Clarifying shampoo has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many people claiming it is a must-have in their hair care routine. But what exactly is clarifying shampoo, and is it really necessary?
Clarifying shampoo is a type of shampoo that is designed to remove buildup from the hair and scalp. This buildup can come from a variety of sources, including styling products, hard water, and even regular shampoo and conditioner. Clarifying shampoo typically contains stronger cleansing agents than regular shampoo, which helps to remove this buildup and leave the hair feeling clean and refreshed.
While some people swear by clarifying shampoo and use it regularly, others are more skeptical. Some experts argue that using clarifying shampoo too often can actually be damaging to the hair, as it can strip away natural oils and cause dryness and breakage. Ultimately, whether or not clarifying shampoo is a must depends on your individual hair type and styling routine.
Understanding Clarifying Shampoo
Purpose of Clarifying Shampoo
As the name suggests, clarifying shampoo is designed to remove buildup from the hair and scalp. Buildup can occur when hair products, oils, and minerals accumulate on the hair and scalp over time. This can lead to dull, lifeless hair, and even scalp irritation or dandruff. Clarifying shampoo is formulated to deep clean the hair and scalp, removing buildup and leaving hair looking and feeling refreshed. While regular shampoo is designed to cleanse the hair and scalp, it may not be effective at removing all types of buildup. Clarifying shampoo is more powerful and can help to remove stubborn buildup that regular shampoo may not be able to tackle.Key Ingredients
Clarifying shampoos typically contain a higher concentration of cleansing agents than regular shampoos. Some of the key ingredients found in clarifying shampoos include:- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): This is a powerful cleansing agent that helps to remove buildup from the hair and scalp.
- Citric Acid: This ingredient helps to break down and dissolve mineral buildup, such as calcium and magnesium, which can be found in hard water.
- Tea Tree Oil: This natural ingredient has antifungal and antibacterial properties, which can help to soothe an irritated scalp and prevent dandruff.
- Aloe Vera: This ingredient can help to nourish and moisturize the hair and scalp, while also soothing any irritation.
Is Clarifying Shampoo a Must?
As a hair care enthusiast, I often get asked about the necessity of using clarifying shampoo. Here's what I've learned: Clarifying shampoo is designed to remove buildup caused by styling products, hard water, and environmental pollutants. While it can be beneficial for some hair types, it may not be necessary for everyone.Benefits for Different Hair Types
If you have oily hair or use a lot of styling products, clarifying shampoo can be a game-changer. It can help remove excess oil and buildup, leaving your hair feeling clean and refreshed. Additionally, if you have hard water, which can cause mineral buildup on your hair, clarifying shampoo can help remove that buildup and restore your hair's natural shine. On the other hand, if you have dry or damaged hair, using clarifying shampoo too often can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it feeling even drier. In this case, it's best to use a clarifying shampoo only when necessary, and follow up with a deep conditioning treatment to restore moisture.Potential Drawbacks
While clarifying shampoo can be beneficial, it's important to note that it can also have some potential drawbacks. For example, if you have color-treated hair, using a clarifying shampoo too often can cause your color to fade more quickly. Additionally, if you have a sensitive scalp, the harsh ingredients in some clarifying shampoos can cause irritation. In conclusion, whether or not you need to use clarifying shampoo depends on your hair type and lifestyle. If you use a lot of styling products or have hard water, clarifying shampoo can be a great addition to your hair care routine. However, if you have dry or damaged hair, or if you have color-treated hair, it's important to use clarifying shampoo sparingly and follow up with a deep conditioning treatment to avoid any potential damage.Verify. Then, clarify. with these Clarifying Shampoos for Daily Use
We've verified that one of these shampoos is your best chance at properly clarifying. While not designed for everyday use, clarifying shampoos are perfect as a once-weekly treatment to completely strip your hair of any gunk or residue and leave you feeling clean and refreshed. They work perfectly with a moisturizing shampoo and help keep your hair healthy when added to your routine. PRO HAIR TIP: This is why we highly suggest using a clarifying shampoo before using any new hair product for the first time. Because clarifying shampoos give you a clean slate for your hair, this method will allow you to properly see how your new product works and what the actual results are. If you don't use a clarifying shampoo, your hair will likely contain remnants of your old products, which will affect both your overall style and how you feel the product performed. Trust us. It'll make a big difference. These are not listed in any particular order.1. Suave Naturals Daily Clarifying Shampoo
This clarifying shampoo may be dirt cheap, but don't you dare underestimate it by judging by its price tag alone. This simple shampoo might be the holy grail of clarifying shampoos – all for the price of a much less holy grail. Its powerful formula completely strips away any grease or product build-up, leaving you with hair that is more squeaky clean than Taylor Swift herself. However, considering it packs quite the clarifying wallop, you must follow up with a rich and ultra-hydrating conditioner to keep your hair beautiful and well-moisturized. PRO HAIR TIP: If you have extremely dry hair, you will want to limit your use of a clarifying shampoo to once every two weeks or even once a month. However, if you use lots of moisturizers and heavy products during your beauty routine, you will want to use one of these clarifying shampoos once a week. If you're not sure what schedule is right for you, experiment until you find the proper balance.2. Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo
Mmm, do you smell that? This gorgeously scented gem might be the best clarifying shampoo for anyone whose hair tends to be on the drier side. It efficiently strips away any residue or gunk but leaves you with silky, soft-to-the-touch hair that smells truly amazing. Moroccan oil has long been the best choice for dry locks and is a key part of some of the best products for dry hair. Its presence in this product ensures a clarifying experience that won't leave you with dried-out hair that is very difficult to manage. PRO HAIR TIP: As we said before, it's best to try experiments with how often you use your clarifying shampoo to achieve the best results. Sometimes people can get turned off from their shampoo because they are either using it too often or not often enough. If you aren't happy with your shampoo or the results you're seeing, it may not be because of the brand of shampoo you chose but how often you are using it. Try different lengths between uses to see what is best for you before giving up on a product altogether.3. Paul Mitchell Clarifying Shampoo Two
Among other hair-related achievements, Paul Mitchell might be the reigning king of clarifying, which is why two Paul Mitchell products found their way onto this list. The Clarifying Shampoo Two is ideal for those with oily hair who need an extra punch of de-greasing action. This powerful 'poo efficiently sucks the oil out of locks without drying them out, making it the only shampoo on this list that is suitable for daily use – a huge benefit for those who like an easy and consistent beauty routine. Furthermore, the Two shampoo effectively diminishes oil production, meaning that hair will become less and less oily over time. It's truly a win-win of a product. PRO HAIR TIP: For super oily hair, these Paul Mitchell Shampoos are your solution! If your hair isn't super oily and you need a clarifying shampoo to strip your hair of the product you use, try one of the other shampoos on our list first, as these might pack a little too powerful of a punch.4. Paul Mitchell Clarifying Shampoo Three
The Two clarifying shampoo might be designed for oily hair types, but the Three is suitable for just about anyone. It's also the absolute, undeniable, ultimate "I'll-throw-myself-off-a-bridge-if-they-ever-stop-making-this" clarifying shampoo of choice for swimmers. Absolutely nothing will suck chlorine out of your hair quite like the Three clarifying shampoo, and for those of us who like to spend our summers in the deep end, it's a godsend. If your favorite mode of exercise is doing laps at the pool or enjoying plenty of pool time with your friends, the Three shampoo is a product that you must have in your beauty arsenal. PRO HAIR TIP: Finding the best shampoo can be a challenge. Just like the rest of your body, your hair is prone to change over time. So make sure you are up for trying new products to adapt to your changing hair.5. Aussie Destress Clarifying Shampoo
This product is frequently raved about by industry experts and YouTube hair gurus alike. Aussie Destress Clarifying Shampoo contains mosa mint and Australian pepperberry extract, two rockstar organic combos that manage to strip away gunk and impurities without sucking away moisture – a tall feat for even the most complex of clarifying shampoos. Another benefit is that while it will clarify your hair, it won't make your hair feel like it's been stripped. It keeps it bright, shiny, and moisturized! Especially if you use the Joico conditioner alongside it. This is the best clarifying shampoo for hair purists looking for salon-quality in the comfort of their own shower (and without the salon price tag). Plus, the packaging is great, and the pumps make getting the shampoo a breeze. PRO HAIR TIP: Despite what most salespeople might tell you, you don't have to spend a lot of money to have great hair. Don't think a high price means high quality; some of the best products on the market are well within even a modest beauty budget. And the good news is that being frugal with your beauty purchases leaves you more room to splurge on other fun stuff!6. BIOLAGE Normalizing Clean Reset Shampoo
Most women with color-treated hair assume that a clarifying shampoo is simply off the table. After all, plenty of well-meaning women have experienced the horror of washing with a clarifying shampoo only to see their hair color wash right down the drain. Luckily, this clarifying shampoo from BIOLAGE is perfectly safe for color-treated hair. Armed with lemongrass extract, it will provide all the gunk-removing benefits of a clarifying shampoo while leaving your color perfectly intact. If you have color-treated hair, you should also read about our top picks for color-treated hair here!What do I do if I dont have a clarifying shampoo?
If you're someone who loves to take care of your hair, you're probably familiar with the importance of using a clarifying shampoo. It's a great way to remove buildup and residue from your hair, leaving it feeling clean and refreshed. However, what do you do if you don't have a clarifying shampoo on hand? Don't worry, there are still some options available to you.
One option is to use a regular shampoo and mix in some baking soda. Baking soda is a natural exfoliant and can help to remove buildup from your hair. Simply mix a tablespoon of baking soda with your regular shampoo and apply it to your hair as you normally would. Another option is to use apple cider vinegar as a rinse. Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water and apply it to your hair after shampooing. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it out. The acidity of the vinegar can help to remove buildup and leave your hair feeling soft and shiny.
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