I love Urban Decay's citrus scent and thicker hair results, but sticky feel and reduced manageability frustrate me.

2026-01-12 Shampoo reviews Categroy：Unisex Views：204

Urban Decay's citrus-scented shampoo gave me thicker-looking hair but created a sticky texture that reduced manageability. While I appreciate the brand, this formula's trade-offs leave me undecided about continued use.

This is a review from Amazon.com about product:

Bed Head by TIGI Urban Antidotes Recovery Shampoo and Conditioner for Dry Hair 25.36 fl oz 2 count

My Urban Decay Shampoo: Citrus Freshness & Thicker Hair Dilemma

Smells pleasant, citrus smell. Made my hair feel different… almost a sticky feeling. It did make my hair seem to have more thickness but my hair seemed less easy to manage. Love urban decay products! I’m undecided about this one.

Shampoo Basics & Tips

Citrus Scents in Hair Care

Citrus fragrances like those in Urban Decay shampoo typically derive from lemon, orange, or bergamot essential oils. These acidic components help dissolve scalp oil buildup while providing an invigorating sensory experience. However, citrus oils can sometimes interact with sulfates in shampoos, potentially altering texture perception.

Understanding the Sticky Hair Phenomenon

The "sticky feeling" described often indicates product residue accumulation. Volumizing shampoos like this Urban Decay formula frequently contain polymers (like PVP) that coat strands to create thickness. If not fully rinsed, these polymers combine with hard water minerals or sebum, creating a tacky sensation. Those with fine or low-porosity hair are most susceptible.

How Thickness Illusions Work

Shampoos create thicker-looking hair through proteins (keratin, wheat) and hygroscopic humectants (glycerin, panthenol) that swell hair shafts temporarily. Urban Decay likely uses such ingredients to plump individual strands. While effective visually, these coatings can disrupt natural slip between hairs, causing tangling and reduced manageability as noted.

Managing Shampoo Residue

To combat stickiness: 1) Rinse hair 50% longer than usual 2) Use lukewarm water (hot water reactivates polymers) 3) Clarify monthly with apple cider vinegar rinses 4) Apply conditioner only to mid-lengths/ends. Those with hard water may need chelating shampoos to dissolve mineral buildup exacerbating residue issues.

Urban Decay's Hair Care Philosophy

Known for edgy cosmetics, Urban Decay extends its "beauty with an edge" ethos to haircare. Their formulas typically avoid sulfates (SLS/SLES) and parabens but may contain silicones for slip. This aligns with the reviewer's brand loyalty, though the sticky sensation suggests possible incompatibility with their hair type or water chemistry.

Shampoo Selection FAQs

Q: Why does some shampoo make hair harder to style?
A: Over-depositing polymers or heavy oils can disrupt the cuticle layer, increasing friction between strands.

Q: Can thickening shampoos cause buildup?
A: Yes - their coating agents accumulate faster than clarifying formulas. Alternate with a balancing shampoo weekly.

Q: Do citrus shampoos lighten hair?
A: Only minimally with sun exposure. Significant lightening requires dedicated products with higher acid concentrations.