Last Updated on March 18, 2024 by David Thomas
Welcome to our monthly series, where we explore the world of men’s hair care, focusing on the best clean and affordable products available at popular retail destinations. This month, we’re highlighting TARGET, a store renowned for its wide selection and commitment to quality, including an impressive range of men’s grooming essentials.
With so many options available in the market, finding hair care products that are effective and free from harmful chemicals can be challenging, especially for those on a budget. That’s where our guide comes in. We recognize that modern men seek grooming products that deliver results while aligning with a health-conscious lifestyle. Whether you’re a grooming expert or just starting to explore the world of hair care, our goal is to assist you in navigating through the sea of choices to find products that meet your needs – both in terms of quality and price.
Table of Contents
What Clean Haircare Means for Men
Firstly, let’s define what we mean by “clean” hair care before we move on to the products themselves. Clean hair care is not just about being free of dirt and grime, especially in men’s grooming. It involves a commitment to using products as free from synthetic chemicals and harsh ingredients as possible. Clean hair care products focus on formulations that utilize the power of natural ingredients, offering a gentler and more organic approach to hair maintenance.
For men, clean hair care is critical because the scalp and hair can be sensitive to harsh chemicals that are often found in conventional hair care products. These ingredients can strip natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. However, clean products are formulated to nourish and strengthen hair while being gentle on the scalp. They’re often packed with natural oils, vitamins, and herbal extracts designed to promote healthy hair growth, restore moisture, and maintain the scalp’s natural balance.
Moreover, clean hair care products are usually more environmentally friendly. They’re often made with sustainably sourced ingredients and come in eco-friendly packaging, making them a great choice for eco-conscious consumers.
In this guide, we’ll be focusing on products that meet these clean criteria. We’ll provide you with options that are effective and mindful of your health and the environment. As we walk through TARGET’s aisles, we’ll highlight products that embody these principles, ensuring that your grooming routine is safe, effective, and aligned with a clean-living philosophy.
Navigating TARGET’s Men’s Hair Care Aisle
Out of the few Targets I visited on the West side of LA, each of them boasted a well-organized section dedicated solely to men’s personal care. This wasn’t just a corner tucked away; it was a prominent space offering everything from razors to clippers, and from shampoos and conditioners to a wide variety of styling products. In terms of quantity, Target has an impressive selection, featuring lots of well-known brands and companies. Prior to this in-depth visit, I would always send my clients to Target because, at a glance, the options seemed abundant. But as I dove deeper into the aisle, taking a closer look at the labels and ingredients, I was genuinely shocked at what was on the shelves.
The abundance of products provided advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, it reflected the growing recognition of men’s grooming needs and the market’s response to it. Men now have the luxury of choice, something that was limited in the past. However, this abundance of choice also brings with it the challenge of discerning which products truly cater to the ‘clean’ grooming ethos we’re seeking.
Top Clean & Affordable Men’s Hair Care Finds
The products listed below got the highest ratings with the Yuka App. More items will be added as we find them.
Shampoos
Goodfellow & Co™ – Moroccan Mint & Cedar Shampoo
SheaMoisture Men Moisturizing Shampoo – Raw Shea Butter & Mafura Oil
Raw Sugar Shampoo – Coconut + Agave + Sweet Almond Milk
Conditioners
SheaMoisture Men Deep Conditioner – Avocado Butter & Manuka Honey
Goodfellow & Co™ – Moroccan Mint & Cedar Conditioner
Raw Sugar Conditioner – Mango Butter + Agave + Carrot Oil
Styling Products
Unfortunately, my search for high-quality men’s styling products has not been successful at Target. Therefore, I recommend that you avoid purchasing Target styling products, except for their beard oils and balms, which have received positive ratings and reviews. However, consider YEAR 01, 02 & 05 as better, cleaner alternatives if you are looking for beard balms and oils.
If you have curly hair, you may find many suitable options in the women’s hair care sections.
Spotlight on Clean Men’s Hair Care Brands
I want to highlight Shea Moisture, which received the highest rating for clean ingredients on the Yuka app. As for effectiveness, we still need to test it out. If you have any experience with this brand, please let me know. I would love to hear your feedback. Or if someone from Shea Moisture is reading, I would love to try some products out.
Another brand that received the same rating is Target’s very own Goodfellow, and at a low price of $5.99, it’s a great deal! When it comes to ingredients and price, this brand is the clear winner for shampoos and conditioners.
The main difference between the two is that Shea Moisture has more options for different hair types, while Goodfellow has limited options, and it needs to be clarified which hair type it works best for.
Tips for Smart & Clean Shopping for Men at TARGET
EWG
I have used the Environmental Working Group (EWG) website for years to find information on various products. However, when I recently tried to use it while shopping at Target, I discovered that the database needed to be improved. Nevertheless, if an item was available in the database, EWG provides extensive information about the ingredients used in it, including any concerns related to them (such as cancer, allergies, toxicity). My only problem was the scan feature, which could have been more efficient. The camera was unable to focus on the barcode properly, making it difficult to scan items. I am not sure if it was an issue with the app or my phone. Overall, the app needs some improvements for better functionality.
Yuka
I found the Yuka app to be the easiest to use while in the store. The scan feature works well, and most items show up in the database. It is straightforward to set up, and you can start scanning items immediately. The app even logs your scans so you can go back and view them later. It provides detailed information on the product ingredients and lists their scientific sources, which I found to be very helpful. However, my only concern with the app is that it categorizes fragrance as low-risk. Yuka mentions that the fragrance has some potential allergens and could cause irritation, so if you have sensitive skin, you may want to avoid it. Overall, I had a great experience using Yuka and highly recommend trying it next time you’re in the store.
Products I would stay away from
When it comes to clean ingredients, I recommend staying away from all 2-in-1 products. I couldn’t find a clean option. I don’t recommend using them anyway, as shampoo and conditioner have two different functions. This only further supports my reasoning for avoiding them.
The men’s section of hair care products needs improvement. While I understand the appeal of convenience, it’s important to consider the cost of using harsh ingredients. I recommend steering clear of the men’s section and exploring the women’s section instead. There are more options available for different hair types. Trust me, it’s worth taking the extra few minutes to find a better choice.
Conclusion
Navigating the aisles of Target to find clean and effective men’s grooming products can be overwhelming. However, with the insights and recommendations from our guide, you can make informed choices, ensuring that your grooming routine remains both clean and effective. You can use the apps and resources we’ve discussed to locate Target’s best products, making your shopping experience streamlined and enjoyable. If you cannot visit Target or prefer the convenience of online shopping, remember to check out my curated Amazon list of clean grooming products.
Extra Resources
- Think Dirty https://www.thinkdirtyapp.com/
- OnSkin – AI Product Scanner – https://apps.apple.com/us/app/onskin-ai-product-scanner/id1630768985
Solful Esthetics
Great information!
David Thomas
Thank you for reading.