Editor Tip: The tingling sensation and herbal scent are especially refreshing in the morning.
Key Ingredients: Tea tree oil, panthenol, aloe vera | Who It’s For: Those who prefer an aromatherapy experience.
Best for Fine Hair: Oribe Serene Scalp Oil Control Shampoo
Why It’s Worth It: Drawing inspiration from skin-care products, this sulfate-free shampoo targets excess oil production by way of the scalp’s microbiome. It pairs prebiotics with amino acids and marine algae to effectively reset and balance the microbiome, thus controlling oil production — and extending the time between washes.
Editor Tip: Instead of dry shampoo, touch up oily spots with the matching mist, which mattifies hair at the roots.
Key Ingredients: Rosebay extract, marine algae, sugar-derived prebiotic | Who It’s For: People with an uncomfortable or irritated scalp
Best for Dry Scalps: Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo
Why It’s Worth It: Briogeo’s Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo was awarded a Best of Beauty Award back in 2018 and has been featured in the Allure Beauty Box. Think of the crowd-favorite product as step one of your healthy hair journey. It’s another top recommendation for those with dry, itchy scalps, but truly, it’s a good first step for anyone looking to draw impurities from the hair follicle, stimulate their roots, and jumpstart hair growth.
Editor Tip: Swap it for your shampoo once a week.
Key Ingredients: Charcoal, coconut oil, tea tree oil | Who It’s For: People with a dry scalp and flakes
Best Budget: Monday Haircare Clarify Shampoo
Why It’s Worth It: A 2023 Best of Beauty Award winner, Monday Haircare Clarify Shampoo earned major points for its ability to lift away buildup (courtesy of grapefruit extract) as well as smooth frizz and flyaways. It also lightly hydrates with coconut oil and vitamin E, making it a good option for those with dry hair on their mid-lengths and ends. Bonus: Even though it’s clarifying, it’s gentle enough for daily use.
Editor Tip: It’s pH-balanced, which can help minimize scalp irritation and discomfort.
Key Ingredients: Grapefruit extract, coconut oil, vitamin E | Who It’s For: Most hair types
Best for Buildup: Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo
Why It’s Worth It: Board-certified dermatologist James Y. Wang, MD of Metropolis Dermatology in Los Angeles says the Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo is one of the best cleansing shampoos for removing product buildup and excess oil. “This shampoo uses ginseng root and sage leaf extract to clean the hair, allowing for a deeper cleanse,” he says. “Because it is so effective, it may also have a drying effect on the hair, which can be treated with any conditioner or other post-shampoo hair products of your choosing.”
