Regardless of texture or length, the unavoidable side effect of hairstyling is buildup. Whether you’re reapplying an itch spray to box braids or extending the length of beach waves with a sea salt spray, the scalp ends up littered with a mix of the product and whatever natural sebum (oil) is produced. If it weren’t for product buildup products, we’d be drowning in gook and washing our hair every day.
Though apple cider vinegar has long been a remedy for zapping bacteria and delivering anti-fungal properties to the skin, its popularity within hair care has skyrocketed in recent years. Understandably so, it does a lot. Not only is it rich in the vitamins our strands need for a brighter shine; its natural acidic levels can also aid in balancing the scalp’s pH levels without over-drying. Now, with an innumerable amount of ACV formulas out there–from hair rinses to dry shampoo–it would be easy to assume that it’s the only solution for product buildup.
However, for those who find ACV to be irritating or off-putting, there are indeed other equally effective options. Like this all-natural, DIY-friendly ingredient, charcoal is also a detoxifier that relieves itchiness and literally acts as a magnet for dirt particles. Witch hazel, whose feel is similar to ACV, is ideal for soaking up excess oil like it does for the face. And let’s not overlook the number of oils, such as tea tree, that can provide the clarifying effects of shampoo in between washes. If you’re not quite buying into the ACV hype, here are some alternatives that work just as well.
Acure.
This deep cleanser is also enriched with a sizeable amount of organic oils to restore moisture after wiping out buildup.
amika.
A unique gel-to-foam cleanser formulated with clarifying pink clay and oil-absorbing charcoal powder to gently remove buildup and keep moisture levels in check.
HASK.
Take three minutes out of your week to enjoy this affordable treatment mask that refreshes strands and soothes the scalp with a tea tree oil- and rosemary-infused formula.
Mizani.
This gentle silky formula includes a coconut-derived clarifier to strip buildup without snatching much-needed moisture from freshly-cleansed hair.
Pacifica.
One of our favorite clean drugstore brands recently launched a clarifying scalp scrub enriched with rosemary, charcoal, sea salt and more to loosen and blast buildup.
Virtue.
This daily-use shampoo gently dissolves gunk and grime on the scalp using a unique blend that includes plant-based quinoa and grapefruit extract.
Buy: Virtue Recovery Shampoo $38
Carol’s Daughter.
The latest innovation from Carol’s Daughter is a water-to-foam shampoo whose micellar water formula literally acts as a magnet, lifting buildup from the scalp while delivering a clarifying cleanse to the hair strands.
Buy: Carol's Daughter Wash Day Delight $10.99
If you’re addicted to dry shampoo, consider this a mid-week pick-me-up. Infused with pink clay and charcoal, the oil-to-foam formula will sop up whatever buildup is sitting at your roots.
Briogeo.
If you’re dealing with an incessant itch on top of buildup, this serum literally does it all thanks to a wide-ranging mix of ingredients. The key ones, however, are Binchotan charcoal for eliminating buildup, peppermint and spearmint oils for itch and tea tree oil for inflammation.
DevaCurl.
A revolutionary find for curly hair, this serum is basically a gentler version of a clarifying shampoo for giving dull hair a dose of mojo. The micellar water is what’s drawing buildup away from the scalp, while Abyssinian seed oil and jojoba returns moisture.
IGK.
On the other hand, if you’ve yet to add dry shampoo to your regimen, we recommend starting with this clarifying option. When applied to the roots, its charcoal powder-infused formula will lift dirt from the scalp while white tea powder calms irritation.
Bumble and bumble.
This lightweight foam is the pre-cleanse treatment you need when styling products wreak havoc on your hair and scalp. While micellar water cleanses the scalp, salicylic acid removes dead skin cells so you can truly start fresh.
Not Your Mother’s Naturals.
For those who enjoy the feeling of a physical exfoliant, this gentle, pre-shampoo option is the buildup buster you need. In addition to the jojoba wax beads which supply that scrubbing feel, there’s also charcoal for eliminating excess grease.
Ouai.
We stan a multi-tasker! This hair and body product doesn’t contain charcoal or AVC. However, it does contain sugar crystals for exfoliation, coconut oil for hydration and a probiotic blend to protect against future inflammation.
Act + Acre.
This weekly detox treatment includes basil leaf, a natural source of anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.
Buy: Act + Acre Cold Processed Scalp Detox $42
SheaMoisture.
No rinse required when you use this micellar-like formula to lift dirt and absorb oil (charcoal) while also delivering hydration (green coconut) and nourishing the scalp (white tea).
Unwash.
Though the main job of this leave-in treatment is to reduce flaking, its formula also contains tea tree oil and citric acid, two ingredients that aid in removing bacteria and dead skin cells respectively.
Buy: Unwash Balancing Scalp Serum $22Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
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