What is Clarifying Shampoo? Everything You Need to Know

Not all shampoos are created equal. For example: What is clarifying shampoo? If you’re someone who has oily hair or an itchy scalp, you might want to consider using one. While some formulas are designed to moisturize, others are designed to strip away excess oil and other buildup from the hair and scalp. Clarifying shampoos, as the name may suggest, focus on the latter.

“A clarifying shampoo is a deep-cleansing shampoo that removes buildup from products, oils, and hard water,” says certified trichologist and hairstylist Mandy Buechner. “Clarifying shampoos are best used occasionally as a treatment.”

If you are using a lot of hair products or feel like your strands get greasy too quickly after wash day, then you may want to add clarifying shampoo to your hair care routine. In fact, clarifying shampoo can help treat a bunch of hair concerns and overall promote a healthy scalp. To break it all down, we tapped two hair experts (a trichologist and a hairstylist) to get the lowdown on everything you need to know about these strong cleansers. Ahead, what is clarifying shampoo, how it differs from regular shampoo, who should use clarifying shampoo, and more.

How can I tell if I need a clarifying shampoo?

In short, “limp, flat or heavy feeling hair could benefit from a clarifying shampoo,” says Kelly Novobielski, NYC-based celebrity hair stylist. Here are some additional signs to look out for, according to Buechner:

Your hair feels greasy or heavy, even after washing
Your hair looks dull or lifeless, lacking shine
Your strands feel sticky or coated, with product buildup
Your strands feel dry but are still oily at the roots
Your hair can be hard to style, not holding curls or volume
Your scalp is itchy or flaky due to product residue buildup

“Regular shampoo might not clean the hair to its fullest potential,” says Novobielski. If you use styling products like leave-ins, dry shampoos, gels, mousses, or sprays, a clarifying shampoo will help prevent buildup, says Buechner. Clarifying shampoos will also remove excess oil, sebum, and grease for those with oily hair.

Some people who could especially benefit from clarifying shampoos are swimmers and people who bathe in hard water. For swimmers, clarifying shampoo “eliminates chlorine and chemical residue,” explains Buechner. “And for people with hard water, it clears mineral deposits.” Using a clarifying shampoo specifically targeted to remove chlorine and minerals will help prevent hair from turning green and crunchy, Novobielski adds. Overall, if you’re experiencing weighed-down hair and craving more volume and shine, consider a clarifying shampoo in your hair routine.

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Redken Hair Cleansing Cream Clarifying Shampoo

$27

Amazon

$27

Ulta

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Act+Acre Clarifying Hard Water Shampoo

$32

Sephora

$32

Dermstore

How is a clarifying shampoo different from a regular shampoo?

“Regular shampoos” are shampoos that are designed to be use daily (think your classic Pantene, Dove, Kérastase, and the like). However, they “might not be able to clean the scalp and hair as thoroughly as a clarifying shampoo,” says Novobielski. “Regular shampoo is more gentle.”

Clarifying shampoo, on the other hand, “has stronger surfactants (aka cleansers) that remove buildup, oils, and residue,” says Buechner. “It’s meant to be used as a treatment.” So don’t reach for your clarifying shampoo every wash the way you would with a regular cleanser.

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Kerastase Discipline Bain Fluidealiste Shampoo

$44

Amazon

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Original photo from Jade Brito testing Necessaire Rosemary Shampoo

ChevronChevron

Nécessaire Rosemary Shampoo

$30

Amazon

$30

Nordstrom

When should you use clarifying shampoo?

Use clarifying shampoo “Once a week maximum to avoid dryness of the scalp and hair,” says Novobielski. Because the formulas are stronger, lather up less often with these: You want to promote hair health, not strip your scalp and hair of their natural oils by using them too often.

If we want to get more specific, how often you use a clarifying shampoo also depends on how you style your hair or how often you experience buildup, notes Buechner. “If you use heavier styling products like gels or hairspray, it is best to use a clarifying or detoxifying shampoo every four to five shampoos,” she advises.

Oily scalp friends: Consider switching to a sulfate shampoo for a more intense cleanse for daily washing, and then detoxify every six to eight shampoos with a clarifying shampoo, says Buechner. Essentially, you can’t go wrong as long as you’re detoxing your scalp with a clarifying formula whenever you’re feeling excessive buildup. “A clean and clear scalp leads to healthier hair growth,” Buechner says.

Who should not use clarifying shampoo?

Detox shampoo is strong, which makes it so effective at deep cleaning your strands and scalp. But it’s not for everyone. If you have a sensitive scalp, Buechner recommends steering clear as it may cause irritation. Dealing with dry or damaged hair? Clarifying shampoo could cause further dryness, so avoid these formulas if that sounds like you, says Novobielski. Oftentimes, this is the case with color-treated hair. Colored hair should also “use clarifying shampoo sparingly to avoid hair color fading,” adds Novobielski.

Lastly, curly girls: “Use sparingly because curly hair thrives on moisture and could cause more dryness,” says Novobielski.

Will clarifying shampoo dry out hair?

Yes, clarifying shampoo can absolutely dry out your hair, especially if you’re using it too often. However, there are simple ways to help avoid this and even give moisture back to your hair.

“After clarifying shampoo, use a deep conditioner, leave-in conditioner, or hair oil rich in lipids to restore moisture and prevent dryness,” says Buechner. Apply that hair mask or deep conditioner to your hair in the shower after washing, in place of your regular conditioner. Leave it on for about five minutes before rinsing. For even more hydration, apply a leave-in conditioner or hair oil on damp strands post-shower as well.

If you’re looking for the best clarifying shampoo for healthy hair, here are some that we love:

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