Top 7 Clarifying Shampoos, Per Haircare Experts

Let’s talk about hair care. Our daily styling routines can create damage and product buildup. Bouncy, shiny hair becomes dull and weighed down. No one wants lackluster locks. That’s why it’s important to give your hair a real good cleaning now and then. Using one of the best clarifying shampoos just once or twice a month can help to refresh your hair, stripping away any excess oil and product buildup. The end result? A healthier looking scalp, along with clean, shiny and buildup-free hair.

How Clarifying Shampoos Work

Clarifying shampoos are like the deep cleansers of the haircare world. Unlike their regular counterparts, they go beyond removing daily dirt and grime, targeting product buildup, excess oils, and even minerals from hard water. But how do they achieve this level of squeaky-clean perfection? Let’s break it down:

• The Power of Surfactants: Clarifying shampoos pack a punch with powerful cleaning agents called surfactants. These molecules have a unique structure with “water-loving” and “oil-loving” ends. The “oil-loving” end attaches to dirt, oils, and product residue, while the “water-loving” end allows it to be rinsed away. Traditional shampoos use milder surfactants, while clarifying ones employ stronger ones for a deeper cleanse.
• Stripping Away the Layers: Imagine your hair like a stack of pancakes. Regular shampoos clean the top layer, while clarifying ones reach deeper, removing styling products, silicones, and even mineral deposits that can build up over time. This can be helpful for those with oily hair, swimmers, or anyone who uses a lot of styling products.
• The Trade-Off: While clarifying shampoos are great for removing buildup, their powerful cleaning action can also strip away natural oils from your scalp and hair. This can lead to dryness, frizz, and even scalp irritation, especially for people with naturally dry hair.
• The Right Balance is Key: Clarifying shampoos are best used occasionally, not as your daily go-to. Aim for once a week or even less, depending on your hair type and styling habits. Always follow up with a good conditioner to replenish moisture and prevent dryness.
• Not for Everyone: If you have color-treated hair, be cautious with clarifying shampoos, as they can strip away color pigments. Consult your stylist for recommendations on gentle clarifying options.

So if you’re ready to strip your hair of dirt, oil, and chemicals, StudyFinds is here to help. We’ve put together a list of the top seven products from ten expert websites, to find the best clarifying shampoos to refresh your tresses. As always, we’d like to see your own recommendations in the comments below!

The List: Best Clarifying Shampoos, According to Experts

1. OUAI Detox Shampoo

Looking for a shampoo that goes beyond basic cleansing? Ouai Detox Shampoo might be your answer. InStyle hails it as the “best overall” clarifying shampoo, praising its impressive formula packed with apple cider vinegar, keratin, and chelating agents. This powerful trio works to remove impurities, exfoliate the scalp, strengthen strands, smooth frizz, and add a glossy shine. Reviewers rave about how it breathes new life into hair after just one wash, leaving it feeling and looking refreshed.

Suitable for all hair types, Marie Claire highlights its effectiveness in combating damage from bleach and highlights, while others describe it as the perfect “reset” for regular use. New York Post chimes in, comparing its experience to a luxurious spa treatment and emphasizing the noticeable quality from the very first use.

Overall, Ouai Detox Shampoo seems to be a crowd-pleaser, offering a deep cleanse, damage repair, and a revitalized look and feel for your hair.

2. Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo

For those with curly hair struggling with limpness and lifelessness, Forbes names Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo as the “best for curly hair.” This powerful wash cuts through buildup, leaving hair feeling revived and bouncy. Its argan and avocado oil-infused formula makes it particularly suitable for thicker and curlier textures.

Glamour echoes this sentiment, highlighting its ability to remove buildup from styling products, hard water, and chlorine. However, they emphasize that the argan oil and essential oil blend also nourishes and hydrates, resulting in frizz-free, clean hair with bounce.

However, a word of caution comes from Good Housekeeping. While users praise its effectiveness in removing residue, they recommend limiting its use to once or twice a month to avoid drying out your hair.

3. Pattern Cleansing Shampoo

Pattern Beauty’s Cleansing Shampoo shines for its affordability and effectiveness on coily and kinky hair textures, earning a 4.7-star average rating from over 400 reviews at Ulta. NBC News Select highlights its enticing jasmine, bergamot, and sandalwood scent, adding to its appeal.

But what truly sets it apart is its formulation. By leaving out harsh sodium lauryl sulfate, it relies on gentler surfactants to cleanse without stripping away essential moisture. As Byrdie explains, this makes it ideal for curly hair, which is particularly vulnerable to dryness.

However, MindBodyGreen notes a trade-off: this gentle approach might not tackle stubborn buildup. While it may not be suitable for extremely oily hair, it could be a game-changer for anyone with curly hair seeking a refreshing cleanse without sacrificing moisture.

4. Living Proof Perfect hair Day (PhD) Triple Detox Shampoo

If you’re looking for a deep clean to tackle stubborn product buildup, pollution, and hard water residue, Forbes recommends Living Proof’s Triple Detox Shampoo. This high-powered formula lives up to its name, effectively detoxifying both hair and scalp. Activated charcoal absorbs excess oil, while a witch hazel complex soothes and supports the scalp barrier. Reviewers particularly appreciate its effectiveness after relying heavily on dry shampoo.

Marie Claire highlights the versatility of this shampoo, noting its suitability for all hair types and textures, including color-treated or bleached hair. They emphasize its ability to enhance shine throughout the entire hair strand, from root to tip.

The New York Post adds another layer of praise, noting that the Living Proof Triple Detox Shampoo helps restore your hair’s natural balance and barrier. They also appreciate its gentle yet effective cleansing action on the scalp.

5. Bumble and Bumble Sunday Clarifying Shampoo 

Bumble and bumble’s Sunday Clarifying Shampoo is a great option for those seeking a refreshingly deep clean, especially for oily hair. Allure praises its ability to leave the scalp feeling squeaky clean thanks to its unique blend of anti-inflammatory ginseng root, scalp-stimulating rosemary leaf extract, and clarifying sage leaf extract. Reviewers rave about the clean and fresh feeling it leaves hair with, ready to tackle any oil and debris until the next wash.

This shampoo caters specifically to oily hair by removing not only product residue and pollutants but also excess oil. Good Housekeeping highlights this distinction, emphasizing that some clarifying shampoos only address buildup.

Marie Claire adds that the vegan formula offers additional benefits, like reducing dandruff, acne, and buildup on the scalp. They also highlight the inclusion of rosemary, a popular natural ingredient known for promoting hair growth and adding a pleasant scent. However, they caution that this shampoo works best on non-color-treated hair.

6. K18 PEPTIDE PREP Detox Shampoo

While many stylists recommend pre-shampoo oil treatments for extra protection before clarifying shampoos, K18’s Clarifying Shampoo is an option for a deep cleanse without sacrificing hair strength, according to MindBodyGreen. They highlight the shampoo’s “protective properties” alongside the typical clarifying action.

The New York Post acknowledges the premium price tag but praises the “thoughtful ingredients,” particularly the salicylic acid, known to benefit both oily hair and skin. They describe it as “second to none” in its effectiveness.

Glamour adds another dimension to its use, suggesting it as a pre-color treatment for achieving a more vibrant result. However, they caution against using it on sensitive scalps.

7. Oribe The Cleanse Clarifying Shampoo

Rounding out our list, is a splurge-worthy contender from Oribe. According to Byrdie, this unique formula utilizes volcanic ash to gently exfoliate your scalp and hair, effectively removing oil and product buildup. Reviewers praise it as a fantastic choice for those seeking a deep clean that feels luxurious and pampering.

But the benefits go beyond just squeaky-clean hair. Glamour highlights the inclusion of green tea extract, which strengthens hair strands to minimize damage, while the brand’s signature complex protects your hair from environmental aggressors that can lead to dullness and breakage.

If the volcanic ash aspect initially throws you off, don’t worry! MindBodyGreen assures us that it’s been used for centuries as a natural cleanser and purifier. It works similarly to activated charcoal, gently drawing out impurities from the scalp and providing a natural lift at the roots. Plus, the whipped texture transforms into a fun, foamy lather when mixed with water, making the entire experience even more enjoyable.

Sources:

• InStyle
• Marie Claire
• New York Post
• Forbes
• Glamour
• Good Housekeeping
• NBC News Select
• Byrdie
• MindBodyGreen
• Allure

Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.