In Need of a Scalp Detox? Here’s How to Reset Itchy, Flaky Hair (2025)

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.

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 practitioner Catie Boucher reiterates that we should not overlook scalp care, saying 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-massaging tools and hard-water-purifying showerheads.

Vogue’s Favorite Scalp Detox Products

• Best for Dandruff: Briogeo Scalp Revival Dandruff Relief Charcoal Shampoo, $42
• Best Scalp Scrub: Ceremonia Papaya Scalp Scrub, $34
• Best for Filtering Water: Jolie Skin Co. Filtered Showerhead, $165
• Best Scalp Serum: Act+Acre 4% Niacinamide Oily Scalp Serum, $68
• Best Scalp Brush: Jupiter Scalp Brush, $21
• Best Plant-Based Exfoliating: Rahua Scalp Exfoliating Shampoo, $40

In This Story

• What is a scalp detox?
• What are the signs that you need a scalp detox?
• How to do a scalp detox
• What ingredients should you look out for when doing a scalp detox?
• Meet the experts

Best for Dandruff: Briogeo Scalp Revival Dandruff Relief Charcoal Shampoo

• Why We Love It: Briogeo’s Scalp Revival shampoo is formulated with 92 percent naturally derived ingredients to help remove buildup from hair. A blend of salicylic acid and lactic acid gently exfoliates, 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 pretreatment 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: Prewash oil
• Best For: Dry scalp, product buildup, 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 break down excess oil. Meanwhile, panthenol and castor oil calm things down, soothing itchy irritation.
• Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, Fluidipure 8G, panthenol, hydrogenated castor oil
• Type: Prewash 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. After shampooing, while still in the shower, work the brush in a circular, consistent motion. The flexible yet firm bristles will do all of the work, carefully removing buildup without scratching or exacerbating irritation. You can also use this tool on dry hair to stimulate scalp circulation.
• Type: Exfoliating tool
• Best For: Flaky scalp, hair follicle stimulation
• Size: Not applicable

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 it’s applied to your face—but have you thought about using the same powerhouse ingredient on your scalp? Act+Acre has with its pH-optimized daily scalp serum. Designed to control excess oil production before it begins, this serum will help leave your hair looking cleaner for longer, extending the time between washes. For the 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 buildup
• Size: 2.2 fl oz.

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 a common goal: shinier, healthier hair and a balanced scalp. As is the case for the rest of Gisou’s lineup, the formula is ledby Mirsalehi honey, a natural humectant that draws 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 onto the scalp with 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 Co. 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 on where you live (looking at you, New Yorkers!), you may have hard water pumping through your pipes, which contains high levels of minerals, heavy metals, and more. (No thanks!) Jolie’s showerhead filters water, removing chlorine, metals, and any unwanted contaminants.
• Type: Appliance
• Best For: All hair types, clean water
• Size: 5.3 in. in diameter, 5.4 in. long

Best Custom Mask: Prose Custom Scalp Mask

• Why We Love It: Take the guesswork out of finding the perfect scalp detox: Prose makes customized, intensive scalp masks 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, the brand will make a unique blend for your specific 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 buildup. 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: Prewash 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, buildup, 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 needa scalp detox, and why do you need it?

Suppose you have noticed your hair getting greasier faster, are seeing more flakes, or have been experiencing an itchier scalp than usual—experts say these are all signs it might be time for a detox. These symptoms could be the result of product buildup or some kind of imbalance, like dryness that’s causing your scalp to overproduce oil. Dr. 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, Dr. Spearman notes. A scalp detox helps 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 to 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 such flakiness, irritation, and oiliness. Here’s a quick list of popular ingredients and what they do:

• 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: This 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 hair’s natural oils in the scalp to help nourish.
• Sugar, sea salt, and physical exfoliants: These can gently remove dead skin cells.

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, who specializes in melanoma and skin-cancer care.
• Catie Boucher, FNP-C, DCNP, is a board-certified dermatology nurse practitioner and founder of SavvyDerm.