9 Best Chelating Shampoos For Your Hair – 2024, Hairstylist’s Picks
Get rid of build-up and enjoy a smooth and clean scalp to healthify your locks.
Alicia Igess is an accomplished and award-winning stylist with over two decades of experience in hair design. She is the owner and founder of Urban Tangles, a hair and makeup studio focusing on makeovers. She, along with her team, has experienced tremendous success in building an exclusive “referral-only” clientele consisting of many of the who’s who of Atlanta.
Read full bio of Alicia Igess
Experience: 2 yearsOyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skin care coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience, she writes about everything that the modern woman needs to know about grooming and self-care.
Read full bio of Oyendrila Kanjilal
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Experience: 7 yearsAnjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.
Read full bio of Anjali Sayee
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The main reason for itchy scalp, dandruff, and hair fall is unwanted residue accumulation and excess oil production, which can be treated using the best chelating shampoo. It deeply cleanses your scalp by removing hard water and other dirty specks that your daily-use shampoo cannot. It roots the problem, which slowly leads to healthy-looking and voluminous hair. To help you pick the best one for your hair, we’ve listed the top 9 chelating cleansers with numerous positive reviews that are guaranteed to solve your minor-to-major scalp issues.
In This Article
The 9 Best Chelating Shampoos
1. Best For Deep Cleansing: Aloxxi Care Clarifying Shampoo
Aloxxi Care Clarifying Shampoo is a sulfate-free shampoo that removes build-up caused by hard water, styling products, oils, and environmental pollutants. This shampoo contains active ingredients like thyme, ginger root, dandelion, and, neem leaf extracts. Multiple reviewers are highly impressed with the ability of this chelating product to eliminate all the impurities from your hair without depleting any essential moisture from it. It also has antiseptic properties to cleanse your hair deeply while promoting a healthy scalp. This chelating shampoo is free from sulfates and parabens.
Pros
- Eliminates impurities
- Antiseptic properties
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
- None
Pro Tip2. Best Moisturizing: Malibu C Hard Water Wellness Shampoo
The Malibu C Hard Water Wellness Shampoo is a vegan shampoo that is formulated with gentle and safe ingredients, making it suitable for frequent use. It effectively detoxifies your hair and defends it from build-up caused by hard water. It also helps in toning down the ashy discoloration of your hair instantly and restoring its shine. Additionally, it removes any brassy discoloration that is caused due to iron build-up. This shampoo’s ability to target impurity without stripping away the moisture of your hair has garnered multiple positive reviews online. The moisturizing property improves manageability and reduces frizz.
Pros
- Detoxifies the hair
- Moisturizes the hair
- Removes discoloration
- Tones brassy hair
Cons
- None
"This shampoo detoxifies my hair effectively. It also helps my hair to fight the damage caused by hard water usage. It moisturizes my hair well. Since I started using this shampoo regularly, my hair has become healthier and more manageable."
Caution
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has received 3,182 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.
3. Best Unscented Formula: Hairprint Natural Plant-Based Chelating Shampoo
Hairprint Natural Plant-Based Chelating Shampoo is a simple and effective product to remove any build-up from the hair. It is 100% plant-based and formulated without parabens and sulfates, minimizing damage to your healthy hair. It is also scent-free. This shampoo is formulated with high-quality ingredients that retain moisture in the hair and reduce dryness. You may use this shampoo with a deep conditioning treatment for better results.
Pros
- Plant-based ingredients
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Helps retain moisture in the hair
- High quality
Cons
- None
"This shampoo has been quite effective for me. It retains the moisture in my hair and makes my hair look and feel healthy. My dry hair has become more manageable since I started using this shampoo. It is also scent-free."
| Aloxxi Care Clarifying Shampoo Best For Deep Cleansing | Malibu C Hard Water Wellness Shampoo Best Moisturizing | Hairprint Natural Plant-Based Chelating Shampoo Best Unscented Formula | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | chemically-treated-hair | Dry, chemically-treated-hair, Fine, Normal, Thick | Dull |
| Dimensions | 2.25 x 1.88 x 8.25 inches | 2 x 2 x 8 inches | 8.15 x 2.87 x 2.83 inches; 10.86 Ounces |
| Weight | 10.1 Ounces. | 8.96 Ounces | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 65 | 3,182 | 143 |
| Price | $48.0 | $17.0 | $28.0 |
4. Best For Color-Treated Hair: Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Shampoo
The Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Shampoo soothes an irritated scalp while boosting volume and shine in your tresses. The main ingredient in the lightweight formula is apple cider vinegar that cleanses the strands from the roots to the tips and eliminates product buildup. It is clinically proven to help in clarifying the scalp and adding shine to your hair. The sulfate-free shampoo is suitable for every hair type, and works well on color-treated tresses. Several reviewers love that this gentle cleanser makes their hair extremely manageable while effectively cleaning the scalp. The formula also comprises almond milk that offers hydration and balances moisture. Check out the tester’s experience in this YouTube video to know more about this chelating product.
Pros
- Hydrating formula
- Skin-friendly ingredients
- Eliminates product buildup
- Sulfate-free
- Dye-free
- Paraben-free
- Suitable for color-treated hair
Cons
- None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 1,121 Amazon users have vouched for this amazing product.
5. Best Nourishing:Joico K-Pak Clarify Chelating Shampoo
Joico K-Pak Clarify Chelating Shampoo eliminates the chlorine and clear build-up and mineral residue on your damaged hair and scalp, caused by hard water use. This chelating product is formulated with ingredients that protect your hair from within and improve hair texture. Natural ingredients like guava fruit extract and evening primrose oil nourish and moisturize your hair. The ingredients in this hard water shampoo also protect your hair from sun damage. Lastly, this shampoo helps strengthen and protect your hair from the damaging effects of daily styling that your usual shampoo may not be able to help with.
Pros
- Nourishes the hair
- Protects hair from sun damage and heat styling
- Strengthens the hair
- Moisturizes the hair
Cons
- None
"This shampoo nourishes my hair well. My hair and scalp got severely affected by hard water. However, using this shampoo has helped my damaged hair get better. It has also improved my hair texture. But most importantly, it does not leave any residue."
6. Best For UV Protection:Thermafuse f450 Clear One Anti-Residue Shampoo
Thermafuse f450 Clear One Anti-Residue Shampoo helps remove heavy build-up from the hair. It also removes chlorine from your hair effectively. It is especially great for oily scalps, as it removes excess sebum. This deep detox shampoo is formulated with certified organic ingredients that are beneficial for your hair. It also helps protect your hair from heat damage and the harmful UV rays with its Heat Smart Complex. No matter if you have textured hair, coily hair, or a sleek mane, this shampoo is safe for all hair types. You may use this
Pros
- Formulated with organic ingredients
- Protects hair from UV and heat damage
- Removes chlorine
- Suitable for all hair types
Cons
- None
"This shampoo protects my hair from heat damage. It works effectively on my oily scalp, making my hair feel healthier and free of residue. I have added this to my daily hair care routine, and my hair health has improved significantly."
7. Best Shine-Boosting:ClarpHx Clarify Shampoo
ClarpHx Clarify Shampoo is a gentle plant-derived shampoo. It contains unique chelating agents that remove minerals like iron and calcium from the hair. The chelating agents also eliminate pool chemicals, medications, and residue build-up, improving hair health. It contains nourishing ingredients like aloe vera and an amino acid complex that moisturizes your hair and makes it shiny, protecting you from dry scalp. The natural enzymes of aloe vera balance the pH level of the scalp, achieving salon-quality results. This shampoo offers UV protection and is safe for color-treated hair. This gentle cleanser is also vegan and paraben-free.
Pros
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Nourishes the hair
- Offers UV protection
- Safe for color-treated hair
Cons
- None
"This shampoo has greatly improved my hair health. It nourishes my hair well. It adds a natural shine to it as well. My dry scalp also feels healthier after each application. It is also safe for color-treated hair, making it my favorite."
8. Best Strengthening Formula: Paul Mitchell Shampoo Three
Tired of residue from excess oil production and hard water? Try the Paul Mitchell Shampoo Three comprises clarifying and chelating agents that deeply clean your hair while removing excess chlorine from your tresses. It removes the greenish tint from your strands that may be caused due to excess product buildup, iron, and minerals in your hair. This detox shampoo is specially formulated for swimmers who remain in water for long hours. It also prevents dullness, strengthens your locks, and minimizes the possibility of future buildup. You may use this shampoo with a deep conditioner to keep your natural hair and scalp healthier and well-nourished.
Pros
- Nourishing formula
- Removes chlorine
- Eliminates greenish tint
- Controls product buildup
- Strengthens locks
- Paraben-free
- Vegan
- Ideal for swimmers
Cons
- None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
A whopping 7,056 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
9. Best Fragrance: Bumble and bumble Sunday Shampoo
Get a squeaky clean scalp without drying out your hair with the Bumble and bumble Sunday Shampoo. It is formulated with the powerful cleansing agent called Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) that creates a lot of lather to give your scalp a deep cleanse that regular shampoo fails to do. It lifts away excess oil, build-up, dirt, and product residue that weigh down your hair and make it look dull. The formula contains a blend of extracts, namely, panax ginseng root, rosemary leaf, and sage leaf to give your hair a pleasant herbal scent.
Pros
- Pleasant fragrance
- Softens hair
- Adds shine
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Not for color treated hair
"This shampoo not only cleanses my hair well but also makes it softer. It also adds a natural shine to my hair. Regularly applying the shampoo ensures that there is no unwanted residue on my hair and scalp. It also has a pleasant fragrance that I like."
Minerals in hard water cause your hair to become brittle and dry. Apart from professional treatments, the easiest way to fix this is to invest in a good chelating shampoo. Now, there are several trusted brands that offer a variety of such chelating shampoos. Given below are some factors to keep in mind while choosing the best chelating shampoos for your hair.
How To Choose The Best Chelating Shampoo For Your Hair
- Formula
Even though your chelating shampoo needs to strip the mineral deposits and buildup from your hair, it still needs to be gentle enough to not damage the strands. Look for shampoos that do not strip the natural oils from your scalp and hair as this will lead to overproduction of sebum which brings with it other issues.
- Ingredients To Look For
Look for the most common effective ingredient EDTA or Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. Some other chelating agents are vitamin C, apple cider vinegar, and citric acid. These ingredients target mineral build-up, specifically iron, copper, and calcium. However, conduct a patch test to check for skin sensitivity.
- Hair Type
Keep in mind your hair type while choosing your chelating shampoo. Chelating shampoos do contain ingredients that are strong, so you need to choose the ones that will suit your hair. For dry hair, choose products with proteins, guava fruit extract, evening primrose oil, olive oil, and jojoba oil to nourish and moisturize your hair. Plant-based chelating formulas are best for sensitive scalps.
- Additional Benefits
Chelating shampoos, enriched with powerful antioxidants, effectively remove harsh minerals, fight free radicals, and promote a healthy scalp while providing anti-aging benefits for your hair. Look for products that contain aloe vera, argan oil, coconut milk, rose hydrosol, and amino acids to hydrate and nourish your hair to make it shiny. An added benefit to check for is protection from heat styling damage and the harmful UVA and UVB rays of the sun.
- Ingredients To Avoid
Avoid ingredients such as harsh chemicals like sulfates, parabens, phthalates, silicones, and artificial fragrances. These can irritate your scalp, dry out your hair, and cause long term damage. Be sure to use it as directed by the manufacturer or your hair stylist to minimize hair breakage.
Infographic: Key Ingredients To Look For In Chelating Shampoos
Using a chelating shampoo once in a while ensures your scalp remains completely free of buildup. It gently removes dandruff and other microscopic dirt particles from your scalp and promotes hair growth. Check out the infographic below to learn which key ingredients to look for in such shampoos to get the best benefits.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Chelating shampoos contain strong chemicals, but they work efficiently to eliminate all types of build-up from your hair and scalp. They help remove unwanted product residues and make your second shampoo easier to absorb into your hair. In this context, Alicia Igess Jones, a hair stylist, explains, “It is important to shampoo your hair at least once after you have clarified it by using a chelating shampoo. If you naturally have dry hair and use a chelating shampoo, shampoo with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.” Get the Aloxxi Care Clarifying Shampoo for intense scalp care. Opt for the Hairprint Natural Plant-Based Chelating Shampoo to prevent dryness and minimize roughness. Try out one of the chelating shampoos listed above to give your hair a new lease of life!
Why Trust Stylecraze?
Oyendrila Kanjilal, the author of this article, loves to experiment with different hair care products. She has curated this list of the best chelating shampoos to help deep and effective scalp cleansing. Oyendrila has picked these shampoos based on user reviews and extensive research over multiple websites. The products listed in this article can help you get rid of common hair problems such as hair fall and dandruff.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a chelating shampoo?
Shampoos that consist of chelating agents to clear out the dirt and tough buildups in the hair are called chelating shampoos.
Are chelating shampoos good for the hair?
Yes, chelating shampoos are effective, which cleanses excess oil and dirt from the hair. However, overusing these shampoos can make your hair brittle.
Is chelating shampoo the same as clarifying shampoo?
Yes, chelating and clarifying shampoos work effectively in hard water to clear dust or oil from the hair.
What does chelating do to your hair?
Chelating can save your hair from turning brittle and dull by removing minerals (such as calcium and magnesium) from the water and hair, which can buildup in the long run and damage your hair.
How do you chelate hair to remove toner?
As citric acids are a chelating agent, you can use orange or lemon juice to remove toner from your hair. Just apply the liquid to your hair and rinse it off.
Are chelating agents necessary?
Yes, chelating agents perform heavy lifting on your hair and can improve the life expectancy of cosmetic products.
What are examples of chelating agents?
Ammonia, apple cider vinegar, citric acid, tartaric acid, and chromotropic acid are chelating agents.
Does apple cider vinegar chelate hair?
As apple cider vinegar is a chelating agent, it can make your hair rough and dull.
Read full bio of Alicia Igess
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