Are you unhappy with your current clarifying shampoo and think that there must be something better out there? Or perhaps you’re new to clarifying shampoos and wondering which clarifying shampoo out of the hundreds of options is best?
Now, as a cosmetologist, and have a lot of experience in determining which hair products are quality or not, but I’ve been using the same product rotation for years.
So, I’ve asked our Empowered Shopping Community which clarifying shampoos they love the most to make sure I’m not giving a biased answer (and yes, my clarifying shampoo of choice is a top recommendation.)
We’re confident in the suggestions of our community and feel that you will find a clarifying shampoo that you love between the recommendations of our community and my professional analysis of them to help further explore your choices.
I also cover topics such as how frequently to use a clarifying shampoo, what chelating is and why you may want it in your clarifying shampoo, what ingredients to look for and avoid, tips and tricks for using a clarifying shampoo, and other common clarifying shampoo questions below.
The Best Clarifying Shampoos: Real Recommendations from Our Community
When asked which clarifying shampoo is best, there were three answers that we saw over and over again. They are Ouai Detox Shampoo Clarifying Clense, Redken Detox Hair Cleansing Cream Clarifying Shampoo, and Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two (and sometimes Three).
1. Ouai Detox Shampoo Clarifying Cleanse (Chelating)
It’s suitable for cleaning everyday pollution and mild build-up. This shampoo also has apple cider vinegar in it which helps to balance your hair’s pH and is also a very popular clarifying ingredient among those who prefer natural remedies.
It’s also chelating, which means it’s capable of removing mineral and chlorine buildup from hard water and swimming pools.
When using this product, make sure to emulsify it until it begins to foam, and then start to work it through your scalp and hair. If you work it in before it starts to foam, it’ll just take more effort to activate it in your hair.
It does have a fragrance, which is good or bad depending on your preferences. It is a very powerful shampoo, so a little goes and long way and it lasts forever. Many people feel like it leaves their hair softer and more voluminous.
Want to give it a try? You can purchase OUAI Detox Shampoo here.
2. Redken Detox Hair Cleansing Cream Clarifying Shampoo
The Redken Detox clarifying shampoo is a great shampoo for regular product buildup and a scalp refresh. People love how soft and refreshed their hair feels after use.
However, it has received some criticism for having cetyl alcohol, a non-water soluble ingredient that some people feel shouldn’t be found in a true clarifying shampoo. I, and many of our community, feel that this one ingredient isn’t a huge infraction and that this is still a great product and a great choice if you’re primarily looking for a clarifying shampoo to cut through product build-up, oil, and sebum.
Want to give it a try? You can purchase Redken Detox Hair Cleansing Cream Clarifying Shampoo Here.
3. Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two (and Three) (Three is Chelating)
From the sounds of it, Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two and Three are both stronger clarifying shampoos than Ouai or Redken, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Depending on your hair and desires, you might need a stronger clarifying shampoo than others.
And, if you ever have a color mishap or just want to help a color you’re not into anymore fade more quickly, it’s nice to know that you have options beyond super damaging suggestions like dish soap for helping the fade along.
Shampoo Three is also chelating and directly advertised to remove chlorine. So if you’re a big swimmer, this may be the clarifying shampoo for you.
Want to give them a try? Buy Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two here and Paul Mitchell Shampoo Three here.
More Top Clarifying Shampoo Options
If you’re not sold on our top three suggestions yet, there were many more shampoos mentioned as well. While they may not have the astounding popularity of the top three options, they are still popular and excellent shampoos that may fit your situation better. Let’s go over them below.
4. Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo (Chelating)
People love it because a little goes a long way and because it leaves their hair feeling clean and refreshed without drying it out.
Want to try it? Buy Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo here.
5. Olaplex Number 4c
While I haven’t used the clarifying shampoo myself, I am a huge fan of Olaplex’s bond-building treatments, so I can only assume that their clarifying shampoo is also of great quality.
I also feel that these bond-repair treatments are actually a great addition to your clarifying shampoo routine. Clarifying shampoos often open your hair up to get the bad stuff out, which also means that your hair will be open up and able to receive things like bond-repair treatments and deep conditioners more readily.
You have a few different options for bond repair after your clarifying shampoo:
- Olaplex No.0 Intensive Bond Building Treatment
- Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector Repairing Treatment
- Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner
- Olaplex No.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask
I’d definitely recommend adding any of these products to your hair routine.
Want to give this a try? Buy Olaplex Number 4c here.Â
6. Kinky Curl Come Clean (Chelating)
However, the strength of this shampoo is exactly why users loved it so much. If you keep trying clarifying shampoos and feeling like none of them are strong enough to really get the job done, this might be a good option for you.
It is especially beloved by those with naturally textured hair and is recommended for those with a kinky, curly, or wavy hair texture.
Want to give this product a try? Buy Kinky Curl Come Clean here.
7. Kristin Ess Hair Deep Clarifying Shampoo
Some people feel that this clarifying shampoo has too many ingredients that shouldn’t be found in a true clarifying shampoo (more on that below), and that this may be the reason it’s often viewed as not strong enough.
So, if you’re looking to try out a clarifying shampoo, but are afraid of drying out your hair with something that’s too strong, this could be a good one to start with. However, if you’re looking for a really powerful clarifying shampoo, you should probably try another option from this list.
Want to give this a try? You can buy Kristin Ess Clarifying Shampoo here.
8. Neutrogena T/Gel Theraputic Shampoo Original Formula
If your needs for a clarifying shampoo are outside the needs of just dealing with daily product build-up, water mineralization, and pollution, you might want to give Neutrogena T/Gel a try.
Want to give this product a try. Buy Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo here.
9. K18’s Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo (chelating)
You know I love chelating effects in a clarifying shampoo. I don’t think you realize how much of an effect hard water chemicals have on your hair until you’ve gotten rid of them and realized how much softer your hair feels.
Want to give this product a try? Buy k18 Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo here.
10. Malibu C Un-Do-Goo (chelating)
They have another version that is focused on removing the minerals in your hair left behind by hard water, that you might like if you have bad hard water. However, I believe that both versions do have chelating effects. You can get Malibu C Hard Water Wellness Shampoo here.
Want to give it a try? Buy Malibu C Un-Do-Goo here.
11. NatureLab Tokyo Perfect Clean Clarifying Scalp Scrub
Want to give it a try? Buy Nature Lab Tokyo Scalp Scrub here.
12. Melanin African Black Soap Shampoo
African Black Soap Reviving Shampoo is a natural and clarifying shampoo that is also said to promote hair growth. However, due to the fact that there are many oils and butters listed in the ingredients of this shampoo, I don’t feel that it is a true clarifying shampoo.13. Aveda Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo
Aveda is a popular salon brand that I swear I remember being hard to get your hands on unless you went to an Aveda salon. However, they luckily now sell online so anyone can purchase their products easily.
Want to give this product a try. Buy Aveda Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo here.
14. Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal Exfoliating Shampoo
In addition to charcoal, it includes tea tree oil and coconut oil. While tea tree oil is a popular clarifying ingredient, coconut oil is one that I’m not really sure belongs in a clarifying shampoo.
Want to try this product? Buy Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal Exfoliating Shampoo here.
15. Living Proof Triple Detox Shampoo
Want to try this product? Buy Living Proof Triple Detox Shampoo here.
16. Giovanni Eco Chic 50:50 Balanced Hydrating Clarifying Shampoo
Giovanni Eco Chic 50:50 is a clarifying shampoo focused on maintaining the pH balance of your hair. It is recommended for over-processed hair, as the pH balancing effect should not be extra stripping and help return your hair to its proper state.17. Herbal Essence, Garnier Fructis, Aveeno, Head & Shoulders, Etc.
Yes, you can buy many brands of clarifying shampoos at your average convenience store, and they generally work at removing build-up and sometimes oil and sebum. However, if your problems are more due to mineral and chemical build-up, I don’t feel these shampoos will be able to provide the clarification that you need.
Also, it seems that another big reason for people recommending these aside from being able to pick them up on your regular shopping trips, is that they are perceived as cheaper. However, part of the reason for their cheaper cost is that they are a more diluted product. This means you’ll have to use more of this product than you would need if you were using a more concentrated clarifying shampoo. So, the perceived savings may not be as high as originally thought.
Interested in these products? Find:
- Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Sulfate-Free Shampoo here.
- Herbal Essences Clarifying Shampoo with Tea Tree and Jasmine here.
- Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Shampoo here
- Head and Shoulders Dandruff Shampoo here
18. Suave & V05
Once, when I was still in cosmetology school, we experimented with how damaging this shampoo actually is, and were able to perm a manikin’s hair with it. Ever since then, I warn people to stay far away from this brand.
Now, some people feel that the cheapest shampoos in drugstores are the best for clarifying because they are naturally “stripping” since they are known for being harsh. Plus, they feel you’ll save some money by using them. Still, harsh isn’t the same as true clarifying and I feel that this is a misconception. A harsh shampoo may just be a bad shampoo, not a clarifying one.
The choice is up to you, but in this case, I believe that you get what you pay for.
Interested in trying these products? Find:
- Suave Essentials Formerly Naturals Shampoo, Daily Clarifying here.
- V05 Herbal Escapes Clarifying Shampoo here.
Other honorable mentions that received a couple of recommendations each but not enough to make the list are:
- ACURE curiously clarifying shampoo,
- Davines Solu Shampoo,
- Kevin Murphy Maxi Wash,
- Curlsmith Wash & Scrub Detox Shampoo,
- Klorane Detox Shampoo with Aquatic Mint,
- Ion Clarifying Shampoo,
- Anomaly Vegan Eucalyptus Clarifying Charcoal Scalp Shampoo,
- Drybar On the Rocks Clarifying Charcoal Shampoo,
- Orbie The Cleanse Clarifying Shampoo
There you have it. More clarifying shampoo recommendations than you could ever possibly need. Now, if you’d like to learn more about what makes a good clarifying shampoo, how to use it, tips and tricks, and more, keep reading.
Clarifying Shampoo 101: A Brief Overview of Everything You Need to Know
We’ve looked at several different clarifying shampoos and I’m confident that you’ll find the perfect clarifying shampoo for you among them. How good a particular clarifying shampoo will be for you depends on your hair type, texture, and maintenance. What works amazingly for you, might leave your family and friends’ hair feeling not cleansed enough or overly stripped.
How often you should use your clarifying shampoo also depends on you and your hair. Some people will use it once a week, others once a month. On average, I feel like every two or three weeks is generally the most common when it comes to clarifying shampoos. This is generally the amount of time it takes to accumulate a fair amount of oil sebum, sweat, product, pollution, hard water minerals, and other things that a clarifying shampoo excels at getting rid of.
To help your hair remain soft and moisturized even after using a clarifying shampoo, try using a bond builder and/or deep conditioner after clarifying. After using a clarifying shampoo, your hair is usually a little more open than usual and ready to really received a bond builder or deep conditioner deeply into your hair. So these products usually work really well together.
If you’re really struggling with dry or damaged hair, try looking for gentle products without sulfates or alcohol to use, especially for your regular-use shampoo. All but one of the clarifying shampoos, Ouai, have sulfates in order to be clarifying. However, there are many regular sulfate-free shampoos out there that you can use.
Clarifying Shampoos for Scalp Health
Not only do clarifying shampoos help strip your hair of all the stuff you don’t want in it, but they are also great for cleansing your scalp, a scalp reset. If you have an itchy, irritated scalp, dandruff, psoriasis, or other conditions, then picking a clarifying shampoo that is especially targeted at the scalp will be a good choice for you. Taking care of your scalp is also a great way to promote hair growth and proper oil production to keep your hair healthy without becoming overly oily.
If you’re still struggling with a flaky scalp even after using a clarifying scrub, look into using a scalp brush. This will help you get the dead skin off, without using an excessive amount of stripping chemicals every day.
They have some scalp brushes that are gentler and focused more on massaging and promoting hair growth, but I think something like this, with stiff bristles, is what you really want to get rid of a flaky scalp. This type of brush is commonly used in salons for scalp treatments and should be used by making a rocking movement from one side of the brush to the other side. This allows you to only comb your scalp without getting the rest of your hair.
However, if you already have super dry and damaged hair, you’re going to want to be very careful with a clarifying shampoo. These shampoos are purposefully stripping, but overuse or use on already over-stripped hair can lead to breakage and irreversible damage. In these cases, I would suggest using it very rarely, like once a month at most, or not at all until your hair is recovered.
What is a Clarifying Shampoo?
A clarifying shampoo is a type of shampoo that is designed to deep clean the hair by removing buildup, dirt, and oils. It typically contains a higher level of surfactants, which are cleansing agents that remove dirt and oil from the hair and scalp.
Clarifying shampoos are especially useful for people who use a lot of styling products or have oily hair, as these products and oils can build up over time and make the hair look dull and lifeless. Clarifying shampoos are also good for swimmers, as they can remove chlorine and other chemicals from the hair.
However, because they are very effective at removing buildup, they can also strip the hair of its natural oils, so they should be used sparingly and not more than once a week or as recommended by the product instructions.
The words and marketing used around clarifying shampoos are not regulated, so just because a shampoo is marked as “clarifying,” “purifying,” “reseting,” “deep cleaning/cleansing,” or “detoxing” does not actually make it a true clarifying shampoo. A brand could technically label all of their shampoos as clarifying if they wanted to.
Traditionally, a clarifying shampoo is a shampoo containing no oils, butters, silicones, fatty alcohols, or any other ingredient that isn’t soluble in water. Take a look at the ingredients to discover if a shampoo is truly clarifying or not. We’ve made a list of some of the shampoos that are marketed as clarifying but contain ingredients that are considered non-clarifying ingredients.
Clarifying Shampoos that contain oil or something else not soluble in water:
- Acure Curiously Clarifying Shampoo:Â Contains argan oil, avocado oil, sea buckthorn oil, and several essential oils.
- Amika Reset Exfoliating Jelly Shampoo: Contains tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E), sea buckthorn oil, and ethylhexylglycerin.
- Hello Klean Clarifying Scalp Soak:Â Contains tamanu seed oil.
- Joico K-pak Clarifying Shampoo:Â Contains cetyl alcohol, kukui nut oil, and evening primrose oil.
- Kristin Ess Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo:Â Contains caprylic/capric triglyceride, castor seed oil, avocado oil, sunflower seed oil, and mango seed butter.
- Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Triple Detox Shampoo:Â Contains cetyl alcohol and cetearyl alcohol.
- Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo:Â Contains argan oil, avocado oil, and hydrogenated castor oil.
- Oribe Signature The Cleanse Clarifying Shampoo:Â Contains amodimethicone.
- Phyto Detox Clarifying Shampoo:Â Has eucalyptus essential oil very high in the ingredients list
- R+Co Oblivion Clarifying Shampoo:Â Contains coconut oil.
- Redken Hair Cleansing Cream:Â Contains cetyl alcohol
- Verb Reset Clarifying Shampoo:Â Contains avocado oil.
- Vitrue Refresh Purifying Shampoo:Â Contains hydrogenated castor oil.
While most of these clarifying shampoos were not highly recommended by users, a couple of the most popular recommendations from our community are minor offenders in terms of ingredients. Redken, one of the top three recommendations, has cetyl alcohol in it. While this one ingredient isn’t really a deal breaker for me and many others, some people would pass on it because of this.
Living Proof, and Kristin Ess, are others that were pretty popular but contain some undesired ingredients to many. This is part of the reason why Kristin Ess seems to be either loved or hated by people, some believe it is too gentle to be a true clarifying shampoo.
However, just because a shampoo isn’t a true clarifying shampoo, doesn’t mean it won’t be a good, deep-cleaning for you. Especially if you’re in a situation where you don’t need a very strong clarifying shampoo. If you find your hair feeling overly stripped after clarifying, these could be good options for you.
Clarifying Shampoos that don’t contain any oil or non-water soluble stuff are:
- Ouai Detox Shampoo (chelating)
- Paul Mitchell’s Shampoo Two and Shampoo Three (Three is chelating)
- Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo (chelating)
- Davines Essential Solu Shampoo
- K18’s Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo (chelating)
- Kevin Murphy Maxi Wash Detox Shampoo
- Malibu C Un-Do-Goo Shampoo (chelating)
- Olaplex Number 4C
As you can see, almost all of these clarifying shampoos are on our list, including two out of three of our top recommended solutions. They are all great options for clarifying shampoos.
These lists are by no means complete and comprehensive, as there are many more clarifying shampoo options. So check the ingredients when vetting clarifying shampoos.
What Does Chelating Mean and Why Do I Want It?
Chelating shampoos are especially great at removing mineral buildup and metals left behind by hard water.
Who Would Benefit from a Clarifying Shampoo
Clarifying shampoos can benefit people with oily hair, those who use a lot of hair styling products, or those who live in areas with hard water. They can also help remove buildup from chlorine or other chemicals found in swimming pools.
What is the Difference Between Clarifying Shampoo and Regular Shampoo?
The main difference between clarifying shampoo and regular shampoo is that clarifying shampoo is formulated to deeply cleanse the hair and scalp by removing buildup, excess oil, and product residue, whereas regular shampoo is designed to gently clean the hair and scalp on a regular basis.
Clarifying shampoo is often used once a week or as needed to remove buildup, while regular shampoo is used on a more frequent basis for regular cleansing. Additionally, clarifying shampoo may be more drying than regular shampoo, so it is important to use a good conditioner after using a clarifying shampoo.
How Often Should I Use Clarifying Shampoo?
It is generally recommended to use clarifying shampoo once every two weeks to once a month, depending on your hair type and how often you use hair products. Overuse of clarifying shampoo can strip your hair of its natural oils and cause dryness and damage.
If you have particularly oily hair or use a lot of styling products, you may need to use it more often. However, if you have dry or color-treated hair, you may want to use it less frequently or consult with a hair care professional to determine the best frequency for your hair type.
Can Clarifying Shampoo Be Used on Colored or Chemically treated Hair?
While clarifying shampoo can be beneficial in removing buildup on the hair, it can also strip away color and other treatments, making it not recommended for frequent use on colored or chemically treated hair, unless you’re looking to strip color from hair. It’s best to consult with a hair stylist or professional before using clarifying shampoo on colored or chemically treated hair.
How to Use a Clarifying Shampoo
Using a clarifying shampoo is similar to using a regular shampoo, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use a clarifying shampoo:
- Wet your hair thoroughly with warm water.
- Work shampoo into a lather by rubbing in between your hands.
- Apply a small amount of clarifying shampoo to your hair, focusing on the roots and scalp.
- Gently massage the shampoo into your scalp and hair for a few minutes.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water, making sure to remove all of the shampoo.
- Repeat the process if necessary.
- Follow up with a bond treatment, deep conditioner, or hair mask to replenish moisture, as clarifying shampoos can be drying to the hair.
It’s important to note that clarifying shampoos should not be used too frequently, as they can strip the hair of natural oils and cause dryness. It’s generally recommended to use a clarifying shampoo once a week or every two weeks, depending on your hair type and level of buildup.
We always recommend applying a reparative treatment after clarifying because your hair is open and ready to have moisture put back in it.
What Ingredients are Typically Found in Clarifying Shampoo?
Clarifying shampoos often contain ingredients that help to remove product buildup, excess oil, and impurities from the hair and scalp. They almost all have strong cleansers like Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate, C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, or Sodium Coco Sulphate, to properly remove buildup from oils, butters, silicones, fatty alcohols, cationic surfactants, and your own sebum.
Some common ingredients found in clarifying shampoos include:
- Sulfates: These are powerful cleansing agents that help to remove buildup and impurities from the hair. However, they can be harsh on the hair and scalp and may strip away natural oils.
- Citric acid: This is a natural ingredient that helps to break down buildup and remove minerals from hard water that can cause hair to become dull and lifeless.
- Tea tree oil: This oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties and can help to cleanse and soothe the scalp.
- Salicylic acid: This is a gentle exfoliating ingredient that helps to remove dead skin cells and unclog hair follicles.
- Charcoal: This ingredient helps to absorb impurities and excess oil from the hair and scalp.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: This ingredient is a popular clarifying home remedy on it’s own, and often used in clarifying shampoos as well.
We always recommend checking the label when looking for a clarifying shampoo as that is the surest way to ensure you’re actually getting a clarifying shampoo with the properties you’re looking for.
Can Clarifying Shampoo Cause Hair Damage?
Clarifying shampoos are generally safe to use, but if used too frequently or incorrectly, they can potentially cause damage to the hair. The main concern is that clarifying shampoos are designed to remove buildup and impurities, which can also strip the hair of its natural oils and moisture. This can lead to dryness, breakage, and split ends, especially if the hair is already damaged or chemically treated.
If you’re concerned about using a clarifying shampoo, consider talking to your hair stylist or dermatologist to determine if it’s the right choice for your hair type and any specific concerns you may have.
Are There Any Natural or DIY Alternatives to Store-Bought Clarifying Shampoos?
Yes, there are natural and DIY alternatives to store-bought clarifying shampoos. Some people prefer using natural ingredients to avoid potentially harmful chemicals found in some store-bought shampoos.
Here are some examples of natural and DIY clarifying shampoo alternatives:
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water and use as a rinse after shampooing.
- Baking Soda: Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with water to form a paste and apply to wet hair. Rinse thoroughly.
- Lemon Juice: Mix equal parts of lemon juice and water and apply to hair. Leave on for a few minutes and rinse thoroughly.
- Aloe Vera: Mix aloe vera gel with water and apply to hair. Leave on for a few minutes and rinse thoroughly.
- Tea Tree Oil: Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your regular shampoo and use as normal.
It’s important to note that natural and DIY alternatives may not work as effectively as store-bought clarifying shampoos and may not be suitable for all hair types. I often feel that using these ingredients leaves hair extra dry and damaged, while not effectively removing things like minerals and oil build-up.
If you like these ingredients, I’d suggest looking for a clarifying shampoo that incorporates them, rather than using them on their own.
Also, please don’t use dish soap as a clarifying shampoo! It is not made for your hair, and you may get very bad damage as well as irritation from it.
Will Using a Clarifying Shampoo Strip My Hair of Natural Oils?
Using a clarifying shampoo can remove buildup and excess oil from the hair, which can be beneficial for some people. However, if used too frequently or if not followed up with a moisturizing conditioner, it can potentially strip the hair of its natural oils and cause dryness.
It’s recommended to use a clarifying shampoo once a week or every two weeks, depending on individual hair type and needs. If you have particularly dry or damaged hair, it’s important to use a moisturizing conditioner after clarifying to help restore hydration to the hair.
Can Clarifying Shampoo Help with Dandruff or an Itchy Scalp?
Yes, clarifying shampoo can help with dandruff or an itchy scalp by removing excess oil, dirt, and product buildup from the scalp.
Dandruff is often caused by a fungus called Malassezia, which thrives on an oily scalp. Clarifying shampoo can help reduce excess oil and buildup, which in turn can help reduce the growth of Malassezia and reduce dandruff. However, it’s important to note that if your dandruff is severe or persistent, you may need to see a dermatologist for treatment.
Additionally, some clarifying shampoos can be harsh and may exacerbate scalp irritation, so it’s important to choose a gentle formula and not overuse it.
How Long Should I Leave Clarifying Shampoo On My Hair Before Rinsing It Out?
The length of time you should leave clarifying shampoo on your hair before rinsing it out depends on the specific product you are using. Some clarifying shampoos recommend leaving the product on for only 1-2 minutes, while others may require up to 5 minutes.
It’s important to follow the instructions on the product packaging for the best results. Leaving clarifying shampoo on your hair for too long can potentially cause dryness or damage, so be sure to rinse thoroughly after the recommended time has passed.
Do you use a clarifying shampoo? Let us know your thoughts on it and if you’d recommend it to others in the comments below!
Happy shopping,
