Leah LOVES hair. So much so, she dedicated an entire website to it! One of the founders of Hair Everyday and Chief Editor, Leah enjoys reviewing all the hair products and showcasing the best. She believes her most underrated articles are her hair care tips!
Dr Bhavika Shah has an MBBS and then MD in Dermatology from the Grant Medical College & Sir JJ Group Of Hospitals, Mumbai.
She’s currently employed as a Doctor and Assistant Professor of Dermatology in the same hospital. She has a passion for writing and curates blogs for Health and Wellness in her spare time.
Showers should be invigorating. So should your shampoo sessions! And the best way to get refreshed is to use menthol shampoo on your hair.
These shampoos usually contain chemical menthol or some form of peppermint in their ingredients list. And boy do I love the cool, refreshing sensation they leave behind on the scalp.
But that’s not it! A menthol shampoo can also increase hair growth by stimulating the hair follicles on your scalp.
And all forms of peppermint are great for reducing dandruff, controlling excess oil production on hair, and removing scalp buildup.
What is Menthol?
A lot of people get confused between mint and menthol. The primary difference between the two is that mint is a flavor. It can be added naturally by using mint leaves or peppermint oil.
Menthol on the other hand is a chemical compound that is found in the leaves and oils of corn mint, peppermint, and other species of mint plants.
It can also be created in a lab and usually appears in the form of crystals.
Now menthol is present naturally in peppermint oils. So if you’re looking for a menthol shampoo, just check the ingredient list for either menthol, peppermint oil, or the mentha or mint plant.
| Best Menthol Shampoos | Best For | Chief Ingredients |
| OGX Hydrating + Tea Tree Mint Shampoo | Oily Scalp | Tea Tree Oil, Peppermint Oil, Milk Protein |
| Head & Shoulders Anti-Dandruff Shampoo | Dandruff | Zinc Pyrithione – 1% |
| Dove Men+Care 2 in 1 Shampoo and Conditioner | Inflammation | Menthol and Caffeine |
| CP-1 Cool Mint Shampoo | Sensitive Scalp | Peppermint Oil, Spearmint Extracts |
| Honeydew Invigorating Mint Tea Tree Shampoo | Colored Hair | Tea Tree, Peppermint, Rosemary Oils |
| Beast Menthol Shampoo | Hair Loss | Menthol, Tea Tree Oil, Peppermint Oil, Caffeine, Green Tea, Ginseng, Vitamin C |
| Rocky Mountain Barber Company Forest Mint Shampoo | Dry, Itchy Scalp | Tea Tree, Peppermint, Eucalyptus Oils |
At A Glance: Key Points From Our Medical Reviewer
- We asked our medical reviewer Dr Bhavika about the presence of menthol in shampoos. Here’s what she had to say:
- “Menthol shampoos benefit your hair in many ways. Menthol stimulates the scalp, which opens up the follicles and helps to promote healthy hair growth.”
- She also adds that these shampoos “helps to cleanse and condition the hair, helping to prevent dirt and oil buildup, making it a great product for those with oily hair. In addition, the invigorating smell of menthol is pleasant and often acts as a natural stress reliever.”
- Dr Bhavika also adds that “Menthol shampoos can be used for people of all hair types, but it is especially beneficial for those with dandruff or scalp irritations. It can help provide relief from itchy, flaky scalps, as well as help to improve the overall look and feel of the hair by reducing frizz and improving shine.“
How I selected and rated the best menthol shampoos?
The shampoos I’ve listed here are chosen with care and rated after use based on several parameters. After consulting the hair care experts on my team, I proceeded to give them scores from 1-5. These were the parameters I used:
- Sulfate-free: Menthol can be clarifying, but it also has a tendency to leave hair dry. So I looked if the shampoos are sulfate-free, and gave the ones that were a higher rating.
- Nourishing power: I rated the shampoos with nourishing ingredients that moisturized and protected hair higher.
- Multipurpose: The job of a menthol shampoo shouldn’t just be to give you a cool scalp. Hence, the ones with dandruff or hair fall control abilities were rated higher.
Top Menthol Shampoos 2023
How to choose the best menthol shampoo for your hair?
When it comes to choosing the best menthol shampoo for your hair, it’s important to consider your lifestyle, hair type and the specific benefits of using a menthol-infused shampoo. Everyone’s hair is different, so what works for one person won’t necessarily work for another. The key is finding the right product for you.
Check Customer Reviews
Before purchasing a menthol shampoo, take the time to research different brands and products online. Compare shampoos from a variety of manufacturers, looking at both ingredient lists and customer reviews. Doing some reading up on the benefits of a menthol shampoo will also help you understand the kind of effects you can expect from the product.
What You Need The Menthol Shampoo For
For instance, menthol tends to provide a cooling effect on the scalp, making it a great choice for those who suffer from itchy and flaky scalp conditions. It also strengthens the hair strands and provides shine, so it’s perfect for those who are after a more voluminous appearance. Similarly, if you’re looking to combat thinning or greying hair, menthol shampoos can often contain additional ingredients that help to combat these issues.
Consider Your Hair Type
When considering the best menthol shampoo for you, it’s important to take into account your hair type. For instance, if you have dry and brittle hair, menthol shampoo is unlikely to suit your hair type, as it can be too harsh and potentially worsen the dryness. Alternatively, those with oily hair are likely to benefit from the deep cleansing effect of menthol.
Strength of Formula
Finally, when selecting your new shampoo, make sure to read the directions carefully. Some menthol-infused shampoos can be used every day, whereas others recommend a more occasional use. Furthermore, always pay attention to the ingredients list, as some products may contain harsh ingredients like sulfates, parabens and fragrances that can make your hair feel heavy and irritated.
In conclusion, finding the best menthol shampoo for your hair will depend on your individual hair type, lifestyle and preferences. It’s worth taking the time to do some research and read reviews before committing to a certain shampoo.
What Are The Benefits Of Using Menthol Shampoo
I have listed out the top menthol shampoos in this article and reviewed the same. However, why do we use menthol shampoo at all? Is it really good for hair? Well, here are a few reasons why menthol shampoo is good for hair.
- Menthol Helps Reduce Dandruff – As menthol has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties it can help reduce the reason for dandruff formation on scalp.
- Menthol Reduces Smelly Scalps – And for the same reason given above, I suggest menthol based shampoos if you want to control unseemly smell in your scalp.
- It Helps Cool Down Your Scalp – The menthol in shampoos leaves a cool, tingling feeling on your scalp which feels great on your scalp during summer.
- It Helps Reduce Oiliness – Menthol shampoos can also help regulate sebum production in your scalp and helps reduce oiliness.
- It Might Improve Hair Growth – Menthol in the shampoo helps increase blood circulation as it is a vasodilator. A vasodilator is something that can slightly expand your blood capillaries including blood flow to your scalp.
OGX Hydrating + Tea Tree Mint Shampoo
The OGX Tea Tree mint shampoo is quite popular. So I had to try it. And the best part is that this drugstore shampoo was so easy on my wallet!
But the shampoo didn’t impress me much. I liked how cleansing it was, yes. But unfortunately, it only suits people with really oily hair.
If you have dry tresses please keep away from this shampoo as it will leave your hair a tangled mess.
However, if you have really oily scalp and dandruff, this shampoo will help clean it up in a jiffy.
It contains peppermint oil and tea tree oil, which are fantastic antibacterial and antifungal agents!
I was rather disappointed to see perfume and artificial colorants in here. It can irritate your scalp if you have psoriasis or other scalp conditions.
And despite being sulfate-free there are several (milder) surfactants like Cocamide DEA and Cocamidopropyl Betaine that can strip hair color. So give it a pass if you have color-treated hair.
Pros:
- Cleans scalp buildup
- Controls dandruff and flaking
- Helps with fungal infections on the scalp
- Lovely mint fragrance
Cons:
- Contains silicones and milder surfactants
- Added perfume and dyes make it unsuitable for sensitive scalp types
- Very drying for hair
Related: Best OGX Shampoos
Head & Shoulders Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Now, who hasn’t heard of Head and Shoulders? It’s perhaps the first product to come to mind when we talk about menthol shampoos!
And this classic brand isn’t a letdown, at least where it matters. It’s advertised as an anti-dandruff shampoo and that’s exactly what it does.
This product contains 1 percent zinc pyrithione that helps get rid of stubborn dandruff flakes. And there’s also sulfates that help clean scalp buildup and crust formation.
So remember this shampoo isn’t made for daily use, no matter what the packaging says.
You might want to try milder, sulfate-free versions of an anti-dandruff shampoo if you have very dry scalps or color-treated hair.
But if not, this classic shampoo is a great choice!
Pros:
- Very effective at removing dandruff as it contains zinc pyrithione
- Helps remove excess oil from hair as it contains sulfates
- Cool, refreshing feeling due to the menthol
Cons:
- Contains sulfates so it’s not for dry, damaged or color-treated hair
- Can be drying due to the presence of harsh surfactants
Related: Best Dandruff Shampoos For Curly Hair
Dove Men+Care 2 in 1 Shampoo and Conditioner
If you’ve got oily hair and a mild dandruff problem, then this Dove Men+ Shampoo is a better option than the powerful Head and Shoulders one.
First, let’s get to what I liked about the shampoo – it contains caffeine. Now caffeine is an excellent hair growth tonic as it stimulates the hair follicles to enter their growth stage.
And what I didn’t like? It comes formulated with sulfates (Sodium Laureth Sulfate) and so I wouldn’t recommend it for people with dry or sensitive scalps.
Also, the strong mint smell is not everyone’s cup of tea!
The scent is due to an added perfume not from natural essential oils. So people with psoriasis and scalp acne should steer clear from this shampoo.
Pros:
- Good for oily scalps as it contains tea tree oil
- Helps with hair growth with the rosemary oil
- Controls milder forms of dandruff
Cons:
- Can dry hair as it contains strong surfactants
- Contains artificial colorants and perfume
- Fragrance is too strong
CP-1 Cool Mint Shampoo
You have no idea how ecstatic I was to finally find a mild, sulfate-free shampoo!
Folks with sensitive scalps and colored hair – here’s your holy grail!
The CP-1 shampoo contains peppermint oil and spearmint extract that cool down your scalp and help control excess oil production.
If you’ve got a lot of product buildup on your scalp and clogged follicles, this shampoo promises to give your scalp a deep clean.
So what’s the catch? I did pay a bit more for this CP-1 shampoo than I did for OGX and Head and Shoulders, but I thought it was worth it.
Pros:
- No sulfates, parabens or silicones so it’s good for sensitive scalps
- Helps balance the pH of scalp
- Balances oil production so it’s good for oiliness
- Deep cleans clogged hair follicles
Cons:
- A bit pricey
- The pump was faulty
- Related: Best Shampoos For Dry Itchy Scalp
- Related: Best Shampoos For Bald Head
- Related: Best Anti-Dandruff Shampoo For Men
Honeydew Invigorating Mint Tea Tree Shampoo
Now here’s another fantastic sulfate-free menthol shampoo. I simply love Honeydew Shampoos as they’re totally natural.
And this product’s chief ingredients are peppermint, rosemary, and tea tree essential oils. So you don’t have to worry about harsh chemicals stripping your hair of moisture and dye.
Actually, out of all the clarifying shampoos I’ve used, this one is the mildest. And yes, it does contain mild surfactants but it doesn’t dry your hair as much.
I also give it bonus points for being vegan and cruelty-free!
Pros:
- Clarifying yet mild so it’s good for sensitive scalp with oily hair
- Helps reduce dandruff, redness, and inflammation
- Mild, natural fragrance
- Leaves hair thick and bouncy
Cons:
- Doesn’t suit coily African American hair as it isn’t moisturizing
Beast Menthol Shampoo
If you’re looking for a menthol shampoo with that suits irritated, sensitive scalps then this is it!
The Beast shampoo is cruelty-free and doesn’t contain harmful chemicals including sulfates, parabens, DEA, petrolatum, silicones and more.
So your scalp and hair are protected from dryness, itchiness, and more.
But my favorite part about this shampoo is the presence of DHT blockers like ginseng, caffeine, etc.
They really help in stimulating new hair growth and prevent hair loss.
My only issue is the size of the bottle. I felt the price is way to high for the product quantity given.
I liked the menthol scent but I feel it might be too overpowering for some users.
Pros:
- Cruelty-free
- All-natural ingredients
- No sulfates or silicones
- Helps stimulate hair growth
- Contains DHT blockers
Cons:
- Strong menthol scent
- Overpriced
Rocky Mountain Barber Company Forest Mint Shampoo
I had already reviewed a lot of beard oils and such from Rocky Mountain Barber company so I was pleasantly surprised to find a menthol shampoo from the same brand.
The first thing I noticed about this shampoo was its scent. There are no added fragrances here, yet it has a very refreshing scent – a mix of mint and pine needles!
It’s got the trifecta of Peppermint Oil, Tea Tree Oil, and Eucalyptus Oil that helps control dandruff, reduce itching and inflammation, and reduce excess oil production on your scalp.
This Rocky Mountain shampoo is technically sulfate-free. But it still has quite a bit of surfactants like Ammonium Laureth Sulfate and Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate.
Now, these are mild and not as harmful as SLS or SLES. But they can still strip hair color, so be careful.
Also, due to the lack of SLS and SLES, the shampoo will not produce as much lather. So don’t worry about that.
Pros:
- Free from SLS/SLES
- Helps control dandruff and oily scalp
- Pleasant mint and pine fragrance
Cons:
- Doesn’t rather well
- The formula has a thin consistency
- Can dry your hair
Why You Should Trust Haireveryday?
The author of this article, Leah Marie Priest has a degree in Cosmetology with years of experience in dealing with hair care, scalp care, and hairstyling. As someone who extensively deals shampoos of all strengths and formulas, Leah Marie knows what kind of menthols shampoos are best for what hair type. We have used these menthol shampoos ourselves to provide you an unbiased review about every product. Each of our articles are also reviewed by a team of medical professionals so that you get the most accurate and expert-reviewed information.
A lot of people think menthol shampoos are great for the summer due to their cooling effect.
But they can be used all year round. Most peppermint oil-based menthol shampoos help in reducing dandruff, which can be a great problem during winters.
Also, menthol-based shampoos are fantastic for clearing up hairstyling products and grease buildup from your scalp.
So you can use it just once a week for this purpose instead of using it as a daily shampoo.
No matter what menthol shampoo you pick, make sure to tailor your shampoo sessions to your hair needs to get the best results!
Also Read:
CP-1 Cool Mint Shampoo
The best menthol shampoos give your scalp a cool feeling and reduce dandruff, ithcing and oiliness. The CP-1 Cool Mint Shampoo is sulfate-free and safe for all hair types.
Product SKU: CP2BBJKWR7884UV
Product Brand: CP-1
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: $21.20
Price Valid Until: 2022-10-08
Product In-Stock: InStock
5
Pros
- The shampoo is sulfate-free
- The shampoo helps cleanse oily hair
- The shampoo reduces dandruff and flakes
Cons
- The shampoo is too strong for dry hair
