guide for men whose priority is excess oil, scalp buildup, and a fuller-looking finish.

Japan Standards currently describes it as a premium men's shampoo designed for oily hair and scalp. Its dense foam is intended to remove excess sebum and impurities, while the formula includes MARO17's peptide blend, collagen, royal-jelly-derived moisturizing ingredients, red clover, willowherb, and volume-supporting ingredients. It is also non-silicone and contains menthol.

Why Choose It?

It combines cleansing with a more targeted men's grooming profile rather than simply washing the hair.

Good Match For

Men with oily roots, flat-looking hair, frequent styling-product use, or those who enjoy a refreshing scalp feel.

Buying Recommendation

Choose MARO17 Perfect Wash when oil control and root-level volume are higher priorities than very gentle cleansing.

Shop MARO17 Collagen Shampoo Perfect Wash

02

MEDICATED SCALP CARE

UL-OS Men's Medicated Scalp Shampoo Refill 420ml

UL-OS Men's Medicated Scalp Shampoo is aimed directly at men's scalp concerns.

✦ Why Consider It

Choose UL-OS if your main goal is medicated everyday scalp management rather than hair repair.

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Best Medicated All-Round Scalp Shampoo

UL-OS Men's Medicated Scalp Shampoo is aimed directly at men's scalp concerns.

The current listing identifies 5-cymenol and dipotassium glycyrrhizate as active ingredients and positions the shampoo for removing excess sebum while helping prevent dandruff, itching, and sweat odor. It also uses plant-derived amino-acid cleansers, contains menthol, and is designed to leave a smooth finish without silicone.

Who Is It For?

It is a practical choice for men who want one product covering several common scalp-care priorities:

• Oil and buildup
• Dandruff prevention
• Itching
• Sweat-related scalp odor
• Refreshing cleansing

Buying Recommendation

Choose UL-OS if your main goal is medicated everyday scalp management rather than hair repair.

Shop UL-OS Medicated Scalp Shampoo Refill

03

SCALP FRESHNESS + ODOR

MARO Men's Medicated Deo Scalp Shampoo Refill 400ml

Men who exercise frequently or dislike the feeling of an oily, stale scalp may prefer MARO Medicated Deo Scalp Shampoo.

✦ WHY CONSIDER IT

Choose MARO Medicated Deo when scalp freshness, oil, dandruff, and odor are your main concerns.

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Best for a Sweaty or Odor-Prone Scalp

Men who exercise frequently or dislike the feeling of an oily, stale scalp may prefer MARO Medicated Deo Scalp Shampoo.

Japan Standards describes it as a medicated, non-silicone shampoo intended to help prevent dandruff, itching, and unpleasant scalp odors. Its formula includes menthol, cymen-5-ol, persimmon tannin, botanical extracts, sodium hyaluronate, seaweed extracts, collagen, and several plant oils, with a green mint fragrance.

Why It Stands Out

This is the most obviously deodorizing and refreshing men's shampoo among the products in this guide.

Best Fit

Consider it if you:

• Sweat heavily
• Exercise frequently
• Have an oily scalp
• Like cooling shampoo
• Prefer a minty fresh finish

Buying Recommendation

Choose MARO Medicated Deo when scalp freshness, oil, dandruff, and odor are your main concerns.

Shop MARO Medicated Deo Scalp Shampoo

04

PREMIUM AMINO-ACID CARE

BULK HOMME THE SHAMPOO Amino Acid Non-Silicone 200g

BULK HOMME THE SHAMPOO provides a more premium daily scalp-care approach.

✦ WHY CONSIDER IT

A balanced premium men's shampoo with amino-acid cleansing, rich lather, moisture support, and a non-silicone formula.

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Best Premium Amino-Acid Shampoo for Men

BULK HOMME THE SHAMPOO provides a more premium daily scalp-care approach.

Japan Standards describes it as a non-silicone amino-acid shampoo formulated specifically for men's scalp care. It creates dense foam to lift sebum and dirt while using moisturizing agents and botanical ingredients to help leave the scalp and hair clean without sacrificing hydration. Its formula includes sodium lauroyl methylalaninate, glycerin, glycine, hydrolyzed silk, green tea extract, yuzu extract, collagen-derived ingredients, and hyaluronic-acid-derived ingredients.

Who Should Consider It?

This option is particularly attractive if you want:

• Amino-acid cleansing
• A rich lather
• Non-silicone formulation
• Cleansing plus moisture
• A premium Japanese men's grooming product

Buying Recommendation

Choose BULK HOMME if you want a balanced premium men's shampoo rather than the strongest oil-control or medicated option.

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05

DAMAGED HAIR CARE

Hair Glance Aplus Shampoo 600ml

Not every man needs intensive scalp cleansing. Hair Glance Aplus Shampoo is positioned more toward weakened and damaged hair.

✦ WHY CONSIDER IT

Choose Aplus when hair condition matters more than cooling or aggressive scalp cleansing.

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Best for Weakened or Damaged Hair

Not every man needs intensive scalp cleansing.

Hair Glance Aplus Shampoo is positioned more toward weakened and damaged hair.

Its current listing highlights hydrolyzed eggshell membrane and hydrolyzed silk, describing the shampoo as helping support elasticity and strength while producing a rich, creamy cleansing foam.

Consider Aplus If

Your priorities include:

• Rough-feeling hair
• Damage from frequent styling
• Longer men's hair
• Hair that needs a more conditioned feel
• Elasticity and manageability

Buying Recommendation

Choose Aplus when hair condition matters more than cooling or aggressive scalp cleansing.

Shop Hair Glance Aplus Shampoo

06

GENTLE SENSITIVE-SCALP CARE

Demi Hair Seasons Calmly Wash 250ml

Demi Hair Seasons Calmly Wash is one of the gentler options in this comparison.

✦ WHY CONSIDER IT

Choose Demi Calmly Wash if your scalp tends to feel tight, dry, or uncomfortable after shampooing.

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Best Gentle Shampoo for Dry or Sensitive Scalp

Demi Hair Seasons Calmly Wash is one of the gentler options in this comparison.

Japan Standards describes it as a low-irritation shampoo suitable for dry scalp or sensitive skin. It uses amino-acid-based cleansing ingredients alongside aloe vera extract and a mixture of amino acids and moisturizing components. It is also listed as suitable for frequent use.

Best For

• Dry-feeling scalp
• Sensitive scalp
• Frequent hair washing
• Men who dislike harsh cleansing
• Men looking for moisture balance

Buying Recommendation

Choose Demi Calmly Wash if your scalp tends to feel tight, dry, or uncomfortable after shampooing.

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07

DANDRUFF + ITCHING

Lion Serapie Medicated Skin Care Shampoo 230ml

Lion Serapie Medicated Skin Care Shampoo is specifically positioned around dandruff and itching.

✦ WHY CONSIDER IT

Choose Serapie when dandruff-focused medicated scalp care is your priority.

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Best for Dandruff-Prone and Itchy Scalp

Lion Serapie Medicated Skin Care Shampoo is specifically positioned around dandruff and itching.

The current listing identifies piroctone olamine as its active ingredient and states that the medicated shampoo is formulated to suppress dandruff-associated fungi and relieve itching. It also contains moisturizing agents and is described as suitable for daily use.

Why Choose a Medicated Shampoo?

If visible flakes and itching are your main concern, a targeted shampoo makes more sense than choosing solely by fragrance or foam.

The AAD similarly recommends using dandruff shampoos according to their directions and seeking dermatological advice if dandruff does not improve or becomes severe.

Buying Recommendation

Choose Serapie when dandruff-focused medicated scalp care is your priority.

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08

MEDICATED SENSITIVE-SCALP CARE

Minon Medicated Hair Shampoo 380ml

Minon Medicated Hair Shampoo is another strong option when gentleness matters.

✦ WHY CONSIDER IT

One of the most logical choices in this guide for men whose scalp reacts poorly to stronger cleansing shampoos.

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Best for Dry, Sensitive Scalp

Minon Medicated Hair Shampoo is another strong option when gentleness matters.

Japan Standards describes it as a medicated shampoo developed using pharmaceutical-company dermatological expertise. Its formula uses plant-derived amino-acid cleansing agents and is intended for dry, sensitive scalps. Dipotassium glycyrrhizinate is listed as the active ingredient.

Minon vs Demi Calmly Wash

Both make sense for gentler cleansing.

Choose Demi if you primarily want a low-irritation, moisturizing daily shampoo.

Choose Minon when you want a medicated sensitive-scalp formula with amino-acid cleansers.

Buying Recommendation

Minon is one of the most logical choices in this guide for men whose scalp reacts poorly to stronger cleansing shampoos.

Shop Minon Medicated Hair Shampoo

Which Is the Best Shampoo for Men by Hair and Scalp Type?

If you want the shortest possible buying guide:

What About Frizz?

Shampoo is only one part of the routine. If humidity and frizz are your main concern, read the Japan Standards Hair Care for Frizz and Humidity Guide.

What About Very Dry or Damaged Lengths?

Consider adding a weekly conditioning treatment. See the Japanese Hair Mask Guide.

Build the Routine Around Your Scalp

Start with the correct shampoo, then add conditioning or styling products according to your hair length and texture.

How Often Should Men Shampoo?

There is no universal rule that every man should shampoo daily.

The AAD recommends washing based on how quickly hair becomes oily or dirty. Someone with straight hair and an oily scalp may need frequent or even daily washing, whereas men with dry, thick, curly, or textured hair may need to shampoo substantially less often.

How to Shampoo Properly

Conditioner

Conditioner can help improve softness and manageability, particularly if your hair is longer, dry, coarse, curly, or damaged.

Where to Buy Japanese Shampoo for Men

Japan Standards offers Japanese men's grooming and hair-care products for different scalp and hair needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

The best shampoo for men is the one that matches your scalp and hair rather than the one with the strongest fragrance, most foam, or most aggressive cleansing.

For an oily scalp and volume, start with MARO17 Perfect Wash. For medicated scalp care, compare UL-OS, MARO Medicated Deo, and Lion Serapie according to whether your priority is oil, odor, itching, or dandruff. BULK HOMME THE SHAMPOO offers a premium amino-acid, non-silicone option, while Minon and Demi Calmly Wash are stronger choices for men seeking gentler scalp care. Hair Glance Aplus shifts the focus toward weakened or damaged hair.

Once you know whether you need oil control, sensitive-scalp care, dandruff support, moisture, or damage care, choosing a Japanese men's shampoo becomes much easier.

Browse the Japan Standards Shampoo Collection, explore Japanese Men's Products, or visit Japan Standards to build a complete Japanese hair-care routine.