Style
7 Deep-Cleansing Shampoos That Won't Dry Out Your Hair
There's a universe of shampoos out there that claim do just about anything and everything to your strands. But it's the best clarifying shampoos that you might find make the most noticeable change to your hair. That's because great clarifying shampoos are effective enough to lift dirt, oil, sebum, and product buildup from roots, and remove scalp buildup and clean hair like nobody's business — leaving hair shiny and full of volume.
The problem with some clarifying formulas is that they go a little overboard with the squeaky-clean goal and can wind up drying out strands, particularly if you already have dry hair or a sensitive scalp. That doesn't mean you should give up on these fantastic shampoos all together. They can be especially helpful if you style your hair regularly and aren't shy when it comes to using dry shampoo, gel, root lifting serum, and mousse (sometimes all together because why not?).
Today's best clarifying shampoos are gentle and can address the needs of anyone with color-treated, permed, or relaxed hair. Just how often you should use a clarifying shampoo is up to you and your favorite stylist, but once or twice a week is plenty for most hair types. And when your scalp and hair could use a clarifying session, these seven clarifying shampoos that beauty lovers trust are a great place to start.
1A Citrus Clarifying Formula For Oily & Normal Hair Types
Klorane Shampoo With Citrus Pulp, $20, Amazon
If you have an oily scalp and oily or normal hair, incorporating a clarifying shampoo into your hair routine a few times a week can remove excess sebum and product buildup that leads to clogged pores and, yes, actual acne on your scalp and along your hairline. This formula is made specifically for your hair and relies on a combo of citrus pulp and sebo-regulators to bring balance and harmony to your scalp and hair.
2A Mild Shampoo With Rosemary Leaf & Coconut Oil That Can Be Used Daily
R+Co Oblivion Clarifying Shampoo, $24, Amazon
Searching for a clarifying shampoo so mild you can use it daily? This formula includes natural cleansing ingredients like rosemary leaf, which help remove product buildup, coconut oil for conditioning, and amino acids to impart shine to damaged hair.
3A Botanical Shampoo That's Safe For Curly & Color-Treated Hair
Ouidad Water Works Clarifying Shampoo, $17, Amazon
Hard water and chlorine can do a number on your hair — and these elements are especially cruel and drying to color-treated hair. This gentle clarifying shampoo is rich in botanical extracts like grapefruit and orange flower and removes debris buildup without stripping hair of moisture. And, it's safe on color-treated hair.
4An Apple Cider Vinegar Clarifying Shampoo For Deep Once-A-Week Treatments
Fekkai Apple Cider Shampoo, $19, Amazon
It's been hailed as a highly effective cleansing and shine-bestowing ingredient to hair, and the apple cider in this silicone-free clarifying shampoo is responsible for removing buildup, grease, and hard water deposits from the scalp. Consider this your weekly hair treatment and the one you depend on to set you free from the stress you've put your hair through all week.
5A Shampoo That Makes Hair Feel Soft & Can Be Used Before Chemical Treatments
Joico K-Pak Clarifying Shampoo, $23, Amazon
Reviewers raving about this clarifying shampoo make it clear that it shares nothing in common with others that can dry out your strands fast. It is recommended for swimmers and anyone about to undergo a chemical hair procedure — use this shampoo first to prep your hair and scalp and remove all traces of product buildup.
6A Smoothing, Sulfate-Free Vegan Shampoo With Aloe & Green Tea
Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Green Tea Clarifying Shampoo, $24, Amazon
If dryness and static are a major concern, but you need a shampoo that can lift product buildup, hard water, and chlorine, this antioxidant-rich green tea clarifying shampoo in a winner. It's a vegan, sulfate-free formula that's rich in smoothing ingredients like bamboo and palm extracts, aloe, and Vitamins B5 and E.
7A Weekly & Pre-Color Deep Cleansing Shampoo
Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo, $27, Amazon
Use this clarifying shampoo once a week for a deep cleansing that thoroughly eliminates impurities, buildup, and chemicals from the hair. If you color or highlight your hair, this shampoo also makes for an excellent pre-treatment prep that readies your roots and hair for color. Reviewers say it works well and boasts a light, refreshing citrus scent.
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