Davines Solu Shampoo vs Solu Sea Salt Scrub
While most brands have their own clarifying shampoo, few also have a hair scrub specifically formulated to clarify the scalp. Davines, though, does. Two of their most underrated products, in my opinion, are designed to give your hair and scalp a deeper cleanse: the Solu Clarifying Shampoo and Solu Sea Salt Scrub Cleanser.
While both are meant to remove buildup and leave the hair feeling clean and refreshed, they aren't quite the same product, or “dupes” of each other. The SOLU Clarifying Shampoo is a more traditional deep-cleansing shampoo that you can incorporate into your regular wash routine; the Sea Salt Scrub Cleanser adds physical exfoliation for a more intensive scalp and hair reset.
That said, you don’t necessarily need both. Below, I share a side-by-side comparison of each, giving you my full review of their cleansing power, scalp exfoliation, and ability to remove build-up removal. I also share how they feel during use, how my hair feels afterward, if they’re worth the money, and which is the better product (spoiler alert: there is a clear winner).
davines solu shampoo vs sea salt scrub: which deep cleanser should you buy?
Although both products leave your scalp feeling cleaner, the key differentiator between the two is how they cleanse the scalp and hair.
Solu Clarifying Shampoo is a deep-cleansing shampoo; the Solu Sea Salt Scrub Cleanser combines cleansing with physical exfoliation. It’s a grainy, gel-like scrub that turns into a rich lather, so you don’t have to use shampoo afterwards.
davines solu shampoo mini review
I really like the Davines Solu Clarifying Shampoo and can see why it is so raved about. It’s one of the few clarifying shampoos I’ve tried that deeply cleanses your scalp without leaving your hair dry, overly fragile, or brittle. As someone with color-treated, damaged hair, this formula really worked for my hair.
That said, Solu is not the strongest clarifying shampoo, though, so if you are someone who wants to go as long as possible between washes and then deeply reset with your shampoo, it’s not for you.
pros
Gentle formula that is safe for all hair types
Does not dry out hair or strip natural oils of the scalp
Best if you want a gentle clarifying shampoo or have minimal product build-up
Makes your hair feel clean but not stripped
Adds shine and softness
Lathers easily
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
Expensive ($38)
davines solu sea salt scrub cleanser mini review
I did not want to love Solu Scrub as much as I do (because of the price), but it’s honestly SO good. My hair feels so clean, refreshed, and lightweight after, and unlike some clarifying shampoos, I don’t feel like my hair needs an ultra-hydrating conditioner or hair mask afterwards. I have fine, limp hair, this scrub actually gives my hair a little bounce, too.
You get strong, effective exfoliation that targets both your scalp and product build-up but it does not strip your hair. It lathers well, is easy to use, and even easier to rinse out, so if want something that cleanses better than a traditional shampoo but is more low-maintenance a scalp scrubber, the Davines Solu Sea Salt Scrub Cleanser is worth it.
pros
Gel-like consistency; not too oily or dry
Keeps its consistency over time (doesn’t dry out)
Light, earthy fragrance
Removes product build-up without your hair feeling super stripped after
A little goes a long way, so it will last
Easy to work in (turns into a lathering wash) and easy to rinse out
A true scalp treatment
No greasy residue after
Doesn’t weigh down hair after
Barely-there fragrance
cons
Expensive!! ($52)
May make your hair a little stripped if its already dry
Does not double as a body scrub
price comparison
While the products have different consistencies (liquid soap vs sugar scrub), I still want to give a price breakdown so you get the full picture and most information possible.
The Davines Solu Clarifying Shampoo costs $38 for an 8.5oz bottle, which breaks down to $4.47 per ounce. The Solu Sea Salt Scrub Cleanser retails for $52 for an 8.5oz jar, which equates to $6.47 per ounce.
Davines is a prestige brand, and both of these products are priced towards the upper range of what you would expect to pay at Sephora or a salon.
That said, the Davines Solu Clarifying Shampoo is cheaper both up-front and per ounce. Because these are both exfoliating products, a little goes a long way so you get a good 6+ months per bottle/ jar, Factoring in my persona experience using each product, I actually think the Solu Sea Salt Scrub Cleanser is the product to buy.
My reasoning:
There are cheaper/ more cost-effective clarifying shampoos (like this one) that not only cost less, but work better.
I have yet to try a scalp scrub that works as well as the Solu Sea Salt Scrub does. It cleanses deeply, makes your hair feel weightless, doesn’t leave behind a greasy residue, and you can use it instead of clarifying shampoo (it’s not like you have to follow with a second wash before conditioning).
Ultimately, if you just want a clarifying product, this detox shampoo is actually better than either Solu product. But if you want something that clarifies your hair and scalp, the Solu Scrub is worth every penny and you only need a little, so you can get one jar to last close to a year, to be honest.
davines solu shampoo vs solu sea salt scrub cleanser: which is better?
Overall, I prefer the Davines Solu Sea Salt Scrub Cleanser, but I would recommend Solu Clarifying Shampoo for most people because it's easier to incorporate into a regular hair-washing routine and provides a gentle yet thorough cleanse without the added exfoliation. If the horror stories of clarifying shampoos stripping your hair have intimidated, then Solu is an option that you will love.
That said, the Solu Sea Salt Scrub Cleanser is the better choice if you specifically want to exfoliate your scalp or need a more intensive reset for stubborn build-up.
If you already use a clarifying shampoo regularly, I don't think you necessarily need the scrub, but it can be a nice addition when your scalp needs extra exfoliation. It has become my go-to after a long day at the beach, a sweatier workout, or time spent traveling dealing with hotel showers and different climates. It’s a luxurious step that’s easy to add into your self-care routine and takes your “everything shower” to the next level.
best for product build-up
While both products remove build-up, the formula of Solu Sea Salt Scrub Cleanser is stronger if you want a once a week (or every other week) deep reset. If you need something you can use more often (like every other wash), I really like Solu Clarifying Shampoo. It’s gentler than other clarifying shampoos, so you can use it more often without damaging your hair, and will really help you consistently remove build-up.
best for oily hair
In general, I’d say Solu Sea Salt Scrub Cleanser because it more thoroughly cleanses the hair and removes excess oil. That said, you don’t want to overdo it as too much exfoliation can cause more oil production.
best if you use dry shampoo a lot
If you use dry shampoo regularly, the Solu Sea Salt Scrub Cleanser gives you a stronger cleanse and more effective reset.
best for flaky scalps
Get the Solu Sea Salt Scrub Cleanser. The sea salt gently lifts away dry skin, but is gentle enough to not cause irritation. If your scalp feels rough or flaky rather than just oily or greasy, the scrub will give you better results.
best for sensitive scalps
I have a sensitive scalp and can use either, but in general, Solu Clarifying Shampoo will be better for you because it doesn’t have a physical exfoliant.
best for dry scalps
Solu Clarifying Shampoo. The Sea Salt Scrub provides physical exfoliation, which isn't necessarily something a dry scalp needs frequently.
best for fine hair
While you could use either, I recommend the Solu Sea Salt Scrub Cleanser. It doesn’t have oil in it, so you don’t have to worry about it leaving a greasy residue behind, and it makes my hair feel SO lightweight and bouncy - which never really happens for me.
best for color-treated hair
Both are safe for color-treated hair.
can you use both together?
Yes, but you really don't need to use both in the same wash. Since both are designed to deeply cleanse, using them together may leave your hair feeling stripped or dry afterwards.
If you have (or want to buy), both, I recommend alternating them based on what your hair and scalp need. Use the clarifying shampoo for a gentle yet effective cleanse; save the scrub for when you have more product build-up, your hair feels weighed down, or you want scalp exfoliation.
which one should you buy?
Surprisingly, I recommend the Solu Sea Salt Scrub Cleanser. Yes, it is more expensive, but Solu Shampoo isn’t exactly cheap either, and I think there are better clarifying shampoos on the market.
The main reason you would want to get Solu Clarifying Shampoo is if the other clarifying shampoos you have tried are too strong. It is a gentle yet effective shampoo, but if you use lots of dry shampoo or like to go as long as possible between washes, it won’t give you the most dramatic results.
On the other hand, I have yet to find a scalp scrub that works as well as Solu Sea Salt Scrub Cleanser does without irritating the scalp, drying out your hair, or causing breakage. It turns into a beautiful lather and gives your hair that squeaky-but-not-stripped cleanse that you need every now and then!
That said, the Solu Clarifying Shampoo is easier to incorporate into a regular hair-washing routine; you could easily combine it with a scalp scrubber for a similar (but not exactly the same) experience if you are on a budget.
buy davines solu shampoo if...
You want a gentle yet deep-cleansing shampoo you can use regularly.
You don’t have a ton of product build-up at the root.
You don't need scalp exfoliation, or you have a sensitive scalp.
You want something that fits easily into your existing shampoo routine.
You prefer a traditional shampoo texture and application.
buy davines solu sea salt scrub cleanser if...
You want to physically exfoliate your scalp.
Your scalp feels like it has a lot of build-up or residue.
You use a lot of styling products or dry shampoo.
You want a more intensive scalp reset.
Your hair needs an occasional deeper cleanse than your regular shampoo provides.
buy both if...
You want two levels of cleansing in your routine. Use the Solu Clarifying Shampoo when you need something a little stronger than your regular shampoo, and reach for the Sea Salt Scrub when your scalp needs exfoliation or you want a more intensive reset.
While both products are great, you definitely don’t need both.
frequently asked questions
which removes more build-up?
Solu Sea Salt Scrub does a better job of removing build-up, especially at the root.
is solu sea salt scrub cleanser a shampoo?
No; it's an exfoliating treatment designed to be used on the scalp before shampooing. That said, use it in replacement of shampoo because it does lather and cleanse your hair. I never need to use shampoo afterwards and advise against it as it could make your hair super dry!
is the davines solu sea salt scrub stronger than the clarifying shampoo?
In my experience, yes.
can the sea salt scrub replace the solu clarifying shampoo?
Kind of; I reach for the Solu Scrub way more often than the clarifying shampoo. That said, I don’t use the scrub every time I need a deep cleanse because overusing it can be irritating for my scalp; I really like to alternate it with this detox shampoo, which is slightly stronger and more effective than Solu Clarifying Shampoo.