Clarifying shampoos are a must for those of us who don't wash our hair for, well, as long as we can possibly get away with it. (If you have a lot of hair, then you know how daunting and demanding the task can be.) But, interestingly, they're also helpful for those who wash frequently. Clarifiers remove the excess oil, residue, and grime that builds up from skipping wash days, but they also rinse away leftover styling products and minerals from hard water better than your go-to shampoo can. "If you feel your hair has become a bit lifeless, then that's typically a sign you need to clarify," says celebrity hairstylist Cynthia Alvarez. No matter what's stuck on it, "a clarifying shampoo will wipe the slate clean." The key is to choose the right clarifying formula for your hair type and color.
Swap a clarifying shampoo for your regular shampoo at least once or twice a month. "Don't use a clarifying shampoo more than once a week because excessive use can dry out the hair or fade color," says Cesar Deleon Ramirez, a celebrity stylist and Toppik brand ambassador.
When shopping for a formula, look for a product that includes hydrating ingredients in addition to cleansing, so it doesn't completely strip the hair of moisture, recommends Alvarez. Here, our favorite clarifying shampoos along with celebrity-hairstylist-approved picks.
It's pricey compared to other options on this list
Ramirez loves this formula because it effectively removes dirt, oil, and product buildup without stripping the hair of moisture, thanks to argan and avocado oils. It's also great for all hair types, including color-treated.
Another one of Ramirez's go-to formulas? This clarifying solution— because it "leaves hair and scalp feeling refreshed," he says. It contains buckwheat extract, which is rich in proteins, antioxidants, and amino acids that help strengthen hair and boost shine.
Tia Mowry recently launched a haircare collection, including this affordable clarifying shampoo for curly hair. Alvarez likes it because it has Hemi15, an ingredient that "helps strengthen and moisturize your hair while protecting from humidity and frizz," she says.
This CleanReset shampoo is another one of Alvarez's favorites because it doesn't strip the hair of moisture. It's a vegan, cruelty-free formula packaged in a recycled bottle, so not only does it do great things for your hair, but it's helping the environment a bit, too.
It's pricey compared to other options on this list
You'll immediately notice how light and refreshed your hair and scalp feel after using this formula. It also strengthens hair and adds fullness with collagen-boosting peptides, making it ideal for tackling the thinning hair that menopause can cause.
6
Best for Damaged Hair
Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo
6
Best for Damaged Hair
Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo
Reach for this when you need a deep-cleanse and strengthening treatment in one. It leaves hair thoroughly cleansed, while its bond-building technology repairs broken areas in strands.
It's pricey compared to other options on this list
Made with exfoliating apple cider vinegar, this formula removes flakes, residue, and buildup. Hydrolyzed keratin helps to soften strands, reduce frizz, and add shine.
Whether you need to wash away hard-water deposits, chlorine, or residue, fruit acids in this clarifier remove the buildup without stripping curly hair of its moisture. Lemon, grapefruit, and orange extracts also help promote volume so curls are left defined and frizz-free.
May not be enough of a cleanse for those who use a lot of hair products
If you color your hair, product residue can dull your strands, and yet the potent cleansers in a clarifying shampoo can be too harsh on your hue. This formula solves that catch-22, relying on a blend of cleansing, hydrating, and strengthening ingredients that build into a lather and then completely rinse out so your color stays vibrant.
Typically, sulfates are the cleansing stars of clarifying formulas, but if you find them too drying, this formula is the perfect alternative. It infuses Japanese yuzu to gently cleanse without stripping the hair. It also contains peony extracts, which can help reduce inflammation and facilitate hair growth.
A scrub and shampoo in one, this feels like a spa treatment for your scalp. Charcoal helps to cleanse deeply, while coconut oil, panthenol, and tea tree oil target flakes, itchiness, and dryness—and make your scalp feel soothed immediately afterward.
This affordable drugstore pick is especially great for anyone who experiences excessive oiliness. Grapefruit extract gently exfoliates the scalp and increases shine.
Genesis Rivas is the Beauty Editor at Oprah Daily, where she covers hair, makeup, skin, nails, and more. Before joining the Oprah Daily team, she wrote for several publications, including InStyle, Real Simple, and Shape. When she’s not testing, researching, and writing fun and educational beauty content, you can find her dancing and eating her way through New York City. Follow her on Instagram or TikTok