In the quest for luscious, healthy hair, a good clarifying shampoo is an essential tool in your hair care routine.
Clarifying shampoos are designed to deeply cleanse the scalp and hair, removing build-up from products, oils and pollutants - as long as they’re used correctly.
How do clarifying shampoos work?
Kieran Tudor, founder of Centred, says: “Clarifying shampoos are essentially a stronger detergent than regular shampoos so have a more intensive cleansing action. This is usually due to the types and strength of the surfactants used, which are ingredients that attract dirt particles and oil. I'd recommend using a clarifying shampoo every now and again as it gives a deeper clean to remove build-up.
“In skincare terms, think of it as more like a face mask than a daily cleanser. The exception is if you use a lot of waxy or clay-like styling products, in which case you’ll need to use a clarifying shampoo regularly to break down the styling products. “
Who are clarifying shampoos best for?
“If you have greasy hair, using a clarifying shampoo can help to keep oil levels balanced, however, be cautious not to rely on clarifying shampoo too often as it can be drying on hair and exacerbate oil production as your scalp overcompensates to replace the lost oil”, says Tudor. “Always use conditioner after using a clarifying shampoo to maintain the hair's lustre and shine.”
Who should avoid clarifying shampoos?
According to the hair expert, “If you have coloured brunette or high tonal colours like red or copper, avoid clarifying shampoo in order to prolong the life of the colour, or look for one that protects colour.”
Are there any other options for people who shouldn’t use them?
Yes! “An alternative to a clarifying shampoo is a pre-wash treatment such as a scalp cleansing oil that can aid in breaking down dead skin and build-up without being too harsh on the hair's condition," he says.
We’ve rounded up all of the best clarifying shampoos.
Davines Solu clarifying shampoo
A popular choice at hair salons across the globe, Davines' Solu clarifying shampoo works to remove the residue from styling products to prep the hair before treatments.
Its rich and airy foam deeply cleanses and clarifies the hair, helping to remove build-up, refresh the scalp and leave the hair soft and shiny. As well as being vegan and cruelty-free, it's manufactured using only clean energy and is free of all the bad stuff like parabens and sulphates.
Buy now £21.75, Beauty Bay
Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two
One of the most popular options when it comes to clarifying shampoos, Paul Mitchell's Shampoo Two is formulated with wheat-derived conditioners and extracts of chamomile, henna, rosemary, aloe vera and jojoba that add body, fullness and shine to your hair.
Shampoo Two thoroughly cleanses styling and finishing products from your hair, leaving it super clean and fresh. It's also safe for use on chemically treated hair.
Buy now £16.85, lookfantastic
O&M Detox Shampoo
The clue's in the name when it comes to O&M Detox Shampoo. Described as "like a make-up remover for your hair", this is one of the best clarifying shampoos for waving goodbye to product build-up and leaving you with fresh, clean hair like never before.
Peppermint oil stimulates the scalp whilst jojoba esters help to retain colour and prevent fading.
Buy now £25.21, Amazon
Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo
While the Moroccanoil brand might typically be known for moisturising rather than clarifying, the brand's Clarifying Shampoo is a brilliant deep-cleansing shampoo that removes everyday buildup without stripping moisture, restoring hair and scalp to a healthy balance.
Rich in argan and avocado oils, keratin, lavender, chamomile and jojoba extracts, this clarifying shampoo nourishes your hair while gently cleansing impurities away. It's also colour-safe, phosphate-free and paraben-free.
Buy now £16.70, Amazon
FUL Charcoal Purifying Shampoo
You wouldn't want to use FUL's Charcoal Purifying Shampoo as an everyday wash option, but it's perfect for a weekly or fortnightly cleanse to remove all kinds of product build-up from your lengths.
Designed to benefit all hair types, the use of charcoal helps to purify the scalp and remove excess oil and pollutants. Its nourishing properties add a layer of defence against environmental damage, helping to breathe new life into your hair.
Buy now £22.00, FUL
OGX Apple Cider Vinegar Clarifying Shampoo
Clarifying shampoos don't have to set you back a fortune and, if you're looking for a budget-friendly option that ticks all the boxes, OGX Apple Cider Vinegar Clarifying Shampoo is one of the best options around. An uplifting blend with apple cider vinegar, this shampoo helps to balance the scalp, remove unwanted oil and leave hair super clean and shiny.
It’s a tried and tested ancient remedy brought up to date with a luxe formulation and an amazing fresh, apple scent.
Buy now £5.66, Boots
Olaplex No.4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo
Olaplex will forever be one of the most popular brands when it comes to luxe hair care, and the brand's No.4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo is a top choice for cleansing your locks properly.
This kind-to-hair clarifying wash day essential repairs and protects the hair from everyday stresses, caring for damaged hair, split ends and frizz by relinking broken bonds and removing build-up, excess oil and pollutants- without causing dryness.
Buy now £28.00, Beauty Bay
Bouclème Scalp Exfoliating Shampoo
Finding a clarifying shampoo that works on curly hair can be a little trickier but this option from Bouclème does all of the hard work without leaving your hair feeling flat.
An exfoliating shampoo designed to melt away product residue and stimulate hair growth, this rich, creamy lather contains hydrogenated castor oil beads that gently exfoliate and stimulate, leaving the scalp soothed and invigorated and strands soft and bouncy.
Buy now £23.95, Amazon
Hello Klean Hard Water Shampoo
Perfect for a scalp refresh without stripping your natural oils away, Hello Klean's Hard Water Shampoo is one of the most popular options around and, as its name details, was designed for anyone living in an area with hard water.
Formulated with bamboo charcoal, liquorice root, oat protein and lactic acid, it reduces breakage that causes hair fall, restores bounce and volume weighed down by those unwanted minerals and rebuilds hydration film to prevent minerals from penetrating the hair fibre.
Buy now £18.00, Hello Klean
Verdict
Our favourite clarifying shampoo has to be Davines Solu Clarifying Shampoo. With its gentle yet effective formula enriched with natural ingredients like buckwheat extract, it deeply cleanses without stripping moisture, making it ideal for all hair types.
