Dae Desert Detox Clarifying Shampoo Review
Dae is one of my favorite hair brands, but I haven’t had much luck with their shampoos or conditioners. When they came out with their Desert Detox Clarifying Shampoo, I was hesitant to try it. Clarifying shampoos are an important part of your haircare routine as they remove product build-up, add shine, restore scalp health, and combat the heavy minerals that can come from hard water. That said, they can also be overly drying and strip your hair of its natural oils, so it’s important to find a balanced formula that works for you and your hair type.
After reading mixed reviews, I decided to try Dae Desert Detox Clarifying Shampoo for myself to see how it works and if it’s worth the $28 price tag. For my full review, pros, cons, tips for using, who it’s best for, and how it compares to other bestselling clarifying shampoos, keep reading.
PS: curious to see exactly how it compares to the Ouai Detox Shampoo? Check out my Ouai vs Dae Detox Shampoo review.
dae desert detox clarifying shampoo review
Honestly, I was pleasantly surprised by the Dae Desert Detox Clarifying Shampoo. It’s gentle yet effective, and what surprised me most was how hydrating it is, especially when you compare it to Dae’s Signature Shampoo. The Signature Shampoo is supposed to be hydrating, but stripped my hair and made it feel like straw, which is what sometimes happens with clarifying shampoos. However, the Desert Detox Clarifying Shampoo is super gentle and while it does remove product build-up, it’s also nourishing and moisturizing.
If you didn’t like the Dae Signature Shampoo, I highly recommend checking out the Desert Detox Clarifying Shampoo instead.
As a clarifying shampoo the Desert Detox Shampoo adds shine, removes light product build-up, and gives your scalp a good refresh without feeling drying. It’s definitely one of the more gentler formulas I’ve tried. It won’t give you the most dramatic results if you use dry shampoo or heavy styling products (or like to go as long as possible between wash days), but if you have fine, dry hair and need a light refresh, I do think Dae’s Desert Detox Clarifying Shampoo is worth trying.
how to use dae desert detox shampoo
This is a gentler clarifying shampoo, so you can use it once a week or when your hair and scalp need a deeper cleanse.
Thoroughly wet your hair and scalp.
Massage a generous amount into hair and scalp.
Add more water as needed to lather.
Rinse well.
Follow-up with conditioner.
pros
Gentle formula that is safe for all hair types
Does not dry out hair or strip natural oils
Ideal if you want a gentle clarifying shampoo or have minimal product build-up
Makes your hair feel soft, not stripped
More hydrating than most clarifying shampoos
Adds shine and softness
Signature fruity Dae fragrance
cons
Not the strongest formula, especially if you have heavy product build-up or hard water residue
May require a double-cleanse if you have extra-oily hair
Mid-range price ($28)
key ingredients
This is one of the few clarifying shampoos that is certified clean at Sephora, meaning it is formulated without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and mineral oils. It also features Dae’s signature desert botanical blend, which hydrates, tames frizz, adds shine, strengthens, and prevents breakage.
is dae desert detox shampoo worth it?
The Dae Desert Detox Clarifying Shampoo is a “soft reset” type of clarifying shampoo, not a heavy-duty detox. You get a gentle, effective clean that lathers well but doesn’t leave your hair or scalp feeling dry or stripped. I like this shampoo for those who are new to clarifying shampoo because it’s gentle and hydrating. It’s also great if you have a more low-maintenance haircare routine, but if you use dry shampoo or like to go as long as you can between wash days, it may not be strong enough.
The Dae Desert Detox Clarifying Shampoo is worth it if you:
Want to remove buildup without drying out your hair
Don’t like that squeaky-clean feeling you get with most clarifying shampoos
Have hair that normal to slightly dry (vs oily)
Getting into cost, the Desert Detox Clarifying Shampoo is priced fairly at $28 for a 10oz bottle. That said, you’re directed to use a “generous amount” which I equate to about a full pump, and I don’t see this clarifying shampoo lasting longer than others, especially since it’s a gentler formula that you can use 2x a week. This is worth the cost if you want a mild formula, but if you need a good deep cleanse, you might need too much product and would benefit to use less of a stronger formula instead (like this one).
who it’s best for
The Dae Desert Detox Clarifying Shampoo is best for:
Normal to slightly dry hair
Fine hair that needs lightweight cleansing without heaviness
Color-treated hair
People who want a non-stripping, gentle clarifier
Those who don’t use a lot of hair product (as that causes build-up)
who should skip it
You may want to avoid Dae Desert Detox Clarifying Shampoo if you:
Have very oily scalp that needs a deep cleanse
Use lots of dry shampoo or heavy styling products (like pomades, hairsprays, gels, and thicker creams)
Deal with hard water build-up
Want a strong, “once-a-week” reset shampoo
Want a deep, post-travel reset
how often to use it
Because it’s a softer formula, you can use the Dae Desert Detox Clarifying Shampoo more frequently than other clarifying shampoos. Most hair types can use this detox shampoo once or twice a week.
If you have oily hair or deal with a lot of product build-up, you may prefer to use this as a first cleanse, followed by a regular shampoo for a deeper cleanse. Make sure to follow-up with a hydrating conditioner to lock in shine and add moisture back into your hair.
dae desert detox shampoo vs other detox shampoos
The Dae Desert Detox Clarifying Shampoo is a gentler, more hydrating clarifying shampoo. Here’s how it stacks up against two similar bestsellers, as well as a budget-friendly option:
Ouai Detox Shampoo - This is a stronger clarifying shampoo that is better for oil, build-up, and removing hard water minerals. If you want a deep clean that doesn’t strip your hair, you may prefer Ouai’s formula over Dae. Stick with Dae if you want something gentle, don’t use a ton of heavy products, or are prone to flakiness, since Dae is more hydrating. Price wise, Ouai is more expensive ($34 vs $28, both are 10oz bottles), but you don’t use it as often, so it may be more cost-effective in the long-run. For more details, check out my comprehensive Ouai vs Dae Detox Shampoo comparison.
K18 Peptide Prep Clarifying Detox Shampoo - This is another clean formula that emphasizes pH balance. The shampoo itself is a darker green color, which surprised me, but works so well. I find that my fine hair tangles less when I use K18 than when I use Dae, but my hair feels more of that clarifying deep-clean with Dae than K18. If you are not one to use hair masks or more hydrating conditioners post-shampooing, you may prefer K18 Peptide Prep Clarifying Detox Shampoo. K18 may also be the better pick if you are sensitive to fragrance because it’s more subtle than Dae’s. However, it’s more expensive so stick with Dae if you want a cost-effective gentle formula.
Kristin Ess Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo - This is the best budget-friendly option (and the only drugstore clarifying shampoo that doesn’t dry out my hair). The bottle itself feels a little flimsy, but has never leaked or spilled; I think it’s recycled plastic, so I’m not knocking it at all. You get a great lather with this shampoo, and it removes all product build-up without leaving your hair feeling stripped or drying out your scalp. Cruelty-free, vegan, sulfate-free, and safe for all hair types, this is a universal winner. I recommend following-up with the Kristin Ess Leave-In Conditioner.
