Need a hair detox? Check out these best clarifying shampoos for a major hair refresh.
Sometimes, normal shampoo just won’t cut it for our hair. No matter what your personal hygiene routine looks like, let’s face it, the human body can get real gross. Our hair can get especially dirty. Even if you’re the cleanest person on the planet, hair oils and product residue will still build up over time.
That’s where clarifying shampoo comes in. For those of you who might not know, clarifying shampoo is basically just a more potent type of shampoo. Clarifying shampoo is concocted specifically to eliminate that stubborn residue and grime. We’ve done the research on the best clarifying shampoos out there, so you don’t have to.
Here are our top picks:
Best Clarifying Shampoos
Neutrogena Anti-Residue Gentle Clarifying Shampoo
When clarifying shampoo gets brought up, this Neutrogena product always comes to mind. Customers swear by this gentle formula to strip away all their excess oils and products leftover in their hair.
The main appeal to this shampoo is its mild formula, which isn’t as harsh on the hair as other products might be. It claims to remove 90% of residue in a single wash, and the reviews seem to back it up.
Ouai Detox Shampoo
This Detox Shampoo is a top-rated clarifying shampoo. This shampoo is a good option for those most concerned about oiliness and scalp issues (dry/flaky).
But no, it doesn’t just remove the bad stuff— it also manages to replace it with hydrolyzed keratin that boosts shine and softness. Another huge appeal to this product is that this keratin makes it safe for treated hair.
Aveda Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo
This shampoo not only cleans your hair, but it’s also a clean product in terms of ingredients. Made from 97% naturally derived ingredients, this is about the cleanest your hair will ever get.
It’s free from all the bad stuff ( no parabens, silicone, phthalates, etc.) and utilizes micelles to remove build-up. It smells divine and the company is overall very planet-friendly.
Kristin Ess Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo
Similar to Aveda, this deep cleaning shampoo is cruelty-free and uses clean ingredients. This shampoo volumizes hair while removing buildup and mineral deposits.
This shampoo is also known for being shine-enhancing, a rare trait for the often drying shampoos. It also utilizes the brand’s “Zip-up Technology,” a formula used to treat split-ends and smoothen damaged hair.
Moroccan Oil Clarifying Shampoo
Using a long list of rejuvenating ingredients, like keratin and argan oil, this clarifying shampoo is one of the best. It provides a gentle formula that removes all your everyday hair buildup.
Customers love that this product takes out all the gunk without stripping the hair of its natural goodies. It is color-safe and creates a glossy finished look.
Matrix Biolage Normalizing CleanReset Shampoo
Another great option for any hair type, this resetting shampoo has a paraben-free formula. The main ingredient used is lemongrass, which gives the product a nice clean smell.
It effectively removes all impurities and buildup from the hair, without stripping the natural oils. Unlike other clarifying shampoos, this one can be used as a daily shampoo. This makes it a more versatile purchase, as most clarifying shampoos are too harsh on our hair to use daily.
Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Blend
Apple cider vinegar is a common ingredient in clarifying shampoos, and this one from Aveeno is no different. A blend of calming oat and cleansing apple cider vinegar purifies hair from the scalp to the ends.
Out of over 7,000 reviews on Amazon, this product maintains an impressive 4.4-star rating. With its clarifying features also come shine and volume for your hair.
Redken Hair Cleansing Cream Clarifying Shampoo
Hair buildup isn’t only caused by styling products or oil, even minerals from water can cause buildup. From swimming pools to tap water, it seems our hair isn’t safe anywhere. That’s why the Redken Cleansing Cream works so well.
It focuses on extracting the grease and pollution that goes largely undetected. It removes buildup of minerals like copper and calcium. Safe for colored hair, and any hair type, this refreshing shampoo is amazing.
Acure Curiously Clarifying Shampoo
One of the most popular “clean” brands, Acure, doesn’t disappoint with their clarifying shampoo. Made from lemongrass and argan, this formula is mild enough to use every day.
Reviews rave about this product’s ability to defend against oily hair. Safe for all types of hair, there are really no negatives to testing this shampoo out.
Kenra Clarifying Shampoo
This shampoo is known for dulling deposits and rejuvenating the hair. Those who spend a lot of time in water will love this option.
Using mica minerals, the shampoo removes dirt and harmful minerals from chlorine or hard water. It also enriches highlights and gives your hair shine.
Ouidad Water Works Clarifying Shampoo
Ouidad is a company best known for its devotion to creating hair products for curly hair. As you would expect, that’s what makes their clarifying shampoo the best option for those with curly/wavy hair.
This shampoo holds the same amazing qualities most of these products have. Using citrus extracts, it removes residue, hard water deposits, buildup, and all the grime. However, the product is formulated to do its job without damaging curls. Your curls will keep their natural moisture and their curl pattern will be revitalized.
In Conclusion
Clarifying shampoo is there for you when you need a deep hair clean, and we’re here for you when you need to find the best one for you. Through reviews and ratings, we found the 11 best clarifying shampoos on the market to make your life easier.
Most clarifying shampoos are only meant to be used around once a week. That’s why we want to make sure you get the information you need to find the perfect one.
We hope this list of our top choices helped you discover the one for you. Using a clarifying shampoo is crucial in maintaining good hair hygiene. So, take your pick and try it for yourself! You won’t regret it.
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