Believe it or not—healthy, voluminous hair starts with a balanced scalp, and greasiness isn’t just a summertime struggle. “If your hair feels more oily, itchy for no reason, or just plain blah, it’s time for a scalp detox,” says board-certified physician associate Paula Brezavscek, PA-C.

Scalp detoxing is essential for removing excess oil, buildup, and impurities that can inhibit hair health. For many, the need for a detox becomes even more apparent during colder months, when dry air can cause the scalp to overproduce oil in response to the harsher conditions. Board-certified dermatology nurse practicioner Catie Boucher reminds us not to overlook scalp care, emphasizing that how you care for your scalp impacts the overall health and look of your hair.

A properly executed detox can restore balance and give hair a fresh start, all from the comfort of your shower. Below are 12 of the best products for an at-home scalp detox, from shampoos and oils to head-massing tools and hard water-purifying shower heads.

Vogue’s Favorite Scalp Detox Products

In This Story

Best for Dandruff: Briogeo Scalp Revival Dandruff Relief Charcoal Shampoo

• Why We Love It: Briogeo’s Scalp Revival shampoo is formulated with 92% naturally derived ingredients to help remove buildup from hair. A blend of salicylic acid and lactic acid gently exfoliate, while a detoxifying mix of charcoal and tea tree oil soothes your freshly cleaned scalp.
• Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, tea tree leaf oil, peppermint oil, lactic acid, coconut oil, biotin, hyaluronic acid
• Type: Lathering shampoo
• Best For: Dandruff, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, irritation
• Size: 8.4 fl oz

Best Oil: Act+Acre Scalp Detox Oil

• Why We Love It: Act+Acre’s oil is a pre-treatment meant to sit on your scalp for 20 minutes before shampooing. A blend of baobab oil, sunflower oil, and basil leaf root breaks down scalp buildup from dandruff, sweat, and sebum while moisturizing any dry patches.
• Key Ingredients: Basil leaf hairy root blend, sunflower oil, baobab oil
• Type: Pre-wash oil
• Best For: Dry scalp, product build-up, all hair textures
• Size: 3 oz.

Best Salicylic Acid Treatment: The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Treatment

• Why We Love It: “Salicylic acid helps to banish dandruff flakes,” explains Brezavscek. The Inkey List’s scalp treatment makes this dandruff-fighting ingredient the star of the formulation, which also helps to break down excess oil. Meanwhile, panthenol and castor oil calm things down, soothing itchy irritation.
• Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, fluidpure, panthenol, hydrogenated castor oil
• Type: Pre-wash treatment
• Best For: Oily Scalp, dandruff, itchiness
• Size: 5 fl oz.

Best Scalp Scrub: Ceremonia Papaya Scalp Scrub

• Why We Love It: This scalp scrub doubles as a whipped shampoo to cleanse hair while exfoliating with both physical and chemical exfoliants: pink sea salt granules and papaya enzymes work together to remove scalp buildup from both hair products and natural sebum. Meanwhile, guava leaf and prickly pear cactus extracts moisturize your freshly-cleaned scalp.
• Key Ingredients: Bolivian pink salt, papaya enzymes, prickly pear cactus extract, guava leaf extract
• Type: Multipurpose scalp scrub and shampoo
• Best For: Physical exfoliation for all hair types
• Size: 8 fl oz.

Best Scalp Brush: Jupiter Scalp Brush

• Why We Love It: To target stubborn dandruff and dry patches, Jupiter’s feel-good exfoliating brush works more efficiently than fingers can. While in the shower and after shampooing, work the brush in a circular, consistent motion—the flexible yet firm bristles will do all of the work, carefully removing build-up without scratching or exacerbating irritation. You can also use this tool on dry hair to stimulate scalp circulation.
• Type: Exfoliating tool
• Best For: Flakey scalp, hair follicle stimulation
• Size:

Best for Oily Hair: Rahua Scalp Exfoliating Shampoo

• Why We Love It: For the ultimate reset, Rahua’s shampoo works overtime to exfoliate the scalp while cleansing the hair with aromatherapeutic benefits thanks to naturally fragrant, clean ingredients. Crushed star anise leads the formula with its physically exfoliating properties, alongside mango and passion fruit enzymes which help clear out dead skin cells. Meanwhile, nourishing botanical extracts like sacha inchi and morete oil moisturize hair follicles.
• Key Ingredients: Rahua oil, sacha inchi oil, morete oil, star anise seeds, passion fruit extract, mango sugar
• Type: Shampoo
• Best For: Oily Hair
• Size: 9.3 fl oz

Best Serum: Act+Acre 4% Niacinamide Oily Scalp Serum

• Why We Love It: By now, you’ve heard of the congested-skin-fighting powers of niacinamide when applied to your face—but have you thought of using the same powerhouse ingredient on your scalp? Act+Acre has, with their pH-optimized daily scalp serum. Designed to control excess oil production before it begins, this serum will help to leave your hair looking cleaner for longer, extending the time between hair washing. For best results, apply the serum every day, gently massaging it into the skin and leaving it on.
• Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, fermented green tea extract,​​bio-fermented astragalus
• Type: Leave-on serum
• Best For: Oily hair, scalp build-up
• Size:

Best for Irritation: Gisou Honey Infused Scalp Treatment

• Why We Love It: Gisou’s highly concentrated, fast-absorbing serum is suitable for all hair types, with one common goal: shinier, healthier hair and a balanced scalp. As the rest of Gisou’s lineup, Mirsalehi honey leads the formula—a natural humectant that draws in moisture to hair strands and the scalp. Meanwhile, prebiotics from ectoine work to relieve irritation and flakiness. As for how to best apply it? Pump a little product directly to the scalp on freshly washed hair, working it in slowly from the root to the ends. (Pro tip: using a scalp brush here can amplify the massage.)
• Key Ingredients: Ectoine, honey, glycerin, hydrolyzed rice protein, celery seed extract
• Type: Leave-on serum
• Best For: Itchy and irritated scalp, damaged hair
• Size: 3.4 fl oz

Best for Filtered Water: Jolie Skin Company Filtered Showerhead

• Why We Love It: When it comes to oily hair and unbalanced scalps, part of the problem for many of us is the water we wash with. Depending where you live (looking at you, New Yorkers!) hard water pumping through pipes contains high levels of minerals, heavy metals, and more. (No thanks!) Jolie’s shower head filters water, removing chlorine, metals, and any unwanted contaminants.
• Type: Appliance
• Best For: All hair types, clean water
• Size: 5.3′ diameter, 5.4′ long

Best Custom Mask: Prose Custom Scalp Mask

• Why We Love It: Take the guesswork out of finding the perfect scalp detox: Prose makes a customized, intensive scalp mask with a blend of purifying ingredients and physical exfoliants from jojoba beads to restore scalp health. What’s included? Only you can know for sure—after you fill out Prose’s customized quiz, they’ll make a unique blend specifically for your concerns.
• Key Ingredients: Ingredients vary per customized formula. Prose picks from hundreds of clean ingredients, all sustainably sourced. Fragrance- and silicone-free options are also available.
• Type: Scalp mask
• Best For: All hair types and scalp concerns
• Size: 8.5 fl oz

Best For Curly Hair: Pattern by Tracee Ellis Ross Deep Scalp Detox 2-in-1 Hair Serum Cleanser

• Why We Love It: For curly girls, Pattern’s pre-shampoo serum purges dead skin cells and product build-up. It’s perfect for a scalp reset after braids and sew-ins. Simply shake the bottle, parting your hair in sections, and apply it directly to the scalp before shampooing.
• Key Ingredients: Lemon peel oil,
• Type: Pre-wash treatment, daily serum
• Best For: Scalp detoxifying, curly to textured hair types
• Size: 4 fl oz

Best Dry Shampoo: Briogeo Style + Treat Dry Shampoo Puff

• Why We Love It: Keep Briogeo’s dry shampoo puff in your bag for touch-ups on the go. The lightweight powder refreshes roots with a blend of peptides, biotin, and caffeine. The powder puff applicator makes application mess-free, too—simply tap it on your scalp as if it were a makeup compact.
• Key Ingredients: Copper peptides, biotin, caffeine, coffee seed oil, soybean oil
• Type: Powder
• Best For: Oily root touch ups
• Size: 0.5 oz

What is a scalp detox?

A scalp detox is more than just a buzzword—it’s necessary to maintain a healthy scalp and hair. As board-certified dermatologist Dara Spearman, MD, explains, it’s about cleansing the scalp of oils, build-up, impurities, and dead skin cells that can accumulate over time. This process helps reduce dandruff and oil production, improving the overall condition of your scalp and extending the time between hair washes.

Boucher adds, “Most people would benefit from upping their game regarding their scalp health.” Whether you’re a dry shampoo enthusiast or use many styling products, addressing product buildup is wise.”

What are the signs that you may need a scalp detox and why do you need it?

Suppose you’ve noticed your hair getting greasier faster, more flakes appearing, or your scalp feeling itchier than usual—experts say these are all signs it might be time for a detox. These symptoms could be because of product buildup or some kind of imbalance, like dryness causing your scalp to overproduce oil. Spearman also points out that irritation, burning, or sensitivity can indicate your scalp is overloaded with residue from hair products. In addition, if your hair feels flat, lifeless, or more challenging to style than usual, it could be due to buildup clogging your scalp, Spearman notes. A scalp detox helps to clear the gunk, restore balance, and bring back that healthy shine and volume, making it easier to manage your hair.

How To Do a Scalp Detox

Boucher explains the most common mistake patients make when using clarifying shampoos is not applying the product directly to the scalp itself. “Keeping the scalp free of buildup (whether that’s from dry shampoo or dead skin cells) is essential. Otherwise, it makes it extremely difficult for any kind of scalp or topical hair loss treatment to penetrate and work effectively,” she explains. “The dandruff originates in the scalp, not the hair. I recommend double cleansing, and on the second cleanse I recommend that patients get a good lather in the scalp, and let your exfoliating product sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing.”

What ingredients should you look out for when doing a scalp detox?

Dr. Spearman explains that an effective scalp detox relies on ingredients that target buildup, soothe irritation, and restore balance to your scalp. The right ingredients will help clear out excess oil and dead skin cells and nurture the skin to promote healthier hair growth.

For an intensive detox, look for ingredients that serve multiple purposes—like exfoliation and soothing. Or, focus on ingredients that can balance oil production or provide much-needed hydration. Each ingredient has a unique role in addressing scalp issues like flakiness, irritation, and oiliness. A quick list of popular ingredients and what they do, below:

• Salicylic Acid: This breaks down dead skin cells and removes flakes for a healthy scalp.
• Niacinamide: This helps control oil production and soothe irritation.
• AHAs and BHAs: These offer gentle exfoliation to clear out buildup.
• Charcoal: Charcoal can absorb oil and impurities.
• Tea Tree Oil: This is essential to refresh and balance your scalp.
• Honey and Aloe Vera: These hydrate and calm dryness-induced irritation.
• Jojoba oil: This mimics the hairs natural oils in scalp, to help nourish.
• Sugar, sea salt, and physical exfoliants: These can remove dead skin cells through gentle exfoliation.

Meet The Experts

• Paula Brezavscek, PA-C, is a board-certified dermatology physician associate and founder of Azala Skin Clinic.
• Dara Spearman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing in Fort Wayne, Indiana, specializing in melanoma and skin cancer care.
• Catie Boucher is a board-certified dermatology nurse practitioner and founder of Savvy Derm.