7 of the best detox shampoos that will actually give your itchy scalp, flat roots and dull-looking hair a reset

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If your roots are falling flat by midday, your scalp feels itchy no matter how well you rinse and your lengths look dull despite your best efforts, it might not be your styling routine that’s the problem – it could be build-up.

From dry shampoo layering to pollution and hard water, residue accumulates faster than we realise. And according to hairstylist Kieran Tudor, knowing when – and how – to properly detox your scalp is the difference between hair that feels stripped and hair that feels genuinely refreshed.

Below, he breaks down exactly what a detox shampoo does, who actually needs one and the mistakes that could be sabotaging your reset.

What exactly is a detox shampoo?

Think of a detox shampoo as your deep-clean option. While your regular shampoo works to maintain balance, a clarifying formula goes a step further, lifting away stubborn product build-up, excess oil, pollution and even mineral deposits from hard water that cling to the scalp and hair over time.

But ‘deep clean’ shouldn’t be mistaken for ‘strip everything away.’ As Tudor explains, ‘The scalp is living skin and aggressively over-cleansing can disrupt its barrier, leading to dryness, irritation or even increased oil production as a rebound response. The goal isn’t that squeaky, almost brittle feeling – it’s a scalp that feels breathable and hair that regains movement and shine.’

Could your hair use a detox?

In the salon, Tudor says the signs are usually clear. ‘Hair can feel heavy or coated even straight after washing, and the scalp may feel itchy, flaky or congested. Products that suddenly stop working, flat roots with no movement and dull-looking hair are all signs that your hair could benefit from a gentle reset.’

If you rely on dry shampoo, layer styling products or live in a city environment, some level of build-up is almost inevitable. For those with drier or damaged hair, however, Tudor prefers a more considered approach than a strong clarifier. He often recommends starting with a pre-wash treatment such as CENTRED En-Root Scalp Oil (£36, wearecentred.com). ‘It detoxes intelligently, without compromising the hair fibre,’ he says, thanks to its salicylic acid formula that loosens build-up and calms inflammation before you shampoo.

Who really needs a detox?

Detox shampoos tend to suit those who use a lot of styling products, swimmers exposed to chlorine and anyone with an oilier scalp. They’re also particularly useful before a colour service or intensive treatment, as removing residue allows formulas to penetrate more evenly and effectively.

That said, they aren’t for everyone. Very dry, fragile or highly processed hair – as well as scalps prone to eczema, psoriasis or sensitivity – require a more nurturing approach. Tudor advises focusing on gentle rebalancing and barrier support followed by a soothing cleanser such as CENTRED Daily Calma (£22, wearecentred.com). ‘It’s about supporting the skin rather than shocking it,’ he says.

The best detox shampoos

 

How often should you detox your hair?

‘When it comes to clarifying, more isn’t more,’ Tudor explains. He typically recommends detoxing once every two to four weeks depending on your lifestyle and product use. ‘Weekly clarifying is rarely necessary unless there is significant build-up. Overdoing it is one of the biggest mistakes I see. The scalp ages faster than facial skin and is closely linked to hormones and stress. Constant stripping can accelerate imbalance.’

An intentional, occasional reset is far more beneficial than constant deep cleansing.

Can a detox improve your treatments?

In short, yes. ‘If the hair shaft is coated in residue, masks, conditioners and treatments cannot penetrate properly. A gentle reset allows active ingredients to absorb and do their job,’ Tudor explains.

The same principle applies before colouring. ‘Ensuring the scalp is clean – but not compromised – can result in more even, consistent results. I would always choose a balanced pre-treatment over an aggressive clarifier, especially for clients with dry or damaged hair. Think preparation, not punishment.’

Are you making these detox mistakes?

‘The biggest mistakes tend to centre around intensity,’ Tudor says. ‘Using formulas that are too harsh, scrubbing aggressively or detoxing far too frequently. Skipping conditioner afterwards is another common error, leaving hair rough and depleted rather than refreshed.’

He also stresses that detoxing shouldn’t be viewed purely as a surface-level fix. ‘True scalp detox is also internal. Stress, diet and hormonal imbalance all show up on the scalp.’

What should you do after a detox?

Replenishment is key. Tudor recommends: ‘After detoxing, I recommend a nourishing, pH-balanced cleanse if you’ve used a pre-treatment, a hydrating conditioner through the mid-lengths and ends, and for drier hair types, a weekly mask to restore elasticity.’

He also highlights the benefits of gentle scalp massage post-wash. ‘Increasing circulation supports oxygen and nutrient delivery to the follicle – a simple step that can make a noticeable difference over time.’

Ultimately, a proper detox should never leave your scalp feeling tight or your hair straw-like. Done correctly, it restores lift at the roots, revives shine through the lengths and leaves everything feeling lighter, calmer and genuinely reset – exactly what a detox should do.