I Tried Ouai's Detox Shampoo and Fell in Love

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As someone whose scalp goes through the wringer during the wintertime, clarifying shampoos have always been on my radar. The skin on my scalp is fairly normal but gets dry during the colder months, which causes it to overproduce oil and become a flakey mess. I tried several popular sudsers on the market but noticed that afterward, my scalp ended up worse off than before. It felt like a never-ending cycle that left my hair lifeless. I needed a clarifying shampoo that didn't strip my hair of its natural oils and make my scalp feel excessively dry and irritated. My friend swore by the Ouai Detox Shampoo ($32), so I had to try it out. It is supposed to be a gentle yet effective clarifying treatment that claims to deeply cleanse the scalp of product buildup, dirt, excess oil, and flakiness.

Ahead, read my full review of the Ouai Detox Shampoo.

About the Ouai Detox Shampoo

  • This shampoo is a weekly treatment best for those who want to reset their hair and scalp or those who frequently use heavy-duty leave-in products like gels and dry shampoo.
  • It has chelating agents and apple cider vinegar to exfoliate the scalp and remove impurities like hard-water deposits, excess oil, product residue, and more.
  • It's great for all hair types and textures. The clarifying shampoo is non-stripping and color-safe due to hydrolyzed keratin, which helps soften and smooth the hair.
POPSUGAR Photography | Anvita Reddy

What I Like About the Ouai Detox Shampoo

I don't know what I love more about the Ouai Detox Shampoo: the results or the heavenly scent. After using it several times, it easily became a staple in my hair-care routine. The shampoo effectively cleanses any excess oil and dry-shampoo buildup. Yet it does not compromise on being gentle on my scalp and hair.

Whenever I feel like my scalp needs a deep cleanse, whether it's from using too much product and hairspray or as a pick-me-up exfoliation treatment, it's the only product I turn to for a quick refresh and revamp. After blow-drying my hair, I noticed that my roots were a little more lifted and voluminous, and my scalp felt lighter, cleaner, and refreshed. My hair looked shinier and healthier as well, probably due to the apple cider vinegar in the formula.

Plus, the scent is incredibly divine and luxe. I sometimes take a moment to myself and inhale the scent while showering, even when I don't need to wash my hair. The Ouai Detox Shampoo is floral and fruity but in a layered, perfumey way. It has the iconic Melrose fragrance, which has notes of rose bergamot, lychee, cedarwood, and white musk.

sephora.com

How to Use the Ouai Detox Shampoo

It's best to use the Ouai Detox Shampoo once a week or when you need a deep cleanse rather than every time you wash your hair. It is meant to be a weekly cleanse to supplement your normal wash routine. I primarily use it when my scalp is overly oily and flakey or when I use dry shampoo.

Once I got in the shower and wet my hair, I applied a quarter-size amount of the Ouai Detox Shampoo and lathered it up. I made sure to evenly distribute the product all over my scalp and roots, then brought down the excess to the rest of my hair. I massaged my scalp for about one minute, then let it sit for another minute. Once I rinsed out the shampoo, my scalp and roots felt refreshed and clean but not in the overly stripped, squeaky-clean way. It's not overly drying at all. However, the shampoo is so effective at deep cleaning the hair that you only need to use it once. (There's no need to double wash your hair.) I followed up with my conditioner and the rest of my shower.

I've used the Ouai Detox Shampoo several times now and noticed that there isn't much of a difference, results-wise, if I used a scalp-massage brush or not. However, I personally recommend it simply because it feels so good and relaxing, and we all deserve to pamper ourselves whenever we get a chance.

Where Is the Ouai Detox Shampoo Available?

The Ouai Detox Shampoo is available on the brand's site, Ulta, and Sephora.

Rating:
★★★★