The 6 Best Micellar Shampoos Your Hair Needs ASAP

Micellar shampoo works to remove product build-up from your hair and scalp. You’re probably thinking, is this necessary? If you use lots of hair products like dry shampoos and texture powders or sprays, yes! Just because you wash your hair does not mean that it’s clean of all the buildup. You’ll know if you have buildup if your hair is greasy, dull and flat. It seems so extra but it can make a huge, favorable difference in your hair!

Disclosure, micellar, detox and clarifying shampoos are all the same thing with different names. They all cleanse the hair and scalp of oils and product buildup!

What is the best Micellar Shampoo?

The best micellar shampoo hands down is Kristin Ess Purifying Micellar Water Shampoo. First off, it comes with a nozzle applicator so you can apply it right to the scalp. This is game changing and so efficient! Secondly, it effortlessly removes buildup and grease without drying your hair. The price is just right and the formula and packaging make this product everything.

Kristin Ess Purifying Micellar Shampoo

A moment of silence because this micellar shampoo is a chef’s kiss. It has a nozzle applicator which allows you to apply the product right to your scalp. It can be pretty tricky with your fingers and this nozzle actually makes a huge difference. This formula removes dry shampoo and product buildup from your hair effortlessly.

It’s not too drying and if you use it multiple times a week your hair won’t get dried out. I struggle to find any cons with this shampoo because it’s so good and affordable!

Pros:

  • The nozzle applicator makes this product so superior and efficient!
  • This formula does not dry out your hair.
  • This works very well at removing product build up! Use it once a week or every 2 weeks depending on how often you wash your hair.
  • This product is so affordable!
  • This is suitable for all hair types.

Cons:

  • This could be problematic if you have a dry, sensitive scalp.
  • Some reviewers complained about the perfume-y scent.

Where to buy it: Target

Neutrogena Anti Residue Clarifying Shampoo

Neutrogena Anti Residue Clarifying Shampoo

This non-irritating clarifying shampoo gently cleanses your hair and helps boost volume by instantly rinsing away build-up.

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This is an OG clarifying shampoo and it works! The price is so affordable and it’s a no frills option without any gimmicks. However, it can be very drying and this is not a product you need to use often. But, if you have greasy, oily hair with tons of buildup, this is your best bet. Sometimes less is more!

Pros:

  • This is so affordable!
  • This works exceptionally well with product buildup. It’s simple with no gimmicks and it delivers.
  • Easy to find at any drugstore.
  • One bottle lasts forever as you don’t need to use it often.

Cons:

  • This is very harsh. If you have a dry or sensitive scalp, be careful. If you have dry, damaged hair you probably don’t want to use this.
  • The perfume scent is strong.
  • Be careful using this often if you have colored hair.
  • Does not have a nozzle applicator.

Where to buy it: Amazon

Carol’s Daughter Love at First Wash Water to Foam Micellar Shampoo

Carol’s Daughter Love At First Wash Water To Foam Micellar Shampoo

This shampoo transforms from a water to a gentle foam lather for a deep clean without friction to help cut down time on wash day.

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We love this micellar shampoo option because it is sulfate and paraben free! The issue with micellar shampoos is that they can strip your hair as they’re meant to be harsher for specialized use to remove product buildup. This one has the best of both worlds – a gentle, sulfate free formula and some amazing and rave reviews.

Pros:

  • Has a nozzle applicator for mega easy and precise application.
  • Sulfate and paraben free so this formula presents itself as a gentler option. It still foams and helps to clean your hair.
  • This is color safe and curly girl method approved.
  • Affordable and easy to find.

Cons:

  • Some reviewers said this stripped their hair.
  • This formula may be too gentle to get the job done at removing excess product buildup.

Where to buy it: Amazon

Pantene Micellar Shampoo

Pantene Micellar Shampoo

This shampoo deeply purifies your hair without stripping essential nutrients.

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This Pantene Micellar water is free of parabens and dyes and is gentle enough for daily use. It gets incredible reviews and reviewers say it’s a good option for product buildup along with dandruff. It’s Pantene so it’s easily accessible and affordable, plus it even has a matching conditioner. If you have dandruff or an oily scalp, you can use this daily. If not, this can be used once a week as your hair does not need to be clarified every time you wash it.

Pros:

  • A gentle, everyday clarifying option for the right hair type. If you have a sensitive scalp sit daily use out. Oily scalp? Go off!
  • Free of parabens and dyes.
  • Affordable and available at any drugstore.
  • Has a matching conditioner.

Cons:

  • Some reviewers said this makes this curly hair frizzy.
  • If you have heavy product build up, you may have better luck with a harsher shampoo/treatment.
  • Does not have a nozzle applicator.
  • Stay away from daily use if you color your hair as this is not the best shampoo for preserving colored hair.

Where to buy it: Amazon

OGX Purifying Charcoal & Detox Shampoo

OGX Purifying Charcoal & Detox Shampoo

This purifying shampoo nourishes hair for a balanced glow.

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Like a charcoal mask cleanses your pores, it’s great at cleansing your scalp. Kaolin clay and charcoal removes oils and product buildup to help you achieve your best hair. One use of this shampoo will have your hair looking shinier and smoother than before. Micellar, detox and clarifying shampoos are all a few options to name the same product. This one is affordable and it’s great at removing buildup.

Pros:

  • Uses charcoal and kaolin clay to detox the scalp and remove product buildup.
  • Try this for squeaky clean hair.
  • Reviewers said it smells really good.
  • This shampoo should not dry out your hair too badly but stay away from daily use.
  • The price is affordable and you can find this at any drugstore.

Cons:

  • Be careful if your scalp is sensitive – the charcoal and fragrance may irritate it.
  • This can be harsh if you have damaged hair or a sensitive scalp.
  • Does not have a nozzle applicator.

Where to buy it: Amazon

Ouai Detox Shampoo

Ouai Detox Shampoo

This concentrated shampoo with apple cider vinegar is customized to your hair type to nourish, strengthen and condition.

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If you’re looking for a detox shampoo to splurge on, Ouai makes beautiful hair products and they all smell amazing. This detox shampoo will help you to achieve squeaky clean, uber soft and shiny locks. It uses apple cider vinegar which is really great at detoxing the scalp and actually promoting hair growth. The price is on the steeper side but you’re paying for high quality formulations and ingredients. On the other side of the argument, it’ll last you a really long time.

Pros:

  • Uses ACV to cleanse the scalp which can also promote hair growth.
  • Reviewers said it smells amazing and makes their hair softer with consistent use.
  • Ouai is a hair care brand that creates high quality formulations that works!
  • While this detox shampoo is on the more expensive side, this bottle will last you so long!
  • This product will work for all hair types.

Cons:

  • The packaging is tough for getting product out. Especially when there’s not much left!
  • Does not have a nozzle applicator.
  • This is more expensive and definitely a luxury product.
  • Like any detox or clarifying shampoo, this can be drying to your hair and/or scalp.

Where to buy it: Amazon

Final Thoughts

Micellar and clarifying shampoos can make a huge difference for your hair. But, since you don’t use them very often, an affordable option is more than enough to suffice. Our overall pick, Kristin Ess Micellar Shampoo works so well and the applicator is so efficient. It’s my personal favorite and I love it so much I will never use another micellar shampoo. Neutrogena’s Clarifying Shampoo is so budget friendly and does an exceptional job. Either way you’re covered!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a micellar shampoo if I have oily hair?

YES! You are the best candidate and your hair may be oily because there is so much product build up on your scalp. Clarifying and micellar shampoos can also help to limit oil production. So, if you find your scalp to be extra oily and require daily washing, a micellar shampoo may allow you to go two days. Remember to amp up your conditioner and hydrating products if you’re using a micellar shampoo daily.

Do micellar shampoos work for curly hair?

Yes! If you have curly hair, you may not wash your hair that often and use dry shampoos and styling products to extend the style. Micellar removes any product buildup so you have a clean slate every time you wash your hair with it. This will allow your hair styles to last longer with less oil and more body and shine.

Micellar shampoos dry out my hair, what can I do?

Look for a more gentle micellar shampoo if you think yours is too harsh. Use it as little as possible, maybe once or twice a month. Use a hair mask after you use micellar shampoo to help replenish some moisture.

Yes, some micellar shampoos are dry which is why they’re treatments and not daily products. A micellar shampoo should always do more good than harm. If you feel like this is not the case you’re not using the right one!