Shampoos are used to cleanse the hair, but some shampoos also have the ability to get rid of impurities and excess product buildup as well. These shampoos are known as clarifying shampoos, and they can be very helpful in restoring your hair’s natural balance and shine. However, not all shampoos that claim to be clarifying actually work the way they should, so it’s important to know how to choose the right one. Follow this guide to learn more about what counts as a clarifying shampoo.
What counts as a clarifying shampoo?
A clarifying shampoo is designed to wash away buildup and grease in your hair. Many shampoos contain harsh detergents that strip away oil and grime without actually cleaning it. Clarifying shampoos are made with gentler ingredients, and although they may not be good for everyday use, they’re helpful to have on hand when you want your hair to look its best. Think of them as an all-natural product like baking soda; if you keep using baking soda in everything you cook, your food won’t taste good. But sprinkle it over potatoes before roasting or add a spoonful of it to pancake batter once or twice a month, and your end result will taste better than ever.
How do you tell if it’s a clarifying shampoo?
It’s fairly easy to tell if your shampoo is designed to clear out dirt and oils from your hair. Clarifying shampoos generally have an intense sudsing action and often come in very strong scents. With regular use, these types of shampoos remove excess buildup of product and oil from hair follicles that can clog pores. While these shampoos are most popular with people with oily hair, they are equally useful for those who prefer to wash their hair frequently or get their hair perms done regularly. If you’re new to using clarifying shampoos, it’s a good idea to start slowly so you don’t experience any unwanted drying effects on your scalp. An easy way to tell if your shampoo is clarifying is to check whether the shampoo gets rid of these or not:
- Hard water buildup.
- Product buildup.
- Silicone from styling products.
- Hair color chemical deposits.
- Fungus bacteria.
If your shampoo takes care of all of these, then it is a clarifying shampoo.
What kind of shampoos are clarifying?
Clarifying shampoos are meant to strip your hair of excess buildup and oils. If you’re prone to dandruff, or if you use styling products like gels and mousses frequently, try a weekly clarifying wash to help keep your scalp and hair clean. When shopping for a clarifying shampoo, look for sulfate-free cleansers in your local drugstore or beauty supply store—they have gentler surfactants that won’t dry out your scalp and they’re less likely to lead to build-up over time. You can also add in extra cleansing with a separate conditioner that is formulated specifically for fine hair or oily scalps.
What is a substitute for clarifying shampoo?
Many shampoos claim to be cleansing, but not all of them do an adequate job of actually cleaning your hair. To tell whether or not your shampoo is doing its job, rub some between your hands. If it lathers up nicely and comes away with a foamy residue on your palms, you have good reason to think that it will effectively cleanse your hair—you’ll just need to test it out on your scalp. Clarifying shampoos are particularly useful for removing excess build-up and impurities from hair that’s either naturally oily or in need of some extra deep conditioning.