Dealing with hair and scalp concerns like dryness and itchiness, lack of shine or scalp acne is usually when your regular hair care products just don’t cut it. That’s where hair rinses come into play: They’re liquid treatments that have specific ingredients to address hair and scalp concerns without having to change up your entire routine (unless, of course, that is what’s contributing to those problems in the first place).
If you’ve come across a hair rinse in your local grocery aisle and wondered what exactly it is (and whether you actually need it), I spoke with board-certified dermatologists and trichologists to answer all your questions. I also rounded up their recommendations for the best hair rinses to shop, along with NBC Selected staff favorites.
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Best hair rinses
Best for dull hair
Oribe Mirror Rinse Glass Hair Treatment
Nearly every expert I spoke to recommends this Oribe hair rinse. “If hydration and shine are your priorities, [this rinse] is a good option for improving the appearance and feel of the hair,” says Dr. Sachin Parikh, double board-certified plastic surgeon at L&P Aesthetics. Made for all hair types, this treatment smooths and softens hair without weighing it down, which helps control frizz and add shine. It also feels like a little luxury in your routine, says Dr. Mona Foad, board-certified dermatologist and founder of MONA Dermatology.
Best for curly or textured hair
“This rinse is particularly well suited for curly, textured or dry hair because it helps balance the scalp while maintaining moisture,” says Foad. Like most apple cider vinegar rinses, this one helps remove buildup and lets hair retain its moisture. It also has niacinamide to reduce scalp oil (leading to less oily hair) and black tea kombucha, which has caffeine to make hair look stronger and thicker, according to the brand.
Best for color-treated hair
For those with color-treated hair who want to add shine and maintain their color without going to a professional, this is an accessible option recommended by certified trichologist Shanelle Harris-Burke, founder of The Hair Bawse Salon. It’s also gentle enough to use on over-processed hair and bring it back to life, according to reviewers. The brand recommends applying it to clean, damp hair for a few minutes and then rinsing.
For a professional glossing option to use only at a salon, this clear version from Joico adds shine without changing your hair color, according to Harris. This other professional color-depositing option doesn’t contain ammonia and is deposit-only, meaning it adds color pigment to your hair without lifting or bleaching your natural color.
Best multi-step treatment
Cecred is a favorite of NBC Selected associate SEO reporter Ashley Morris, who tested the brand’s viral hair care products for months. “I experienced noticeably less breakage after using this the first time, and after the third time, I was more than ready to repurchase,” says Morris.
It’s a two-step process: step one is a fermented rice and rose protein powder that you dissolve in about 24 ounces of warm water, then pour over freshly shampooed hair; step two is a rinse that you apply immediately after to add softness and shine. “Protein without a follow-up is how people end up with stiff, brittle hair, and I appreciate that the formulation builds the rebalancing step right into the ritual,” says Harris, who recommends this treatment to her clients. “It’s color-safe, works for all hair textures, and is meant to be used every four to six weeks rather than every wash, which is the correct cadence for protein.”
Best for frizz control
This acidic gloss treatment comes recommended by Foad for people with dry, color-treated hair because it helps smooth the hair cuticle, makes hair more manageable and creates a healthier-looking shine. “It’s an excellent, affordable everyday option,” she says. Keep in mind this treatment is for hair only, so you should apply it to your ends and avoid getting it on your scalp, according to the brand. Use it two to three times per week on wet hair after shampoo. For fine to medium hair, use one dose, while thick and curly hair should use two to three doses (and add one more dose if you have long hair), according to L’Oreal.
Best for dry, itchy scalps
Foad recommends this apple cider vinegar rinse for people looking to remove product buildup, especially because it gently clarifies without being overly harsh on the scalp. It also has salicylic acid to remove flakes and dead skin on your scalp. It’s safe for all hair types, including keratin- and color-treated hair, according to the brand.
Best for dry, damaged hair
This hair rinse comes recommended by both Harris and Parikh because it removes buildup without being overly harsh and won’t strip color. The apple cider vinegar helps cleanse without stripping your hair’s natural oils, and it reduces scalp dryness and inflammation, according to the brand. It’s also great as a post-workout treatment because it gently reduces sweat, oil and buildup.
Best clarifying shampoo
Though this is technically a clarifying shampoo rather than a rinse, it still deserves a spot on our list because it includes several expert-recommended ingredients, including apple cider vinegar and chelating agents to address buildup and hard-water minerals, says Harris. “It’s a great option if you’d rather clarify in one step rather than add a separate rinse,” she says. This is the only clarifying shampoo that doesn’t weigh down my fine hair or leave my scalp too dry, which is why it’s a mainstay in my weekly hair-washing routine. It’s sulfate-free and color-safe, too.
How I picked the best hair rinses
When determining which hair rinses to recommend, the experts I spoke to suggested keeping the following factors in mind:
- Hair and scalp concern: Consider what specific concern you’re looking to address with a hair rinse. The most common concerns that hair rinses can help reduce include product buildup, scalp acne, dull hair, scalp inflammation or thinning.
- Ingredients: Make sure you’re looking at the ingredient list to see if the hair rinse will actually benefit your specific hair or scalp concern. For example, for an itchy, inflamed scalp, look for tea tree oil or salicylic acid. For dry hair, consider ingredients like glycerin, panthenol and aloe. Here’s more information about which ingredients to look for.
- Type: There are four main types of hair rinses: acidic, vinegar, glosses and glazes, and herbal and botanical. Each serves a different purpose, and the one you choose depends on your specific scalp or hair concern. In this list, I included options across all four types.
What is a hair rinse?
A hair rinse is a liquid treatment you’ll usually use after shampooing to address hair or scalp concerns, such as buildup, dullness, or scalp imbalance. You pour or spray the rinse over your hair and scalp, let it sit briefly and then rinse out. What makes hair rinses stand out is their consistency and contact time: “Rinses are thin, they move through the hair quickly, and they are designed to make a chemical adjustment rather than deposit a lot of product,” says Harris-Burke.
Unlike shampoo, which cleanses, or conditioner, which moisturizes and detangles, a hair rinse provides an additional targeted benefit; some rinses focus on the scalp, while others improve the look and feel of your hair shaft, says Foad.
“A hair rinse is more of a supportive product,” says Parikh. “It can help remove buildup, rebalance the scalp or improve the condition of the hair itself. It’s not a treatment for hair loss, but maintaining a healthy scalp creates a better environment for healthy hair over time.”
What are the different types of hair rinses?
There are multiple types of hair rinses, each serving a different purpose. “It’s less about choosing the trendiest product and more about choosing the one that addresses your specific sc