Category: Health & Fitness

Dandruff is something we’d all like to avoid. But it’s not always so easy. There are many symptoms associated with dandruff: dryness, flaking, itching, redness, oiliness, the list goes on. So if you want to prevent dandruff from becoming a problem, or if you’re struggling to get rid of the stuff, we’ve gathered a list of the best anti-dandruff shampoos and shampoo treatments that’ll help you live your best flake-free life.

But before we get into our best dandruff shampoos for men roundup, let’s first get into the grooming and hair care nitty-gritty about what dandruff is, along with what causes it. We usually recognize dandruff by the dry, white flakes of skin that are littered throughout your hair and on the collar of your shirt or shoulders. These telltale flakes can also appear in your eyebrows, beard, or mustache.

While the dry, white flakes are harmless, that doesn’t mean they’re any less frustrating. Not only can dandruff be embarrassing, but it can leave your scalp feeling dry, itchy, red, and irritated. So why do you get dandruff? Dandruff can have several causes, such as having skin that’s too dry or too oily, or having skin that is irritated and inflamed. But the most common cause is an overgrowth of the yeast-like fungus Malassezia. Which is why a number of the shampoos on our list use antifungal ingredients (pyrithione zinc, selenium sulfate, and tea tree oil, to name a few).

Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. We update when possible, but deals expire and prices can change. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Below, you’ll find our list of the hardest-working anti-dandruff shampoos on the market. Consider them saviors worth adding to your flake-fighting regimen.

Best Dandruff Shampoos at a Glance

• Selsun Blue Medicated with Menthol Dandruff Shampoo
• Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
• Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength Dandruff Shampoo

Best Anti-Dandruff Shampoos in 2024

1. Selsun Blue Medicated with Menthol Dandruff Shampoo

This medicated yet accessibly over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoo is among the very best. Selsun Blue treats dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis by utilizing the key ingredient selenium sulfide to blast away redness, itchiness, flaking, and irritation. And because it’s “anti-infective,” it will also slow yeast growth that can add to your dandruff headaches. The cooling, soothing sensation thanks to menthol is pretty sweet, too.

[$8; amazon.com]

2. Blu Atlas Shampoo

If you want to free your scalp of bad dandruff, don’t add toxic agents and chemicals. Blu Atlas’s gentle formula made with 99% naturally-sourced ingredients, including jojoba protein and aloe vera, offer your skin much-needed hydration and relief. Continue using this eco-friendly product even after your dandruff has disappeared; jojoba is also known to treat clogged hair follicles and stimulate hair growth.

[$25; bluatlas.com]

3. Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Nizoral is a clinically proven anti-dandruff shampoo that fights awful side effects of dandruff: flaking, scaling, and itchiness. The shampoo employs the active ingredient ketoconazole at a concentration of 1%. This antifungal ingredient, even at a small level, helps target a specific yeast overgrowth on the scalp that can cause dandruff. The formula is powerful yet still safe for gray or color-treated, chemically processed hair. Furthermore, there’s evidence that this stuff even helps prevent hair loss.

[$16; amazon.com]

4. Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength Dandruff Shampoo

Whether you’ve suffered bad dandruff or not, surely you know of Head & Shoulders. The brand achieves mass popularity thanks to its Clinical Strength Dandruff Defense Shampoo. It combines 1% selenium sulfide and 2% ketoconazole to fight flaking and the dandruff-causing yeast Malassezia. It touts having 35% more dandruff-killing power than other shampoos, and users everywhere have kept it in their shower caddy for good reason.

[$8; amazon.com]

5. SACHAJUAN Scalp Shampoo

This is a healthy hair and scalp shampoo that zeroes in on dandruff with ingredients like salicylic acid, piroctone olamine, and climbazole. But the formula also incorporates plant botanicals and extracts like rosemary oil, menthol, and ginger extract to calm the skin. Additional scalp-healing ingredients like lactic acid regulate oil production for an ideal moisture balance. Use this anti-dandruff shampoo just as you’d use any other shampoo—lather softly into wet hair, concentrating on the scalp, and let sit for one to two minutes to get the job done.

[$41; amazon.com]

6. Jupiter Balancing Shampoo

This medicated anti-dandruff shampoo from Jupiter hits dandruff directly with the active ingredient zinc pyrithione at a concentration of just 1%. The formula destroys flakes, calms the skin, minimizes excess sebum, clears extra buildup, and it moisturizes for an overall healthier dome. In addition to combating dandruff, the shampoo incorporates ingredients like squalane to increase shine and prevent hair breakage, hydrating coconut oil, and sugar kelp extract that boasts anti-aging and antibacterial properties. Mercifully, this doesn’t smell like a medicated hair wash; the pleasing scent has notes of mint, vanilla, sage, and lavender.

[$25; hellojupiter.com]

7. BIOLAGE Scalpsync Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

BIOLAGE Scalpsync Anti-Dandruff Shampoo uses the active ingredient pyrithione zinc to stop the yeast Malassezia in its tracks, and it relieves scalp irritation and those pesky flakes. Use it at least twice a week, softly applying the treatment into wet hair and then rinsing. Go ahead and reapply but this time let the shampoo sit on the scalp for one or two minutes. Thankfully, the tropical coconut scent won’t leave your strands with a gross pharmacy-like smell.

[$42; amazon.com]

8. AROMATICA Tea Tree Purifying Shampoo with Salicylic Acid

This shampoo employs tea tree oil and salicylic acid as anti-dandruff warriors. It’s idea for guys with an itchy, oily scalp, thanks to other ingredients like Perilla fruescens, Arctium lappa, hyssop, chamomile, and fenugreek extract, which tame excess sebum production and nurture the scalp. This anti-dandruff shampoo also boasts being cruelty-free, vegan, eco-friendly, free of silicones and sulfates—oh, and a whisper of peppermint oil that just feels good.

[$25; amazon.com]

9. Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo

Sometimes the best anti-dandruff shampoo is one you’d use daily anyway, maintaining the health of your hair and scalp. Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo is a stone-cold classic in the shampoo pantheon, leveraging tea tree oil to purify your scalp and hair. Because tea tree oil happens to be naturally antibacterial and antifungal, it does double duty by relieving your of annoying dandruff flakes. Further healthy ingredients like white ginger, algae, rosemary, and aloe vera leaf extracts soothe inflammation and irritation, and protect your precious dome. Oh, and it’s for all hair types under the sun.

[$50; amazon.com]

The Best Ingredients for Treating Dandruff

Pyrithione Zinc

Pyrithione zinc (or zinc pyrithione) is a popular anti-dandruff ingredient. It’s naturally antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal, giving it ammunition against the growth of dandruff-causing yeast.

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid exfoliates dry, dead skin cells, leaving them down the drain and fostering a healthier scalp. As it’s oil-soluble, it can also wipe away sebum and Malassezia buildup to provide you with healthy moisture levels.

Selenium Sulfide

Selenium sulfide is shown to help relieve itching, flaking, redness, and it can rid you of dry skin cells on the scalp.

Ketoconazole

Ketoconazole is an antifungal agent that, importantly, is allowed in over-the-counter medications to slow the growth of dandruff-causing fungi. It will also tame scalp flaking, scaling, and itching.

Piroctone Olamine

Piroctone olamine is a common ingredient that treats dryness, itchiness, and fights the growth of dandruff-causing Malassezia. Bonus: It’s also been to shown to decrease hair loss over time.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a lovely ingredient you’re likely already familiar with. But what you might not know is that the essential oil is a naturally potent antiseptic (so it kills pain, too), antifungal, and antibiotic that fights the yeasty source of dandruff. Yeast and dandruff aside, it also soothingly treats inflammation, irritation, dryness, giving you a healthier scalp.

Plant Extracts

Plant extracts are powerful healers for an inflamed, irritated scalp or balancing oil production. With the seemingly infinite plants and botanicals out there, look for specifically plant-based ingredients in your anti-dandruff shampoo. Rosemary, green tea, hyssop, and burdock can repair the hair and scalp with essential antioxidants, moisturization, and anti-inflammatory compounds.

The Best Practices for Using an Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Even though an anti-dandruff shampoo is called, well, “shampoo,” in reality it’s a type of scalp treatment or medication combating dandruff and associated causes or symptoms. So you don’t want to use it as you would typically use a shampoo. No quick lathering and rinsing. Think of it like a true hair treatment: focus on getting the shampoo into your scalp and hair roots, then let sit for a few minutes. (Maybe put on a podcast!) You can even apply anti-dandruff shampoos before you jump in the shower. This will give the active ingredients more time to pull off their miraculous tricks.

Related: Best Hair Conditioner for Men of 2024: Good Hair Day, Every Day

Things That Make Your Dandruff Worse

Not washing your hair often enough

To get rid of excess oil and dandruff flakes, wash your hair regularly (as in, more regularly than you have been). If dandruff is especially problematic, dermatologists recommend using an anti-dandruff shampoo twice a week, with a gentler shampoo for the other days.

Skipping conditioner

Conditioners are vital in your hair care routine. Even if you have short hair and don’t feel like spending the extra bucks, reality is that these products add moisture, proteins, and vitamins back into both the hair and scalp.

Scratching your scalp

Scratching or scrubbing away the flakes can seem like a sound exfoliating method, but in fact this can make the condition worse. It can lead to inflamed, irritated skin under that hair, and if seriously overdone, lead to infection.

Not washing your hair after a sweaty workout

Frequent gym-goers, take note: You must wash your hair after a sweaty workout. That’s because the dandruff-causing yeast Malassezia looks for a warm, moist environment (like your sweaty scalp).

Letting it go on for too long

Yes, dandruff is a pain, but it’s also harmless, leading some dudes to simply let it go on for too long before treatment. If you’re suffering from constant flakes, itchy skin, or odor, see a dermatologist who can guide you through the appropriate regimen.

Related: These Are the Best Haircuts for Men in 2024

Are Men More Likely to Have Dandruff Than Women?

Actually, yes. Now, anyone can have dandruff (even babies!). But surprising as it may seem, men are more likely to have dandruff than women. We don’t know exactly why, but one reason might be hormones, what with testosterone’s role in oil production. But men are also less likely than women to address the issue with their doctor. So remember: Dandruff happens, but you don’t need to constantly live with it. Find your solution!

Related: Best Beard Trimmer Selects of 2024 to Shape Facial Hair

Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services.  If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Dick’s Sporting Goods shocked Hoka fans everywhere when it temporarily dropped the price on a handful of the running brand’s uber-popular sneakers, including the Clifton and the Solimar. The Bondi 8 also briefly went on sale in select colors just to shoot back up in price days later. Surprisingly, this fan-favorite sneaker is back on sale at Dick’s, and they’re selling out fast.

The Hoka Bondi 8 Running Shoe is on sale for $132 at Dick’s Sporting Goods right now—a rare 20% off the normal price of $165. These sneakers have maintained a 4.3-star rating after more than 4,400 votes from shoppers who say they’re “amazingly comfortable and look fantastic,” and they’re a top 3 bestselling style at Dick’s along with the Hoka Clifton and Brooks’ Adrenaline. Unlike the last time it went on sale, the Bondi is now available on sale in over 30 colors, and while many sizes from 8 to 14 are still in stock, they’re dwindling by the hour.

Hoka Bondi 8 Running Shoes in Slate, $132 (was $165) at Dick’s Sporting Goods

The Bondi 8 is one of Hoka’s bestselling models—if not the top dog—because it offers a massive stack of cushion that makes people feel like they’re walking on air. Its light and bouncy foam midsole is ideal for pounding neighborhood pavement on short runs, but it’s also great as a walking shoe and a shoe for standing all day. Up top, a breathable mesh upper helps keep feet cool while underneath, strategically placed rubber inlays help fight abrasion, extending the life of the shoe months beyond the average pair. They’re also certified by the American Podiatric Medical Association as a style that promotes good foot health.

Shoppers wear the Bondi everywhere from the track to the coffee shop, but it’s becoming increasingly popular among medical workers who need all-day support. “I am a resident physician and am on my feet for 80 hours a week,” a shopper began. “The Bondi 8 is the most comfortable shoe I’ve ever worn in the hospital…I used to just buy cheap shoes and would wear them until they fell apart, but these shoes are amazing. They have so much more cushion than other shoes that are popular among healthcare workers. My feet aren’t sore at all at the end of my shift.”

Hoka Bondi 8 Running Shoes in Solar Flare, $132 (was $165) at Dick’s Sporting Goods

Hoka running shoes rarely go on sale, which is why it’s shocking to see the Bondi 8 for just $132 at Dick’s. If you’ve been shopping for a new pair and you’re into this neutral tone, grab yourself a pair soon, because when it comes to Hoka sales, sizes don’t hang around for long.

When you think of Emma Stone, you probably imagine her fiery red hair, her spunky personality, or her many movies like Easy A or La La Land, which have made her a household name. While her appearances in public weren’t exactly few and far between when she was dating Andrew Garfield or Kieran Culkin, since marrying former Saturday Night Live segment director and writer Dave McCary and having her daughter, Stone has pretty much kept her personal life out of the spotlight. 

Among the many celebrity-related things that people are obsessed with, celebrity families are high on the list (ever heard of the Kardashians?), and Emma Stone’s is no different. We’ve already covered everything there is to know about Emma Stone’s husband, Dave McCary, so follow along as we walk through the need-to-knows of Emma Stone’s daughter.

Emma Stone and Dave McCary’s Timeline 

While there’s no exact date we can point to regarding when Stone and McCary met, most sources seem to agree the pair met sometime in 2016 on the set of SNL. From that year to a 2019 post announcing their engagement, little was known about the couple. Also in 2019, the couple made their first public appearance together at the SAG Awards. In 2020, they tied the knot after nearly four years of dating. 

“Emma is close to her family and good friends but not the type to flaunt her personal life,” a source told People in 2021. “Dave respects that about her and is the same way. They have a great life together and support each other.”

Related: George Clooney’s Net Worth: How the A-List Actor Made Half a Billion Dollars

Emma Stone’s Daughter, Louise Jean

While Stone has openly talked about being unsure if she wanted kids, turning 30 really changed her, she said in an Elle interview with pal Jennifer Lawrence. 

“I think it’s been a good time to get a little perspective because things were so heavy work-wise for the past few years. And honestly, so many of my dreams are now personal and less professional,” she said. “It’s less thinking about the next 10 years and what needs to happen and just sort of relaxing into what will be instead of trying to control the outcome.”

Lawrence, who got married to husband Cooke Maroney in 2019, pressed Stone on her future, asking about her plans for marriage and kids. 

“My perspective about kids has changed as I’ve gotten older,” Stone said. “I never babysat or anything. As a teenager, I was like, ‘I’m never getting married, I’m never having kids.’ And then I got older and I was like, ‘I really want to get married, I really want to have kids.”

Related: Meet Zendaya’s Down-to-Earth Parents, Claire Stoermer and Kazembe Ajamu Coleman

A year after Stone and McCary tied the knot, they got pregnant with their first child. The next year, they welcomed their first child, Louise Jean (named after Stone’s grandmother Jean Louise Morgan) on March 13, 2021.

Unlike other celebrities, Stone has seemed to keep her daughter’s identity as private as her and her husband’s relationship, but according to a source, she’s over the moon about being a mom. 

“Emma and Dave have a great marriage and both wanted a child,” a source close to Stone told People. “They are a very grounded and private couple and were ready for a family.”

“Emma has been very excited about the baby,” the insider said of Stone prior to Louise Jean’s birth. “She has been private but said that she was feeling great. She always has a huge smile when she is with Dave.”

Emma Stone Becomes a Working Mom

While many sources close to Stone have said how much she loves being a mom, motherhood hasn’t stopped her from wanting to continue on in her career.

“They love their little family. Louise has brought them so much joy, and they’re growing and learning every day,” a source told Us Weekly. “They’re in this together. Emma still has the Hollywood ambition and drive and determination to do her best work and it keeps her going, and she believes doing what she loves will also make her a better mom.”

While Stone gave birth in 2021, she has kept her vigorous work pace in Hollywood with movies such as Cruella and, more recently, Poor Things, which netted her (another) Oscar. Many parents will tell you, there’s nothing that motivates you quite like becoming a parent, and her go-for-broke Poor Things performance is proof.

While accepting her second Oscar for Best Actress for her role as Bella Baxtor in Poor Things, Stone thanked her family for all of their love and support. 

“I really just want to thank my family. My mom, my brother Spencer, my dad, my husband Dave, I love you so much. And, most importantly, my daughter, who’s gonna be three in three days and has turned our lives technicolor,” she said. “I love you bigger than the whole sky, my girl.”

Related: Everything to Know About Brad Pitt’s Non-Celebrity Girlfriend, Ines de Ramon

Tom Hanks, 68, that he thinks he’s “in better shape now” than he was in his 30s. In his new film Here, Hanks and Robin Wright play a couple from their 20s until old age with the assistance of de-aging technology. When asked which age he most enjoyed returning to during production, Hanks instead named the age which was his least favorite both in real life and on film.

“I’m 68 years old. The hardest for us was when we were playing 35. That time when your metabolism stops, gravity starts tearing you down, your bones start wearing off. You stand differently,” Hanks told Entertainment Tonight at the film’s premiere. “I think I’m in better shape now.”

“You know why?” he continued. “Because my kids are grown up, I’m getting decent exercise, and I can eat right. You can’t do that when you’re 35. Life is such a burden!”

When the host told Hanks that “everyone needs to get on your plan right now,” the Forrest Gump star said he’s just trying to live as healthily as he can while contending with age and his type 2 diabetes. “Just maintaining the temple baby, that’s all I’m trying to do,” Hanks added.

Tom Hanks says he’s in better shape now at 68 years old, than when he was at 35! pic.twitter.com/MidsWYP1EK

— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) October 29, 2024

Hanks made similar remarks when speaking to People at the premiere. “The much more difficult part that was both physical and spiritual emotionally is when Richard and Margaret are 35 and 42—when the aging process just begins to kick in and you no longer are able to spring up off a couch. And you’re not yet to a place where life slows down completely.”

The film’s director, Robert Zemeckis, recently spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about Hanks and Wright adjusting their performances to appear younger after seeing preliminary footage of themselves in their 20s and 30s.

“They look at it and they go, ‘Oh, I’ve got to be a little bit more spry, I have to move a little quicker, I have to raise my voice a little bit,’” Zemeckis explained. “It was important for them to see it.”

Here is currently in theaters nationwide. You can watch the trailer below.

Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services.  If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Amazon is the top spot to catch incredible deals on DeWalt power tools, though availability and pricing change frequently. In the last month, the brand has offered shoppers big savings on its popular 20V series tools, including the flashlight, cordless vacuum cleaner, and reciprocating saw, among others. Despite that, it’s the discounts on DeWalt’s batteries that are the most sought-after, and right now, a two-pack of the brand’s supercharged Powerstack model is over $180 off.

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The two-pack of DeWalt’s 20V Max XR Powerstack 5Ah Lithium Ion Batteries is now on sale on Amazon for $165—53% off the normal price of $349. These supercharged batteries have earned nearly 300 five-star ratings from DeWalt users who say they “last a long time” beyond the brand’s standard 20V models.

DeWalt 20V Max XR Powerstack 5Ah Lithium Ion Batteries, 2-Pack, $165 (was $349) on Amazon

These DeWalt Powerstack batteries are some of the brand’s best, boasting an upgraded inner tech that delivers about 50% more power and 50% more work per charge with about twice as much lifespan as the standard 20V models. These are the batteries to look for when using DeWalt’s power-hungry tools or any tool you know you’ll be running constantly, like the job site fan or the cordless leaf blower. Each battery has an impact-resistant base with rubber molds for better grip, and there’s even a fuel gauge to tell you when you’re running low.

Shoppers who have picked up this set of Powerstack batteries say it far exceeds the performance they’ve been able to get from their existing batteries. “Wow, what a change,” a shopper said. “This rechargeable battery is an excellent accessory for anyone who owns a DeWalt power tool. It’s well-made, reliable, and designed to provide exceptional power and performance.”

Related: The 5 Best DeWalt Deals Online Right Now: Spare Batteries, Drills, and More

“I got these mainly because I was looking into getting some more power tools like a grinder, saws, etc.,” another shopper said. “I purchased a DeWalt pole saw first and tested these bad boys out. They performed really well, cutting a full-grown tree with two of the batteries, and I still had almost a full battery after.”

DeWalt batteries—especially this Powerstack model—can cost a lot of money, depending on where you look, which is why this is an absolute steal at $165 for a two-pack. Do not wait to grab a set for yourself, because the price could hike back up at any time. 

Timex wants to make every day feel like the weekend and it’s planning to do so with its latest watch collection, the new Timex Weekender. Made up of 10 watches and featuring a new case and crown design along with a variety of eco-friendly fabric and leather straps, the series and its impressive price point look like they’re created to almost fit your daily outfit choice—without the usual challenge of bank-breaking spending that comes with building a clothing-matching watch collection.

Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. We update when possible, but deals expire and prices can change. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Related: Best Casio Watches of 2024 Are Functional and Affordable

Seven out of 10 of the watches are 40mm in diameter, making them basically accessible for all wrist sizes—the other three are 37mm (also pretty accessible)—and each features the “we.” logo of the Timex Weekender. The face itself is simple and straightforward, giving it a classy look that can go with just about anything, while its 50 meters of water resistance means you shouldn’t even be too scared to take the watch to the beach.

The series is somewhat light on features, but the watches all come equipped with luminous hands and the company’s branded INDIGLO backlight. Additionally, the date window has a magnifier and there are both 12- and 24-hour time indexes, meaning you have no excuses not to know what time it is.

As mentioned above, the watches’ best feature may be their ease and ability to customize. Due to their slip-thru design swapping out the fabric or leather strap for a different color or print is simple. In the end, the real question ends up being which dial color to choose, white, blue, black, or cream, and which dial size. With four different dial colors, two different case sizes, and six different bands to choose, from the possibilities for matching are pretty impressive

The $99 price is also quite good, and not easy to find from well-known watch brands like Timex today.

Related: Best Watches Under $100 of 2024

Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services.  If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Adidas’ Week of Deals sale is in full swing, with hundreds of markdowns, slashing prices by as much as 70% on many new styles for the fall, including deals of up to 25% off rarely-discounted running shoes, jackets, and more. With great Adidas deals everywhere you look, it can be hard to gauge the best offers, but there’s one popular sneaker that’s flying off the shelves—and it’s down to only $24 right now.

The Adidas Racer TR23 Shoes are now selling for as low as $24—up to 70% off the normal price of $80. At times, with great budget shoe finds, you run the risk of sacrificing a bit on quality, but that’s not the case here. These Adidas sneakers have earned a 4.6-star rating after nearly 200 reviews. They’re available at $24 in white, but for $4 more, you can score it in black, gray, tan, or green. Sizes are going fast, but most colors still have options from 6.5 to 14 available.

Racer TR23 Shoes in Legend Ivy/Legend Ivy/Carbon, $24 (was $80) at Adidas

Not only did Adidas nail it with these kicks with their price tag as an affordable option to the cult-favorite NMD sneakers, but these shoes also punch above their performance weight class. The midsole of this shoe features Cloudfoam cushioning, giving you that cloud-like movement experience. A lightweight upper mesh paired with a soft and subtle inner lining has buyers falling in love with these shoes.

Shoppers have become obsessed with this shoe’s all-day comfort. “The fit, look, and comfort were so good I bought two more pairs,” exclaimed one happy buyer. “They are, by far, the best-fitting and most comfortable shoes I have ever purchased. Plus, the variation in color highlights on the shoe makes it a great fit for almost any outfit, professional or casual.”

Racer TR23 Shoes in Olive Strata/Olive Strata/Silver Pebble, $28 (was $80) at Adidas

“These shoes fit like bedroom slippers,” another shopper noted. “They look great and feel very comfortable…Best shoes you can get for the price and quality.”

The Adidas Week of Deals sale ends on Nov. 6, so grab yourself a pair of the Racer TR23 Shoes while sizes are still available, because many have already sold out.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has opened up about how he resisted the urges of Hollywood executives who told him he was “too big” to be a leading man in movies.

“As I was pushing my career forward—doing my best to push my career forward—there were moments of doubt,” the Hobbs & Shaw star told Entertainment Weekly. He recalled an oft-repeated piece of “advice” he would receive from industry executives: “If you wanna be a leading man, you’re too big; you can’t go to the gym, you have to lose weight, you gotta go on a diet.”

Johnson admitted that he “started to question” himself after hearing that. “If you don’t know any better, then you buy into it,” he said. The actor believes that uncertainty can be seen in his work from that period. “Some of those films at the time I was making, I think, reflect that,” he noted.

But then he had the epiphany that would go on to change the course of his career.

“And then a moment came where I said, excuse my language, but, ‘F–k that, I’m not doing this anymore, I’m gonna do myself. And if I fail, then I can fail being me,'” Johnson explained.

“A funny thing happened when I said, ‘Ah, f–k all this’: career went like this,” he continued, gesturing upwards. “I became acutely aware of the power of being authentic and being real.”

Johnson has remained one of the biggest worldwide box office draws, with roles in ensemble blockbusters like the Fast and Furious series in addition to leading roles in his own franchises such as Jungle Cruise and Black Adam.

Next, he’ll appear in the Christmas action-adventure comedy Red One, also starring Chris Evans, Lucy Liu, Kiernan Shipka, and J. K. Simmons; hitting theaters on Nov. 15, 2024.

I’ve generally worn some version of a mod cut for most of my adult life—whether it’s a bit shorter or longer, I usually rock the ’60s-inspired, layered, rock ‘n’ roll hair vibe. The mod cut hairstyle has become my signature, a look I wear confidently, no matter what’s trending. Now, a mod cut doesn’t necessarily mean The Beatles’ mop tops; think more about Oasis and Liam Gallagher of ’90s Britpop sensation Oasis, who are reuniting following a 15-year beef between the brothers: layered with a razored, textured top and a bedhead-like finish that gives it that effortlessly cool, unstudied feel. That’s ’90s mod cut magic.

Anything with character and originality eventually finds its way back into the zeitgeist, including the best haircuts, and right now, the mod cut for men is having (or is about to have) a moment. Just look at stylish guys like Jacob Elordi and Cillian Murphy rocking their own variations of the cut. And, regardless of your age, it never goes out of style if on the right person. We’re here to dive into its history, what makes a mod cut, how to decide if it’s for you, what to ask your stylist, and how to style it. So, if you’re ready to rock it, you too can feel supersonic, as the Gallaghers might put it.

What Is a Mod Cut?

A mod cut is characterized by a layered, tousled look that balances structure with a rock ‘n’ roll edge. It typically features a textured top, shorter or mid-length bangs, and wispy sides that frame the face, giving it a shag-like quality with a perfectly imperfect “I woke up like this” vibe. Layers are essential for pulling off the cut, creating that lived-in quality.

But make no mistake—a mod cut is neither a mop top nor a mullet. “The mod cut is often mistaken for a mullet or a Beatles-style mop top, but it’s distinct,” Chrissie Schwalje, owner of Parlor Hair Studio in Montclair, NJ, tells Men’s Journal. “It has a razored back, a tousled, textured top, and wispy sideburns. It leans more into the shag than those other styles.” 

It’s more versatile and classic than a mullet, more refined and interesting than a mop, and lets your inner rock star shine.

Related: These Are the Best Haircuts for Men in 2024

A Brief History of the Mod Cut

The mod haircut originated in the 1950s when young Londoners called themselves “Modernists,” inspired by their love of modern jazz and the refined style of the musicians, thus shepherding in the “mod” movement. These early mods became known for their tailored suits, motor scooters, and rebellious attitude. By the early 1960s, their musical tastes had shifted to American blues and soul, and the subculture spread across Britain and beyond, influencing fashion worldwide. The mod look soon grew to include iconic elements like parkas and longer, layered hair—immortalized in films like Quadrophenia by The Who.

The mop top laid the foundation for the mod cut to enter popular culture. Almost every guy with a penchant for style in the 1960s grew his hair out, inspired by The Beatles’ now-classic look (though it was controversial at the time). At first, this cut was a heavier fringe, with hair falling like a sculpted dome. But bands and musicians like The Small Faces, Paul Weller of The Jam, The Kinks, and Mick Jagger in the late ’60s and ’70s evolved the cut by adding more layers and texture. The mod cut continued to morph through the ‘70s and ‘80s, with David Bowie and Rod Stewart adding softer, shaggy shapes and contrast at the crown. 

In the ‘90s, bands like Oasis and The Verve brought the mod cut back with even more texture and attitude, creating the carefree look synonymous with Britpop. The early to mid-2000s saw another revival with the likes of The Strokes and The Hives. (Yes, at every step of the way, the mod cut has been inextricably tied to music.) Today, the mod cut remains timeless in its own distinct way, symbolizing “Who cares?” nonchalance and appealing to music enthusiasts, artists, and anyone who values a layered cut with character.

The Mod Cut Is Having a Moment (Again)

Music and hairstyles have always gone hand in hand—the pompadour with rockabilly, the afro with funk, reggae with dreadlocks, etc. The mod cut and Britpop are no exception. So, why is the mod cut making a comeback now?

“Partly, it’s due to the original artists who popularized this style returning to the spotlight,” Schwalje says. “With Oasis announcing a reunion after 15 years, the hairstyle resurfaces with a new wave of fans. Add in the broader ’90s revival, and it’s no wonder this iconic look is back in rotation.” 

Celebrities like Cillian Murphy, Paul Mescal, Adam Driver, and Jacob Elordi have recently sported the cut on the red carpet, each adding a unique twist. For example, Paul Mescal has embraced a mod-mullet hybrid, while Adam Driver rocks a more uniform all-around length variation in the movie Megalopolis (which also nods to ancient Roman styling that you might call a very, very early mod progenitor). Cillian Murphy and Jacob Elordi keep it shaggy on top with shorter sides and back. These different riffs prove that, while trends may ebb and flow, the mod cut is here to stay, and is always changing.

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Mop Top vs. Mod Cut

Let’s clear up a common misunderstanding for good: A mod cut is not a mop top. The early Beatles rocked the mop top—so did a young Justin Bieber (but we’d rather cite the Beatles here). A mop top is a bit more uniform, with that bowl-over-the-head vibe, whereas a mod cut takes things a step further. It’s an evolved style, incorporating layers and textures. A mod cut is like the mop top’s cooler cousin; it has the same essence but a bit more sophistication and edge.

Mod Cut vs. Mullet

The mullet has been having a moment, too, but I view it as extremely particular. It’s a style most associated with the ’80s and ’90s, contrasting the length at the back and the shorter front and sides (you know the look). It’s been popularized by musicians like David Bowie (who rocked it with unparalleled confidence in the ’70s), Billy Ray Cyrus, and other artists. While both styles have been revived in recent years, the mod cut generally leans classic, while the mullet taps into a more ironic and niche aesthetic.

Should You Get a Mod Cut?

A mod cut isn’t for everyone—it can feel forced or even a bit juvenile on the wrong person. But if you’ve got an artistic spirit, a musical inclination, a bit of badassery, or simply want to try something different, it’s a look worth rocking. Bear in mind, the mod cut itself has range, too; for instance, a more uniform shag like Adam Driver’s can be an approachable entry point, while the super textured, wispy style inspired by late ’90s Liam Gallagher requires a bit more panache to pull off.

Just ensure you’re doing it authentically—not because you saw it in a fashion lookbook. While haircut trends come and go, staying true to what resonates with you and suits your face and aesthetic will always look and come across best; chasing every fad can leave you looking like the “every guy with the same haircut” meme.

Now that you’re on the mod cut bandwagon, let’s get into the specifics of hair types. We consulted Chrissie Schwalje, owner of Parlor Hair Studio in Montclair, NJ, who has been crafting stylish cuts for guys for over two decades—and she’s a serious music fan. 

According to Schwalje, first ensure your hair can handle the mod cut. It is best for “those with hair to spare since this cut is all about layers,” she says. “Thicker textures work well with their soft edges, while finer, sparser, or super straight hair may not be ideal. Slightly wavy hair is a sweet spot for this look, while those with curlier textures should remember that curls will shrink, so going for a longer version might be best.”

And if your hair isn’t providing the ideal slight wave, rest assured you can still rock a version of this look, as the style is meant to lay freely and have movement. Every hair texture type can join in the fun.

“If your hair has a very tight or curly texture, you can make variations of this style,” Schwalje adds. She suggests working with your stylist to create something unique for curlier textures, like adding Jean-Michel Basquiat-inspired locks or braids and then shaping them into the mod cut’s defining silhouette. “Think longer sideburns, too, a bit of length in the back, and a floppy fringe. Collaborate with your stylist to adapt the style to your hair type while capturing that effortlessly cool mod vibe.”

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How to Get a Mod Cut

Start by telling your stylist that you’re looking for “a soft, razored cut with closer internal lengths and a longer external hairline,” Schwalje explains. “This haircut can be customized with short, choppy bangs like Paul Weller or a longer, textured fringe like Liam Gallagher. The key is movement and soft edges. You don’t want blunt edges, short sideburns, or a back extending past your collar. Chopping off the sideburns or making the shape too barbered can completely change the look. Visually, this cut should have longer lengths around the entire perimeter—the fringe, sideburns, and nape.”

When you head to your stylist, she advises bringing a reference photo, whether it’s Jacob Elordi or Liam Gallagher, as there are variations of the mod cut. “Reference photos are always helpful,” she says. “They clearly show the desired length and help clarify details like the fringe length and amount of texture.”

And be sure to emphasize the particular details you’re seeking, and what you don’t want to get rid of. “Make sure you’re clear with your stylist about the areas you want to leave longer. The longer lengths in this haircut set it apart from styles like the mullet or mop top,” Schwalje notes. “We often focus on what’s being cut off, but it’s just as important to specify what stays on! Going too short in the back hairline or sideburns could turn this cut into something entirely different, so be clear before starting that you want the length left in the fringe, sideburns, and nape.”

From there, the specifics are really up to taste, she advises: “How short you go is all about preference. A shorter crown amps up the contrast with longer lengths, giving a more rock edge. A longer crown with subtler length differences reads shaggier, creating an overall longer shape.” She suggests experimenting with these elements each visit to keep the look fresh while staying true to the mod style.

How to Style a Mod Cut

Regarding styling, Schwalje recommends a “less is more” approach: “Add some styling paste to towel-dried hair and roughly blow-dry with downward airflow. Use a bit of paste to mess up the finish, then place and polish as you’d like.” She generally recommends Redken Rough Paste or Evo Box o Bollox Texture Paste for an effortlessly cool look.

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• For fine hair: Use a drier, matte pomade like Barb Soft Clay Pomade.
• For medium texture and density: Go for something more pliable, such as Davines This Is a Medium Hold Pliable Paste or Redken Rough Paste.
• For coarse or thick hair: Choose a product with extra hydration and hold, like R+Co Control Flexible Paste.

Schwalje recommends adding a hair powder like Hairstory Powder Dry Shampoo as a finishing touch or next-day refresher: “It adds volume and that bedhead texture while absorbing excess oils, giving your mod cut a fresh, lived-in look.”

Redken Rough Paste

Evo Box o Bollox Texture Paste

The Barb Shop Soft Clay Pomade

Davines This Is a Medium Hold Pliable Paste

R+Co Control Flexible Paste

Hairstory Powder Dry Shampoo

Why You Should Trust Me

In addition to writing for Men’s Journal, I have covered topics ranging from menswear and styling to fragrances and watches and, of course, hair for InsideHook, Robb Report, GQ, Esquire, and Men’s Health. I served as the market editor at Esquire for several years, scouring the industry for the best garments and goods that were not only worth the investment but also made for compelling stories and good advice for our readers. I also conceptualized and wrote many fragrance stories for Esquire and a significant portion of the grooming pages. And I’ve been rocking some version of a mod cut for literal decades (just ask my editor).

I’ve always tried to add a timeless element to whatever I write, because while trends are interesting and relevant to a degree, my heart has always been drawn to more perennial guidance and themes. My obsessive-compulsive tendencies are both a blessing and a curse, and while I often delve into researching items to the point of exhaustion, it’s this approach that positions me as a go-to person for advice. Whether it’s about coats, colognes, turntable needles, or hairstyles, people recognize that I’ve done the legwork. I enjoy inspiring others around me to seek out their unique interests in things that might make their life better. 

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After years of talking about your weight loss plan, you’ve finally decided to take action. You hired a personal trainer, have a solid workout routine, and found the motivation you’ve been searching for. But here’s the issue—you want to burn fat and get fit but have limited time. Should you hop on the treadmill? Or start knocking off floors on the StairMaster? The good news: If your goal is to get your heart pumping, your legs burning, and your fitness improving, you can’t really make a wrong choice whether you go with the StairMaster vs treadmill.

“Both are really good for building aerobic capacity. And they’re both fairly equal from a lower body fitness standpoint,” says Shawn Arent, Ph.D., C.S.C.S., chair of the Department of Exercise Science at the University of South Carolina.

But depending on your fitness goals, mobility, and what you want to—or don’t want to—get out of a gym session, the StairMaster or treadmill may be a better cardio workout. Below I discuss what makes each great, some drawbacks for each piece of equipment, and some interval workouts you can use on each machine to help keep your cardio sessions fresh.

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StairMaster vs Treadmill: How Are They Different?

Both Improve Cardiovascular Fitness

And they do so to a similar degree. In a 12-week study of active females from 2004, treadmill and StairMaster workouts both improved VO2Max, a measure of the maximum amount of oxygen your body can use during exercise. VO2Max is both a marker of fitness and healthy longevity.

Both Burn Similar Amounts of Calories

You may be wondering which is better the StairMaster vs treadmill for fat loss. In a study comparing lots of different cardio machines, recreationally active men who went all-out on the StairMaster and treadmill burned a similar number of calories per minute. The treadmill burned slightly more (17 calories per minute) than stair climbing (15), but both machines outperformed stationary bikes and elliptical machines.

They’re Both Good for Beginners and Advanced Exercisers

Even if you’ve never scanned a gym membership card before, you already know how to run, walk, and climb stairs. The stair climber might be slightly better for beginners who want to do high-intensity work, says Greg Pignataro, C.S.C.S., founder of Never Past Your Prime, because it “forces you to move in a way that reinforces proper movement mechanics.”

The Mechanics Are Different

The main difference between a stair climber and a treadmill is obvious: Using a treadmill, you’re walking or running on a moving belt, while on the StairMaster or other type of stair climber, you’re climbing steps.

Stair Climbing Is Lower Impact

Running on a treadmill puts more impact on your lower body joints than walking or trotting upstairs. Increasing the speed at which you run on a treadmill increases those joint-jarring impacts, says Ryan Koziol, owner of RYKO Fitness. Bumping up the speed on a StairMaster is still a low-impact form of exercise.

Treadmills Are More Versatile

While you can increase the speed or resistance on a stair climber, Arent says, the treadmill’s ability to adjust speed and incline can provide more flexibility for making the workout easier or harder.

Each Challenge Your Leg Muscles Differently

Both pieces of equipment will challenge all the muscles in your legs, but climbing stairs can provide more overall activation of the quadriceps, the muscles in the front of your thighs, Arent says. Walking or running on the treadmill at an incline closes this gap. And to increase glute activation on a stair climber that is a step mill—a type that has a series of steps that cycle through instead of foot pads—you can skip a step, he says.

Treadmills May Transfer to Sports-Specific Goals

If you want to run 5Ks or other races, you’ll want to actually run, Arent says. And you can only really do that on a treadmill. But a study from 1993 found that college-aged women who did stair workouts for nine weeks improved their time in a 1.5 mile run, though not quite as much as other women who trained on the treadmill for the same period.

Treadmill: Pros and Cons

The treadmill will help you rack up steps and elevate your heart rate. But it’s got other unique pluses that other cardio machines don’t have.

Pros of the Treadmill

If you want to run fast, you’ve got to run, says John Peel, a trainer for iFit and Nordic Track.

“It’s going to suit the trail runner, distance runner, and casual hiker more appropriately,” he says, because the incline can be increased to mimic some of the conditions faced in races.

Experts agree that the best way to run on a treadmill is with some level of incline. This reduces the impact of each step, Pignataro points out, and also makes it less likely that you’ll land on your heel, a jarring impact that can result in injury.

Versatility

Bikes, ellipticals, and step machines can only increase or decrease speed and resistance. Because you can adjust not only the speed but the incline of the treadmill, it may also be the most versatile piece of cardio equipment in the gym.

You can also just walk on a treadmill and get an effective workout, Koziol says. The ability to change multiple variables also lets you do multiple kinds of workouts: It’s easy to train slow, fast, at steady paces, or at different speeds or incline intervals.

Challenging at an Incline

While you may think of a treadmill as a piece of equipment for running, using it to walk at an incline may be even more effective, and it reduces the impact you’d feel while running. Koziol suggests trying to start walking at 5 to 7 degrees of incline, going for 10 to 20 minutes.

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Cons of the Treadmill

Leads to Bad Running Mechanics

The treadmill’s moving belt forces you to run differently than you would outside, Pignataro says.

“It’s like having a rug pulled out from under you constantly,” he says. As a result, it’s more difficult to keep your center of gravity landing over the center of your foot. Instead, your leg goes in front of your body, and you land on your heel.

“That’s not the way we’re designed to run,” he says. “The forefoot should be the first point of contact. If you’re landing on the heel first, it’s my professional opinion that you’re doing more harm than good.”

To reduce this effect, run at an incline, he says. Your foot will be on the treadmill for longer on each step, and it’s easier to strike with the center and front of your foot.

Requires Lots of Ankle Mobility at High Inclines

When walking on a treadmill at an extreme incline, your ankle needs to flex so that your toes come toward your shins. This movement is called ankle dorsiflexion, and not everyone has great mobility in this way, Arent says.

If this is causing you discomfort, the stair climber may be better for you.

High Impact

Especially when running at low or zero incline, the treadmill is jarring. With each step slamming onto the belt, you’re sending shocks up through your feet, ankles, knees, and hips. This can result in overuse injuries or pain in the long haul, Koziol says.

Boring and Repetitive

There’s a reason the treadmill is sometimes called the “dreadmill.” While it can be the only option for certain exercisers to run during colder months, running on the treadmill can still be a drag.

StairMaster: Pros and Cons

Climbing on a StairMaster, step mill, or other stair climbing machine is a great option for meeting the weekly recommendation of 150 minutes of moderate or vigorous cardiovascular activity. Plus, it also has some bonus benefits that other cardio machines can’t provide. But buyer beware, there are also a few nitpicky drawbacks to consider. Follow along as we answer what is the StairMaster good for and the cons of using the machine:

Pros of the StairMaster

Encourages Good Movement Mechanics

Unlike the treadmill, which can lead to heel striking, climbing on a step mill or StairMaster “forces you into better mechanics automatically,” Pignataro says. This means that you’ll step and land on the front and center of your foot instead of with the heel. “It’s basically impossible to climb stairs on your heels.”

This foolproof mechanical advantage makes the stair climber less likely to get you hurt, he says, and also an ideal choice for beginning exercisers.

A Challenging Workout

No surprise here. Climbing stairs is harder than moving at the same pace on flat ground (or a flat treadmill). You’ll be able to get to higher intensities at lower speeds, Koziol says, which has an added bonus: You can work harder without increasing the impact of the exercise on your joints.

Greater Quadriceps Activation

Climbing stairs will work all the muscles in your legs, just like walking or running on the treadmill. But the StairMaster will work the quadriceps, the muscles in the fronts of your thighs, a little harder, Arent says.

Climbing the steps at a fast pace will also work the muscles in the back of your legs, also known as your posterior chain, harder than flat or low-incline treadmill walking or running, Peel says.

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Cons of the StairMaster

Burns Slightly Fewer Calories

In a study that compared 10 different cardio machines, the step mill—the kind that has a revolving staircase you climb—burned an average of 354 calories in 30 minutes, the second-most among the different exercises studied. The only machine that beat it was the treadmill, but not by much: Exercising at a similar intensity, treadmill exercisers burned 378 calories.

Only Speed or Resistance Can Be Changed

On a step mill, the type of StairMaster with steps that rotate, the height of the stairs can’t be adjusted. For some exercisers with knee issues, Arent says, this can cause some discomfort.

If you’re using an older-style stepper, where the foot pads connect to the machine by metal arms and go up and down, you can shorten your steps, he says, to find a range that doesn’t cause knee discomfort.

More Challenging

For some exercisers, this is a pro, but for others, the challenge of bounding up stairs is a deterrent. The solution, Koziol says: Go slower. Walking at an incline on a treadmill is tough at a slow speed, and so is climbing stairs. If your heart rate is elevated, you’re getting a good workout—even if it’s not as fast as you’d run.

It Can Get Repetitive

Like the treadmill, the scenery doesn’t change when you’re on the stair climber. It can get boring.

Great Workouts to Do On the Stairmaster and Treadmill

While both the StairMaster and treadmill work for steady state cardio, there’s more you can do than just hop on either of these machines and move for 30 minutes. Try these variations when incline walking, incline running, or on the StairMaster.

Incline Walk the 12/3/30 Workout

When you increase the incline on a treadmill, Koziol says, the change in difficulty ramps up quickly with each uptick in slope. So even walking slowly provides a serious challenge.

Case in point: His favorite treadmill workout, called “12/3/30.”

“It’s a 12 percent incline at 3 mph for 30 minutes,” he says. Even at this slower pace, the ramp will be a challenge. If it’s too hard, he says, start at a slightly lower incline and work your way up.

Incline Walking or Running Intervals: Challenge yourself for 30 seconds

High-intensity interval training (HIIT), where bouts of high-intensity work are alternated with lower-intensity work or rest, is a time-efficient way to burn calories on either machine. These workouts go by quickly, Peel says, and work up a great sweat with less repetitive ruminating than a steady-state bout.

Set the speed and incline at a level where you’ll be challenged for 30 seconds, Peel says. After 30 seconds of work, step to the sides of the belt to recover for 30 seconds. Repeat for 10 to 20 rounds.

StairMaster Intervals: Use Resistance/Levels

Koziol loves the StairMaster for interval training. For easier efforts, he says, set the StairMaster at a level where you’re walking very slowly up the stairs—almost like you’re trudging. This could be a level 3 on the StairMaster for many exercisers.

“There is no ‘too slow’ here,” he says.

For the harder efforts, set it at a level, probably between 6 to 10, where it’s like you’re rushing up the stairs (imagine you’re late for a meeting, and the elevator’s on the fritz).

Perform seven rounds of 1 minute of the hard effort, followed by the easy effort for the same amount of time. Try this workout on its own for a cardio day, or at the end of your strength workout.

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StairMaster vs Treadmill: Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for fat loss?

Either one will work well. There is no “best” cardio method for burning fat. Studies have found that for maximum fat burning during exercise, people with more than 35 percent body fat will burn the most working between 61 to 66 percent of their maximum heart rate. People with body fat percentages below 35 will burn the most between 57 to 64 percent of their max heart rate.

While you’ll burn more fat during cardio workout at these lower intensities, studies have shown that when the amount of work done is evened out, there’s very little difference in calories and fat burned over a 24-hour period with high vs low-intensity cardio.

Should I hold on to the handles?

Only if you need to balance. Holding on significantly reduces how difficult both the treadmill and StairMaster are since they reduce the amount of body weight you need to move, Arent says. To maximize your results and simultaneously train your core to hold you upright, keep your hands off the handles if you can.

Is running on a treadmill the same as running outside?

For running form, no. Running on the treadmill can cause you to strike with your heels, Pignataro says, resulting in jarring impacts. And at higher speeds, he says, running on the treadmill isn’t so much running as it is skipping or bouncing on a moving belt.

From the perspective of the number of calories you’ll burn, running outside and on a treadmill are pretty close, though. In a 2019 meta-analysis, scientists found that when running on the treadmill—even without an incline—study participants used as much oxygen as they did for outdoor running at speeds up to six minutes per mile.

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