5 Detox Shampoos That Will Get Out Every Last Bit of Grime

Dry shampoo is one of those “too much of a good thing” things—when you hit the “too much” mark, you’re dealing with product build-up and (probably) stinky strands and (more than likely) an itchy scalp. Be it from hair products like dry shampoo, hard water, or sweat, build-up is something that your regular shampoo isn’t particularly equipped to handle. It’s kind of like like bringing a butter knife to cut a raw spaghetti squash.

That’s where detoxifying, clarifying shampoos come in. These shampoos give your hair and scalp a deep cleaning, using ingredients like charcoal, tea tree oil, and apple cider vinegar to remove the extra things that are making your hair grimy. Because these shampoos tend to utilize amped-up surfactants, you won’t want to use them much more than once a week, as to not dry out your hair. But they can be a complement to your regular lather, rinse, repeat cycle. Here, five of the best detox shampoos that money can buy.

You might notice that shopping on this page is a little different than what you’re used to. Never fear; we’ll talk you through it. With the Well+Good SHOP, you can now add products to your cart right from this article page. Just click on a product below and more details will pop up in a new window. Hit “add to cart” and voila! That’s it! As you read more SHOP articles, you can keep adding products to your cart and check out when you’re ready (look for the cart icon on the right side of your screen).

Shop the best detox shampoos

Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo — $42.00

Charcoal and vegetable-derived micro-exfoliators are a one-two punch against scalp build-up, gently whisking away dead skin and removing impurities from your scalp. Peppermint, spearmint, and tea tree oils help calm itchiness and inflammation, and coconut oil brings the moisture so that the other ingredients don’t dry out your scalp.

Ouai Detox Shampoo — $30.00

This color-safe clarifying shampoo is infused with apple cider vinegar, which helps exfoliate your scalp and remove residue. It balances that out with hydrolyzed keratin, which helps make hair softer, glossier, and less-frizzy. And the scent—rose with bergamot, lychee, and cedar wood—is simply divine.

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Triple Detox Shampoo — $13.00

This detox shampoo contains what is described as a “healthy hair molecule” that “repels dirt and oil” so your hair will stay cleaner, longer. It targets three causes of build-up—hard water, product, and pollution—hence the name. Activated charcoal and witch hazel are the final touches, soaking up excess scalp oil and moisturizing, respectively.

Peppermint & Avocado Volumizing & Clarifying Shampoo — $34.00

For a scalp and mood pick-me-up, turn to this minty fresh shampoo. It’s infused with clarifying, cleansing peppermint oil plus a blend of other botanicals that get rid of build-up without stripping hair.

Bumble and Bumble Sunday Clarifying Shampoo — $13.00

Squeaky clean hair is possible when you use this potent detoxing shampoo. Rosemary, sage, and ginseng extracts work as a team to nix oily, greasy hair. (However, if you have color-treated hair, this one’s not for you.)

Want to be the first to hear about the latest (and greatest) SHOP product drops, custom collections, discounts, and more? Sign up to have the intel delivered straight to your inbox.