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You haven’t washed your hair in days. You just finished your spin class but you don’t have time to wash your hair, so you reach for your trusty dry shampoo. Spray it on, brush it out, throw your hair in a messy bun, and go on with your day. Now your hair is way past needing to be washed.
To get your beautiful, shiny, and voluminous hair back, all you need to do is wash it with a clarifying shampoo. Not sure which one to pick? Lucky for you, I’ve tried just about every clarifying shampoo under the sun. Keep reading to see the best clarifying shampoos for gunk-free hair.
Best Clarifying Shampoos
I’ve personally tried and tested every shampoo on this list, and I can confidently recommend them based on my own experience. However, keep in mind that everyone’s hair and scalp needs are unique, so your experience with these shampoos may differ from mine.
Ouai Detox Shampoo
If you’re looking for a deep cleanse for your hair and scalp, you should check out the OUAI Detox Shampoo. It’s the perfect solution for removing dirt, excess oil, and product buildup. It has apple cider vinegar to balance your scalp’s pH levels. Also, the OUAI shampoo has hydrolyzed keratin to repair damaged hair and make it stronger.
The shampoo’s lightweight gel-like texture makes it super easy to lather and rinse out. Once you’re done, your hair will feel refreshed and revitalized. Plus, you can use it on any hair type, including colored hair.
Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Shampoo
If you’re a fan of using apple cider vinegar to give your hair a thorough cleanse, but don’t want to break the bank, the Aveeno Shampoo is a great option to consider.
In my personal experience with this shampoo, I was immediately taken by its pleasant fruity scent. It smells fantastic and really leaves a nice fragrance on your hair after washing. Additionally, the shampoo does an excellent job of thoroughly cleaning your hair, leaving it feeling fresh and light.
However, it’s worth noting that with extended use, the shampoo can lighten your hair color. So, if you’ve got color-treated hair, this might not be the best choice for you.
Christophe Robin Purifying Scalp Scrub with Sea Salt
If you’re in the market for a luxurious hair care experience, Christophe Robin’s shampoo and scrub combo is a top-notch choice.
The packaging alone is enough to make you feel like you’re treating yourself to something truly special, and the fragrance is just as lovely. And let’s not forget the quality of the ingredients – they’re truly top-tier.
Yes, it’s a bit pricey, but trust me when I say that it’s worth every penny. It gives me squeaky-clean hair with loads of volume, and I can’t get enough of it. So if you’re looking for a truly indulgent hair care experience, give this clarifying shampoo a try.
Bumble and Bumble Sunday Clarifying Shampoo
When it comes to top-tier shampoos, it’s hard to create a “best of” list without including at least one offering from Bumble and Bumble. The brand has a formula to address almost every hair issue you can imagine.
One standout option is the Sunday Shampoo. This deep-cleaning shampoo is highly effective at lifting away impurities and restoring shine to hair that’s feeling a bit lackluster after a long week. The generous lather is a nice touch, making for a truly satisfying wash experience.
That said, it’s worth keeping in mind that this shampoo is not recommended for those with color-treated hair. But for everyone else, it’s a great choice – the price is reasonable, the scent is pleasant, and it does a great job of cleaning hair without leaving it feeling overly dry.
Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Triple Detox Shampoo
If you’re on the hunt for a clarifying shampoo that can get rid of product buildup, pollution, and hard water without being harsh on your hair, the Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Triple Detox Shampoo could be just what you need. It’s gentle enough for all hair types and contains activated charcoal to absorb excess oil, plus a scalp-soothing complex to promote healthy hair.
The brand behind this shampoo, Living Proof, is known for their high-quality hair care products that work wonders. They’ve put a lot of thought into this formula to make sure it not only cleanses, but also nourishes and protects your hair.
I’ve tried a fair number of clarifying shampoos before, and some have left my hair feeling dry and damaged. But this shampoo strikes a great balance between cleansing and moisturizing. My hair feels clean and refreshed after using it, without any of that straw-like texture that some other shampoos can leave.
Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance™ Clarifying Shampoo
What sets this shampoo apart from others is its Broad-Spectrum Clarifying System. It’s powerful enough to remove damaging product buildup, excess oil, hard water minerals, chlorine, heavy metals, and pollution, yet gentle enough to be sulfate-free and pH balanced, which helps to maintain hydration.
Even though I don’t use many Olaplex products, I have to say that this clarifying shampoo has really impressed me. It’s become my go-to when I color my hair, as it gets the job done without stripping my color or leaving my hair feeling dry.
Aveda Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo
Aveda was the first non-drugstore haircare brand I ever tried. During my college years, I would save every penny I could and take the city bus to buy Aveda shampoo from a local salon in Indianapolis. It was a luxury I couldn’t always afford, but I loved the way it made my hair look and feel.
Thankfully, times have changed, and I no longer have to go out of my way to buy Aveda products. I can easily order my favorite shampoo online and have it delivered right to my doorstep.
I really love using this shampoo. Not only do the rosemary and mint smell good, but they give a nice cool tingle to the scalp. Because this shampoo is free of silicones, mineral oils, and animal ingredients, I feel comfortable recommending this product for all hair types.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clarifying Shampoo
What is a clarifying shampoo?
A clarifying shampoo is a specialized type of shampoo that is designed to remove buildup from the hair and scalp. This buildup can come from a variety of sources, such as hair products (like hairspray, mousse, or gel), hard water, chlorine from swimming pools, or environmental pollutants.
Clarifying shampoos contain ingredients that are more powerful than those found in regular shampoos, such as surfactants that are able to deeply cleanse the hair and scalp, removing excess oils, dirt, and product buildup.
When should you use a clarifying shampoo?
A clarifying shampoo should be used when you notice buildup on your hair and scalp that your regular shampoo isn’t able to remove.
You may want to use a clarifying shampoo after using a lot of styling products or if you notice that your hair feels heavy, dull, or oily. It’s also a good idea to use a clarifying shampoo before any chemical treatments, such as coloring or perming, to ensure that your hair is clean and free of any buildup that may interfere with the treatment.
How often should I use clarifying shampoo?
The frequency with which you should use a clarifying shampoo depends on several factors, including your hair type, the amount of buildup you are experiencing, and the products you use on your hair.
As a general rule, it’s best to use a clarifying shampoo no more than once a week. This is because clarifying shampoos are designed to deeply cleanse the hair and scalp, and using them too frequently can strip away your hair’s natural oils, leading to dryness, brittleness, and breakage.
However, if you use a lot of styling products, swim frequently in chlorinated water, or live in an area with hard water, you may need to use a clarifying shampoo more often. On the other hand, if you have dry or brittle hair, you may want to limit your use of clarifying shampoos to once a month or less.
Can I use a clarifying shampoo on colored or chemically treated hair?
Clarifying shampoos are generally safe to use on colored or chemically treated hair, it’s important to be cautious when using them to avoid stripping away the color or damaging the hair.
Clarifying shampoos can be harsh on the hair and scalp, so it’s best to wait at least a week after coloring or chemically treating your hair before using one. This will give your hair time to adjust to the new color or treatment, and reduce the risk of the color fading or the hair becoming damaged.
When using a clarifying shampoo on colored or chemically treated hair, it’s important to choose a gentle formula that is specifically designed for this hair type. Look for shampoos that are labeled “color-safe” or “gentle”.
How do I use a clarifying shampoo properly?
To use a clarifying shampoo effectively, begin by applying it to your roots, where buildup tends to accumulate the most.
As you work the shampoo into your hair, you can channel your inner hair stylist and give yourself a relaxing scalp massage.
Gradually work the suds through the length of your hair as you go, ensuring that you evenly distribute the shampoo.
After rinsing your hair thoroughly, it’s important to follow up with a conditioner to help restore moisture to your hair.
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