Clarifying shampoo is a deep-cleansing shampoo designed to remove buildup from styling products, natural oils, and hard water minerals. Unlike regular shampoos, it goes beyond daily cleansing to leave your hair fresh, lightweight, and revitalized. So what is clarifying shampoo, which hair types is it best for, and how often should you use it? and more. To elevate your hair care routine, everything you need to know about clarifying shampoo is in this article.
Table of Contents
- What Is Clarifying Shampoo?
- The Benefits of Clarifying Shampoo
- The Drawbacks of Clarifying Shampoo
- How To Use Clarifying Shampoo?
- How Often To Use Clarifying Shampoos?
- The Best Clarifying Shampoos
- FAQ About Clarifying Shampoo
What Is Clarifying Shampoo?
Clarifying shampoo cleans the hair and scalp by removing build-up from styling products, minerals, and natural oils.
Regular shampoos clean your hair every day. However, clarifying shampoos do a deeper clean, making your hair feel super fresh and revitalized.
The Benefits of Clarifying Shampoo:
- Removes Build-Up: Clears away residue from styling products and hard water, leaving your hair squeaky clean.
- Restores Shine: Eliminates dullness, revealing the natural shine of your hair.
- Prepares for Treatments: Gets your hair ready for coloring, perming, or any chemical treatments.
- Promotes Scalp Health: This revitalizes your scalp and promotes healthier hair growth.
The Drawbacks of Clarifying Shampoo:
- Potential Dryness: Frequent use might lead to dryness, so it’s crucial to follow up with a moisturizing conditioner.
- Color Stripping: It can remove color from dyed hair, making it less suitable for color-treated locks.
How To Use Clarifying Shampoo?
You can use clarifying shampoo as part of your regular hair care routine. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use clarifying shampoo effectively:
- Wet Your Hair: Start by thoroughly wetting your hair in the shower. Wet hair allows the clarifying shampoo to lather and spread more easily.
- Apply Clarifying Shampoo: Take a small amount of clarifying shampoo (about a quarter-sized amount for medium-length hair) and apply it to your palms. Spread the shampoo evenly through your hair, focusing on the roots and areas with product build-up.
- Massage into Scalp: Gently massage the clarifying shampoo into your scalp using your fingertips. Pay attention to areas where styling products may have accumulated.
- Lather and Distribute: Work the shampoo into a rich lather. As you lather, the clarifying agents in the shampoo will help break down and lift away impurities.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water. Ensure that all the shampoo is completely washed out.
- Repeat if Necessary: Depending on the level of build-up, you may need to repeat the process. If you use a lot of styling products or haven’t clarified your hair in a while, a second application may be beneficial.
- Follow with Conditioner: Clarifying shampoos can be more cleansing, so it’s crucial to follow up with a conditioner to restore moisture. Apply conditioner to the lengths and ends of your hair, avoiding the scalp.
- Finish with Cold Water: For an extra boost of shine, consider finishing your shower with a quick rinse of cold water. Cold water helps to seal the hair cuticles, leaving your hair smoother and more manageable.
- Use as Needed: The frequency of clarifying depends on your hair type and lifestyle. Most people benefit from using clarifying shampoo once a week to once a month. Adjust the frequency based on how often you use styling products or encounter environmental factors like hard water.
How Often To Use Clarifying Shampoos?
Clarifying shampoo is not for daily use. The frequency depends on your hair type and lifestyle. For most people, using it once a week to once a month is enough. If you use a lot of styling products or live in an area with hard water, you might benefit from more frequent use. Also, swimmers in the pool daily may need to clarify the hair even more often.
The Best Clarifying Shampoos
1. Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo:
This deep cleansing shampoo is infused with argan and avocado oils. Moroccanoil is an excellent choice for a clarifying shampoo for natural hair. It restores scalp and hair to a healthy balance. It ensures a thorough cleanse without stripping your hair of essential moisture. This clarifying shampoo is color-safe, sulfate-free. This makes it an ideal pick for those seeking a natural and nourishing clarifying experience.
2. Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo:
This shampoo is the one of the best clarifying shampoo for fine hair, with its unique bond-building technology. Not only does it clarify, but it also strengthens and protects damaged hair strands. This makes it suitable for all hair types.
3. Ouai Detox Clarifying Shampoo:
This deep clean shampoo removes stubborn build-up caused by styling products, hard water, and pollutants. Its unique blend of apple cider vinegar, hydrolyzed keratin, and chelating agents purifies the scalp and strands. For curly-haired individuals seeking a fresh start, Ouai Detox is the answer.
Additionally, The SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo is an ideal clarifying shampoo for curly hair. It is designed to cleanse without compromising the integrity of your curls.
4. Paul Mitchell Clarifying Shampoo Two:
Tailored for oily hair, Paul Mitchell Clarifying Shampoo Two is an ideal choice for those seeking the best drugstore clarifying shampoo. It effectively removes excess oil while promoting a healthy scalp. Enriched with wheat-derived conditioners, it not only clarifies but also maintains a healthy balance, ensuring your hair is neither too dry nor too oily.
5. Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo:
This shampoo, a cult-favorite, is another top pick for the best drugstore clarifying shampoo. It is ideal for weekly use. It effectively removes product residue and build-up, providing a deep cleanse that leaves your locks feeling light and rejuvenated. Suitable for various hair types, this clarifying shampoo caters to those looking for an accessible and reliable solution.
The best clarifying shampoos may vary depending on individual preferences or needs of hair types. Consider your specific needs when choosing a clarifying shampoo. Always follow up with a suitable conditioner to maintain the health and balance of your hair.
FAQ About Clarifying Shampoo
Is clarifying shampoo the same as regular shampoo?
Clarifying shampoo and regular shampoo serve different purposes. Regular shampoo is designed for routine cleansing to remove dirt, oil, and styling products from your hair. On the other hand, clarifying shampoo is more intensive and formulated to remove stubborn build-up, excess oils, and residues from styling products or hard water.
Regular shampoo is for everyday washing, but clarifying shampoo is used less often, like once a week or when needed, to deeply clean your hair.
Is clarifying shampoo the best shampoo for oily hair?
Yes, clarifying shampoo can be an excellent choice for oily hair. As it effectively removes excess oil and build-up.
Will clarifying shampoo dry out my hair?
Frequent use of clarifying shampoo may lead to dryness. So it’s essential to follow up with a moisturizing conditioner.
Is clarifying shampoo safe for color-treated hair?
While clarifying shampoo can strip color from dyed hair, there are color-safe options available. Look for formulas specifically designed for color-treated hair.
Can I use clarifying shampoo on blonde hair?
Yes, clarifying shampoo is generally safe for blonde hair. However, consider using a formula suitable for color-treated hair to prevent color fading.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or dermatological advice. Always consult a professional if you have specific concerns about your scalp, hair, or treatments. Product mentions in this article are recommendations only and do not constitute medical claims.