Signs Your Scalp Needs a Detox and Products Experts Recommend to Treat Flakes and Itch (2025)

This expert-approved, multipurpose shampoo is a simple way to clean your scalp and keep it clear of buildup. It is a “two-in-one scalp scrub and clarifying shampoo that uses activated charcoal and gentle alpha hydroxy acids to detox the scalp and boost hair volume,” Dr. Ziering explains.

What reviewers think: “I had been having problems with a dry itchy scalp due to a lot of hair product buildup, oil, etc., and really feel like this Lolavie product has helped combat it!” wrote one Ulta reviewer. “I tried it for the first time this week and have really felt it has made a difference! I will continue to use it once per week.”

For an effective scalp detox, Dr. Shamban recommends using a “pre-shampoo product” like this one from Nizoral. She appreciates that it contains lactic acid and ascorbic acid to gently exfoliate the scalp, as well as hydrated silica to nourish and strengthen strands. It’s also formulated with nourishing and calming ingredients like glycerin, panthenol, allantoin, and coconut oil.

What reviewers think: “I like Nizorol products, as they are well made and cleanse the scalp, promoting better skin and hair follicles,” wrote one Amazon reviewer. “It is very easy to use and can be used with other shampoos if desired. I use a few different shampoos, and this scalp cleanser is effective with them all.”

This deep-cleansing scalp scrub from Christophe Robin “contains sea salt to exfoliate and soothe the scalp,” says Dr. Ziering. It also contains bisabolol to calm and nourish the scalp, and a natural carbohydrate complex that the brand says helps to support scalp health and prevent dehydration. The scrub transforms into a sudsy lather once massaged into the scalp with water, and Dr. Ziering adds that it is “a good choice for oily scalps” as it gently clears away buildup.

What reviewers think: “Lately my hair has been looking flat and greasy even immediately after showering. I would blow-dry my hair and it would look limp and not even feel clean. Not fun,” wrote one Amazon reviewer. “I just used this for the first time and blow-dried my hair, and it actually has that clean, dry feeling I’ve been missing!! Will be adding this to my weekly routine for sure.”

This serum cleanser from Tracee Ellis Ross’s haircare brand is formulated for those with curly and coily hair. With tea tree oil, pink clay, and lemon peel oil, this product gently rids the scalp of buildup from products, oil, and debris. It also contains lactic acid and mandelic acid, which are gentle alpha hydroxy acids that help exfoliate the scalp.

What reviewers think: “I wear my hair in protective styles often, and this product is amazing!” wrote one Sephora reviewer. “I suffer from dry scalp, and oils and creams don’t work all of the time. It has a nice light scent of tea tree oil and lemon grass. My scalp is hydrated and clean!”

Dr. Shamban suggests considering a pre-treatment with salicylic acid to detox the scalp, and recommends this option from The Inkey List. Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that boasts major exfoliation abilities as it penetrates deeply into the pores, clearing away dead skin cells, oil, and debris. This scalp pre-treatment is designed to be applied and left on for 10 minutes before washing hair as normal to fight flakes and address itchiness.

What reviewers think: “I give this product five stars because it worked very well for me. I have thick curly hair, and my scalp tends to get oily and dandruff along with it,” one Sephora reviewer wrote. “I also tend to get very itchy at the scalp, and it drives me insane sometimes. When I apply this product, it calms the itchiness down and seems to level it out with just one application. I definitely recommend anyone to try this out.”

For a “gentle clarifying shampoo,” Dr. Shamban recommends this option formulated with science-backed ingredients like witch hazel and rosemary oil. Witch hazel has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that make it suitable for sensitive scalps and may even help with conditions like psoriasis or eczema; rosemary oil has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antifungal properties, and may help with hair growth.. She says to apply it directly to the scalp before massaging in and rinsing away.

What reviewers say: “Such a great shampoo! My hair gets oily so easily, and I could never find a shampoo to really help with that until I used this. It really gets all the buildup off my scalp and leaves my hair and scalp both looking and feeling better,” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “It doesn’t look dull and lifeless anymore, and I’m most pleased with my scalp not itching to high heaven anymore. I definitely recommend this product if you’re in need or desire for a thorough cleansing shampoo.”

If you struggle with persistent dandruff, Dr. Ziering says you may benefit from a scalp detox routine. Specifically, he recommends opting for products that contain an antifungal agent like ketoconazole, which works to address the flakiness. “Nizoral shampoo is one of the best OTC shampoos for dry, itchy, flaky scalps,” he explains.

What we think: “I used the shampoo once a week for four weeks, and was shocked to discover my severe dandruff was entirely gone—not a flake, scab, or itch to be found,” Prevention Senior Commerce Editor, Charlotte Lewis wrote in her Nizoral review. “I appreciate that as someone with color-treated hair, it’s safe enough to use regularly, and I’ve actually found that hair quality has improved since incorporating it into my routine, looking healthier and brighter—and even growing faster.”

If you struggle with oil, this serum may be just what your scalp needs. According to Dr. Ziering, this leave-in formula “helps control excess oil, balancing scalp pH to stop oil production.” It’s formulated with niacinamide, which is known for its ability to manage oil levels, as well as “bio-fermented astragalus,” which the brand says helps moisturize the skin.

What reviewers think: “I’m a 30-year-old mom with long, thick hair that gets oily fast, and this 4% niacinamide scalp serum has been a total game-changer,” wrote one Sephora reviewer. “Since using it consistently, my scalp feels and looks way less oily, and I don’t have that heavy, greasy feeling by the end of the day. It’s clear my scalp is producing less oil over time, and managing my hair has never been easier.”

In addition to the products you use on your scalp, Dr. Shamban suggests using a shower filter to “help stop buildup of harsh chemicals and minerals” that may impact your scalp and hair. She suggests looking for one that includes KDF-55 and activated carbon, like this popular pick from Jolie.

What reviewers think: “We live in an area that has horrible water quality...This filter has saved our skin and our hair,” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “My husband quit breaking out within a week of using this filter. His ‘backne’ is gone. Our hair feels so silky, and we have noticed the lack of hair shedding from this product. It comes with all the tools needed for installation, which was very impressive.”

A scalp brush or massager, like this one recommended by Dr. Shamban, gives your products a boost by “lifting debris or moving around the serums, treatments, or tonics.” The key is to evenly coat your scalp in whatever detox product you choose before using a brush-like tool to work in the formula.

What reviewers think: “This has recolonized the way my scalp is cleaned when I wash my hair. The soft yet sturdy bristles really allow me to massage shampoo into my scalp and help stimulate my scalp while gently helping lift off any residue on my scalp or buildup,” wrote one Sephora reviewer.

“The Ordinary’s glycolic-based exfoliating toner can be used for face or scalp,” Dr. Shamban explains. She appreciates that it includes Tasmanian pepperberry, a source of antioxidants, which helps to “eliminate or minimize irritation.” You can use this glycolic acid solution as a pre-shampoo treatment.

What reviewers think: “I absolutely love this product! I primarily use it on my scalp because I often deal with flaky skin, and it works wonders. My scalp feels so clean, and the flakiness is noticeably reduced. Plus, I haven’t experienced any irritation or negative reactions–in fact, I think I’ve even seen less hair fall since I started using it before washing my hair,” wrote one Sephora reviewer. “It’s also helped minimize breakouts around my hairline, which is a fantastic bonus. And the fact that it’s fragrance-free is great. For the quantity you get, the price is definitely worth it.”

This soothing scalp detox concentrate is formulated with glycolic acid and an antioxidant-rich fermented tea blend to calm irritated scalps while exfoliating, clarifying, and removing excess oil and buildup. It is designed to be gentle on sensitive scalps and claims to be safe for color-treated hair. Simply massage it into a dry scalp and leave it on for about 15 minutes before shampooing and conditioning.

What reviewers think: “The Biolage Scalp Sync is the only thing that has helped me. I have tried so many other products, sooo many. This is exactly what my scalp needed,” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “I have dealt with dry, flaky scalp forever, it has now been reduced by over 90%. No more itching, no more flakes, no more wondering if it’s snow or dry scalp on my shirt. I can not say enough good things about this product!”

✔️Go gentle. “Just like [for] your face, you want to think ‘gentle’ and ‘non-irritating,’” Dr. Ziering says. “Avoid harsh sulfates or alcohol—both can strip too much of the natural oils you need. Also, it is important to apply the scrubs softly and use a gentle massage.”

✔️Look for effective exfoliants. Ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, charcoal, tea tree oil, and sea salt can all provide effective scalp exfoliation, help remove buildup, and promote a healthier, cleaner scalp, Dr. Shamban says.

✔️Choose scalp-soothing formulas. Hydrating, soothing ingredients like aloe vera, green tea, apple cider vinegar, vitamin B5, and coconut oil help to nourish the scalp and provide moisture balance. Dr. Shamban says the ideal scalp product will include a combination of clarifying and soothing ingredients that work together.

✔️Use a tool to boost results. Dr. Ziering suggests using a scalp scrubber or massager along with your preferred shampoo to “enhance blood flow to the scalp,” which he says is “key for scalp and hair health.”

✔️Keep it simple. It’s important not to add too many new products at once, which may irritate the scalp and potentially worsen symptoms. “I recommend adding or trying one new thing at a time and assessing the result,” Dr. Ziering says. “Overdoing anything can agitate the scalp biome.”

✔️Know when to see a doctor. “If you are experiencing excessive hair shedding, the most preventative measure you can take is to see a hair loss specialist,” Dr. Ziering explains.

“A scalp detox is a deep-cleansing treatment designed to remove buildup of oils, dead skin cells, and product residue. It exfoliates the scalp, unclogs follicles, and improves blood circulation,” Dr. Ziering explains. “This process rejuvenates and balances the scalp environment, promoting healthier hair growth, reducing dandruff, and enhancing shine.”

Dr. Shamban adds that a scalp detox can be performed at home with products like shampoos, serums, scrubs, or treatments designed to reduce buildup, add hydration, and improve circulation. These products help provide optimal scalp conditions “to ensure strength and growth of the keratin protein in our hair strands.” There are also scalp detox treatments available via a professional, Dr. Shamban adds, such as chemical peels, steam processes, or other specialized treatments designed to remove buildup.

“A scalp detox routine is something that we would classify as a preventative measure,” Dr. Ziering explains. However, he adds that there are certainly signs you may benefit from a scalp detox, such as:

• Persistent dandruff
• Excessive oiliness or dryness
• Dull or lifeless hair
• Visible build-up on your scalp
• Inability of hair to hold shape or curl