The best at-home detox shampoo for your hair and scalp

You’ve heard of detoxifying your body, but have you ever considered the concept for your hair? While we mostly associate it with something to do after, say, a bachelorette weekend in Vegas, detoxing is something your hair can benefit from, too.

Over time, dirt, pollution, oil, and products all build up on the scalp and hair, leaving behind a residue that your daily wash alone can’t shift. It’s a bit like keeping a house fresh and clean: you give your counters a quick wipe every day, but you also need to get the rubber gloves out regularly to tackle the real dirt and grime. And just like in your home, if you don’t remove that deep build-up, you’ll quickly notice things don’t look as good as they used to. And if left too long, this build-up can cause serious damage to your hair. If you’re struggling with dull, oily, lifeless hair, it’s likely you’re in need of a good hair detox.

What exactly do detox shampoos do?

Detox shampoos (sometimes called clarifying shampoos) deep clean, cutting through the oil, dirt, and product build-up and flushing them out of your hair and scalp. They dislodge the dirt and grime your regular shampoo can’t get to and break down oils that would otherwise be left to build up and weaken strands.

Nexxus’ Clean & Pure range is specifically designed to gently cleanse in this way. Thanks to its 0% silicones, sulfates, dyes, and parabens formula, it doesn’t leave any residue on the hair (all of those elements are known to leave behind build-up, no matter how much you rinse). Then, the PROTEINFUSION™ blend formula injects strength back into your hair by way of elastin protein and marine minerals, and other nourishing ingredients.

When should I use a detox shampoo?

Depending on your hair type and the product, you should use a detox shampoo anywhere from daily to once a month.

Those with oily hair are likely to need a hair detox at least every week or so, as oil builds up more quickly in greasier hair. It’s also likely you're using dry shampoo regularly, which can lead to residue build-up on the scalp.

If your hair is on the drier side, or if you have curls or coils, your hair naturally lacks moisture, so a once-a-month detox is probably sufficient for you. But while you may need a hair detox less often than those with oily hair, they are just as important for you. Why? People with drier hair tend to use more products that create build-ups, such as hydrating and finishing creams, and hair spray. So even though you need to do it less often, don’t be tempted to skip the detox step in your hair routine.

The Nexxus Clean & Pure range is so gentle and lightweight, it’s formulated for safe daily use which is perfect if styling products feature heavily in your daily hair care.

How do you actually detox hair?

Put down the green juice – it won’t help you here! Detoxifying hair products come in a few different forms, such as cleansers or scrubs. You use the Nexxus Clean & Pure Nourishing Detox Shampoo and Conditioner just as you would any cleanser and conditioner in the shower, while the Clean & Pure Invigorating Detox Scalp Scrub has the consistency of an exfoliator you might associate more with your skincare products.

The scrub works by physically dislodging embedded dirt that a traditional shampoo just can’t get to, and can be used alone in place of shampoo, or as a pre-treatment before your Clean & Pure Shampoo. Simply massage into the scalp until the particles fully dissolve into a light lather. And it must be said: the feeling of freshness you feel after using a scalp scrub for the first time will likely have you wondering why you didn’t try one sooner.

If the idea of a scrub sounds a little harsh, it’s reassuring to know Nexxus’ version not only has a 0% silicones, dyes, and parabens formula, but also 0% sulfates, so it won’t dry your hair out.

What should I use in-between detox shampoo?

Your scalp doesn’t require a deep clean or detox at every wash, but you do want to choose a shampoo and conditioner that will leave little to no residue behind (as the environment and styling products are probably doing enough of that!). Nexxus created the Hydra-Light Weightless Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner to ensure your hair gets the moisture it needs (thanks to the hydrating and strengthening PROTEINFUSION™ blend) without residue and build-up.