If you take a look inside the modern man’s bathroom cabinet, you’ll probably find enough products to moisturize a small army. Vain creatures, these 21st-century chaps. But while most are happy to sort out their skin, shaving and scent routines to a religious degree, there is a whole category of grooming that’s often overlooked: hair care, and more specifically, devoting time to finding the best shampoo for men.

It’s not surprising. Beyond what pomade helps coif the perfect quiff, there’s so little information available, making it frustrating to even attempt to look for the right men’s shampoo. What was wrong with your 14-year-old self’s 2-in-1 body and hair wash? A lot, unless looking like a greasy teenager is what you want (note: you don’t).

In reality, you should pick products suited to your hair, just like you’d pick the right tie knot for your collar. While we could dive into micellar waters, milks, masks, serums, oils and treatments for hair, it pays to start with the basics: in this case, the best shampoo for men, based on your unique hair type.

How To Pick The Right Shampoo

Shampoo comes in many forms to address all manner of hair types and issues, so picking one is a bespoke process, one that requires you to analyze your locks much in the same way you would your face.

“Pick a shampoo based on your hair condition and texture,” says Kelly May, a senior hairstylist at the award-winning Neville salon in London’s Belgravia. “If your hair is colored, opt for a color-enriching shampoo. If it runs oily, a clarifying shampoo is ideal. Similarly, if your hair is dry or brittle, opt for a hydrating shampoo and definitely a conditioner.”

Sounds fairly basic, but if your hair doesn’t have any obvious symptoms, or you’re not using specific products that you need to wash out (for example gels, men’s hair mousse, pomade or sea salt spray), it’s worth asking a professional who can give you a well-informed assessment and recommend the best shampoo for your specific head of hair.