How Often Should You Use Detox Shampoo? A Guide for Curly Hair

If your curls have lost their usual bounce and definition, it might be time for a fresh start. Enter detox shampoo – a powerful yet essential step in your curlcare routine. Think of it as a deep clean for your scalp and strands. But when you’ve got curls, the trick isn’t just using it – it’s using it right. 

If your curls feel limp, your scalp’s acting up, or your usual bounce is MIA, a deep clean might be just what your wash day’s been missing. Unlike your everyday shampoo, a detox shampoo gets right to the root of the problem, lifting away product buildup, excess oils and grime to reveal shiny, springy curls.

And now is the best time to give your curls a boost. Summer is the perfect moment to reset your routine, shake off winter dullness and give your curls some well-earned TLC. Detox when needed, hydrate always and let Bouclème’s curl-friendly formulas help you bounce into the new season with definition, volume and shine.

What is a detox shampoo?

Detox shampoos aren’t your everyday wash – they’re your hair’s deep-cleaning best friend. Formulated to sweep away the stubborn stuff your regular shampoo can’t touch, they remove product buildup, environmental pollutants, excess oil… even that dry shampoo you’ve been leaning on a bit too heavily (no judgement).

With so many of us layering on styling products and colour treatments, it’s no wonder our curls can start to feel heavy, dull or lifeless. A detox shampoo cuts through the buildup, clears your scalp and helps your curls rediscover their bounce, shine and definition.

What does detox shampoo do?

Just like your skin needs the occasional exfoliation, your scalp benefits from a good, deep cleanse, too. When pores are clogged and strands coated, even the best products won’t work their magic. That’s where detox shampoo steps in – clearing the way for your hair to thrive.

Enter Bouclème’s Scalp Exfoliating Shampoo

Our gentle yet powerful Scalp Exfoliating Shampoo is specifically designed with curls in mind. This shampoo uses biodegradable jojoba beads, hydrogenated castor oil beads and fruit acids to exfoliate and detox the scalp – without stripping away moisture. 

Add in rebalancing grapefruit oil and soothing erythritol, and you’ve got a scalp treatment that leaves you feeling refreshed, your roots invigorated and your curls soft, springy and full of life.

Why curly hair needs special care with detox shampoos

Curly hair and styling products go hand in hand. From creams and gels, to oils and mousses, curls often need extra help to stay defined and frizz free – which also means they’re more prone to product buildup. A good detox shampoo can work magic, resetting your strands and scalp to their natural baseline.

But here’s the catch: curls are naturally drier than straight hair. Their spiral shape makes it harder for natural oils to travel down the strand, which means over-detoxing can leave your curls brittle, dry and crying out for moisture.

The solution? Balance. A healthy curl routine isn’t just about lifting away buildup – it’s about giving back moisture, too. Think of it as a tag team: one step clears the way, the next restores and replenishes.

Introducing Intensive Moisture Treatment

Our Intensive Moisture Treatment is the ultimate post-clarifying hero – rich, reparative and curl-loving to the core. This award-winning deep conditioner brings tired curls back to life, leaving them hydrated, defined and oh-so-touchable.

How often should you use detox shampoo?

Ah yes, the golden question: how often should you use detox shampoo? Short answer: it depends – on your curl pattern, hair texture, how many products you’re layering and whether you’re co-washing or shampooing regularly.

Finer, less porous hair is more prone to buildup and may need detoxing more often. If you’re already using shampoo as your main cleanser, you might be keeping buildup at bay. But if you’re a dedicated co-washer, an occasional detoxing shampoo will help hit reset without disrupting your moisture balance.

Here’s a rough guide to help you tune in:

• Once a week: if you’re layering products like a pro or have an oilier scalp that needs a regular detox.

• Every two to four weeks: if you’re a moderate styler living in a city with pollution or high humidity.

• Once a month or less: if your curls are dry and your product use is minimal.

The key? Listen to your hair. If it starts feeling dull, heavy, or frizzy for no clear reason, it might be time for a little clarifying TLC.

What about curl type?

Curl type plays a big role in clarifying frequency. Read How Do I Work Out My Curl Pattern for more details on defining your curl type, but here’s a rough guide.

• Loose curls tend to get oily faster and may need detoxing every two to three weeks. 

• Tight curls only need a once-a-month reset to keep definition fresh without over-drying.

• Coils and kinks are the most delicate. This curl type tends to require heavier products and a lot of them, so may actually benefit from detoxing every two to four weeks – always followed by deep hydration to keep them happy. 

As always, let your curls tell you what they need (they usually do).

Is your hair weighed down? Here’s when to clarify

Noticing your curls just don’t feel right, no matter how many styling tricks you throw at them? It might not be your products – it might be all your products. If your regular shampoo isn’t cutting through the buildup, it’s time to bring in reinforcements: detox shampoo.

Here are some telltale signs it’s time for a deep cleanse:

• Curls falling flat or feeling heavy

• Hair feels greasy or sticky, even right after washing

• Frizz taking over and curl definition going AWOL

• Scalp itchiness, flaking or feeling congested

• A dull, lacklustre look no leave-in can save

If your curls are sighing under the weight of old product, pollution or just life, it’s time for a proper refresh. Clear out the buildup so your curls can shine, bounce and breathe again.

How to use detox shampoo without drying out your curls

Detox shampoo can be your curlcare star player – if you use it right. The trick? It’s all about balance: deep cleanse first, deep hydration right after. Here’s how to detox without the “oops, I dried out my curls” regret:

Start with the right formula

Not all detox shampoos are created equal. Choose one that’s gentle yet effective – like our sulphate-free Scalp Exfoliating Shampoo. It’s powerful enough to break through stubborn buildup, but kind to your curls, so you get a clean slate without sacrificing softness.

Focus on your roots

Apply to soaking wet hair and use your fingertips to gently massage the shampoo into your scalp using small, circular motions. That’s where the grime, oil and product residue hang out. No need to lather up your ends – your rinse will carry the cleansing goodness right through without overdoing it.

Use lukewarm water

Too-hot water can strip away essential oils and leave your curls feeling parched. Instead, keep it warm but not steaming – lukewarm water opens the cuticle just enough to let the shampoo work its magic while helping to retain moisture.

Oh, and about the beads …

Using our Scalp Exfoliating Shampoo? You might notice tiny hydrogenated castor oil beads – don’t panic if they get caught in your curls. Just take a moment to detangle gently with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb, then rinse well to wash them away. 

Follow up with a moisture hit

Detoxing lifts the buildup, but hydration brings the glow. After rinsing, treat your curls to something nourishing – like our Intensive Moisture Treatment. This rich, award-winning formula dives deep to restore lost moisture, boost elasticity and bring out that juicy, defined curl pattern you’ve been missing.

Bonus pro tip

Try pre-treating your curls with a lightweight oil like our Revive 5 Hair Oil to protect moisture levels while you clarify. Think of it as skincare for your scalp.

Fresh season, fresh curls

Detoxing shampoo isn’t about stripping your curls; it’s about letting them shine. When used with care (and followed with a deep conditioner), it can revive curl definition, boost volume and give your scalp the reset it’s been begging for.

Ready to hit refresh? Explore our Scalp Exfoliating Shampoo + Intensive Moisture Treatment for the ultimate curl reset. Shop the duo