Everybody could use the benefits of a little coconut oil in their lives, but there’s one type of person who needs it most: men with curly hair. The best coconut oil shampoo for men enhances curls and gives hair that glossy, shampoo commercial-worthy texture.
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SheaMoisture Coconut Shampoo & Conditioner (Our Top Pick)
Shea Moisture is known for their shea butter products, but I definitely wouldn’t count them out in the coconut world. In fact, shea butter and coconut oil is the ultimate power combo for healthy, glossy, curly hair.
Youtuber Kenny Olapade has a video with a product demo and review. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then her shampoo trial is a gold mine. She has tight curls and thick, textured hair that needs extra hydration to look great. Shea Moisture delivered all that and more.
The one caveat: Shea Moisture is designed for Black hair. It works best on textured curls that need deep conditioning. And it leaves behind some residue.
Pros:
• Insanely moisturizing. Repels frizz while enhancing curls.
• Awesome on Black, textured hair.
• Best coconut oil shampoo for dry scalp and hair.
Cons:
• Get ready for coconut oil residue.
• Not a particularly strong coco-nutty scent.
Maui Moisture Shampoo
Maui Moisture is made for the guy who wants coconut oil to give him those tightly wound, perfectly textured, tangle-free curls. In fact, their coconut shampoo is specifically formulated for heavy, uncontrollably curly hair.
Better yet, it has ingredients to repair hair damage. Lots of curly-haired guys make the mistake of dragging a fine-toothed comb or heated straightener through their hair, creating split ends and frizz. Maui Moisture uses aloe vera and coconut milk to promote healthier hair.
To top it all off, it has that sweet coconut smell. I wouldn’t describe it as manly, but inviting and fresh. Who can resist those tropical vibes?
Pros:
• Made for curly hair (one of coconut oil’s best-served purposes).
• Repairs hair damage.
• Great scent, does coconut justice.
• Moisturizes scalp and hair for shiny locks.
Cons:
• Not great for straight or fine hair.
• Brand caters to women, not men.
Soapbox Shampoo
Soapbox makes a very standard shea butter and coconut shampoo, but what gives them an edge over competition is how many big names have given them raving reviews. Pop Sugar, Buzzfeed, Essence, and more have all touted how gentle and nourishing Soapbox’s shampoo is. If you visit a Delta Hotel, you’ll probably find a bottle of Soapbox in the bathroom.
Lots of guys prefer a tried-and-tested brand, and if that’s the case for you, Soapbox is a good introduction to coconut oil shampoos. It’s also better for guys with non-curly hair who still want the benefits of coconut oil. Soapbox isn’t as greasy,
Pros:
• Mild smell, gentle product.
• Good for guys who don’t have curly hair, but still want coconut oil shampoo.
• Supported by big-name review sites like Buzzfeed.
Cons:
• Not all that curl-enhancing.
Marc Anthony Hydrating Coconut Oil
Maybe the name Marc Anthony rings a bell. He was a celebrity hair stylist several decades ago, and his product line is meant to replace frequent salon visits. If you’re the type who finds yourself back in the chair every month trying to solve a new hair care disaster, maybe it’s time to fall back on some trusty coconut oil that’ll repair and protect your hair.
The bottle might look meager at first glance, but a small squirt goes a long way, so use it sparingly. The shampoo works wonders for thick and thin hair, adding volume and dissolving grease. My only complaint is that the coconut is more of a scent than a functional ingredient, but I’m sure plenty of you think of that as a benefit.
Pros:
• Nice coconut scent.
• Just a little bit of product covers your whole head easily.
• Good for thick and thin hair, curly or straight. No greasiness.
• Repairs hair damage.
Cons:
• The coconut scent is the only indication that the shampoo has any coconut in it at all. None of the classic coconut benefits that guys look for, like extra curls.
Hask Coconut Monoi Shampoo
Hask’s strongest sales pitch with regards to their coconut monoi shampoo is how safe it is for dyed hair. Maybe you like to touch up those gray roots or go rainbow hair for pride month – either way, Hask will protect your color.
Other than that, I’d call it a very standard coconut shampoo. It bubbles and lathers nicely, softens your hair, and has that subtle coconut scent that won’t linger. My only complaint would be that it’s not exactly doing anything innovative. Get rid of the coconut, and it’s just like any other shampoo you’d find at the grocery store.
Pros:
• Softens hair without giving you greasy roots.
• Safest for dyed and color-treated hair.
• Great lather, standard smell.
Cons:
• Boorishly standard shampoo.
Is Coconut Oil Shampoo Good For Your Hair?
Coconut oil shampoo protects your hair. It acts as a sealant, preventing split ends, dandruff, and itchy scalp conditions.
It’s especially great for guys who have sensitive scalp. Coconut oil can reduce inflammation, kill odor-causing bacteria, and best of all, it keeps you moisturized, which prevents a host of dry skin-related issues.
Plus, it’s one of those classic good smells. If you suffer from issues with smelly scalp, I recommend trying out coconut oil products that are mixed with other essential oils to overpower odor-causing bacteria.
Why Is Coconut Shampoo Bad For You?
There’s one downside to coconut shampoo (and coconut oil in general). It can get greasy.
Guys with thin, straight and short hair might not like the slick residue it leaves behind. Unless you have sensitive scalp that needs the gentle moisture, it’ll probably feel unpleasantly slimy.
On the other hand, greasiness isn’t a big problem for guys with thick, long, textured or curly hair. The oil coats your hair follicle nicely, without getting overly slick, which keeps the hair shaft strong. It can prevent frizziness and static.
Health-wise, you don’t need to worry about any consequences from coconut oil shampoo. Just use it less if you start to feel like it’s giving you gross, greasy hair.
Can Coconut Oil Regrow Hair?
Coconut oil won’t necessarily regrow your hair. It promotes healthier hair, which some guys mistake for regrowth.
Guys with longer and curlier hair notice the biggest difference. It adds strengthening moisturizer to each strand of hair, creating sturdier curls and hair that has that glossy, healthy look.
So it won’t necessarily cure your bald spot, but it will make the hair you do have look awesome.
If you don’t like the idea of using it frequently in your shampoo, consider other coconut oil products, like hair masks that you can use once in a while for a hair boost.
Frank Edwards
Frank Edwards is a men's grooming & style expert who is "internet famous" for being able to simplify complicated grooming routines into easy, yet effective rituals any man can do. As a professional analyst, he has spent years researching the biggest brands, products, experts, best practices, and breaking news in the space. He takes this analysis, tests it out on himself, and then documents everything in his writing. As a result, his experience-based articles are considered by some to be the gold standard in men's grooming and men's style.