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Whether you realize it or not, the shampoo we use can have huge ramifications on our environment. The chemicals included in a lot of off the shelf store-brand products have adverse effects on the natural world. Many synthetic chemical compounds found in shampoo tend to last longer, leading to the compounds sticking around in lakes and rivers. Because of this, the growth of fish and aquatic creatures are being interrupted. One way to prevent harming animals and our natural resources is to switch from traditional, off-the-shelf synthetic shampoos to an eco-friendly shampoo.
The best part is that there are now more eco-friendly shampoos available than ever before. You can love dolphins and your locks without having to choose between one or the other. Heck, even shampoo bars are making a comeback (don’t worry if you have no clue what that is, I’ll explain further down). We’ve talked about eco-friendly suits, sustainable swimwear, now the next step is eco-friendly grooming products.
Still unsure which brand to pick? Don’t worry. Dudefluencer’s list of the 9 best eco-friendly shampoos for men is guaranteed to protect your hair and the environment at the same time. I’ll make sure to include a list of all of the ingredients plus how the company promotes their eco-friendliness so you can make the right decision before buying.
Quick Picks
Don’t have time to read through the article to find out our favorite men’s eco-friendly shampoos? Then take a look at our top three choices below.
Ingredients: Shampoo made from craft beer is naturally rich in Amino Acids, and the Hops, Roasted Barley & Malt provide a refreshing coat of Vitamin B, Proteins & Minerals that protect each strand of hair while adding incredible body and volume, Free of Sulfates, Parabens & Phthalates. 100% Vegan & NEVER tested on animals. Fennel – Seals & Protects, Aloe – Moisturizes & Nourishes, Acai – Energizes & Stimulates, Gogi – Repairs & Restores, Sunflower – Silkifies & Smoothifies.
Ingredients: Sodium cocoyl isethionate, sodium coco-sulfate, creamed Cocos nucifera (coconut) butter, decyl glucoside, stearic acid, Theobroma cacao (cocoa) butter, Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, vegetable glycerine, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, behentrimonium methosulfate, Mentha piperita (peppermint) oil, mica, limonene, linalool
Ingredients: Aqua, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Coco-Glucoside, Sodium, Cocoyl, Isethionate, Sodium, Lactate, Aroma Natural (Orange), Vegetable Glycerin, Fulvic Acid, Betaine, Lactic Acid, Caffeine, L-arginine, Behenamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Benzyl Alcohol
What are the rules of shampooing?
I remember an Even Stevens episode, where one of the characters talked about his secret hair routine: shampoo, conditioner, rinse, and then repeat again. But let’s face it, dudes, we’re more likely to have a bottle of combination shampoo-conditioner in our shower than know the proper way to take care of our hair in the shower. I mean, shower etiquette isn’t something that usually comes up in conversation.
But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t know how to properly use shampoo and conditioner. Now first, you should buy a product that will work best for your type of hair. Do you have a dry scalp, purchase a shampoo that will moisturize your hair? On the opposite end, greasy-haired dudes should pick up something that strips away some of that grease. There are many different options, so knowing what kind of hair you have is essential if you want to end up with the right type of shampoo.
When you’re in the shower, you’re going to want to use anywhere from a dime to a half-dollar shaped amount of shampoo to make sure every single hair on your head is lathered equally (from root to tip). Massage your scalp for about 30 seconds, then rinse it all out. It’s really that simple. Same with conditioner, except this time, don’t go down to your scalp. And then rinse again.
As for the age-old question about how often you should shampoo your hair, one way to think about it is that if your hair feels greasy or dirty, wash your hair. That means you don’t have to shampoo your hair every single shower if you don’t think your hair needs it. But remember, stinky, dirty hair looks gross pretty quickly, so keep that in mind before you skip out on your next wash.
Stop buying combo-shampoos.
I get it; you’re a functional guy. You’re thinking, “Hey, why not combine both shampoo and conditioner and do two things at once.” Let me stop you right now. You’re not a heathen. Throw your combination shampoo and conditioner straight into the trash. It doesn’t work.
The shampoo is designed to open up the cuticles to get rid of dirt. At the same time, the conditioner is meant to re-moisturize and close up those same cuticles. See the problem? There’s no such hair product on the market that can open, then close your cuticles at the same time. Instead, you’ll end up with challenging to shape hair, and trust me, that’s the last thing you want.
You’re much better off spending a little more money and investing in yourself by buying shampoo and conditioner separately.
What’s the difference between shampoo and a shampoo bar?
As you’re going through our list of the best eco-friendly shampoo, you’ll come across a few shampoo bars mixed with more traditional liquid soap. If you’re anything like me and had no idea what a shampoo bar was until reading this article, then let me explain the differences between the two briefly.
Obviously, there’s the obvious: one is a bar, and the other is a liquid. But beyond that, shampoo bars are traditionally softer on your hair than liquid soap. Plus, bars increase the thickness of your hair, relieve dandruff, and supports faster hair growth.
That said, bar shampoo is more work than you might want to commit to in the shower. You’ll need to either rub the bar on your scalp (uncomfortable) or lather it up, which takes some time. And unlike liquid shampoos, bar shampoo can also lead to a waxier sheen to your hair.
In my opinion, bar versus liquid is really a matter of preference. It’s more important to identify the type of shampoo your hair needs, then find an eco-friendly shampoo that includes the right ingredients for your lifestyle. From there, you can figure out whether you’d instead go with a bar or liquid soap.
9 Best Eco-Friendly Shampoos for Men
When looking for an eco-friendly shampoo, plenty of companies will advertise themselves as using natural ingredients or environmentally conscious. We’re looking for ethically made shampoos that don’t have sulfates, are made from natural ingredients, and genuinely care about the environment. Below each blurb, you’ll find the listed ingredients for each eco-friendly shampoo featured on our list so you can make the right decision for yourself and the environment.
1. Duffy’s Brew Premium Shampoo
Ingredients: Shampoo made from craft beer is naturally rich in Amino Acids, and the Hops, Roasted Barley & Malt provide a refreshing coat of Vitamin B, Proteins & Minerals that protect each strand of hair while adding incredible body and volume, Free of Sulfates, Parabens & Phthalates. 100% Vegan & NEVER tested on animals. Fennel – Seals & Protects, Aloe – Moisturizes & Nourishes, Acai – Energizes & Stimulates, Gogi – Repairs & Restores, Sunflower – Silkifies & Smoothifies.
What’s better than a shower beer? How about Duffy’s Brew Premium Craft Beer Shampoo. Whether you realize it or not, beer is super healthy for your hair because the malt and hops often found in beer are loaded with protein that nourishes and strengthens your hair. That means an eco-friendly shampoo made from craft beer like Duffy’s Brew is our favorite vegan option on this list.
This eco-friendly shampoo is 100% vegan and completely free of sulfates. Duffy’s Brew never tests on animals and features all of the roasted hops, barley, and malt you’d find in a great craft beer. But don’t worry, this shampoo won’t make you smell like you’re walking out of a bar every time you get out of the shower.
Ingredients: Shampoo made from craft beer is naturally rich in Amino Acids, and the Hops, Roasted Barley & Malt provide a refreshing coat of Vitamin B, Proteins & Minerals that protect each strand of hair while adding incredible body and volume, Free of Sulfates, Parabens & Phthalates. 100% Vegan & NEVER tested on animals. Fennel – Seals & Protects, Aloe – Moisturizes & Nourishes, Acai – Energizes & Stimulates, Gogi – Repairs & Restores, Sunflower – Silkifies & Smoothifies.
2. Mintasy Ethique Shampoo Bar
Ingredients: Sodium cocoyl isethionate, sodium coco-sulfate, creamed Cocos nucifera (coconut) butter, decyl glucoside, stearic acid, Theobroma cacao (cocoa) butter, Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, vegetable glycerine, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, behentrimonium methosulfate, Mentha piperita (peppermint) oil, mica, limonene, linalool
If you’re looking for an introduction to bar shampoo, check out Mintasy from Ethique. Made from cocoa butter, peppermint oil, and creamed coconut oil, Mintasy is one of the best eco-friendly shampoo options. This particular bar is meant for folks with normal-to-dry hair and comes with a catchy peppermint scent.
Mintasy is 100% soap-free, vegan, cruelty-free, and made without palm oil. Each bar is mailed plastic-free, and Ethique plants a tree with every purchase. And at the end of the year, the company donates 20% of its profits to charities fighting to keep the planet healthy and safe.
Ingredients: Sodium cocoyl isethionate, sodium coco-sulfate, creamed Cocos nucifera (coconut) butter, decyl glucoside, stearic acid, Theobroma cacao (cocoa) butter, Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, vegetable glycerine, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, behentrimonium methosulfate, Mentha piperita (peppermint) oil, mica, limonene, linalool
3. Dr. Bronners Pure Castille Liquid Soap
Ingredients: Water, Organic Coconut Oil*, Potassium Hydroxide**, Organic Palm Kernel Oil*, Organic Olive Oil*, Mentha Arvensis, Organic Hemp Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Mentha Piperita, Citric Acid, Tocopherol
Ever think to yourself: man, I wish I could use the same soap for my body, hair, dishes, and laundry? Then you’re precisely the customer Dr. Bronners Liquid Soap. Thoughtfully designed for all of your soaping needs, this eco-friendly shampoo (and body wash and dish soap…) is made for everyone. Plus, you can dilute for any of your cleaning needs.
Available in various scents, you can rest assured that your Dr. Bronners soap has been made with no synthetic preservatives, detergents, or foaming agents. Something that really stood out to me about the company is that they support psychedelic-assisted therapies and plant-based medicines with every purchase you make. If those are causes you believe in, then help a company like Dr. Bonners, who wants to bring more attention to them.
Ingredients: Water, Organic Coconut Oil*, Potassium Hydroxide**, Organic Palm Kernel Oil*, Organic Olive Oil*, Mentha Arvensis, Organic Hemp Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Mentha Piperita, Citric Acid, Tocopherol
4. Plaine Products Shampoo
Ingredients: Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Vegetable Glycerin, Saponified Oils of Coconut and Safflower Seed, Guar Gum, and Irish Moss (Red Algae Extract – Carrageen). Organic Camellia, Sunflower, and Ricebran Oils. Extracts of Chamomile and Quillaja Saponaria. Papaya and Pineapple Pulp Extracts. Rosemary Oleoresin, Vitamin E Complex, Organic Green Tea, Geogard Ultra, and Potassium Sorbate.
Plaine Products Shampoo keeps things simple: vegan ingredients plus reusable packaging highlight this zero waste shampoo. Using aloe as the key ingredient behind this eco-friendly shampoo, you can rest assured that the natural nutrients will seep in and improve your hair’s texture. It’s also great for dudes with sensitive skin.
Plaine Products care deeply about the circular economy, which is why all of their products are reusable and refillable. You can also check out the company’s sustainability report to see how the choices they make as a company are positively affecting the environment. From their ingredients to their packaging, every choice Plaine Products makes is made to protect the environment.
Ingredients: Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Vegetable Glycerin, Saponified Oils of Coconut and Safflower Seed, Guar Gum, and Irish Moss (Red Algae Extract – Carrageen). Organic Camellia, Sunflower, and Ricebran Oils. Extracts of Chamomile and Quillaja Saponaria. Papaya and Pineapple Pulp Extracts. Rosemary Oleoresin, Vitamin E Complex, Organic Green Tea, Geogard Ultra, and Potassium Sorbate.
5. Moerie Mineral Shampoo
Ingredients: Aqua, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Coco-Glucoside, Sodium, Cocoyl, Isethionate, Sodium, Lactate, Aroma Natural (Orange), Vegetable Glycerin, Fulvic Acid, Betaine, Lactic Acid, Caffeine, L-arginine, Behenamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Benzyl Alcohol
Moerie Mineral Shampoo isn’t just about putting a clean product into your hair but actively makes sure that this eco-friendly shampoo removes all of those toxins you previously used. And for dudes looking to grow out their hair a bit, Moerie noted that 82% of their customers experience noticeable hair growth within 30 days. What’s better than that?
Enriched with vitamins and minerals, Moerie Mineral Shampoo is known for restoring damaged hair follicles. By using fulvic acid, cells are replenished by transporting nutrients in and out of cells with every wash. Plus, as an eco-friendly shampoo, it’s completely vegan, non-GMO, and cruelty-free.
Ingredients: Aqua, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Coco-Glucoside, Sodium, Cocoyl, Isethionate, Sodium, Lactate, Aroma Natural (Orange), Vegetable Glycerin, Fulvic Acid, Betaine, Lactic Acid, Caffeine, L-arginine, Behenamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Benzyl Alcohol
6. Dr. Squatch Shampoo
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Decyl Glucoside, Coco-glucoside, Glycerin, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Trehalose, Honey, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Leaf Extract, Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail) Extract, Symphytum Officinale (Comfrey) Leaf Extract, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Hydrolyzed Oat Protein, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Oil, Cupressus Sempervirens (Cypress) Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Peel Oil, Tocopherol, Polyglyceryl-6 Oleate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Gluconolactone, Sodium Surfactin, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Calcium Gluconate.
If you haven’t already, it’s time to throw away your two-in-one shampoo and pick up some Dr. Squatch All Natural Shampoo. Explicitly built with nature-loving dudes in mind, Dr. Squatch’s shampoo soothes your scalp and helps keep your hair. This men’s eco-friendly shampoo replaces those other chemical-laden shampoos to protect your locks and the environment.
Dr. Squatch uses tea tree oil to make sure your hair stays hydrated while mixing in cypress oil to give you that airy feeling while lathering up in the shower. With its use of coconut oil, folks who use this eco-friendly shampoo can expect some of the available gentlest lathering agents. Dr. Squatch Shampoo is derived entirely from environmentally friendly natural ingredients, so you can feel comfortable knowing your soap is safe for your body.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Decyl Glucoside, Coco-glucoside, Glycerin, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Trehalose, Honey, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Leaf Extract, Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail) Extract, Symphytum Officinale (Comfrey) Leaf Extract, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Hydrolyzed Oat Protein, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Oil, Cupressus Sempervirens (Cypress) Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Peel Oil, Tocopherol, Polyglyceryl-6 Oleate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Gluconolactone, Sodium Surfactin, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Calcium Gluconate.
7. Men-ü
Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Tea-Lauryl Sulfate, Coco-Betaine, Parfum (Fragrance), Citric Acid, Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Panthenol, Limonene, Linalool, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Hexyl Cinnamal, Benzophenone-4, Sodium Sulfate, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Citronellol, CI 42090 (Blue 1).
Remember 10th-grade science class and your teacher explained positive and negative ions? Well, thanks to men-ü’s eco-friendly shampoo, you’ll be screaming out “Fuck yeah, science” every time you wash your hair. Men-ü Daily Refresh Shampoo makes sure to add moisture to your hair, so your hair stays soft and resilient.
Men-ü wanted to improve the quality of men’s grooming while also adhering to their 3R Grooming Plan: to reduce, reuse, recycle as much of their product as possible. Combine their negatively charged shampoo with their positively charged conditioner and let Men-ü’s science take over to absorb the optimum amount of conditioner while washing everything else away.
Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Tea-Lauryl Sulfate, Coco-Betaine, Parfum (Fragrance), Citric Acid, Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Panthenol, Limonene, Linalool, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Hexyl Cinnamal, Benzophenone-4, Sodium Sulfate, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Citronellol, CI 42090 (Blue 1).
8. Jack Black Thickening Shampoo
Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Sodium Methyl 2-Sulfolaurate, PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, PEG-2 Cocamide, Disodium 2-Sulfolaurate, Glycerin, Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Extract*, Hydrolyzed Lupine Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Laminaria Digitata (Sea Kelp) Extract*, Creatine, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Panthenol, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Prunus Serotina Fruit Extract, Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Oil, Urtica Dioica Extract, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein PG-Propyl Silanetriol, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, C11-15 Pareth-7, C12-16 Pareth-9, Citric Acid, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Coco-Glucoside, Disodium EDTA, Glyceryl Oleate, PEG-150 Distearate, PEG-150 Stearate, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Polyquaternium-10, Polysorbate 20, Trideceth-12, Trimethylsiloxyamodimethicone, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate
Looking for a sulfate-free shampoo that will make your hair follicles look healthy and full, then give Jack Black Thickening Shampoo a shot. The NPD Group awarded the number one men’s hair shampoo. This eco-friendly shampoo uses a proprietary thickening complex called “Expansion Technology” to maximize your hair’s thickness.
Jack Black Thickening Shampoo is made from a Pure Science formula, which means they are “free of synthetic fragrance, colorants, and parabens” and use only certified organic ingredients. By using sunflower seed oil to replenish and soothe your skin, and nettle-leaf extract to create that shine, Jack Black Thickening Shampoo’s ingredients will protect and soften your hair.
Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Sodium Methyl 2-Sulfolaurate, PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, PEG-2 Cocamide, Disodium 2-Sulfolaurate, Glycerin, Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Extract*, Hydrolyzed Lupine Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Laminaria Digitata (Sea Kelp) Extract*, Creatine, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Panthenol, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Prunus Serotina Fruit Extract, Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Oil, Urtica Dioica Extract, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein PG-Propyl Silanetriol, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, C11-15 Pareth-7, C12-16 Pareth-9, Citric Acid, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Coco-Glucoside, Disodium EDTA, Glyceryl Oleate, PEG-150 Distearate, PEG-150 Stearate, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Polyquaternium-10, Polysorbate 20, Trideceth-12, Trimethylsiloxyamodimethicone, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate
9. Kick Shampoo
Ingredients: Water/aqua/eau, sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate, cocamidopropyl betaine, glycerin, cocamidopropylamine oxide, acrylates copolymer, mentha piperita (peppermint) oil, melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) leaf oil, menthol, chamomilla recutita (matricaria) flower extract, achillea millefolium extract, rosa canina fruit extract, melissa officinalis leaf extract, cymbopogon schoenanthus (lemongrass) extract, quercus alba bark extract, geranium maculatum extract, symphytum officinale extract, salvia officinalis (sage) leaf extract, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel) extract,rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract, eucalyptus globulus leaf oil, lavandula angustifolia (lavender) flower extract, glycol stearate, peg-150 distearate, glycereth-26, guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, silicone quaternium-16, undeceth-11, butyloctanol, undeceth-5, panthenol, cetrimonium chloride, hydrolyzed wheat protein, citric acid, phenoxyethanol, decylene glycol, caprylyl glycol, yellow 5/ci 19140, blue 1/ci 42090
If you’re an active, nature-loving dude, then Kick Tea Tree Shampoo for Men is the eco-friendly shampoo you’re going to want to try. Designed specifically for athletes, Kick uses a combination of natural ingredients to restore natural scalp balance. And for dudes struggling with dandruff, this shampoo’s aloe treatment prevents dandruff and dry scalp, thus decreasing your hair loss chances.
You can sleep well at night, knowing that Kick Peppermint and Tea Tree shampoo is “100% free of SLS/sulfates, parabens, and harsh chemicals – plus cruelty-free and color-safe.” The usage of 11 ultra-potent botanical ingredients in this eco-friendly shampoo helps make your hair itch and dandruff free while maintaining a soft, healthy look.
Ingredients: Water/aqua/eau, sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate, cocamidopropyl betaine, glycerin, cocamidopropylamine oxide, acrylates copolymer, mentha piperita (peppermint) oil, melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) leaf oil, menthol, chamomilla recutita (matricaria) flower extract, achillea millefolium extract, rosa canina fruit extract, melissa officinalis leaf extract, cymbopogon schoenanthus (lemongrass) extract, quercus alba bark extract, geranium maculatum extract, symphytum officinale extract, salvia officinalis (sage) leaf extract, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel) extract,rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract, eucalyptus globulus leaf oil, lavandula angustifolia (lavender) flower extract, glycol stearate, peg-150 distearate, glycereth-26, guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, silicone quaternium-16, undeceth-11, butyloctanol, undeceth-5, panthenol, cetrimonium chloride, hydrolyzed wheat protein, citric acid, phenoxyethanol, decylene glycol, caprylyl glycol, yellow 5/ci 19140, blue 1/ci 42090
Conclusion
Still using regular shampoo? Step up your hair game with some eco-friendly shampoo to guarantee the health and longevity of your hair, and the environment.