Choose the right clarifying shampoo for your hair type

 

Imagine hitting a reset button on your hair—clarifying shampoos are just that. Specially formulated to tackle everything from post-pool chlorine to stubborn styling residue, these shampoos are your go-to for scalp and strands that feel genuinely clean. 

 

We’ve scoured the shelves to bring you our top picks for 2024, each designed to vanquish build-up without harshness. No matter if your hair is fine and fussy or thick and thirsty, we’re here to help you find the clarifying champion for your hair type.

 

A quick look at the best clarifying shampoos:

– Best clarifying shampoo overall: Moroccanoil® 

– Best clarifying shampoo for colored hair: Paul Mitchell 

– Best clarifying shampoo for bleached hair: Olaplex N°4C 

– Best clarifying shampoo for curly hair: Act + Acre 

– Best clarifying shampoo for oily hair: L’Oréal

– Best clarifying shampoo for an itchy scalp: K18 Biometric Hair Science

– Best gentle clarifying shampoo: Davines 

– Best clarifying shampoo for natural hair: Oribe

– Best clarifying shampoo for fine hair: Bumble and Bumble.

 

What is a clarifying shampoo?

Clarifying shampoos go beyond the call of daily cleaning. These specialized cleansers remove excess oil, styling product residue, and hard water minerals that regular shampoos might leave behind. 

 

Ideal for those "I need a reset" moments, they act like a detox for your hair and scalp, making sure that every strand breathes free and light. 

 

Perfect for a monthly refresh or as needed, these shampoos restore natural shine and balance without stripping hair of essential moisture.

 

Who should use a clarifying shampoo?

Anyone whose hair feels weighed down by styling products, or dull from urban pollution and hard water, should consider a clarifying shampoo. 

 

It's particularly beneficial for swimmers to remove chlorine, stylists reliant on heavy products, and those in high-pollution areas. If you find your regular shampoo is losing effectiveness, or your hair remains greasy and limp even after washing, it might be time to reach for a clarifying formula. 

 

Listen to your hair—it'll tell you when it's time for a deep cleanse.

 

How often should you use a clarifying shampoo?

The frequency of using a clarifying shampoo depends on your hair type and lifestyle. 

 

Generally, once a month is sufficient for most people, but those with oily hair or heavy product use might benefit from using it every two weeks. Remember, while clarifying shampoos are excellent for deep cleaning, they can be drying if used too often. 

 

Always follow up with a hydrating conditioner or deep conditioning treatment to maintain your hair’s health and moisture balance after using a clarifying shampoo. Adjust the routine as you see how your hair responds—balance is key.

 

13 clarifying shampoos (tried and tested for 2024)

We've sifted through countless options to bring you a list of clarifying shampoos that stand out in 2024. Each product on this list has been rigorously tested to ensure it delivers on its promises—prepare to meet your hair’s new secret weapon against build-up.

 

1. Moroccanoil® Clarifying Shampoo

Got stubborn build-up? Moroccanoil® Clarifying Shampoo is here to save your strands. This isn't just another shampoo—think of it as a detox for your hair. 

 

If you're dealing with the aftereffects of a styling spree, the harsh realities of hard water, or perhaps just too many laps in the pool, this shampoo cuts through the chaos to clean house. 

 

But here's the best part: it does all this heavy lifting without leaving your hair feeling stripped. Thanks to a healthy dose of argan and avocado oils, your hair gets the deep clean it needs plus a boost of nourishment. Your locks come out feeling clean, refreshed, and oh-so-smooth.

 

A Lauren Ashtyn Stylist said: “When your hair feels like it’s carrying a week’s worth of products, Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo is the reset button. It’s gentle yet effective, stripping away build-up but leaving your hair soft and balanced. It’s a must-have for anyone who needs a serious clean without the harsh side effects.”

 

2. Olaplex N°4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo

If your hair could use a serious pick-me-up (maybe after your latest bleaching sesh), Olaplex N°4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo might just do the trick. This formula takes a dual approach: it clears out residue and rebuilds your hair from the inside. 

 

Known for its revolutionary bond-building technology, Olaplex uses bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate to reach deep into the hair shaft, targeting and repairing broken bonds. It's particularly great for hair that's seen too many chemical treatments or heat styling sessions. 

 

With each wash, you're not just removing old product build-up; you're also strengthening your strands for a healthier look and feel.

 

3. Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two

Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two has been a go-to since its debut in 1980, showing that some classics never fade. This color-safe shampoo excels at deep cleaning without stripping, making it perfect for those with color-treated locks who don’t want to compromise on vibrancy for cleanliness. 

 

Infused with a trio of powerhouse ingredients—aloe vera, jojoba extract, and rosemary extract—this shampoo seriously revitalizes your hair from root to tip, adding noticeable shine and a boost in volume. 

 

Ideal for anyone battling dull, lifeless hair, Shampoo Two reinvigorates each strand, enhancing both color and texture with each wash. Prepping for a style or simply aiming for that natural gloss? This might be your new old favorite.

 

4. OUAI Detox Shampoo

Say hello to your new shower buddy, the OUAI Detox Shampoo.

 

Perfect for those dipping their toes into the clarifying pool, this shampoo isn’t just gentle—it’s your hair’s new happy hour. Infused with apple cider vinegar, it’s like a detox smoothie for your strands, zapping away build-up without any drama. 

 

Use it up to twice a week for that fresh-hair-feel without turning your bathroom into a chemistry lab. Bonus: it smells so good you’ll want to use it more, but restrain yourself—this is about balance, after all!

 

PS, an Amazon reviewer said: “I’ve tried other detox shampoos & have been disappointed, but OUAI really cleans your hair & has a nice scent!! I will recommend it to family & friends for sure!!”

5. adwoa beauty Clarifying Gel Shampoo

Experience the cleansing prowess of Adwoa Beauty's Blue Tansy Clarifying Gel Shampoo. This shampoo delivers a satisfying lather that cuts through buildup, oil, and grime with surprising ease. 

 

It’s packed with hydrating heroes like glycerin and jojoba oil, ensuring your hair feels moisturized and detangled in just one go. Ideal for those busy days when a full routine isn’t on the cards but compromising on cleaning isn’t an option either.

 

Research notes: Awarded Allure's 2022 Best of Beauty in the clean category, this formula not only meets the Allure Clean Standard but also surpasses expectations, making it a standout choice for efficient yet gentle cleansing.

6. Aveeno Clarify & Shine Shampoo

Have you noticed eco-conscious cleaners opting for vinegar as a natural alternative to harsh chemicals? Treat your hair as you would your home with Aveeno Clarify & Shine Shampoo. 

 

Fortified with apple cider vinegar, this formula offers a thorough cleanse that enhances shine and manages oiliness without the dreaded vinegar scent. The star ingredient, oat, tops the list for its soothing and moisturizing properties, ensuring that your hair care routine remains as nurturing as it is effective. 

 

And, staying true to its roots, Aveeno keeps things clean and green by excluding sulfates, parabens, and dyes from their blend. This shampoo promises a pure, polished look with environmental mindfulness to boot.

 

7. Act + Acre Curl Cleanse Shampoo

Curly crew, meet your match: Act + Acre's Curl Cleanse Shampoo. 

 

This gem is tailor-made for keeping those curls coiled just right without flattening your flair. It’s gentle enough to maintain the natural oils your curls crave while still giving your scalp that clean sweep it needs. 

 

The best part? It extends the time between washes—because who isn't trying to delay that whole process? Plus, the shampoo’s lightweight formula means your curls pop without the droop. 

 

And while it’s on the thinner side, requiring a bit more effort to lather, the payoff in bouncy, hydrated curls is well worth the extra squeeze.

 

8. K18 Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo

Detox your locks without the drama with K18 Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo. 

 

Loved by stylists for its gentle yet thorough cleansing, this shampoo uses a blend of activated charcoal and salicylic acid to cut through buildup and calm your scalp in one go. 

 

What makes it a standout? The K18PEPTIDE—a powerful ingredient that penetrates deep into your strands to strengthen them from the inside out. It's like a fitness routine for your hair, beefing up those brittle ends and keeping your color looking fresh. 

 

Ideal for anyone looking to give their hair a clean slate without stripping it of its vitality.

 

9. Oribe The Cleanse Clarifying Shampoo

Let's talk about a clarifying shampoo that goes beyond a deep clean. Oribe's The Cleanse goes volcanic—literally—with volcanic ash that does the heavy lifting to pull out impurities from your hair. 

 

It starts as a mousse and lathers up into something pretty luxurious, which is a nice break from the usual. It's got a scent that might make you ditch your perfume, thanks to hints of bergamot, jasmine, and sandalwood. 

 

Plus, it includes green tea extract and Oribe’s own blend to help guard against daily environmental wear and tear.

10. Davines Solu Shampoo

Refresh your hair without the fear of overdrying with Davines Solu Shampoo. This gentle cleanser is loaded with buckwheat extract, renowned not only for its rich nutrient content but also for its protective qualities. 

 

Whether your hair is subjected to frequent styling or environmental stresses, this shampoo works to nourish and shield your strands, leaving them shiny and resilient. Panthenol and hyaluronic acid join the mix, enhancing hydration and maintaining the integrity of your hair. 

 

Suitable for all hair types, Solu Shampoo is your go-to for a thorough clean that respects your hair’s natural balance.

11. PATTERN Cleansing Shampoo

Ever feel like your curls need a reboot? PATTERN Cleansing Shampoo is like hitting the refresh button with a matcha-powered kick. 

 

Perfect for post-protective style or when your mane feels more 'meh' than magnificent, this shampoo brings the bounce back with a boost of antioxidants. It's serious about softness and shine, but remember to follow up with a deep conditioner—your curls will thank you. 

 

As you wash, let the soothing scents of jasmine, bergamot, and sandalwood transform shower time into your personal zen moment.

12. L'Oréal Professionnel Serié Expert Scalp Advanced Anti-Oiliness Dermo-Purifier Shampoo

Oily hair? More like spoil-your-hair with L'Oréal's Dermo-Purifier Shampoo. 

 

Tailored for those who find their scalp slick before the day is done, this shampoo uses a savvy mix of AHA and salicylic acid to tackle oiliness right at the root. 

 

The AHA works to gently exfoliate dead skin cells, clearing the way for healthier hair growth, while salicylic acid cuts through the excess sebum, reducing that greasy feeling without stripping your scalp dry. It's a balancing act that leaves your hair feeling refreshed and volumized. 

 

Ideal for anyone with oily to combination hair, this shampoo helps extend those good hair days without needing a daily wash.

 

13. Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo

Reserve your Sundays for Bumble and Bumble’s Sunday Shampoo, a ritual cleanse to kickstart a fresh week. It’s formulated specifically for those with fine to medium hair textures who experience buildup from styling products or natural oils. 

 

Designed for that once-a-week deep clean, this shampoo is perfect for banishing buildup and excess oils. The invigorating blend of ginseng, rosemary, and sage works together to refresh your scalp and boost shine, giving you that just-stepped-out-of-the-salon feel. 

 

Though it’s not sulfate-free, it’s cruelty-free, making it a conscious choice for your routine. Ideal for fine to medium hair, this shampoo is your go-to for keeping your locks looking full, clean, and healthy. 

 

Reminder: This shampoo isn’t your daily wash; it’s your weekly detox that allows your hair to remain light, airy, and full of life, making it less about routine and more about a weekly reset for shiny, voluminous hair.

 

Refresh, revive, and rejuvenate with Lauren Ashtyn

Let’s wrap this up: finding the right clarifying shampoo is like finally clearing out that cluttered email inbox: satisfying, necessary, and a little bit life-changing. Whether you’re battling buildup or just craving a hair refresh, there’s a bottle out there with your name on it. So, why not give your locks the clean slate they deserve? Head over to Lauren Ashtyn to pick out a clarifying shampoo to get that fresh hair feeling.