Neutrogena anti-residue shampoo alternatives

April 6, 2022 1:19 PM

Neutrogena has discontinued their anti-residue shampoo, causing wailing and gnashing of teeth in our house. We're big fans of how well it removes built up oil and product, its relatively light scent, and how well it lathers up. Hair Mefites, what should we replace it with, once we're through the last couple of ounces of our current bottle?
posted by Kreiger to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (15 answers total)

Trader Joe's Spa Shampoo has no pthylates, it doesn't foam like crazy, but does a good job. Garnier's Sleek and Shine rinse is good for calming everything down again, and it only takes about 1/2 tsp to do that.
posted by Oyéah at 1:23 PM on April 6, 2022

Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 1:25 PM on April 6, 2022

What??!?!?!?
Oh I am wailing and gnashing with you. And watching this thread with interest. And going to the store to gobble up whatever is left of them on the shelves.
posted by Gray Duck at 1:45 PM on April 6, 2022

Apple cider vinegar rinse.
posted by metasarah at 1:48 PM on April 6, 2022

I use Suave daily clarifying shampoo about once a week for this. Tresemme also has a good deep cleansing shampoo.
posted by radioamy at 2:03 PM on April 6, 2022

I was coming in to second the apple cider vinegar rinse; I do it all the time.

Used thusly:

Shampoo, then rinse. Condition, then rinse. Then - most people say to combine half ACV and half water in a cup and pour that over your hair, but I literally just keep a bottle of apple cider vinegar in the shower, splash a LITTLE bit on my head and rinse.

It's cheap, it's available all over, and it also can help stave off dandruff.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 2:04 PM on April 6, 2022

I do not have dandruff, but I always use my dad’s old bottle of Head and Shoulders when I visit, and it clarifies my hair beautifully.
posted by cakelite at 2:44 PM on April 6, 2022

I use Odele from Target. Clarifies, light smell, good thick lather.
posted by greta simone at 3:43 PM on April 6, 2022

I've used Alberto Vo5 Detox. Light scent, good lather, and very inexpensive.
posted by Dolley at 4:04 PM on April 6, 2022

Noooo.... what!? Why? I thought everyone loved this shampoo, why would they discontinue it? I initially thought about the Neutrogena Clean shampoo but it seems that they have discontinued this too.
I do get a somewhat similar residue-removing effect by simply switching up shampoos (good way to use up hotel samples).
posted by gemutlichkeit at 4:39 PM on April 6, 2022

I did some more searching because I am also grahh about this shampoo being discontinued - it seems like Suave Daily Clarifying Shampoo is not bad?
posted by gemutlichkeit at 4:56 PM on April 6, 2022

I suspect this is a victim of the war against sulfates. Other shampoos with abundant lather are meeting the same fate, since sulfates usually are what is creating that lather.

You are looking for a clarifying shampoo, likely one marketed for oily hair. This is the opposite of what I need so i can't give you any personal recommendations, but here is one source that might help.
posted by jessica fletcher did it at 6:25 PM on April 6, 2022

Suave Clarifying has my vote as well. I wouldn't use it every time I wash my hair, but every now and then it's good to get all the gunk out.
posted by fiercecupcake at 1:44 PM on April 7, 2022

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

I would use it rarely for my hair.

However - I used it daily to clean my glasses after a tip from my uncle.

Sigh... this. is. the. worst. possible. timeline.
posted by rozcakj at 9:43 AM on April 8, 2022

It looks like the Suave one isn’t available where I am, but the Bumble & Bumble one definitely does the job. A titch pricey, but it I didn’t need much of it. The scent is pretty similar, too.
My barber told me to try Reuzel’s Scrub Shampoo, which looks a bit less expensive, so I’ll check that out as well.
posted by Kreiger at 12:07 PM on April 19, 2022