Ouai Detox Shampoo vs Ouai Scalp and Body Scrub: Which is Better?
If you're trying to build a healthier hair routine, you've probably noticed that Ouai offers two products designed to deep-clean your scalp: the Detox Shampoo and the Scalp and Body Scrub.
At first glance, it seems like they do the same thing, as both promise to remove buildup, refresh your scalp, and leave your hair feeling cleaner. That said, their formulas are completely different and each serves different purposes in your haircare routine.
The Detox Shampoo is a true clarifying shampoo that deeply cleanses your hair and scalp by removing oil, product buildup, and hard water minerals. The Scalp and Body Scrub physically exfoliates the scalp with sugar crystals, while also doubling as a body scrub.
One question I get asked often is do you actually need both?
The short answer is no, but they serve different purposes, so it’s not wasteful or unheard of to have both in your routine. I love both, but I’m all about building a haircare routine that works for you without breaking the budget, so if you aren’t sure which one is best for you, below I’ve created a full guide comparing price, performance, and ingredients. Here's exactly how they compare.
ouai detox shampoo vs ouai scalp and body scrub
Although both products leave your scalp feeling cleaner, they work in completely different ways.
Choose the Detox Shampoo if your main goal is removing buildup and clarifying your hair. Choose the Scalp & Body Scrub if your scalp feels flaky, itchy, or needs physical exfoliation.
ouai detox shampoo
A true clarifying shampoo, think of the Ouai Detox Shampoo as a reset button for your hair. As I’ve mentioned in my product review, it removes product build-up, excess oil, hard water minerals, silicone residue, and overall pollution. Because it cleans both your scalp and the length of your hair, you want to use this shampoo around once a week, or anytime your hair starts to feel heavy, dull, or greasy.
If you regularly use dry shampoo, hairspray, texture spray, or styling creams, the Ouai Detox Shampoo is a must-have.
ouai scalp and body scrub
It’s no secret I was skeptical of the Ouai Scalp and Body Scrub, because how can a product work equally as well on your sensitive scalp and rougher elbows or knees?
I don’t know how they did it, but the Ouai Scalp and Body Scrub formula strikes the perfect balance of exfoliation and hydration. It also contains moisturizing ingredients, making it a good choice if your scalp feels dry or itchy in addition to being congested.
Unlike the Detox Shampoo, you can also use it as a body scrub. I have very sensitive skin, and really love the way this performs as a body scrub, too - check out my Ouai Scalp and Body Scrub Review for more details.
ingredient comparison
ouai detox shampoo
As a true clarifying shampoo, the Ouai Detox Shampoo contains apple cider vinegar and chelating ingredients that remove hard water build-up, flakes, product-build-up, and residues.
The formula gives your hair a deep clean without using harsh sulfates and is safe for color-treated hair.
ouai scalp and body scrub
The Ouai Scalp and Body Scrub is a true sugar scrub, but what makes it different from others is that it is hydrating without being greasy. Key ingredients include sugar crystals, coconut oil, and glycerin that gently exfoliate while moisturizing the skin. There are less chelating ingredients, yet the exfoliation still removes product build-up.
price comparison
While the products have different consistencies (liquid soap vs sugar scrub), I still like to give a price breakdown so you get the full picture and most information possible.
The Ouai Detox Shampoo costs $34 for a 10oz bottle, which breaks down to $3.40 per ounce. The Ouai Scalp and Body Scrub retails for $42 for an 8.8oz jar, which equates to $4.77 per ounce.
As such the Detox 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, That said, the Scalp and Body Scrub is a dual-action product, and its versatility does make it a slightly better value because you’re buying one product, versus a scalp scrub and body scrub separately.
Overall, I know that Ouai is a more premium brand, but I find both products to be worth every penny! You can also purchase from Sephora and rack up loyalty points, which you can’t always do with salon-exclusive haircare brands.
ouai detox shampoo vs ouai scalp and body scrub: which is better?
Although these products are often compared, they aren't dupes for each other.
The Ouai Detox Shampoo is the better choice if you're looking for a weekly clarifying shampoo that removes product build-up, excess oil, and hard water minerals from your hair.
The Ouai Scalp and Body Scrub feels like more of a treatment in regards to haircare. It’s the better scalp exfoliator, especially if you're dealing with flakes, itchiness, or a dry scalp. If you’re looking for a multi-use product, its ability to double as a body scrub also makes it a true stand-out.
If you can only buy one, I recommend the Detox Shampoo because it fixes more problems, essentially. Whether your hair feels heavy, greasy, or dull, you’ll notice results from the shampoo and it’s one of the best clarifying shampoos I’ve ever used.
That said, if you already love the Detox Shampoo and want to take your scalp care routine a step further, the Scalp and Body Scrub feels like such 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 buildup
While both products remove buildup, the Detox Shampoo cleans the entire hair shaft, not just the scalp. If your hair feels coated or weighed down from styling products, this is the better choice.
best for oily hair
The Detox Shampoo removes excess oil more thoroughly than the scrub and leaves hair feeling exceptionally clean. While the Scalp and Body Scrub isn’t greasy, its inclusion of coconut oil may be too heavy for oily scalps.
best for flaky scalps
I highly recommend the Scalp and Body Scrub. The sugar crystals gently lift away dry skin while massaging the scalp, and its gentle enough to not cause irritation. If your scalp feels rough or flaky rather than simply oily or greasy, the scrub will give you better results.
best for hard water
One of the biggest benefits of the Detox Shampoo is that it has chelating ingredients that remove hard water mineral deposits that can make hair feel dull or weighed down.
best if you use dry shampoo a lot
If you use dry shampoo regularly, the Detox Shampoo is the more effective reset.
best for sensitive scalps
This goes either way, to be honest. I have a sensitive scalp and here’s my little breakdown:
Use Detox Shampoo as my clarifying shampoo whenever I’ve been using lots of styling products, traveling (hotel water is no joke), or swimming in the ocean or pool.
Use Scalp and Body Scrub once a month when my scalp feels off (oily, irritated, etc.) and needs a reset. This is gentler than the shampoo, in my opinion, and works best when you are targeting your scalp, not mid-length to ends.
If you are extra-sensitive and prone to dryness, you may find Detox Shampoo too harsh. You can control the pressure you use when you exfoliate with the Scalp and Body Scrub and it turns into a bubbly lather, so if you have had tough luck with sugar scrubs in the past, definitely give Ouai’s a try!
best for fine hair
I have fine hair and love both. The Scalp and Body Scrub is lighter than other sugar scrubs and doesn’t leave a greasy residue, so it easy to rinse out and safe for fine hair. That said, if you want the most straightforward product without a learning curve, get Detox Shampoo.
best for color-treated hair
Both are safe for color-treated hair. The Detox Shampoo can be a little drying, so follow-up with a hydrating conditioner.
best multi-tasking product
Because the Scalp and Body Scrub works on both your scalp and body, it's the more versatile purchase. And it’s one of the few two-in-one products that actually works both ways.
can you use both together?
Yes you can, though I don’t recommend using both back-to-back at once. Instead, space them out to avoid breakage, damage, or dryness. I personally recommend using the Scalp and Body Scrub for lighter exfoliation, and Detox Shampoo whenever you need a true reset.
You do not need to use shampoo after the Scalp and Body Scrub (per the brand’s instructions) so I wouldn’t use them both at the same time. If anything, mix the two together (lightly, a little goes a long way!!) and then follow-up with a hydrating mask.
which one should you buy?
While both products are great, you definitely don’t need both.
buy ouai detox shampoo if...
You use dry shampoo regularly.
Your hair feels greasy between washes.
You have hard water or travel a lot.
Your hair looks dull from build-up.
You want a weekly clarifying shampoo.
buy ouai scalp and body scrub if...
Your scalp feels itchy.
You have visible flakes or mild dry patches.
For anything harsh or long-term, see a dermatologist for professional advice!
You enjoy scalp massages.
You want something that feels special and is different from typical shampoos.
You want a body scrub, too.
You don't need a clarifying shampoo every week.
buy both if...
The products complement one another, rather than compete, because they attack different pain points. You may want to add both to your haircare routine if your scalp feels dry or itchy after using clarifying shampoo. There are times when I want to exfoliate or cleanse build-up but my scalp is too sensitive for a traditional clarifying shampoo, so I like that I can use the two interchangeably.
If you are looking to build a routine with both, alternate them weekly. I recommend against using them back-to-back as it can be too drying for your hair, especially if it is prone to damage or color-treated.
faqs
can i use ouai detox shampoo and the scalp & body scrub together?
Yes, but I don’t necessarily recommend using both back-to-back unless you have lots of product build-up. They work well together, with the scrub exfoliating the scalp and the shampoo cleansing away loosened buildup and residue, but I prefer to alternate and use one every other week. Using them together could dry out your scalp, thus causing more oil production.
which removes more build-up?
The Detox Shampoo is the stronger option for removing styling products, oil, and hard water build-up throughout the hair.
is the scalp and body scrub a shampoo?
No; it's an exfoliating treatment designed to be used on the scalp before shampooing. That said, you can use it in replacement of shampoo. It’s hydrating, but I still follow-up with conditioner on my ends.
which is better for oily hair?
The Detox Shampoo is generally the better choice because it removes excess oil more effectively.
which is better for dandruff?
Neither product is a medicated dandruff treatment. However, if your flakes are caused by dry skin or product build-up rather than dandruff, the Scalp and Body Scrub may help lift away dead skin and leave your scalp feeling refreshed. If you notice that your scalp is sensitive and prone to dryness, the Detox Shampoo may be too harsh for you.
