Day to day your hair deals with a LOT, so using a clarifying shampoo might be the solution. From going to work, hitting the gym and using other hair products such as shampoo and conditioner, along with hair serums and hair oils, you may find that after a few days post-wash, you'll want to deep cleanse and clarify your hair.
They may get a bad rap, and you may think that clarifying shampoo will strip your hair of its natural oils, but as it turns out, they are incredibly safe and actually promote hair health. They're a must have for hair that's in need of a fresh start, especially if you love using hair masks as much as we do. They make your hair feel so good, it's hard to say no even when they create a lot of scalp build up.
heat's best clarifying shampoo at a glance:
Editor's choice: Beauty Pie Super HealthyDetox, £9.50 on Beauty Pie
Best high end clarifying shampoo: OUAI Detox Shampoo, £12 on LookFantastic
Best clarifying shampoo for a budget: Beauty Works Clarifying Shampoo, £11.99 on LookFantastic
There's a wide range of clarifying shampoos available to buy on the internet right now, from Kardashian loved cult classic brand OUAI to fan fave MorrocanOil, you may need some guidance on where to look to get the best clarifying shampoo for your specific needs. For instance, if you have curly hair, you might need to find curly hair products that are more suited to your hair type.
So, that's where we come in to help, because there's nothing worse than searching for hours on the internet to narrow down a product you don't know much about. Check out our list of the best clarifying shampoos below, followed by some advice on using clarifying shampoo.
SHOP: The best clarifying shampoo to shop RN
Editor's choice
www.beautypie.com
If you're a stan of hairspray, hair oil, hair mousse (and everything else) then this Beauty Pie Detox Shampoo is the perfect solution for you if you're looking to clarify and cleanse your hair. Containing Apple Cider vinegar, activated charcoal and other rejuvenating properties, there's no wonder we ranked this as the top product for clarifying shampoo.
Review: "I’m on my second tube. I love the smell of this and how well it cleans my hair. It works really well getting rid of residue from other products and literally feels squeaky clean!! I don’t like to run out of this wonderful product!!"
Pros
- Strengthens hair as well as refreshes and clarifies
- Deeply nourishes the hair, aiming for the cuticle
Cons
- Large bottle not suitable for travel
Best high-end clarifying shampoo
www.lookfantastic.com
If you haven't heard of celeb loved brand OUAI, all we can say is get to know. Founded by Jen Atkin, the Kardashian's personal hair stylist, OAUI offers guaranteed results - it's no wonder everyone uses and loves it. The Detox shampoo is great if you're looking for a clarifying shampoo that will take care of and be gentle on your hair while yielding the best results.
Review: "I love all Ouai products and this did not disappoint. Hair feels so clean after using this weekly to cleanse my hair. The packaging is so lovely too."
Pros
- High-end product with brilliant results
- Perfect size for travelling so you can perfect hair care whenever, wherever
Cons
- Can be slightly drying
Best clarifying shampoo for a budget
www.lookfantastic.com
If you know Molly Mae, then you know Beauty Works - an excellent brand that provides slaying hair care products. The clarifying shampoo is great for targeting chemical deposits from hard water and even chlorine. It's enriched with olive oil and silk extracts so it's perfect if you're thinking of cleansing AND moisturising your hair and scalp.
Review: "Recommended by my hair dresser. Perfect for giving your hair a deep clean. I use it once a week."
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Contains nourishing oils
Cons
- May work better for hair extensions
Best clarifying shampoo for frizzy hair
www.lookfantastic.com
Looking for a trustworthy clarifying shampoo the guarantees the best results? Moroccanoil is your best bet, with a lightweight formula made to transform frizzy hair. It'll be calm and manageable after giving your hair some much needed TLC. It's enriched with Argan oil for a gloriously silky smooth finish.
Review: "This shampoo works very well and I always pair it with the smoothing conditioner. Makes my hair very shiny smooth and bouncy. Also follow occasionally with their mask. Beautiful hair that smells Devine is always the outcome from continued use."
Pros
- Leaves hair smooth and soft
- Smells gorgeous
Cons
- If smell is something you are sensitive to, this may not be the product for you
Best clarifying shampoo for chemically treated hair
www.lookfantastic.com
Paul Mitchell's clarifying shampoo is perfect if you have chemically treated hair from dyes, for instance. It gently targets each hair and aims to provide the best cleanse you can get on the market right now.
Review: "This is my third bottle and I use it every other time I wash leave hair and scalp feeling very clean with removing build up."
Pros
- Safe on chemically treated hair
- Extracts of chamomile, henna, and rosemary
Cons
- May not be suitable for a sensitive scalp
Best smelling clarifying shampoo
www.lookfantastic.com
A brand loved by Love Islanders everywhere (most notably Samie Elishi), Sol De Janeiro Joia Shampoo contains clarifying properties to ensure a full scalp and hair detox. It's scent is phenomenal too, and adds a touch of sun kissed goodness to your hair.
Review: "I've been using this Shampoo for the last 3 years. It's such a beautiful scent and leaves your hair feeling so smooth. I have long thick blonde highlighted hair and this Shampoo helps keep my hair looking healthy."
Pros
- Smells amazing - Sol De Janeiro's iconic scent
- Tames frizz and penetrates hair follicles
Cons
- Small bottle that won't last very long
Best clarifying shampoo for dyed hair
www.lookfantastic.com
Please welcome to the stage: Olaplex. This well known brand will provide hair with the ultimate care and clarification, especially if your hair has been desperate for a rejuvenation for a long time. Specifically designed to eliminate the risk of stripping hair, you can guarantee hair TLC with this popular product.
Review: "I have blonde highlighted hair and swam everyday on holiday in the pool and sea. This shampoo was great for removing all the salt water and chlorine out of my hair. I used alongside the other Olaplex products for better results."
Pros
- Cult classic with quick results
- Shampoo leaves hair visibly softer
Cons
- Not suitable for virgin hair
What is the main purpose of using clarifying shampoo?
The main aim of using clarifying shampoo is to rejuvenate and deeply cleanse your hair and scalp. It sounds intimidating, especially if it's something you don't use all that often and are introducing to your hair care routine. We'll give you some, well, clarity on what it's purpose is, though.
Over time, the regular use of products such as hair serums, as well as exposure to outdoor pollutants can leave a residue on the hair, making hair appear lifeless and dull.
That's where a clarifying shampoo comes in to play, because it breaks down and gets rid of all the nastiness that builds up in your hair.
How often should I use a clarifying shampoo?
How often you use a clarifying shampoo really just depends on your hair type, girls. As well as that, lifestyle and the use of styling products impact the amount you should implement clarifying shampoo into your routine.
It is recommended that you give your hair some clarifying love at least once a week to a month if you have normal hair. If you have dry hair, you should use hair less frequently so as to not make it dryer, and if you have oily hair, use it once a week.
Emma Richardson is a Beauty & Fashion Product Writer for heat. She covers shopping, lifestyle, celebs and anything trending.