With beauty products, you’ll often see a curious collection of buzzwords decorating their labels. One descriptor that seems to pop up more often than any other in the hair world is clarifying shampoo. The term may sound a bit clinical, like something you might find in the doctor’s office, but this type of haircare formula can actually be an invaluable part of your haircare routine.
To better understand why you might buy a second shampoo to keep in your shower (on top of your already sizable hoard of beauty must-haves, no doubt), we reached out to Pureology brand ambassador Jamie Wiley. She outlined for us all the ways a good clarifying shampoo can help improve the look and feel of your hair. We’re sharing a few of the best clarifying shampoos from L’Oréal to shop now, so keep scrolling for the lowdown.
What Is Clarifying Shampoo?
Clarifying shampoo (also known as purifying or detoxifying shampoo) is a specialized cleansing formula designed to remove dirt, oil, hard water minerals, and other residue from your hair and scalp. This type of deep cleanser also helps eliminate weighty, style-disrupting buildup that can make your hair appear dull, limp, or greasy. When used properly, a clarifying shampoo is a great way to hit the reset button on your strands and restore their healthy look and feel.
What’s the difference between traditional shampoo and clarifying shampoo?
All shampoos are made to wash and refresh your mane. However, traditional shampoos are formulated to gently cleanse your hair and scalp and are typically designed for daily use. Clarifying shampoos, on the other hand, provide a deep, thorough clean to remove product residue, excess oil, and buildup. As such, they’re not intended for daily use—using a clarifying shampoo daily could leave your hair feeling dry or stripped.
How Often Should You Use Clarifying Shampoo?
As mentioned, you’re not meant to use clarifying shampoo every day. Wiley recommends reaching for one every two weeks to help cleanse your hair. The reason: Clarifying formulas aim to leave hair intensely clean, but they can also leave certain hair types (like curly and coily) feeling stripped or dry. To minimize this, Wiley suggests using a clarifying shampoo followed by a moisturizing shampoo and a conditioner or hair mask.
Another compelling reason to limit your use of clarifying shampoo is to help maintain your hair color. Some detoxifying formulas are powerful enough to fade professional-grade dyes, making your hair appear dull or lackluster. Be sure to look for purifying shampoos labeled as "color-safe," which are less likely to affect your salon hue (hint: we have a few options for you to consider below).
Other times to use a clarifying shampoo
It’s worth noting that clarifying every two weeks isn’t a hard-and-fast rule; your hair type, styling habits, environment, and lifestyle may all play a role in how often your hair requires a deeper clean. For example, did you move to a new area where the shower water makes your hair feel coarse or brittle? Have you been piling on the dry shampoo lately? Were you just on vacation and swimming in a chlorine pool? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, lathering up with a clarifying shampoo may help restore your hair’s natural shine, movement, and bounce.
In addition, Wiley mentions that using a clarifying shampoo before a coloring service can help give your hair a clean slate. She adds: “This will help remove any buildup and prepare your hair to accept the fresh new color. It will last longer and actually be shinier.”
How Do You Use Clarifying Shampoo?
Applying a clarifying shampoo is usually no different than applying a standard shampoo. Regardless of which type of shampoo you use, there are a few tricks that can help make the hair-washing process even more effective. For a crash course, check out our article, Suds Up the Right Way—Here's How to Wash Your Hair Properly.
Pro Tips: Make your wash day extra pampering with a manual or electric shampoo brush. Not only can they help slough off grime and dead skin cells, but they also provide your scalp with a relaxing, massage-like sensation. Or, if you have concerns about the quality of the water in your home, spend a little extra cash on a showerhead designed to soften water while filtering out chlorine.
How Do You Choose a Clarifying Shampoo?
We’ve all had experiences purchasing a product that ends up doing far less than promised. When it comes to hair, there’s no room to mess around with formulas that don’t work. According to Wiley, the best way to guarantee a product performs is to “use a professional clarifying shampoo versus a store brand.” While it may cost a bit more, knowing that your haircare is backed by salon knowledge and expert opinion really means something in the hair world.
Now, the only thing left is to figure out which product to buy. If you’re unsure which clarifying shampoo is right for your needs, consult a trusted stylist who’s well-versed in your lifestyle, hair maintenance routine, and concerns. Already know what you’re looking for? We’ve rounded up a few of the best clarifying shampoos to pop onto your shower shelf now.
The 5 Best Clarifying Shampoos from L’Oréal Professional Brands
Redken Hair Cleansing Cream Clarifying Shampoo
If pollution or hard water minerals are weighing your strands down, reboot them with Redken’s Hair Cleansing Cream. This cream shampoo instantly removes heavy metals like copper, iron, magnesium, and calcium while whisking away excess oils, pollution particles, and styling buildup. Plus, it pairs perfectly with any Redken conditioner. Pick up the All Soft Conditioner to help transform dry, brittle hair or the Volume Injection Conditioner to add a lightweight body to your final look.
Mizani Moisture Fusion Gentle Clarifying Shampoo
While some clarifying shampoos can leave textured hair feeling stripped or dry, Mizani’s Moisture Fusion Clarifying Shampoo was made with curls and coils in mind. The detoxifying formula of this clarifying shampoo for curly hair, which contains charcoal and coconut-derived cleansers, gets rid of product buildup and impurities while intensely hydrating natural hair. After using, hair will be refreshed and ready for a deep conditioning treatment. If you are looking for the best clarifying shampoo for curly hair, this might be a great option for you.
Shu Uemura Art of Hair Pure Serenity Deep Cleanser
This luxe pick is the perfect option for those prone to greasy roots. It features an antioxidant-rich formula that gently cleanses the hair and scalp to whisk away buildup and remove excess oil on both the scalp and strands. Use it once per week to deep-clean your mane—your hair will be left feeling light, soft, and refreshed.
Biolage Professional Scalp Sync Clarifying Shampoo
Another solution for oily scalp is this purifying pick from Biolage Professional. The fermented tea and glycolic acid-infused formula helps balance scalp moisture levels, nix excess sebum, and restore hair’s volume, shine, and lift. Learn more about Scalp Sync in our complete review, How To Manage Greasy Hair With the Biolage Scalp Sync Collection.
Pureology Pure Volume Shampoo
Wave goodbye to fine, flat hair with a little help from Pureology’s Pure Volume Shampoo. Besides clarifying buildup, this lightweight lather helps lift your roots for refreshed, soft volume that moves with you. For best results, follow it up with the Pure Volume Conditioner to enhance volume and movement without the weigh-down.
FAQs About Clarifying Shampoo
What does clarifying shampoo do?
Clarifying shampoo is designed to deeply cleanse your hair and remove buildup from styling products, hard water minerals, and excess oils. It works by stripping away impurities that regular shampoos may leave behind. This powerful cleanse leaves hair feeling fresh and light, making it ideal for those who use a lot of styling products or have environmental buildup in their hair.
Does clarifying shampoo remove color?
Clarifying shampoo can affect color-treated hair, especially if used frequently. It may strip some of the color, leading to fading or a duller appearance. If you’ve recently dyed your hair, use clarifying shampoo sparingly to avoid compromising your color, or opt for a color-safe pick.
Does clarifying shampoo help with dandruff?
Clarifying shampoo can help remove the buildup of oils and flakes on the scalp, which may alleviate dandruff symptoms temporarily. However, it's not a dedicated dandruff treatment. For long-term dandruff relief, consider shampoos formulated specifically for scalp health.
Is clarifying shampoo good for oily hair?
Clarifying shampoo can be great for oily hair because it deeply cleanses and removes excess oil. It helps balance the scalp by eliminating build-up that can weigh hair down. Use it occasionally, as overuse can strip too much natural oil, leading to dryness.
Should I use regular shampoo after clarifying shampoo?
No, you shouldn’t use a regular shampoo after lathering up with a clarifying shampoo—doing so risks stripping your hair. Instead, restore moisture by working a lightweight conditioner through your strands post-cleanse. If you have an oily scalp, skip the roots and apply your conditioner only from your mid-lengths to ends.
Is clarifying shampoo bad for your hair?
When used in moderation, clarifying shampoo is not bad for your hair. However, frequent use can strip away essential oils, leaving hair dry and brittle. To avoid overdrying your hair, use your clarifying shampoo as directed on the bottle and always follow up with a hydrating conditioner to keep your strands feeling soft and hydrated.
Next Up: 12 of the Best Shampoos and Conditioners for Dry Hair In 2025
Header photo credits (left to right): @biolage and @shuuemura_artofhair
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