7 best viral charcoal hair care products worth trying, in UAE, for 2024

Ready to give your hair the ultimate detox? Charcoal isn’t just for your grill – it’s taking over the beauty world, and for good reason. Known for its magic in absorbing oils, impurities, and product buildup, charcoal is here to work wonders on your scalp and strands. If you’ve ever felt like your hair is weighed down, flat, or just in need of a little care, then charcoal-infused hair care products are about to become your new best friend. From shampoos to dry shampoos and conditioners, charcoal is doing the heavy lifting to cleanse, purify, and refresh your hair like never before. And as heat and humidity can be tough on your hair, these products are a game-changer. So, let’s dive into the 7 best viral charcoal hair care products worth trying in 2024 and give your hair the ultimate glow-up.

For our list, we scoured through Amazon's top-rated and reviewed products and consulted Neeladri Sen, a Dubai-based trichologist, too.

1) Best for Oily Scalps: Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal and Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo

Want a shampoo that goes beyond the basics, offering a little extra TLC for your scalp? The Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal and Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo can help you there. Packed with activated charcoal and coconut oil, this 8oz bottle is not just about cleansing—it's about creating a soothing, spa-like experience right in your shower, as reviewers say. So, how does this work? Well, activated charcoal is the star of the show here. Known for its detoxifying properties, charcoal draws out impurities, oil, and product buildup from your scalp, leaving it feeling fresh and clean. If you've been struggling with dandruff, excess oil, or just general scalp congestion, this shampoo’s deep-cleaning power can be the answer. It gently exfoliates your scalp, helping to keep things clear without being harsh. While charcoal is detoxifying, you can rely on the coconut oil to keep your scalp hydrated and nourished. It helps balance out the exfoliation, preventing your scalp from feeling stripped or dry. Instead, you get a well-balanced cleanse that leaves your scalp feeling refreshed and your hair soft and healthy.

2) Best Dry Shampoo: IGK FIRST CLASS Charcoal Detox

Need a quick refresh? Well, the IGK FIRST CLASS Charcoal Detox Dry Shampoo is here to help. Packed with activated charcoal, this dry shampoo goes beyond simply absorbing oil and absorbing impurities from your scalp, leaving your hair feeling clean, light, and revitalised. But it doesn’t stop there—it also helps soothe the scalp, which makes it a perfect choice for those with sensitive skin or product buildup. It also adds a touch of volume, giving your hair that fresh-from-the-salon lift. Whether you're at work, the gym, or traveling, this dry shampoo ensures you’re always ready to take on the day without the hassle of a full wash.

3) Best Natural Haircare: Herbal Essences Detox Black Charcoal Shampoo

If you're in the mood for a scalp refresh that’s as fun as it is effective, Herbal Essences Detox Black Charcoal Shampoo is here to deliver just that. Your hair gets a deep, yet gentle cleanse, while charcoal removes the impurities and excess oil. It's like a reset button for your hair, leaving it feeling fresh, light, and ready to shine. But here's where it gets even better: the black charcoal is combined with a blend of natural ingredients, making it both powerful and nourishing. The formula has a refreshing scent, and its lightweight texture ensures your strands are left soft, clean, and bouncy—not weighed down. Whether you have oily scalp issues, dandruff, or simply want to treat your hair to a little extra care, this detoxifying shampoo has you covered. Plus, Herbal Essences is known for using eco-conscious ingredients, so you can feel good about caring for your hair and the planet. With this shampoo, you can enjoy a clean, invigorated scalp with every wash—making it a must-try for those who want to detox and refresh their hair with a touch of fun.

4) Best Sulfate-Free Shampoo: Curls Cashmere

If you're ready to treat your curls to a detox, Curls Cashmere and Charcoal Shampoo is about to become your new best friend. This shampoo combines the power of activated charcoal with cashmere protein, offering a deep-cleansing experience that’s both gentle and indulgent. Your curls feel light, fresh and refreshed. It hydrates and cleanses—due to the cashmere protein, your curls stay soft, nourished, and frizz-free, all while getting that deep detox. The creamy texture lathers up well. Whether you’re looking to reset your curls after a week of heavy products or just need a scalp refresh, this shampoo delivers the balance of cleansing, moisturizing, and curl-loving care.

5) Best for Men's Haircare: Olivina Men - Shampoo & Conditioner Set

A shampoo that works as hard as you do, the Olivina Men Shampoo & Conditioner Set is here to elevate your haircare experience. It is packed with natural, powerful ingredients that not only cleanse and hydrate but also treat your hair to a little luxury. The shampoo gently removes dirt, oil, and product buildup, while its conditioner replenishes moisture, leaving your hair feeling soft, nourished, and manageable. You've also got a blend of botanical extracts, including aloe vera and coconut oil, which work together to keep your scalp balanced and your hair looking healthy. Plus, it’s designed with men’s hair in mind—whether you have thick, fine, or curly locks, this set delivers just the right amount of moisture without weighing your hair down. The fresh, clean scent is subtle but invigorating, adding that extra touch of freshness to your daily routine. It's an easy, no-fuss way to keep your hair in good shape while enjoying the benefits of natural ingredients that actually work.

6) Best Travel-Friendly Haircare: HASK Dry Shampoo Kits

A quick hair refresh that won't weigh you down? Say no more. The Hask Dry Shampoo kit might just make your life easier, regardless of whether you have fine, curly or thick hair. Packed with natural ingredients such as charcoal, keratin, and essential oils, HASK offers a range of dry shampoos that cleanse and revitalise your hair, leaving it feeling light and smelling so good. The best part? The kits come with everything you need for a flawless hair day: the dry shampoo, a handy brush, and sometimes even a travel-friendly pouch to take your refresh on the go. Need to revive your hair after a long day at work or freshen up before a night out? Just spritz, fluff, and go. With HASK Dry Shampoo Kits, you'll get the volume and lift your hair craves, all while maintaining that clean, just-washed feel. It’s the perfect way to hit reset on your hair when you're short on time but still want to look like you spent hours on it.

7) Best for Hair Repair: Shea Moisture Shampoo And Conditioner Set 

Smooth like butter, with the cleansing power of charcoal. Infused with activated charcoal, this shampoo works to detoxify your hair and scalp by drawing out impurities, excess oil, and product buildup that can weigh down your hair. The shampoo offers a deep cleanse, leaving your scalp feeling refreshed and your hair feeling lighter and cleaner. Meanwhile, the conditioner restores moisture and nourishment with the rich benefits of shea butter, leaving your hair soft and smooth without feeling greasy or weighed down. Together, the shampoo and conditioner balance the power of charcoal with the hydrating goodness of shea butter, making this set ideal for those with dry, oily, or combination hair. The formula is gentle enough for regular use, helping to maintain a healthy scalp while ensuring your hair is both clean and nourished. With its sulfate-free formula, this Shea Moisture set provides a clean, natural solution to refresh your hair and scalp.

So, why should we buy charcoal-based shampoos?

For starters, what is charcoal? Sen breaks it down: Activated charcoal is a highly effective, active powder derived from carbon-rich materials such as wood, coconut shells, or peat. It’s a fine, odorless, and tasteless substance that is non-toxic, making it safe for various applications. What sets activated charcoal apart is its unique porous structure and negative electrical charge, which work together to attract and trap impurities, oils, dirt, and pollutants from surfaces or environments. The charcoal works by binding to the toxins, helping to prevent them from being absorbed into the body. Its purifying properties extend beyond medicine, making it a popular ingredient in beauty and personal care products, especially for detoxifying skin and hair.

He explains the benefits for haircare:

1. Deep cleansing: Charcoal is often found in "detoxifying" hair products designed to give your hair a fresh start. It's particularly effective for oily hair or hair weighed down by product buildup, as it draws out excess oils and dead skin cells from the scalp, providing a thorough cleanse.

2. Oil absorption: Charcoal excels at absorbing excess sebum, helping to balance the scalp and prevent hair from looking greasy or flat. By removing the build-up of oils and styling products, it keeps the hair feeling light and fresh.

3. Exfoliation: Unlike traditional scrubs, charcoal doesn’t exfoliate physically. Instead, it works like a magnet, attracting and lifting away impurities from the scalp, hair roots, and shaft, effectively purging buildup without irritation.

4. Deodorizing: Charcoal acts as a natural deodoriser by eliminating unwanted odors from the hair. It works to remove impurities, including any unpleasant smells that may linger after a long day or from environmental exposure.

5. Anti-itch and healing: For those with itchy or irritated scalps, charcoal can provide relief. It’s especially useful for conditions like seborrheic dermatitis or acne on the scalp, soothing discomfort and promoting healing.

6. Volumising: Charcoal can also give your hair a fuller appearance. By removing excess oils and buildup that weigh down the hair, it helps to add body and volume, especially for fine or limp hair.

Sen adds some considerations, regarding charcoal-based shampoos: They are a powerful tool for deep cleaning, but moderation is key. Depending on your hair type and needs, using them regularly but not excessively will keep your hair healthy. It can also be used as DIY scrub, by mixing two tablespoons of activated charcoal powder with a base like coconut oil, and you can allow it to rest on your scalp for 20 minutes. Nevertheless, consult with your doctors first.

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