7 Best Shampoos For A Stinky Scalp
Hair can be pretty challenging to maintain and keep in good condition.
While we spend a lot of time getting our hair right, we don’t always focus on our scalp.
For a few different reasons, you might have noticed a foul smell coming from your scalp, or you might suffer from it daily.
Having a smelly scalp is more common than you think, and there are treatments on the market that can help eliminate the odor while keeping your scalp and hair healthy and clean.
Many people can get rid of a stinky scalp with a simple hair wash, but for others, extra help is needed.
What is the best shampoo for a stinky scalp?
The best shampoo for a stinky scalp will contain the right ingredients to reduce inflammation, bacteria, and excess oil, and bring your scalp back to a normal, healthy state. It also helps if the shampoo has a light fragrance to keep your scalp smelling great for longer.
It can be challenging to choose the right shampoo for a stinky scalp.
You want to choose one that is effective, but which won’t irritate your scalp further.
Here is how to select a good stinky-scalp shampoo, and which are the best options!
Buyer’s Guide – Shampoo For A Stinky Scalp
There are quite a few reasons why you might battle with a stinky scalp.
From infrequent hair washing to a smelly scalp, it can be challenging to find the right product for you.
Below is what you need to look for when choosing a shampoo for a stinky scalp, to ensure it helps give you fresh, delightful-smelling hair and a healthier scalp as well.
Make sure the shampoo you choose ticks all the right boxes!
Removes Buildup
There can be a lot of buildup of skin cells, oil, and product on your scalp.
This buildup goes a long way toward producing an unpleasant odor, so you need a shampoo to remove it and leave your scalp clear.
Dandruff Removal
If you have a stinky scalp, you might also have dandruff.
A shampoo that helps to remove dandruff and a stinky scalp is always great, and works to eliminate two problems in one go!
Gentle Ingredients
You really do not want to use a shampoo that will irritate your scalp further.
Make sure the shampoo you choose for a stinky scalp does not contain any harmful or irritating chemicals.
It should use gentle, soothing ingredients that care for your skin rather than irritate it.
Pleasant Smell
With a bad-smelling scalp, you would want a shampoo that adds a pleasant scent to your scalp and hair.
Try to choose a product with a natural, light scent, not something that is heavy and over-perfumed.
Some perfumes and aromas may contain potent ingredients, so it’s best to avoid them to prevent further irritation of your scalp.
Color-Processed Friendly
If you color your hair, it pays to find a stinky‑scalp shampoo suitable for color‑processed hair.
You do not want the shampoo to strip the color from your hair!
7 Best Shampoos For A Stinky Scalp
Here are the best shampoos to use for a stinky scalp.
They will not only clear and soothe your scalp, but they will care for your hair as well!
| Rank | Shampoo Brand | Featured Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Biolage Cooling Mint Scalpsync Shampoo | Invigorating menthol |
| 2. | Redken Detox Hair Cleansing Cream | AHA fruit acid |
| 3. | OGX Extra Strength Refreshing Scalp & Tea Tree Mint Shampoo | Tea tree oil, peppermint extract, witch hazel |
| 4. | Max Green Alchemy Scalp Rescue Shampoo | Licorice root, coltsfoot leaf, yarrow |
| 5. | Neutrogena T/Gel Extra Strength Therapeutic Shampoo | Coal tar extract |
| 6. | Aveeno Scalp Soothing Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Shampoo | Colloidal oatmeal extract, vinegar |
| 7. | Home Health Everclean Anti-Dandruff Shampoo | Aloe vera gel, chamomile, grapefruit seed extract |
| Bonus | Denorex Therapeutic Maximum Itch Relief Dandruff Shampoo | Coal tar solution, menthol |
1. Biolage Cooling Mint Scalpsync Shampoo
Biolage has utilized the anti-bacterial and calming properties of mint leaf to create this cooling, cleansing shampoo that gently removes excess oil from the scalp and hair, leaving a refreshing, invigorating sensation.
Awakening the senses with a refreshing sensation.
The shampoo helps to cleanse excess oil and remove buildup from the hair and scalp, soothing any irritation as it cleans.
The buildup of oil, skin cells, and products can contribute to a smelly scalp, so having this removed effectively removes any foul odors as well.
The shampoo has a great lather that helps you cover all areas of your hair and scalp, and a little bit of Scalpsync shampoo goes a long way.
You can use the shampoo on color-treated hair, and anyone can use it thanks to the unisex, fresh scent.
2. Redken Detox Hair Cleansing Cream
It’s time to kiss a stinky scalp and dull hair goodbye!
Redken has the perfect shampoo to rid your head of damaging buildup and reveal clean, soothed skin and shiny, healthy hair.
If you struggle not only with odor but also with excess oil, this shampoo will help clear it all away and manage oil production.
This formula deeply cleanses hair at the root and instantly clarifies and strengthens your hair cuticles.
While you may think that a clarifying shampoo would strip your hair of all its natural oils and leave it dry, that’s not the case with Redken.
You’ll be left with incredibly soft and luxurious locks!
2. OGX Extra Strength Refreshing Scalp & Tea Tree Mint Shampoo
The Tea Tree Mint Shampoo from OGX deeply cleanses the hair with a burst of freshness and helps to clear and treat the scalp.
Mint and witch hazel help invigorate the scalp, removing buildup and providing nourishment.
The shampoo removes residue and buildup without stripping natural oil from your strands, keeping your hair healthy and nourished after washing.
With a light, minty, tingly sensation, your scalp will be invigorated and refreshed.
The lightweight shampoo delivers a long-lasting clean that keeps your scalp smelling better for longer, and leaves hair soft, hydrated, and healthy.
The natural shampoo formula is infused with tea tree oil to nourish the scalp, peppermint extract to give it a fresh, delightful aroma, and witch hazel to remove buildup and provide extra nutrients for the scalp.
Not only does the scalp treatment work wonders to cleanse and nourish the scalp, but it will keep your hair and scalp smelling fresh for an extended period.
It is paraben- and sulfate-free, so it will be gentle on your skin and hair.
3. Max Green Alchemy Scalp Rescue Shampoo
Made to help with sensitive and problematic scalps, the Max Green Alchemy Scalp Rescue Shampoo is essential to keep at home!
The shampoo was formulated at the ideal pH to reduce the risk of cuticle damage and fiber breakage.
And leaves you with a healthy, clear scalp and strong, manageable hair.
Using a superior blend of botanical extracts, vitamins, and essential oils, the formula helps treat your scalp and hair simultaneously.
Giving them both the attention and care they need.
The herbal infusion and botanicals help with a dry, itchy, flaky, and smelly scalp and remove dandruff.
The shampoo is also effective at controlling psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.
Containing natural and organic ingredients, the shampoo is safe for all hair types and suitable for color-treated hair.
The whole family can benefit from the shampoo, as it is safe to use from 6 months and up!
Free from sulfates, silicones, parabens, DEA, TEA, propylene glycol, and ethoxylated ingredients, as well as harsh detergents found in regular shampoos.
It is gentle and caring on your skin and hair, yet still effective at removing unwanted odors and keeping your scalp healthy!
4. Neutrogena T/Gel Extra Strength Therapeutic Shampoo
The Neutrogena T/Gel Extra Strength Therapeutic Shampoo contains coal tar extract.
This helps tackle persistent flaky, itchy, and smelly scalp symptoms.
As an anti-dandruff shampoo, it helps remove excess buildup on the scalp and offers relief from redness, itchiness, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, foul odors, and dandruff.
The extra-strength formula contains a 1% coal tar extract, an ingredient proven to deliver scalp therapy for a healthy scalp and hair.
The shampoo is recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation for its effectiveness.
While it is an extra-strength formula, it is still gentle enough for everyday use, and you will notice a difference in your scalp and hair after the first wash.
One wash is all you need to have lasting effects and reduce symptoms for an entire week.
The alcohol-free formula gives lasting relief from day one, effectively controlling odors, redness, and itchiness caused by various scalp conditions.
It is a therapeutic shampoo that nourishes and cleanses the scalp, leaving your hair smelling great and feeling healthy too!
5. Aveeno Scalp Soothing Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Shampoo
When using a shampoo for smelly scalps.
You want one that will give your hair shine and volume as well, and that is precisely what the Aveeno Scalp Soothing Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Shampoo does!
Formulated with the main ingredient, colloidal oat extract, the shampoo soothes the scalp and offers comfort and clarity.
The apple cider vinegar added helps clarify the scalp, remove buildup, and add shine and volume to dull hair.
The clarifying blend cleanses from root to tip and is free from sulfates, dyes, and parabens, making it safe for all hair types, including color-treated hair.
A perfectly blended formula contains only wholesome ingredients to soothe and nourish from your scalp to your hair.
It removes excess oil, dead skin cells, and product buildup that can contribute to an unpleasant smell.
The shampoo gives your hair a fresh, delightful aroma after washing, too, further helping to combat a stinky scalp!
6. Home Health Everclean Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
This gentle shampoo from Everclean helps reduce flaking and scaling, and removes unpleasant odors.
It helps minimize the symptoms of psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis, reducing any unpleasant scalp odor!
With a gentle, nourishing formula, the shampoo contains salicylic acid, aloe vera, natural pine tar, vitamin A, and vitamin D.
All of which help clear buildup, hydrate and nourish, and neutralize odors.
Soothing and improving the condition of your scalp and hair.
The gentle extracts of chamomile, henna, hops, nettle, horsetail, and rosemary are all-natural and caring on the skin.
Free from parabens, phthalates, and artificial colors, the shampoo is gentle on all hair types and suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Bonus Product: Denorex Therapeutic Maximum Itch Relief Dandruff Shampoo
The Denorex Therapeutic Maximum Itch Relief Dandruff Shampoo contains some of the highest levels of coal tar that you can get without needing a prescription.
Offering you easy access to one of the most effective scalp treatment products at home.
The shampoo penetrates deep to relieve itching and flaking and removes any causes of odors.
Not only does it remove these during a wash, but it also helps to stop the symptoms from returning.
You can use this as a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner, as the formula is enriched with provitamin B5 to add shine and body to hair.
As you would expect from a conditioner.
The shampoo and conditioner blend contains cooling, soothing menthol that gives your scalp a tingling sensation.
Invigorating your skin and leaving a fresh, menthol scent that lasts well past the first wash!
What Causes a Stinky Scalp?
There is no one set reason that causes a stinky scalp.
It could be caused by a variety of issues or a combination of a few.
Understanding why your scalp has an unpleasant odor really goes a long way to help you treat the root of the problem.
Here is what might be causing your scalp to smell:
Infrequent Washing
You need to wash your hair often enough to remove any excess dead skin cells, oils, and products.
These could become trapped in your scalp, causing a foul odor!
This is a common cause of a smelly scalp for those with oily hair, as oil builds up rapidly over a shorter period.
You should aim to wash your hair every two to three days to maintain the correct pH balance.
Over-Washing
Just as you can under-wash your hair, over-washing it can cause foul odors as well.
If you wash your hair too often, you strip it of its natural oils, which are beneficial for your hair and scalp.
If you strip these away too often, your skin might overcompensate and produce more oil than it needs to.
This then leads to a foul odor as well! Do not wash your hair every day!
Smelly Hair Syndrome
Yes, this is a real thing! Smelly hair syndrome, or SHS, is when your oil and sweat glands are hyperactive, causing excessive oil and sweat on the scalp, leading to foul odors.
While shampoo made for stinky scalps could help with this, it might call for a visit to the dermatologist.
You would know that SHS is a possibility if your hair still smells bad after washing it.
Various Skin Conditions
If you suffer from psoriasis, eczema, or seborrheic dermatitis, your scalp could develop a buildup of dead skin cells and oil, which could once again lead to an unpleasant smell.
Treating these with appropriate shampoos really does help!
Diet
Your diet can lead to a smelly scalp! Strong-odor foods can cause your scalp to have an off smell, but this usually fades over time.
Related Questions
What is a natural way to get rid of a stinky scalp?
To naturally remove a stinky scalp if you do not have the right shampoo at home, you could mix in 2 teaspoons of lemon juice into coconut oil or almond oil.
Massage this into your scalp, then leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing it off.
What does it mean if my scalp is smelly?
A foul odor from your scalp can be a result of bacterial activity.
You always have bacteria on your scalp, and excess oil provides them with everything they need to grow and thrive.
This then gives off a foul odor that needs to be treated with medicated shampoo.
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