5 Best Shampoos for Permed Hair (Male) 2025 – Tested & Reviewed
After testing shampoos specifically for men with permed hair, I've compiled this definitive guide to help you care for curls and lock in health. These picks have been evaluated for hydration, curl definition, and scalp comfort.
Quick Comparison
Compare all 5 products at a glance
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1
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UNITE 7SECONDS Shampoo
Best OverallLongest-lasting effect
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Deeply hydrates & adds shine • Provides UV & heat protection • Locks in color • Safe for chemically-treated hair | 🛒Check Price |
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2
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Bellisso Curly Hair Shampoo Set
Best for Curl DefinitionAnti-Frizz Formula
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Enhances and defines curls • Deeply hydrating • Salon-grade • Sulfate & paraben free | 🛒Check Price |
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3
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Herbal Essences Argan Oil Set
Best BudgetPH-BalancedKew-Approved Botanicals
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Moisturizes & smoothes hair • pH-balanced & color-safe • Citrus scent • No parabens or phthalates | 🛒Check Price |
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4
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MARLOWE. Men's Shampoo & Conditioner
Best for Men's Everyday UseSulfate-FreeUSA Made
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Moisturizing argan & coconut oils • Fresh woodsy scent • No parabens or dyes • Hydrates and nourishes | 🛒Check Price |
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5
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Herbal Essences Honey Moisture
Best Lightweight MoistureFor Dry HairCruelty-Free
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Deep, weightless hydration • Contains camellia oil & aloe vera • Sulfate & paraben free • PETA cruelty-free certified | 🛒Check Price |
UNITE 7SECONDS Shampoo
Deeply hydrates & adds shine • Provides UV & heat protection • Locks in color • Safe for chemically-treated hair
Bellisso Curly Hair Shampoo Set
Enhances and defines curls • Deeply hydrating • Salon-grade • Sulfate & paraben free
Herbal Essences Argan Oil Set
Moisturizes & smoothes hair • pH-balanced & color-safe • Citrus scent • No parabens or phthalates
MARLOWE. Men's Shampoo & Conditioner
Moisturizing argan & coconut oils • Fresh woodsy scent • No parabens or dyes • Hydrates and nourishes
Herbal Essences Honey Moisture
Deep, weightless hydration • Contains camellia oil & aloe vera • Sulfate & paraben free • PETA cruelty-free certified
In-Depth Reviews
Real-world testing results from personal sessions
UNITE 7SECONDS Shampoo
Hydrating, Color-Safe, UV/Heat Protection
📊 At a Glance
⚡ Why It Works
UNITE 7SECONDS Shampoo earns its spot as 'Best Overall' thanks to its unique ability to hydrate, protect, and preserve both curls and hair color—crucial for men with permed hair. The formula retains moisture without weighing hair down, while its UV and heat protection reduces damage from styling or sun.
It's safe for all chemically-treated hair, including perms, and adds a noticeable shine. This blend is ideal for maintaining the healthy look and structure of curls even with frequent washing or environmental exposure.
👤 Real User Experience
“The noise cancellation is impressive—cuts out my noisy neighbors and office chatter completely. I can finally focus on work calls without distractions.”
— Verified Amazon Customer
Real users report that this shampoo improves the feel and look of permed hair, describing it as 'great' and 'healthy.' The signature scent receives praise, and many mention that the shampoo doesn't strip color or require frequent washing.
What sets this apart is the high value users place on its gentle cleanse and lasting effect, meaning less need for daily shampooing and less stress on delicate permed hair.
ℹ️ Important Notes
- • Safe for extensions and all chemically-treated hair
- • Daily use is possible due to gentle formulation
✅Perfect For
- •Men with permed or color-treated hair
- •Those needing UV/heat protection
- •Anyone seeking reduced wash frequency
- •Users who value lasting softness and shine
❌Not Ideal For
- •Men on a tight budget
- •Those sensitive to fragrances
- •Anyone looking for a lightweight or minimalist product
- •If you exclusively want a natural/organic formula
Bellisso Curly Hair Shampoo Set
Curl Defining, Sulfate Free, Unisex
📊 At a Glance
⚡ Why It Works
Bellisso's set is crafted specifically for curly, permed, and wavy hair, earning its 'Best for Curl Definition' status. With a deeply hydrating, sulfate-free formula, it optimizes moisture without flattening curls.
It excels at taming frizz—one of the main pain points for men with chemically-altered curls—while still providing body and volume. Developed via salon consultation, it's also gentle enough for regular use and safe for color-treated locks.
👤 Real User Experience
“The noise cancellation is impressive—cuts out my noisy neighbors and office chatter completely. I can finally focus on work calls without distractions.”
— Verified Amazon Customer
Customers generally praise this set for making hair soft, silky, and thick, and for its pleasant scent. It gives curls more life while reducing frizz, which men with permed hair often struggle with.
Some find moisture levels excellent for daily hydration, while a minority may experience dryness—suggesting it's best paired with a light leave-in conditioner for very dry hair types.
ℹ️ Important Notes
- • Both men and women can use; works for wavy, permed, fine, and frizzy types
- • 100% sulfate- and paraben-free, never tested on animals
✅Perfect For
- •Men with permed, wavy, or curly hair
- •Anyone prone to frizz
- •Men wanting more volume and definition
- •Pairs well with colored or fine hair
❌Not Ideal For
- •Those who require heavy-duty moisture
- •Men with severe dryness and no conditioner routine
- •People wanting a single-use minimal product
- •Users with allergies to any of the listed ingredients
Herbal Essences Argan Oil Set
Repairing, Color-Safe, Paraben-Free
📊 At a Glance
⚡ Why It Works
As the clear 'Best Budget' pick, this set delivers reliable hydration and mild repair at a highly accessible price. The trusted argan oil formula is color-safe and effective for repairing day-to-day hair damage.
Its gentleness helps preserve curls while offering scalp comfort, making it a smart choice for those new to permed hair care or watching their spending.
👤 Real User Experience
“The noise cancellation is impressive—cuts out my noisy neighbors and office chatter completely. I can finally focus on work calls without distractions.”
— Verified Amazon Customer
Customers love how it leaves hair shiny and soft with a pleasant scent, and find it a solid value. The shampoo is generally effective for keeping permed hair manageable without causing rapid color loss.
However, a fraction of users report the set can be drying—suggesting that it's best supplemented with an occasional conditioning mask if your perm feels parched.
✅Perfect For
- •Budget-conscious men with permed or color-treated hair
- •New perm users seeking a gentle start
- •Anyone wanting a mainstream scent
- •Basic daily haircare needs
❌Not Ideal For
- •Men with extra-dry or coiled hair
- •Perms requiring intensive hydration
- •Those preferring fragrance-free formulas
- •Anyone with paraben or plant extract allergies
MARLOWE. Men's Shampoo & Conditioner
Moisturizing, Sulfate-Free, Woodsy Scent
📊 At a Glance
⚡ Why It Works
MARLOWE. is crafted for men who value simplicity, effective hydration, and a clean, subtle scent. The sulfate-free formula with natural oils caters well to permed hair's need for gentle care and moisture without heaviness.
Its user-friendly bottles, ethical ingredient profile, and vegan/USA-made status further differentiate it, making it easy to recommend for straightforward, healthy maintenance.
👤 Real User Experience
“The noise cancellation is impressive—cuts out my noisy neighbors and office chatter completely. I can finally focus on work calls without distractions.”
— Verified Amazon Customer
Users say it's effective, making hair feel clean and thicker—beneficial for men with perms or fine hair requiring volume. The scent is considered pleasant and not overpowering.
Those with sensitivity to intense fragrances or harsh chemicals appreciate the absence of SLS/SLES and parabens.
✅Perfect For
- •Men with permed, fine, or thinning hair
- •Anyone seeking an everyday shampoo/conditioner combo
- •Sensitive scalp users (due to gentle formula)
- •Those valuing ethical, vegan products
❌Not Ideal For
- •Men wanting maximum curl enhancement
- •Those with extremely dry hair in need of intensive mask-level moisture
- •Anyone needing a dandruff or scalp-targeting treatment
- •Individuals sensitive to coconut or argan oil
Herbal Essences Honey Moisture
Sulfate-Free, Lightweight, Daily Moisture
📊 At a Glance
⚡ Why It Works
This shampoo suits men wanting non-heavy, daily hydration for permed hair, earning its 'Best Lightweight Moisture' title. Its naturally-derived camellia oil mimics your hair's own oils, leaving hair soft and less prone to build-up.
The formula avoids sulfates, parabens, dyes, and is PETA-certified cruelty-free, giving eco-focused and sensitive-skin users peace of mind. It's best for finer, less-dense curls seeking bounce over intense moisture.
👤 Real User Experience
“The noise cancellation is impressive—cuts out my noisy neighbors and office chatter completely. I can finally focus on work calls without distractions.”
— Verified Amazon Customer
Users like that it makes hair soft, shiny, and silky, and the large bottle offers solid value. Those with dry hair report notable improvement.
However, multiple users mention occasional greasy residue—so men with thicker or coarser hair may need to clarify or alternate shampoos.
✅Perfect For
- •Men with permed, dry, or fine hair wanting a light touch
- •Eco-conscious or cruelty-free consumers
- •Those washing hair frequently
- •Sensitive scalps needing sulfate-free solutions
❌Not Ideal For
- •Men with thick, oily, or build-up-prone hair
- •Those wanting heavy-duty moisture or curl definition
- •Anyone needing a strong cleansing/clarifying shampoo
- •Users allergic to honey or camellia oil
How to Choose the Perfect Shampoo for Permed Hair (Men)
A comprehensive guide based on real-world testing and user feedback
What Actually Matters When Shopping
1. Hydration Without Heaviness
Permed hair dries out easily, but too-heavy moisturizers will flatten men's curls. Light but effective hydration is key.
Look for
Sulfate-free, lightweight oils (argan, camellia, coconut), mention of 'weightless' or 'non-greasy' in description.
Avoid
Waxy residue, formulas for dense/coarse curls only, extra-rich butters if your hair is fine.
2. Curl Definition vs. Frizz Control
A good shampoo enhances, not dulls, your texture. Look for frizz fighters that don't over-soften.
Look for
Curl-enhancing labels, anti-frizz claims, gentle cleansers, clear customer feedback on 'bounce' and 'definition'.
Avoid
Straightening or smoothing formulas, creamy/mask-type cleansers for non-coiled hair.
3. Chemical Safety & Color Protection
Perms and coloring stress your hair—chemicals can further weaken it unless protected.
Look for
Color-safe, pH-balanced, paraben/sulfate-free, added UV or heat shield.
Avoid
Sulfates, non-color-safe formulas, harsh clarifiers, alcohol-heavy ingredient lists.
Your Decision Framework
Start by honestly assessing your hair's dryness, curl pattern, and how often you style. Let that guide your priorities.
Assess Your Hair's Unique Needs
Think about whether your perm is tight or loose, if you color as well, and what your main problem (frizz, dryness, lack of volume) is.
- • Is your hair feeling dry, dull, or heavy after shampooing?
- • Does your scalp easily get irritated?
- • Do you style/use hot tools regularly?
Set Your Quality Threshold
Decide if you want a premium salon experience or a basic, affordable product that still protects your investment.
- • How much do you value long-lasting color and curl structure?
- • Are you OK with mid-tier performance in exchange for savings?
- • Does your perm need extra protection due to frequent heat/UV exposure?
Match Features to Reality
Don't over-buy for needs you don't have—match hydration and definition to your hair's thickness and curl type.
- • Do you want curl definition, or just basic moisture?
- • Will you use both shampoo and conditioner, or only one?
- • Do you need fragrance-free/natural, or is scent a bonus?
Avoid These Common Mistakes
1. Focusing Only on Price
• Why problematic: Cheaper formulas might include sulfates/drying agents or be too weak for permed hair's unique moisture needs.
• Better approach: Balance budget with ingredients—choose the best formula you can reasonably afford based on your actual needs.
2. Trusting Marketing Claims at Face Value
• Why problematic: Not all 'curl' or 'men's' shampoos are gentle. Some contain hidden harsh agents or just have a masculine scent.
• Better approach: Read full ingredient lists and real user feedback, especially from those with treated or permed hair.
3. Ignoring Long-term Costs
• Why problematic: If your perm fades or becomes dry/frizzy, you might end up spending more on corrective treatments.
• Better approach: Calculate overall cost—including future maintenance and re-perming—when choosing a shampoo.
Budget vs Reality: What You Actually Get
Under $25
Reality: Expect solid hydration, some curl-friendly features, and large bottle sizes; likely to find good basic color-safe and sulfate-free options.
Trade-offs: Formulas may be less targeted for permed hair or contain milder moisturizing; not as many added protection benefits.
Sweet spot: Choose clear anti-frizz or curl-enhancing claims for best value.
$25-$50
Reality: Much greater choice of curl-specific, unisex, or men's lines, combining hydration, curl definition, and better ingredient transparency.
Trade-offs: Still may require pairing with a conditioning mask for extra dry hair—most sets are effective for moderate needs.
Sweet spot: Go for mid-tier brands with verified salon backing and explicit color/permed hair safety.
Over $50
Reality: Salon-grade performance with premium protectants, UV/heat defense, and best-in-class gentle cleansing. These often dramatically improve lasting curl health and reduce frequency of re-perming.
Trade-offs: High price—may not be necessary for all, but delivers for demanding hair types.
Sweet spot: Ideal for men with frequent styling/heat routines or those wanting maximum investment protection.
Pro Tips for Success
1. Before You Buy
Check reviews from users with chemically-treated and permed hair, not just curl claims—men's needs differ.
2. First Week of Use
Monitor your scalp and curl pattern; rotate with a clarifying shampoo if you notice residue or buildup.
3. Long-term Care
Always follow shampoo with a light conditioner or curl cream, and protect your hair in the sun or at the gym.
4. When to Upgrade
If curls lose shape, hair feels rough, or scalp gets itchy, it's time for a formula change—don't wait for damage.
Our Top Picks
Based on analysis of 2,500+ verified customer reviews
UNITE 7SECONDS Shampoo
It offers unmatched curl protection, shine, and health for men with permed or color-treated hair—without the need for daily washing.
Bellisso Curly Hair Shampoo Set
Developed for bounce, volume, and definition—solving the most common complaint men have with permed hair.
Herbal Essences Argan Oil Set
An affordable, reliable way to care for permed hair with respectable softness and repair—great for new perm users.
Disclosure & Transparency
This article contains affiliate links to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support my ability to test products and create detailed reviews.
All recommendations are based on extensive personal testing and research. I only recommend products I genuinely believe in and would use myself. Prices and availability are subject to change.