Your Hair Might Need A Clarifying Shampoo

While you may have all kinds of hydrating, color-enhancing, and volumizing shampoos, one that you may not have in your rotation is a clarifying shampoo. But if you aren't sure what that even is, or when you should use a clarifying shampoo, then know that it's not something you should be using every day, and there are some telltale signs to watch out for.

So first of all — what's the deal with clarifying shampoo? It's basically like your regular shampoo seriously upped its power. They get rid of all that product buildup and natural oil so that your hair is super clean and fresh. So basically, it's like you're giving your hair a deep cleaning of sorts. Sounds amazing, right? They definitely are, and it's something that you may need every now and then, but that's the key — every now and then. Clarifying shampoos are drying and can strip your hair, so you shouldn't use them more than once a month. In addition, Matrix StyleLink Celebrity Stylist George Papanikolas told Bustle to avoid if you use allover base color on your hair, because it can strip the color.

Don't let that scare you off, though, because they definitely can help your hair, you just have to make sure not to use them too often, and to use them in conjunction with a deep conditioner or hair mask.

Clean Reset Normalizing Shampoo, $16, Ulta

So how do you tell if you need one? Here are five signs your hair needs a clarifying shampoo.

1. You Wash It, But It Still Feels Dirty

If you wash your hair and once it dries it still feels dirty and oily, it could be due to oil buildup. Regular shampoo can't necessarily break through all that, so it might be time to try a clarifying shampoo.

2. Your Highlights Look Dull

If your blonde is suddenly feeling muted and dull (note: If it's feeling brassy, rather than dull, you need a purple shampoo), it could be time to clarify your hair. But again, if you dye your hair dark, avoid clarifying shampoos because it will fade them.

3. Your Hair Won't Hold A Style

When your hair starts feeling weighed down and it just won't curl or style like it normally does, it could be due to product and/or oil buildup that your normal shampoo can't get rid of.

4. You've Been Using A Lot Of Dry Shampoo

Phyto Shampooing Detoxifiant, $24, Sephora

If you use dry shampoo, or styling products in general, on the regs, then you definitely need to add in a clarifying shampoo once a month to get rid of stubborn product buildup.

5. You've Been Swimming

It's summer, so if you're spending a lot of time at the pool in chlorine, use a clarifying shampoo to make sure all of it gets out of your hair.

Images: Pexels; Sephora; Isla Murray/Bustle; Fototalia