When you shop through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. This educational content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice.

Best Shampoo For Buildup Removal (2024 Updated)

If you’re looking for a solution to remove buildup from your hair, a good shampoo for buildup removal can be a game-changer. Over time, hair products and natural oils can accumulate in your scalp, leading to a buildup that can affect the health and appearance of your hair. A buildup removal shampoo can help you restore your hair’s natural shine and volume, leaving it lighter, bouncier, and more manageable.

Before buying a shampoo for buildup removal, there are some factors that you should consider to make sure you find the right product for your needs. Some of these factors include your hair type, the severity of the buildup, and the ingredients in the shampoo. Depending on your hair type and texture, you may need a different type of shampoo that can cater to its specific needs. If the buildup is too intense, a stronger formula can be necessary, while gentle shampoos can be better for regular maintenance.

So, are you looking for a more effective way to take care of your hair? Are you tired of leaving the shower with hair that feels heavy and greasy? Do you want to learn how a buildup removal shampoo can help you achieve a healthier, more radiant look? If you answered yes to any of these questions, keep reading and discover all the benefits that a good shampoo for buildup removal can offer!

10 Best Shampoo For Buildup Removal

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
This product is ideal for all hair types and helps to remove buildup while strengthening the hair cuticle.
2
The product is ideal for intense cleansing treatment to remove buildup from all hair types, and it is paraben-free.
3
This product is ideal for removing buildup and protecting natural hair oils, acting as a shampoo alternative and scalp cleanser.
4
This product is ideal for those with color-treated hair as a pre-shampoo clarifying treatment to remove build-up, odors, and minerals.
5
Ideal for removing hair build-up and residue, clarifying the scalp, and gently cleaning hair without irritation.
6
This product is ideal for removing buildup and providing light nourishment to the hair without sulfates.
7
Ideal for those with oily hair, looking to clarify and hydrate while removing build-up without stripping their hair.
8
Ideal for removing buildup, clarifying and suitable for all hair types, especially oily hair.
9
This product is ideal for clarifying and detoxifying natural hair, removing buildup without sulfates or added fragrance.
10
This product is ideal for removing build-up, odors, hard water minerals, and chlorine from color-treated hair without sulfates or animal products.
This product is ideal for all hair types and helps to remove buildup while strengthening the hair cuticle.
The product is ideal for intense cleansing treatment to remove buildup from all hair types, and it is paraben-free.
This product is ideal for removing buildup and protecting natural hair oils, acting as a shampoo alternative and scalp cleanser.
This product is ideal for those with color-treated hair as a pre-shampoo clarifying treatment to remove build-up, odors, and minerals.
Ideal for removing hair build-up and residue, clarifying the scalp, and gently cleaning hair without irritation.
This product is ideal for removing buildup and providing light nourishment to the hair without sulfates.
Ideal for those with oily hair, looking to clarify and hydrate while removing build-up without stripping their hair.
Ideal for removing buildup, clarifying and suitable for all hair types, especially oily hair.
This product is ideal for clarifying and detoxifying natural hair, removing buildup without sulfates or added fragrance.
This product is ideal for removing build-up, odors, hard water minerals, and chlorine from color-treated hair without sulfates or animal products.

1. Detox Clarifying Shampoo: Stronger, Cleaner Hair.

Redken Hair Cleansing Cream is a professional hair care solution that is ideal for all hair types and textures. It is specially formulated to remove product build-up, excess oil, dry shampoo, and pollution residue from hair. This clarifying shampoo deeply purifies hair, leaving it feeling refreshed, shiny, and strengthened.

Infused with alpha hydroxy acid, fruit acid, and cleansing complex, this hair cleansing cream clarifying shampoo is perfect for removing copper, iron, magnesium, and calcium minerals. It is suitable for color and non-color treated hair and pairs well with any Redken conditioner.

This deep clean professional solution is formulated to deeply cleanse oily and greasy hair instantly. It strengthens and adds shine to hair, leaving it feeling thoroughly cleansed. It helps prepare hair for in-salon services by removing dirt, grease, grime, hard water, tap water, and styling residues.

If you are looking for a clarifying shampoo that can provide a professional deep clean, then Redken Hair Cleansing Cream is the perfect choice for you.

Pros

  • Specially formulated for all hair types and textures
  • Removes product build-up, excess oil, dry shampoo, and pollution residue from hair
  • Deeply purifies hair, leaving it feeling refreshed, shiny, and strengthened
  • Infused with alpha hydroxy acid, fruit acid, and cleansing complex
  • Suitable for color and non-color treated hair
  • Pairs well with any Redken conditioner

Cons

  • – May not be suitable for individuals with extremely sensitive scalp

2. Cleanse & Reset Shampoo – Biolage Normalizing

This product is designed to cleanse hair without causing any dryness. It effectively removes buildup and impurities from various types of hair, including fine, damaged, coarse, curly, wavy, and straight hair. Its paraben-free formula makes it suitable for use on both color-treated and natural hair.

Say goodbye to dry and damaged hair with this hair cleanser! It is perfect for people with different hair types as it can effectively remove buildup and impurities. Its paraben-free formula makes it safe for use on colored hair too. Keep your hair healthy and clean with this amazing product!

Looking for a hair cleanser that won't damage your hair? This product is perfect for you! It is gentle enough to cleanse your hair without causing any dryness. It works great on different hair types, including colored hair. Get rid of buildup and impurities with this amazing product!

Pros

  • Cleanses hair without causing dryness
  • Suitable for different types of hair
  • Removes buildup and impurities effectively
  • Paraben-free formula, safe for colored hair

3. Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse – Cleanse & Protect

Maintain a healthy and vibrant head of hair with dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse. This hair rinse effectively removes impurities from your scalp and hair without stripping away the natural oils that are essential for their health. It is a color-safe breakthrough for all hair types, thanks to its color-locking technology that seals the hair's cuticle. Dull, brittle or frizzy hair can be a result of high acidity brought on by environmental factors and perspiration, but this hair rinse helps maintain the scalp's pH, keeping your hair healthy and shiny. The hair rinse is enriched with proteins that can triple the strength of your hair, while Argan Oil, high in vitamin E and fatty acids, supports your hair's strength and shine. The ACV Hair Rinse also incorporates Lavender Extract and Aloe Vera, which help soothe your scalp and add softness and conditioning. Shampoo less at home and add ACV to your routine for a clean and soft head of hair. It is also great for braids and extensions.

Pros

  • Removes impurities without stripping natural oils
  • Color-safe breakthrough for all hair types
  • Helps maintain the scalp's pH resulting in healthy, shiny hair
  • Enriched with proteins and Argan Oil for stronger and shinier hair
  • Incorporates Lavender Extract and Aloe Vera for added softness and conditioning
  • Suitable for braids and extensions

4. Colorproof Pre-Tox: Pre-Shampoo Clarifying Spray

The product works gently and effectively to remove environmental pollutants, hard water minerals and dulling residue from the hair, leaving it clean and refreshed.

It clarifies strands to reveal brighter and more brilliant hair, giving it a healthy-looking shine.

The formula is safe for use on all hair types and is gentle enough for daily use.

In addition to removing impurities, it also helps to protect against future damage and breakage, leaving hair looking and feeling its best.

If you want to improve the overall health and appearance of your hair, this clarifying shampoo is a must-try.

Pros

  • Gently and easily removes environmental pollutants, hard water minerals, and dulling residue
  • Clarifies strands to reveal brighter and more brilliant hair
  • Safe for use on all hair types and gentle enough for daily use
  • Protects against future damage and breakage

5. Residue-Removing Shampoo By Neutrogena – Twin Pack

The Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo is a must-have for all hair types. This 6-fluid ounce bottle helps remove up to 90% of heavy, dulling residue caused by shampoos, conditioners, and styling products. The non-irritating clarifying shampoo gently cleanses your hair to help boost volume by instantly rinsing away build-up. It is recommended to use this anti-residue shampoo only once a week to see your favorite daily shampoo work even better and help stop bad hair days.

The clarifying shampoo features a gentle and mild formula that is recommended for all hair types, including color-treated hair. It is designed as an easy, once-a-week treatment to remove heavy build-up from hair and leaves it feeling thoroughly cleansed. With this shampoo, you can get salon-like results without leaving the comfort of your home. Incorporate the Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo into your hair care routine for a healthy and fresh look.

Pros

  • Removes up to 90% of heavy, dulling residue caused by shampoos, conditioners & styling products
  • Boosts volume by instantly rinsing away build-up
  • Gentle and mild formula recommended for all hair types
  • Can be used on color-treated hair
  • Designed as an easy, once-a-week treatment to remove heavy build-up from hair
  • Leaves hair feeling thoroughly cleansed

6. Charcoal Detox Shampoo – Nourish & Purify Hair

The Charcoal Detox Shampoo from OGX is a purifying shampoo that effectively detoxifies hair, leaving it nourished and balanced. It is the perfect solution for those who use hairspray or dry shampoo frequently, as it deep cleanses the scalp and removes buildup without stripping the hair of its natural oils. Infused with coconut charcoal and kaolin clay, this clarifying shampoo is formulated to leave even the hair of a daily dry shampoo user looking shiny, healthy and full of life.

OGX products are inspired by nature and the Charcoal Detox Shampoo is no exception. It is designed to make hair look fuller, smoother, curlier, or bouncier and smell irresistible. The shampoo is part of the OGX hair care products collection, which includes products for every hair type and need. Whether you need quenching moisture for curly hair, protection for color-treated hair, blowout cream or matte pomade, OGX hair care products are designed to bring out your best.

OGX is committed to real quality and real beauty. They believe that unattainable looks don't inspire us but originality does. That's why their hair and skin care product collections are here to help you look your best. OGX is beauty, pure and simple.

Pros

  • Effectively detoxifies hair leaving it nourished and balanced
  • Deep cleanses the scalp and removes buildup without stripping the hair of its natural oils
  • Infused with coconut charcoal and kaolin clay
  • Formulated to leave even the hair of a daily dry shampoo user looking shiny, healthy and full of life
  • Suitable for every hair type and need

Cons

  • – None

7. Purifying Charcoal Shampoo For Oily Hair

Dove Clarify & Hydrate Shampoo is a nourishing hair care product that deeply cleanses and purifies oily, dull hair from roots to ends. Infused with charcoal, this shampoo clarifies and hydrates hair, leaving it beautiful and healthy-looking.

This shampoo is specifically designed for oily hair. Its purifying formula deeply cleanses hair, removes product build-up, and purifies hair without stripping it of its natural oils.

Dove Clarify & Hydrate Shampoo is a clarifying hair treatment. It is infused with charcoal powder that deeply cleanses hair, removes impurities, and clarifies hair, leaving it refreshed and rejuvenated.

This shampoo has a gentle formula that can be used daily. It is designed to nourish your hair from within with every wash. It is perfect for those who want to keep their hair clean and healthy-looking without compromising on its natural oils.

For best results, massage this shampoo into your scalp and rinse well. Follow with Dove Clarify & Hydrate Conditioner for a complete hair care routine.

Pros

  • Infused with charcoal to deeply cleanse and purify oily, dull hair from roots to ends
  • Purifying formula removes product build-up without stripping hair
  • Gentle formula can be used daily
  • Progressively nourishes hair from within with every wash

8. Paul Mitchell Clarifying Shampoo – Buildup Removal Formula

This shampoo is specially formulated for medium to fine hair types, including chemically treated hair. Its unique formula helps to restore the natural bounce and shine of your hair without leaving any dull build-up.

With regular use, your hair will feel more manageable, fuller, and healthier. The shampoo also helps to add body and shine to your hair, leaving it looking incredibly healthy and lustrous.

Whether you're dealing with dry, damaged, or color-treated hair, this shampoo is the perfect solution for restoring your hair's natural beauty and health.

Pros

  • Specially formulated for medium to fine hair types, including chemically treated hair
  • Restores natural bounce and shine without leaving any dull build-up
  • Makes hair more manageable and fuller
  • Adds body and shine to hair
  • Leaves hair looking healthy and lustrous
  • Suitable for dry, damaged, or color-treated hair

9. Natural Radiance Clarifying Shampoo – Sulfate-Free Detox

Introducing Nothing But Sulfate-Free Clarifying Shampoo, the gentle yet effective solution to deep clean your hair and scalp. This clarifying shampoo is specially formulated to remove deep-seated contaminants, excess oils, build-up, and residue from hair and hair follicles without harsh sulfates.

Free from harmful ingredients like petrolatum, mineral oil, sulfates, parabens, colorants, or phthalates, this shampoo is perfect for natural hair care. It provides honest and gentle care to your hair, making it a safe option for all hair types, including oily hair, curly hair, African American, and biracial hair. It is also safe for use on color-treated hair.

Say goodbye to dull and lifeless hair and rejuvenate your hair with this sulfate-free clarifying shampoo. It helps to get rid of the build-up from styling products, chlorine, and the environment that weighs hair down. This shampoo provides a lighter feeling of thoroughly cleansed hair that removes dullness and helps stop bad hair days.

This sulfate-free clarifying shampoo is easy to use. It is recommended to use at least once a month or before any hair masque or hair strengthening treatment that requires rinsing off. For best results, follow with our moisturizing Cleansing Conditioner and Intense Healing Mask.

Pros

  • Gently deep cleans hair and scalp.
  • Free from harmful ingredients like petrolatum, mineral oil, sulfates, parabens, colorants, or phthalates.
  • Suitable for all hair types, including oily hair, curly hair, African American, and biracial hair.
  • Safe for use on color-treated hair.
  • Provides a lighter feeling of thoroughly cleansed hair that removes dullness and helps stop bad hair days.
  • Easy to use.

10. Clear Detox Shampoo For Color-Treated Hair.

This clarifying shampoo is designed to gently remove build-up and renew color without dulling it. It effectively cleanses the hair, leaving it soft, weightless, and vibrant. The formula is gentle enough to be used frequently without causing damage to the hair.

The shampoo is enriched with ingredients that help to nourish and protect the hair, leaving it healthy and shiny. It is suitable for all hair types and can be used on colored or natural hair.

Regular use of this clarifying shampoo helps to maintain the vibrancy of your hair color and keeps your hair looking healthy and shiny.

Pros

  • Gently clarifies and renews hair color without dulling it
  • Leaves hair clean, soft, weightless, and vibrant
  • Suitable for all hair types and can be used on colored or natural hair
  • Enriched with ingredients that nourish and protect the hair
  • Helps maintain the vibrancy of hair color and keeps hair looking healthy and shiny

Best Shampoo For Buildup Removal FAQs

Are there any natural alternatives to using a shampoo for buildup removal?

Yes, there are several natural alternatives to using a shampoo for buildup removal. One option is to use apple cider vinegar, which can help to balance the pH of your scalp and remove buildup. Simply mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water, apply to your scalp, and let sit for a few minutes before rinsing with water. Another option is to use baking soda, which can help to exfoliate your scalp and remove buildup. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with water to create a paste, apply to your scalp, and massage in before rinsing with water. Additionally, you can use a clarifying rinse made from a mixture of lemon juice and water, which can help to remove buildup and leave your hair feeling refreshed. These natural alternatives can be effective at removing buildup without using harsh chemicals, and can be a great option for those with sensitive scalps or who prefer natural beauty products.

Can a buildup removal shampoo be used on color-treated hair?

Yes, a buildup removal shampoo can be used on color-treated hair. Buildup removal shampoos are designed to remove excess product buildup, oil, and dirt from the hair and scalp, and they do not contain any harsh chemicals that can strip the hair of its color. However, it is important to choose a buildup removal shampoo that is specifically formulated for color-treated hair to ensure that it does not cause any damage or fading of the hair color. Look for shampoos that are labeled as safe for color-treated hair or that contain ingredients such as argan oil, which can help to protect and nourish the hair while removing buildup. It is also important to follow the instructions on the shampoo bottle carefully and to avoid using it too frequently, as this can lead to over-drying of the hair and scalp.

How often should I use a shampoo for buildup removal?

The frequency of using shampoo for buildup removal depends on various factors such as hair type, scalp condition, and product usage. If you have an oily scalp or use a lot of hair styling products, you may need to use a clarifying shampoo once a week to remove excess buildup. However, if you have dry or chemically treated hair, using a clarifying shampoo too often can strip the hair of its natural oils and cause damage. In this case, you may want to use a clarifying shampoo once every two weeks or even once a month. It's important to pay attention to how your hair and scalp feel after using a clarifying shampoo and adjust the frequency accordingly. You can also alternate between a regular shampoo and a clarifying shampoo to prevent excessive buildup. Ultimately, finding the right balance and frequency of clarifying shampoos is a personal journey and may require some experimentation.

What are the main ingredients in a shampoo designed for buildup removal?

A shampoo designed for buildup removal contains a variety of ingredients that work together to effectively remove buildup from the hair and scalp. Some of the main ingredients in these shampoos include surfactants, which are responsible for creating lather and removing dirt and oil from the hair. Other common ingredients include citrus extracts, such as lemon or grapefruit, which are acidic and help to dissolve buildup on the scalp. Additionally, many buildup removal shampoos contain conditioning agents, such as panthenol or glycerin, which help to moisturize and soften the hair after it has been cleansed. Some shampoos may also contain exfoliating agents, such as salicylic acid, which help to remove dead skin cells and other debris from the scalp. Overall, these ingredients work together to provide a deep and thorough cleanse, leaving the hair and scalp feeling clean and refreshed.

What are the signs that I need to use a shampoo for buildup removal?

There are several signs that indicate the need for a shampoo for buildup removal. One of the most common signs is the presence of residue on your scalp and hair. If you have been using hair products such as gels, hairsprays, and mousses, they can leave behind a buildup of residue that can be difficult to remove with regular shampoo.

Another sign that you need a buildup removal shampoo is when your hair feels heavy, oily, or greasy. This can happen when there is a buildup of sebum, dead skin cells, and product residue on your scalp and hair. Buildup can also cause your hair to look dull and lifeless, making it difficult to style.

If you notice that your hair is becoming more difficult to manage or style, you may also need a buildup removal shampoo. This is because buildup can make your hair more prone to tangling and breakage, which can make it harder to style in the way you want.

In summary, if you notice residue on your scalp and hair, your hair feels heavy or greasy, or you are having trouble styling your hair, it may be time to use a shampoo for buildup removal.

Leave a Comment