A smelly scalp (also called smelly hair syndrome) is one of the most common hair and scalp problems that many people suffer from. It not only affects physical appearance and confidence, but it also causes other skin problems like dandruff or scalp irritation. To get rid of smelly hair, shampoo is an important first step.
A good shampoo can help keep the scalp clean and free of excess oils, which are the primary cause of smelly hair, to ensure that your hair remains free of bad odor. However, with an array of brands and options available, finding the right one can feel like looking for water in the desert because not every product can deliver on its promises. Are you looking for the best shampoo that can put an end to your smelly hair woes?
Don't worry; we have got you covered! We know that choosing the perfect shampoo that will banish smelly hair can be a daunting task; that's why to help you, we have compiled this list of the top 3 best shampoos for smelly hair that will have you saying goodbye to those unpleasant odors and hello to fresh, clean locks!
All these best shampoos for smelly hair are formulated with carefully selected ingredients to target the root cause of the problem. They will not only cleanse your scalp thoroughly but also offer soothing & nourishing benefits for a healthier hair and scalp environment to ensure that you smell and feel your absolute best.
Keep reading to learn more about our list of the top 3 best shampoos for smelly hair!
We have searched for the best, so you don't have to live with the rest. In order to serve you to the best of our ability and to keep our blog going, GarnesGuide may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to buy. Each product was independently researched by our editors, and the reviews may have been edited for length and clarity.
How We Choose the Best Shampoo For Smelly Hair:
Shampoo is the best way to tackle smelly hair and restore a fresh, clean scent to your locks. But let's face the reality, not every shampoo is crafted equally! Some can strip your hair of its natural oils and leave it feeling dry, brittle, and damaged, and this can make your hair look dull, lifeless, & more prone to breakage.
To help you find the best shampoo for smelly hair, we have done a deep dive research and selected the top 3 shampoos that will surely leave your hair smelling fresh and clean while maintaining its health and luster.
Whether you are looking for a powerful clarifying shampoo, a refreshing and invigorating experience, or a gentle and soothing solution, these best shampoos for smelly hair have all the answers you are looking for.
Best Clarifying & Soothing Scalp Shampoo For Balance & High Shine
Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Why GG Loves It
If you have smelly scalp syndrome (SSS), then you know how annoying it can be, not because it smells bad, but because it makes your hair look and feel greasy, unhealthy, and lackluster. However, with Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Sulfate-Free Shampoo, you can break the norm of SSS and get your hair's shine back.
This ideal clarifying shampoo is crafted with apple cider vinegar that helps clarify your hair and scalp by removing product buildup, dirt, and grim (which can lead to smelly hair) to revive your hair's natural shine and volume. This shampoo also helps restore your scalp's natural pH balance and soothes an itchy scalp!
With this powerful clarifying shampoo, you can also gain hydration for both hair and scalp, along with frizz control and manageable tresses that will make everyone's head turn when you pass by. This sulfate-free smelly scalp shampoo is particularly formulated for those who are consecrated with dull and oily hair types.
With just one single use, this shampoo will blow your mind! If you are suffering from overly oily hair all your life, then you should definitely give it a try! Whether you are a fashionable Tik Toker streamer or YouTuber, Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Sulfate-Free Shampoo will help you look and feel your absolute best on screen!
But the most ideological thing about this shampoo is its delightful scent. The smell is reminiscent of the classic "Winter Candy Apple" fragrance from Bath & Body Works, making your hair-washing experience a truly enjoyable and refreshing one. The apple cider vinegar blend in this shampoo not only clarifies your smelly, stinky scalp and hair but also leaves behind a pleasant aroma that lingers throughout the day.
What You Should Know
This clarifying shampoo & soothing shampoo by Aveeno is not just blended with ACV but also contains Colloidal Oat as the first ingredient, known for its soothing and calming properties. The fusion of these powerful ingredients creates a unique and effective formula that addresses both scalp issues & hair health.
Aveeno has been a trusted household brand since 1945 that has been dedicated to creating safe and effective skincare and haircare products. With their commitment to using real ingredients and extensive research, you can trust that Aveeno Sulfate-Free Clarifying Shampoo is made with your well-being in mind.
It is free from each and every type of nasty chemical like sulfate, paraben, SLS, and phthalates, making it gentle and safe for all hair types, including color-treated hair. The absence of sulfates ensures that your hair's natural oils are not stripped away to keep the hair nourished and healthy without any complications.
At Aveeno, they believe that beautiful hair starts at the root, and this soothing & clarifying shampoo for oily scalp and hair is the perfect testament to that belief. So if you truly want to banish hair odor & embrace the magic of beautifully scented hair, Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Sulfate-Free Shampoo is your ultimate ally.
With this powerful and transformative smelly scalp shampoo by Aveeno, you can bid farewell to the frustrations of smelly hair syndrome (SHS) and welcome a new era of hair confidence and radiance.
Best Scalp Cleansing Shampoo For Refreshing & Resetting Strands
OGX Extra Strength Refreshing Scalp + Teatree Mint, Invigorating Scalp Shampoo
Why GG Loves It
Do you want to experience a burst of freshness and renewal every time you step into the shower? Do you need a shampoo that is perfect for those with seborrheic dermatitis or dry scalp? If so, then the OGX Extra Strength Refreshing Scalp + Teatree Mint Invigorating Scalp Shampoo is just the solution that you need!
We all know that the most common cause of a bad odor (smelly hair) is product build-up on the scalp. The OGX Extra Strength Refreshing Scalp + Teatree Mint Invigorating Scalp Shampoo can help reduce or eliminate these odors and impurities, leaving you with a clean and fresh feeling every time you use it!
This shampoo is packed with natural ingredients like tea tree oil and peppermint that work together to help soothe irritated skin and scalp while providing a refreshing scent. Tea tree oil is known for its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, making it an excellent choice for those with seborrheic dermatitis or dry scalp.
On the other hand, peppermint oil is known for its calming effects, helping to reduce inflammation and providing a stimulating sensation. Together, these ingredients work together to create an invigorating scalp massage that will awaken your senses and leave your bad-smelly scalp feeling refreshed and revitalized.
And with its sweet peppermint, iced vanilla, & tea tree scent, using this invigorating shampoo is a sensory delight! As you lather up, the delightful aroma envelops your senses, transporting you to a refreshing oasis.
It's like a spa experience in the comfort of your own shower, where you can indulge in a moment of bliss. So why wait? Pick it today and treat yourself to the ultimate scalp cleansing experience like never before!
What You Should Know
Summertime is one of the most anticipated seasons, but with it also comes the challenge of sweaty scalp and hair build-up. If you have been tired of dealing with a smelly scalp and lackluster hair during the hot and humid months, the OGX Extra Strength Refreshing Scalp + Tea Tree Mint Shampoo is your hair savior.
This powerful shampoo is specially formulated to remove scalp build-up without stripping your hair's natural oils. Unlike regular non-conditioning shampoos, this sulfate-free surfactant hair care system effectively cleanses while maintaining your hair's essential moisture. It's a win-win for your stinky locks!
The OGX tea tree mint shampoo is also safe for those with sensitive scalp conditions as it's packed with natural ingredients! Including tea tree oil & peppermint extract, it also contains witch hazel extract, which adds an extra soothing touch to your scalp so you can feel refreshed and invigorated without any worry!
Witch hazel is known for its astringent properties that help to reduce the appearance of oily scalps and fight off dandruff. It's one of those ingredients that never fails to make its way into a wide range of natural hair care products due to its ability to repair damaged cuticles, seal in moisture, and soothe flaky irritation.
Plus, it is perfect for all hair types, so no matter if you have colored hair with a flaky scalp or very oily hair, the OGX Strength Refreshing Scalp + Teatree Mint Invigorating Scalp Shampoo will cater to your needs.
Why GG Loves It
Are you searching for a shampoo that is perfect for all hair types affected by an oily scalp? Are you trying to adopt a more sustainable hair care routine that does not rely heavily on harmful substances? If so, then Biolage Cooling Mint Scalp Sync Shampoo is like a breath of fresh air that you have been waiting for!
This shampoo is inspired by the anti-bacterial and calming properties of the mint leaf that help create the perfect balance of pH levels while calming and soothing the scalp. It is formulated with a unique cooling mint complex that helps to reduce oiliness, rebalance the scalp and leave greasy hair feeling fresh and light.
BIOLAGE Scalp Sync Cooling Mint Shampoo not only cleanses excess oil from the scalp and hair, but it also provides a refreshing and invigorating sensation that makes your shower time experience truly enjoyable.
Like Neutrogena anti-residue shampoo, this smelly scalp shampoo is also safe for those with color-treated hair and sensitive skin! Its sulfate-free formula can easily remove scalp buildup, dead skin cells, and impurities without causing any damage or fading to your hair color so you can look your absolute best!
This deep cleansing shampoo by BIOLAGE not only keeps hair smelling fresh and clean but also promotes a healthy scalp environment. If you've been struggling with excess oiliness, dandruff, or itching, Biolage Cooling Mint Scalp Sync Shampoo can be your reliable ally in restoring balance and comfort to your scalp.
In simple words, this scalp cleansing shampoo is a game-changer for anyone dealing with oily hair and smelly scalp issues. So get it today and experience the refreshing power of mint for your hair and scalp!
What You Should Know
BIOLAGE Scalp Sync Cooling Mint Shampoo can be used daily, which means you can enjoy its refreshing benefits every day without any worries. It's a perfect addition to your daily hair care routine, especially during the hot and humid summer months when oily scalp and hair buildup can be more pronounced.
It can also be used by both men and women to combat various scalp and hair issues. This shampoo is also blended with Pyrithione Zinc- a most effective antifungal agent- that helps reduce common scalp problems like flakes, itchiness, and irritation to leave your scalp and hair feeling refreshed and cool for the whole day!
It can even moisturize and soften overprocessed hair type while nourishing it simultaneously to prevent damage. However, the most sensational thing about this shampoo is that it's 100% vegan and cruelty-free!
This indicates for those who are conscious about the hair products they use and their impact on the environment and animals, BIOLAGE Scalp Sync Cooling Mint Shampoo aligns perfectly with their values.
This vegan shampoo can stimulate the scalp to promote hair growth and improve overall hair health. If you want to get the maximum out of this ideal shampoo, then it's recommended to pair it with conditioner.
By using both BIOLAGE Scalp Sync Cooling Mint Shampoo and Conditioner together, you can give your hair the nourishment it needs to combat oily scalp and other issues. This duo will make sure that your hair remains fresh and healthy all day long so you can face any situation with confidence with no worry of odor!
Here are Some FAQs to Help Guide you on Your Way!
A shampoo that is specifically formulated for those with a smelly scalp is a true game-changer in the world of hair care. The scalp buildup doesn't just cause a stinky odor; it can contribute to hair loss and irritation. By using this shampoo, you can help prevent all of these issues from occurring and keep your scalp healthy.
But what is the reason behind smelly hair? Is shampoo can cause side effects? However, without knowing these types of questions, you cant make an informed decision about the right shampoo for your needs.
To help guide you on your way, here are some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about smelly hair and the shampoo formulated to address it so that you can make the most informed and wise decision:
What cause smelly hair?
Smelly hair is one of the most annoying hair problems that is faced by many individuals around the world, regardless of their age or gender. It can be caused by various factors, but some of the most common are:
1. Poor hygiene (not washing your hair regularly enough)
2. Overuse of hair styling products, such as hairspray, mousse, and gel
3. Sweaty scalp due to high levels of physical activity (especially during the summer months)
4. Fungus or bacteria on the scalp that can grow in humid environments
5. Wearing headgear for long periods of time (e.g., hats, wigs, or scarves)
6. Certain medical conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema.
7. Poor diet and nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of omega-3 fatty acids.
8. Stress, which can impact the body's natural balance of hormones.
Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to help keep your hair smelling fresh and clean, such as washing your hair regularly with a gentle shampoo and conditioner, using natural products that don't contain harsh chemicals or fragrances, avoiding tight headgear when possible, and eating a healthy diet.
What makes a shampoo effective for smelly hair?
The shampoo is an effective way to keep your hair smelling great. It can be used daily or as needed depending on the type of shampoo and needs. The key to finding an effective shampoo for smelly hair is selecting one with ingredients that are designed to combat odor-causing bacteria. Look for ingredients like:
1. Essential oils like tea tree, jojoba oil, rosemary oil, or eucalyptus that help combat bacteria and smell great.
2. Menthol, peppermint oil, or lemon oil to reduce scalp irritation and smells.
3. Zinc pyrithione to help reduce dandruff and sebum production.
4. Natural exfoliants like oatmeal or baking soda can help remove dirt and oil.
5. Charcoal powder to absorb odor-causing bacteria.
It's also important to look for a shampoo for a smelly scalp with pH-balanced formulas to ensure they are gentle on the scalp and won't strip away natural oils. Additionally, look for the best shampoos with added moisturizers like shea butter, salicylic acid, or coconut oil to help keep hair hydrated and healthy looking.
How does a good shampoo work to eliminate smell from hair?
Good shampoo works by using natural ingredients such as essential oils, herbal extracts, and fragrances to help eliminate odors from hair. These ingredients are not only effective in eliminating unwanted smells but also provide nourishment to your scalp and hair follicles to promote healthy growth, shine & manageability.
In addition, a good shampoo can usually be used on all types of hair without causing any damage. It should also be gentle enough so that it won't strip away natural oils and moisture from your hair. This helps ensure that your hair stays healthy and strong while also maintaining its original scent for longer periods!
How often should one use shampoo on smelly hair?
It's always best to shampoo your hair every two days or whenever it starts to feel greasy and/or smelly. Shampooing too often can strip your hair's natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle. But, if your hair becomes excessively oily or smelly in between shampooing, you may want to increase the frequency of washing.
If you find that shampoo alone isn't getting rid of the smell in your hair, consider switching to a clarifying shampoo. This type of shampoo is specifically formulated to remove residue and build-up from the hair!
Top 3 Best Shampoos For Smelly Hair:
Hair smell is not just an annoying problem; it could also be a sign of unhealthy hair/scalp. If you often find yourself dealing with smelly hair, it's time to switch to a shampoo that is only designed to handle this issue.
The top 3 best shampoos that we have listed above are all stunning options for those who want to conquer the smelly hair monster and unleash a wave of freshness that will make everyone around you take notice.
So what are you waiting for? Pick any one of these best shampoos for smelly hair today, and you'll be surprised by the results. And if you find the best one, then click on any link here to purchase it right now!
