Product Reviews Rated 4.51 out of 5 stars
225 Reviews
Most Helpful Positive Review great ingredients So, I am a 24 year old male that always thought my hair loss was purely hormonal and there was nothing I could do about it besides try and alter those hormones. This is because I keep my stress low, eat healthy foods, stay active, and use what I THOUGHT to be good haircare.
Then I got deep into a forum and saw posts of people discussing something ELSE besides DHT, calcification or other build up of some sort, that they were trying to treat with diluted magnesium oil. I wish I could find the post.
I have very dry, wavy curly hair and it seemed that neither traditional shampoos (sulfates, silicones) nor the curly-girl approved haircare made any difference, but curly-products at worst would build up and make it a little limp, but the traditional would really make my hair a weird texture and lose its curl while remaining very frizzy. Plus, who KNOWS what's in them.
I did find that on day-2 or 3 no washing my shedding would get really bad. Like, 3-4 hairs every time I run my hand through my head, without fail. I also sweat multiple times a day. I always heard that shampooing was bad for your hair, but what about my scalp? If nasty things (DHT, or not) were building up and causing this shedding, I would need an effective shampoo for my scalp that wouldn't disrupt the acid or moisture barrier.
Upon realizing my curly girl "moisturizing" shampoos all had butter or oil (this can not only make finer hair like mine limp, but keeps moisture from getting in the hair too!) I knew I had to try to switch things up.
So my plan was too use a steroid, prescription, protein, butter/oil-free scalp-clarifying shampoo. I use COSDNA.com for all of my cosmetics as well. I learned what sulfate-derivitives (altered to be less harsh than their detergent cousins) would be safe from them and settled on trying Derma-e Scalp Relief Shampoo. It met all of my criteria.
And boy, was I right.
I was disappointed at first. I did the same thing I usually do cleanse, rinse thoroughly, apply my conditioner, rinse thoroughly, lightly blot with a t-shirt, and use my hair cream through the nearly-sopping-wet hair, adjust the position of the "clumps" and wait for it to dry until it was 80-90% done, then diffuse (sometimes I skip that). Sometimes I'll use an unscented body powder and/or a sea salt spray if it's too limp or greasy. I use a homemade toner on my scalp and face (spraying it on fingertips and massaging it for the scalp). It's just rosewater and witch hazel (any brand, in a dark glass spray bottle, at about a 6:1 ratio).
That night, I was watching tv with my mom and sadly pulling out my hair at the same rate as before. Worse still, my scalp kind of itched MORE. But, my hair did look a little cleaner and the build up was gone, and it was a little less frizzy! So that was good.
I didn't think about it much, until the next week. I started running my hands though my hair again, expecting the sad usual. Nothing. I tried again... nothing. I sorta bug-eyed at my hand, and went to sleep.
The next day, and from then on, I have been losing almost NOTHING. Even in the shower, I only lost two-three hairs. Throughout the day, I probably lose a total of 10-20. But that is nothing compared to the 150+ I was losing before. I did look at the directions and it did say that it's most effective after 7 days, so that made sense to me.
I really still can't believe it. It's been three weeks total and still getting the results.
I am not affiliated and I NEVER leave reviews, but I am putting this out there because, a.) it could help someone that had the same problem as me and b.) with more sales, perhaps the chance of them discontinuing it will lower!
I think my problem was more complex than just DHT. From what I gathered, "it" all ends up on the scalp, and if you take care of that, the damage could be stopped or minimized. I was about to risk it all and start using dht-blocking supps and foods... I'm so glad I tried this first.
I think my hair loss will continue, as the hairs I do lose are in the "MPB" areas, but whatever problems that were caused from my scalp health (diffuse, but HEAVY thinning) have completely stopped and slowed the process down incredibly.
In terms of texture and aesthetics, my hair has never looked so good. It's got bounce and wave, stays frizz-free but still voluminous for a long time. I could go 4-5 days without washing it, but I don't because of my active lifestyle and the fact it's gentle enough to use daily.
I do love the hair cream and the toner I use, but I was using both of these things before the results came. I really think it's the shampoo.
The slight itchy feeling after showers that goes away after 1-2 minutes hasn't stopped yet, but I suspect it will and it's a small price to pay for the results.
With it being such a minimal formula, I don't think the chance of it messing up your hair routine is high, unless you have a sensitivity to skin-safe essential oils (I believe it uses tea tree, neem, and chamomile among others).
I think it's worth a try for just about anyone. Try it for a few weeks, and be the judge. Take care of your scalp, and see what happens.
Peace and blessings! :)
Most Helpful Critical Review Do NOT Recommend The reviews were promising about this shampoo, but the reviews were wrong. This shampoo left my hair with a greasy film on it, and it made it seem like I didn't wash my hair AT ALL. My roots were still greasy and I couldn't even get a comb through it after. I was extremely disappointed in this shampoo. I added no other products to my hair and let it dry over night, and when I woke up my hair was greasy and fell into chunks (if that makes sense). I was so disgusted when I woke up I had to re wash my hair with a new shampoo.
Reviewed by 225 customers Fresh Cooling Mint Feel 4
Curly Q from West Covina, CA
I've struggled with scalp psoriasis around the crown of my head (hairline) for over 5 years. I've used natural soap and shampoo bars for the last three years and they helped relieve some of the itches whenever I washed my hair. By the third day, however, the flakes and itch would return immediately. Because I have naturally thick curly hair, washing my hair daily would only result in drier hair so it was an ongoing battle. The first time I used the Derma-E scalp shampoo and conditioner with a scalp massager. I noticed some of the flakes and scales along my crown were gently removed. They weren't completely gone but I could tell this was helping a bit. Four days later I noticed my hair wasn't as itchy or flaky as usual but it was my "wash day" so I used these products again. My day three hair looked so shiny and the scales were going away! I'm convinced the more I use this product the better my scalp's health will be. Can't believe it took so long to find this.
That price point! 5
Barbaraj from Fort myers, Florida
Make sure you let it sit for 3-5 mins! I've used cheap and expensive dandruff products and this one will be staying in my shower for at least the rest of this year!
not for me 1
Dee from Texas
Initially I liked this shampoo. It does provide relief from itchy and flaky scalp, but it does not lather the way I would prefer. It feels as if I am just rubbing lotion or cream into my hair. After rinsing my hair feels dry and course. I will be giving this to my son who keeps his hair cut short and who also suffers from itchy and flaky scalp.
Goodbye flakes! Dandruff gone and only 1/3 of bottle used! 5
Savannapanda from Arlington, WA
I don't think anything I've ever given 5 starts deserves it compared to this product. I have very long, thick dark hair, and have been seeing flakes due to dryness for years now. I had given up trying to fix it, I tried everything. Masks, conditioning my scalp, scrubs with apple cider vinegar, etc. And in comes this product! It's only by random chance I bought it too. My local Ulta had no shampoo bars in stock so I went to browse the natural isles for a temporary alternative. I had to leave the store with some because I was completely out at home. I picked this up with a conditioner because it was on sale, and I didn't really expect it to work because nothing in the past had. I was WRONG! I wash my hair twice a week, and I've only gone through about 1/3 of this bottle and I have seen neither hide nor hair of my flakes for a few weeks now. I am amazed and will now buy this for life. Please try this if you have dandruff or flakes due to dryness!!! It's worth it to just try, it's awesome.
I am going to buy more today! 5
Laur from Rancho Cucamonga , California
I I shampoo and let it stay in five minutes then shampoo again. Follow with their conditioner
Didn't work for me 1
Taylor from Oregon
I have dark hair and bangs, once the winter made my scalp dry and itchy I decided to try this to help with dandruff, I also used the conditioner combo.
This did nothing for me. I've used it for at least one month now, washing 2-3 times a week. As of yesterday I still used it but have noticed my scalp seems even more dry and flaky. Not sure if it is from this shampoo, but it sure isn't helping. :-(
Where has this been?!? 5
catew0011 from New Jersey
I'm so glad I did some research and read reviews on this. I was having very dry, flakey scalp during the winter especially around the crown of my head near my part. Having dark hair I was getting super self conscience! Tried Moroccan scalp oil, horrible. Didn't work smelled like a dead tree. Scalp scrubs. This literally relieved my symptoms by two washes dramatically. Decreased the flakes, and continuing to see results. Bought the conditioner as well. Doesn't leave hair dry, or hard to style, great lather. For the price it's above and beyond would HIGHLY recommend. I don't love the smell of menthol after using conditioner as it smells like icy hot, but that doesn't last long. Feels relieving on your head! Love love thank god!!
Did not work 1
ReenTaz from Chicago,IL
My son had dandruff so I ordered this in December. It's been 2 months since he's been using this shampoo now and he still has head full of dandruff. Very disappointed!!
Left hair shiny but ... 2
Roses from AZ
I was so excited to try this it made my hair shiny which was good I didn't minds the minty smell or feeling but it made my scalp even more itchy than usual and made my hair feel hydrated but weighed down I used to conditioner that came in the line with it
Perfect product for my dry and itchy scalp! 5
Shaikha from Undisclosed
I have really itchy and dry scalp and this product SAVED me! I noticed that after using this shampoo my scalp isn't itchy for a couple of days, which is amazing. I use this shampoo and leave it on for 3 minutes and my itchiness of my scalp has gone away. I love the tingly feeling of it and I love that it has no sulfates too.
Really helps that itchy, flaky scalp!!! 5
Amy from Undisclosed
My husband uses this with every shower now, and his hair is waaaaaaaay less flaky, and he never itches his scalp like before. He says it lasts for about 3 to 4 days before he needs to shampoo again. I think that's pretty amazing. My older shampoos also used to make my hair itch, but Derma E shampoos and conditioners are so very helpful at a multitude of issues, and knowing what I know about what they use, many of their shampoos can be used to help more than one at a time. For example, the thickening shampoo and conditioner help my hair look and feel thicker and shinier. My scalp feels less itchy, and brushing is way easier. Less breakage.
Wait, where has this been?? 5
Alex from Chicago, IL
I've been struggling with dry/oil/flakey scalp and have purchased so many shampoos and am so glad I took an employees advice on this one. Cannot beat it for the price point and combined with the conditioner it feels like it actually cleans and softens my hair without stripping all of the oil or leaving it feeling like hay. I am a male who uses only shampoo and conditioner (no product or coloring) and this works better than any other $20-$50 shampoo out there. I'm going to get my dad and brother the same set!!!
Eliminates dandruff 5
Rachael from Houston
So I bought this for my boyfriend who has suffered from pretty bad dandruff since adolescence. 12+ years ago he asked his doctor what he could do for his dandruff, the doctor told him to "use Head & Shoulders," so for the last 12 years he has been using H&S thinking that if he did not use it the dandruff would be even worse. Not the best move but I digress- I picked this and the conditioner up for him on a whim after seeing some good reviews online not really knowing what to expect. After one use of just the shampoo his dandruff was reduced over 80%, two uses 90%, now he's been using both the shampoo and conditioner for over a week and his dandruff is gone. It's amazing to think this one little move could have saved his scalp a long time ago. If you suffer from dandruff this is a great affordable solution.
Just works 5
G from LA
I had a few bouts of very flaky scalp last summer. The skin on the top of my head was tight, and flakes the size of my fingernails formed in patches on my roots. It was unseemly and uncomfortable. This shampoo started clearing up the issue with one use. Within a week the flakes were gone and my scalp skin wasn't tight anymore. I still use this intermittently to prevent future flare ups even though my hair and scalp are back to normal.
It Works 5
Lindsey from Huntsville, AL
If you can handle smelling like a jar of Vicks Vapor Rub while washing your hair, you will love this. I have tried multiple brands to help my dry itchy scalp. The other brands helped my scalp, but after a week or so my hair started looking dry and lifeless. I found this by mistake at Ulta and LOVE it. I've been using for a few weeks with the matching conditioner and my hair still looks great, but most importantly my head doesn't itch. I wash my hair every 2-3 days.
Fantastic! 5
Alex from US
This shampoo has made my scalp feel less itchy and flakey, plus it's stopped my scalp acne. It leaves my hair looking healthy and feeling nice too!
Effective ingredients! 5
Keely from Undisclosed
I had itch relief after the first use. It continued to calm my scalp itch notably for the following week. At 3 weeks of use, I combine 1/2 this product with 1/2 my other shampoo (which I love for the smell) and my itching is controlled. This is a really effective product. I have oily hair, so it works great for me; it does leave my hair squeaky clean, so I wonder if someone with dryer hair might need to use a moisturizing conditioner alongside this shampoo.
It burns my scalp 2
Bug from Michigan
I have had sebo-psoriasis for 20 years, and have used several products over the years to get it under control. They work for a while, then stop. My scalp gets itchy, scaly build up, and I wash my hair only every other day. I had high hopes for this shampoo, especially since it's herbal, but it burned my scalp immediately on contact. I left it on for approximately 30 seconds, and couldn't take anymore, so rinsed it out. My scalp peeled for a couple of days afterwards, like a sunburn would peel off. I regret using it, and plan to return it. Be careful if you have very sensitive skin like me!
My favorite 5
Veronica from Undisclosed
Best shampoo for itchy scalp
My scalp fell in love instantly 5
Shann from Longview, Texas
I leave on my scalp for 3-5 minutes, it feels so amazing
Works Great!! 5
Love it! from Bakersfield, Ca
I had such an oily but itchy scalp. But I didn't wanna use head and shoulders because I have colored hair. The feeling of this on your scalp is minty. And it works so well. I noticed on the third day that my head hasn't been itchy at all. And with it being color safe I love it!
Can't live without it 5
Cindy from Undisclosed
Really takes care of itching flakey scalp and cleans the hair really well
Love! 5
Angela from Lynnwood
Love this product! I was skeptical at first, but it help me get rid of my itchy/ dry scalp, in about a week and a half. I used it about three times a week and left it in for a bit then rinsed it off.
Miracle. 5
Ashley S. from IN
I have tried almost everything else to deal with a dry, painful, flaky scalp. Nothing else worked, and some things burned my scalp. I am using this and the companion conditioner and my scalp feels new. I have been using it for at least a week, and it made a difference by the second wash. My hair is also VERY shiny. It truly looks healthier, as well. I will never stop using this, ever.
What a life saver 5
Lauren from Texas
I have gone through so many shampoos for my itchy dry but oily scalp and none of them claim to do what they say!!! Except this one it is incredible, in 3 washes over 8 days no more itchy ness or flakey scalp I'll never look back
