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. Ahead, she outlines 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 shampoo is formulated to gently cleanse your hair and scalp from everyday impurities, making it suitable for daily use. A clarifying shampoo, on the other hand, usually features a more intense formula intended to remove tougher grime. For this reason, a clarifying shampoo is generally a bit too aggressive to use every day.
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 Detox Hair Cleansing Cream Shampoo
If pollution or hard water minerals are weighing your strands down, reboot them with Redken’s Detox 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 lightweight body to your final look.
Mizani Moisture Fusion 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, 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.
Shu Uemura Art of Hair Delicate Comfort Clarifying Shampoo
This moisturizing clarifying shampoo is ideal for those dealing with dry hair and a parched scalp. It gently eliminates buildup while adding essential hydration so hair is soft, nourished, and more balanced. Plus, it boasts a sandalwood, vanilla, and fruity-floral scent that energizes your senses as you get squeaky clean.
Biolage Professional Scalp Sync Clarifying Shampoo
Give an oily scalp the attention it needs with 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.
Next Up: Greasy Hair: Top Causes Plus 10 Ways to Manage It
Header photo credits (left to right): @mizani, @shuuemura
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