13 Best Clarifying Shampoos Of 2024, As Per A Hairstylist (All Hair Types)
Gentle and chemical-free cleansing shampoos soften and nourish your tresses.
Jill Turnbull is an internationally acclaimed freelance hairstylist, colorist, and makeup artist with over 47 years of experience. She founded her own beauty brand and her work has been featured in editorial magazines worldwide.
Jill is also a highly sought-after educator, renowned for her direct, meticulous, and modern approach to hair, makeup, and styling for fashion shoots and advertising campaigns.
Read full bio of Jill Turnbull
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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Using quick-fix hair products such as dry shampoos, styling creams, mousses can surely make your natural hair look flawless in no time for a perfect hair day, but with all that everyday build-up of products, sweat from the gym, and chlorine water from the swimming, can sensitize your scalp and result in greasy hair, leading to hair fall and rough texture. This is exactly why you need the best clarifying shampoos on your bathroom shelves.
Made with deep cleansing ingredients, clarifying shampoos remove excess oil, dirt, grease, and product build-up, leaving your dry scalp fresh and clean. These haircare products also contain nourishing ingredients such as peppermint, tea tree oil, and green tea extracts that soothe and nourish the dry scalp giving you a pH-balanced scalp protected from fungal infections.
While finding the best clarifying shampoo and gentle cleanser for different hair types might seem like a task, we have got your back. Scroll down to find the 13 best clarifying shampoos for all hair types.
In This Article
13 Best Clarifying Shampoos For All Hair Types – Review
1. Best For Sensitive Scalp:Neutrogena Shampoo Anti-Residue Formula
The Neutrogena Shampoo Anti-Residue Formula is one of the best drugstore clarifying shampoos that help remove up to 90% of heavy buildup caused by shampoos, conditioners, and styling products. It is non-irritating and gentle, boosts volume, and restores shine and bounce. Achieve a refreshing scalp while promoting the growth of healthy hair. This once-a-week treatment is formulated for all hair types, including color-treated hair. Learn more about the product in this video that details a tester’s experience of using it.
Pros
- Gentle and non-irritating
- Boosts volume and shine
- Suits all types of hair
- Safe for color-treated hair
- No artificial dyes or colors
- Rejuvenates the hair and scalp
- Affordable
- Non-drying
Cons
- May cause allergic reactions
Quick TipAnti residue shampoos contain Sodium lauryl sulfate, Ammonium lauryl sulfate, and Triethanolamine lauryl sulfate, which protect frequent swimmers’ hair against chemical damage.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 24,488 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
2. Best For Chemically Treated Hair:TRESemmé Clean & Replenish
Treating your hair chemically, be it coloring, smoothening, or styling, can take a toll on your hair and scalp. The TRESemmé Clean & Replenish is a great clarifying shampoo if you have been experiencing the aftermath of chemical treatment.
This shampoo works as a scalp scrub and cleanses and replenishes the scalp by gently removing buildup and heavy residue caused by waxes, pomades, creams, and sprays. It is enriched with vitamin C and green tea that clean and soothe the scalp. They also improve shine and revitalize hair. The shampoo works best on people with dry hair and produces salon-quality results. Use a deep conditioner along with the shampoo to boost hair softness and shine. This video features a reviewer’s experience of using the shampoo regularly. Watch it before making a purchasing decision.
Pros
- Suitable for chemically treated, over-processed hair
- Suitable for dry hair
- Salon-quality results
- Gentle
- Replenishes the hair strands
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Expensive
"This shampoo strikes a fine balance — it cleans effectively without leaving the hair feeling stripped or oily. It has a pleasant scent and the formula is lightweight too. It's versatile and enhances the hair's natural texture and vibrance."
Quick TipVitamin C shampoos are a perfect for people looking to grow their hair, since they prevent breakage and stimulate hair growth.
3. Best For Color-Treated Hair:GIOVANNI 50:50 Balanced Hydrating-Clarifying Shampoo
Coloring or bleaching the hair can make your hair look dry, dull, and lifeless. On the other hand, using a regular shampoo can fade your hair color. If you are facing these issues, the GIOVANNI 50:50 Balanced Hydrating-Clarifying Shampoo is a moisturizing shampoo that can be your best bet. It is formulated with natural organic ingredients and a proprietary blend of vitamins, nutrients, and proteins that increase the hair strands’ strength and vitality and works well for bleached hair.
The botanical extracts in the formula moisturize the colored hair, remove impurities, reduce frizz, and improve manageability, making the hair feel smoother. They feel soothing and gentle on the scalp and help balance its pH. However, if you have dry hair, use a color-safe conditioner with the shampoo. Take a look at this video to know more about the product.
Pros
- Moisturizes
- Reduces frizz
- pH-balanced
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
Cons
- May weigh down thick hair
Quick TipParabens not only harm your hair and scalp but can also adversely affect your reproductive health.
| Neutrogena Shampoo Anti-Residue Formula Best For Sensitive Scalp | TRESemmé Clean & Replenish Best For Chemically Treated Hair | GIOVANNI 50:50 Balanced Hydrating-Clarifying Shampoo Best For Color-Treated Hair | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | Multicultural | - | Color Treated |
| Dimensions | 3.7 x 1.3 x 5.8 inches | - | 3.14 x 2.92 x 9.9 inches |
| Weight | 7.68 Ounces | - | 1.9 Ounces. |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 24,488 | 5,694 | 689 |
| Price | $1.05 | $35.94 | $19.99 |
4. Best For Itchy Scalp:Maple Holistics Degrease Shampoo
The grease in oily hair makes the scalp itchy and smelly. It is tough for a regular shampoo to clean it thoroughly. To combat oily hair and oily scalp issues, try the Maple Holistics Degrease Shampoo. It is formulated with lemon essential oil, jojoba, and rosemary to balance the scalp pH, regulate sebum production, and protect the hair from environmental pollutants.
One of the best shampoos, it thoroughly cleanses the hair and scalp, minimizes scalp pores, and improves blood circulation. Basil and cypress in the formula also boost hair health and reduce frizz. Multiple reviewers vouch for the product’s features, including cleansing the scalp and controlling grease until two days after wash.
Pros
- Gentle
- Reduces frizz
- Balances scalp pH
- Improves hair health
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Suitable for sensitive scalp
- Affordable
Cons
- None
Quick TipRosemary oil, a primary ingredient of this shampoo, is believed to be one of the best medicines to treat premature graying or dandruff.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Almost 9,193 happy users have mentioned the value and quality of this product.
5. Best For Hard Water:Kenra Clarifying Shampoo
The dissolved minerals in hard water can add to the buildup, eventually causing poor scalp health and frizzy and dull hair. The Kenra Clarifying Shampoo removes excess buildup even when you wash your hair with hard water.
This deep-cleansing shampoo eliminates up to 99% of hair dulling deposits. One of the best hair clarifiers, it lathers well, strengthens the hair roots, and adds bounce, shine, and volume to the hair strands. The clarifying shampoo is also suitable for swimmers to remove chlorine deposits from the scalp and hair. However, conduct a patch test before committing to the product if you have sensitive scalp.
Pros
- Strengthens the hair roots
- Great for swimmers
- Reduces frizz
- Volumizes hair
Cons
- Contains sulfates
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has gained over 3,848 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.
6. Best For Dry And Thinning Hair:Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo
The Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo deeply cleanses, nourishes, and revitalizes the hair strands. Its strong detoxifying properties gently remove all impurities, including chlorine, environmental pollutants, and product deposits, and maintain the scalp pH balance. The shampoo is perfect for dry and thinning hair as it contains Moroccan argan oil, avocado, jojoba, and castor oils, silk amino acids, and keratin amino acids. These nourishing ingredients make the hair strands glossy, frizz-free, healthy, and bouncy.
Pros
- Gentle
- Maintains scalp pH
- Makes the hair glossy and bouncy
- Softens the hair
- Reduces frizz
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
Cons
- None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 2,066 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
7. Best For Removing Product Buildup:Nothing But Clarifying Shampoo
The Nothing But Clarifying Shampoo is perfect for all hair types, especially curly, coily, and kinky hair. Its gentle deep-cleansing action removes deep-seated contaminants, excess oils, product buildup, and residue from the hair follicles and strands. It improves hair manageability and heals the hair from roots to the tips, making it feel cleaner and lighter for days. The reviews on online forums attest that the product cleans and moisturizes the hair without stripping off natural oils and makes it more manageable. It is free of sulfates, parabens, colorants, phthalates, mineral oil, and petrolatum.
Pros
- Gentle
- Strengthens the hair follicles
- Improves hair manageability
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Colorant-free
- Phthalate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Petrolatum-free
Cons
- Can be drying
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 2,474 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
8. Best Vegan Formula:ACURE Curiously Clarifying Shampoo
The ACURE Curiously Clarifying Shampoo is 100% vegan and gently cleanses excess buildup with a double dose of beneficial oils like argan and lemongrass. This clarifying shampoo hydrates the hair and boosts shine. This hydrating shampoo is free from harsh chemicals and comes in recyclable packaging.
Pros
- Gentle
- Paraben-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- Sulfate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Cruelty-free
- Recyclable packaging
Cons
- Not color-safe
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The extensive 2,649 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.
9. Best For Flaky And Itchy Scalp:Puriya Scalp Therapy
The Puriya Scalp Therapy is formulated with a proprietary herbal blend of tea tree oil, arnica, sage, and rosemary that removes excess buildup and dandruff flakes and hydrates the flaky scalp. It has a balanced pH and it rejuvenates the scalp, protects it from infections, reduces itching, and locks moisture in the hair to manage frizz. It is clinically tested to be gentle on the scalp. The doctor-approved shampoo leaves the scalp feeling clean and results in smooth and soft hair. It is effective on curly, wavy, straight, fine, and damaged hair.
Pros
- Softens the hair
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Artificial fragrance-free
- Sodium chloride-free
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive scalp
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 3,266 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
10. Best For Hair Rejuvenation:Brocato Peppermint Scrub Purifying Shampoo
The Brocato Peppermint Scrub Purifying Shampoo provides deep cleansing to remove excess product buildup. It contains 100% pure peppermint oil that acts as a purifier and leaves the scalp and hair feeling rejuvenated and smelling fresh. This unisex shampoo is suitable for textured hair and other types of hair.
Note: Avoid the product if you are allergic to peppermint or have skin issues like psoriasis and eczema.
Pros
- Suitable for all hair types and textures
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Can be used as a body scrub
Cons
- May cause allergic reactions
"This shampoo has a fixed spot in my routine. It's a reliable option for combatting hard water effects and removing buildup. It also leaves the hair feeling lighter and cleaner. It's a solid product for those seeking a thorough cleanse without irritation."
11. Best For Bouncy Hair:Saragan Activated Charcoal Shampoo
Curly hair looks gorgeous. But it traps sweat, environmental pollutants, and residue that are difficult to get rid of completely. The Saragan Pure Activated Charcoal Shampoo can attract all the dirt, grease, and excess oil to cleanse your scalp and curls and result in beautiful hair.
It contains Moroccan oil to reduce frizz, jojoba oil to volumize, almond oil to hydrate, coconut oil to boost hair growth, camelia oil to moisturize, and avocado oil to clean blocked hair follicles. The shampoo also deep cleans hair and fortifies your hair with keratin and is suitable for oily, curly, straight, color-treated, and frizzy hair. It leaves the hair feeling soft, smooth, and silky, and bouncy. Reviewers on Amazon praise the product for removing stubborn buildup and leaving the scalp squeaky clean.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive scalp
12. Best For Fine Hair:Mixed Chicks Shampoo
The Mixed Chicks Gentle Clarifying Shampoo penetrates the follicles to restore the hair’s natural luster and shine and removes all dirt, grease, and pollutants. The soy protein and avocado oil in the formula helps maintain hair health and add shine.
The formula also contains biotin that strengthens the hair, borage seed oil to retain moisture, mallow leaf extract to strengthen the hair follicles, and ginger extracts to improve manageability and reduce dandruff. It is lightweight, non-sticky, and suitable for fine and curly hair.
Pros
- Does not weigh the hair down
- Contains natural ingredients
- Softens the hair
- Gentle
Cons
- May cause dryness
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received over 364 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
13. Best Color-Safe:Malibu C Un-Do-Goo Shampoo
The Malibu C Un-Do-Goo Shampoo restores shine, softness, and manageability to hair. Its sulfate-free formula uses innovative surfactant technology to provide gentle yet effective cleansing. Plant-based proteins help reconstruct hair proteins while preserving moisture and removing buildup. Its nutritious vitamins also combat residue from hard water. It even eliminates resin buildup from styling products without leaving hair feeling dry. The shampoo is suitable for all hair types, including chemically treated and damaged hair, and won’t cause color fading.
Pros
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Non-drying
- Suitable for chemically treated
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Sulfate-free
- Great for swimmers
Cons
- Expensive
"This clarifying shampoo was recommended by my stylist and is now a monthly ritual. It's great for my fine, colored hair, giving it quite the perk-up with only one use. It leaves the hair feeling renewed without being overly drying."
These are the 13 best clarifying shampoos for all hair types and textures you can buy online. Before you take the final call, here’s a quick checklist for you to consider. Scroll down.
How To Choose The Best Clarifying Shampoo For Your Hair
- Ingredients: Avoid clarifying shampoos with parabens and check for soothing and hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, argan oil, almond oil, and avocado.
- Hair Type: If you have curly hair, choose a shampoo with activated charcoal. For low porosity, rough, and damaged hair, use a hydrating shampoo infused with nourishing ingredients and oils that offer restorative care. If you have fine hair, use a shampoo with cleansing ingredients but not too many oils as that can weigh down your hair and make it look oily and limp. If your hair is color-treated, get a color-safe shampoo.
Infographic: Ingredients To Look For And Avoid In Clarifying Shampoos
Clarifying shampoos help eliminate excess oil, dirt, and product build-up from the hair and scalp, leaving them fresh and clean. While choosing these shampoos, it is important to consider what goes into their formulation to ensure they cleanse without causing damage or irritation. Check out the infographic below to learn about the ingredients to look for and avoid in clarifying shampoos.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Even after repeated hair washes, if you have an oily hair type, you need to try some clarifying shampoos to get that squeaky clean hair. Clarifying shampoos are made of cleansing ingredients that remove the greasiness and product buildup caused by hair styling products like hair sprays or mousses. If you have color-treated hair, choose a color-safe clarifying shampoo. The shampoos on our list are gentle, paraben-free, and sulfate-free. You can opt for the Neutrogena Shampoo Anti-Residue Formula which stands out for its volume-boosting and shine restoration capabilities, the Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo which effectively maintains scalp pH levels and adds significant bounce, and the ACURE Curiously Clarifying Shampoo which removes scalp buildup and infuses hydration. However, overuse of these shampoos might lead to dryness and allergic reactions, and they might not always be suitable for sensitive scalp. Always choose the shampoos that suit your hair types and scalp condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does clarifying shampoo do for the hair?
Clarifying shampoos remove residue, grease, product buildup, mineral deposits (from hard water), and environmental pollutants to thoroughly cleanse the scalp and keep your hair feel clean and healthy.
What can I use instead of a clarifying shampoo?
Diluted apple cider vinegar is believed to be a natural alternative to clarifying shampoos. However, ACV is acidic and can alter the scalp pH, cause infections and dandruff, and lead to rough hair.
Can you use Dawn dish soap as a clarifying shampoo?
No. Never use Dawn dish soap as a clarifying shampoo. It will make your scalp sensitive.
Can I use baby shampoo as a clarifying shampoo?
No. Baby shampoos do not contain the ingredients needed to remove residue, excess dirt, and oil.
Is it OK to use a clarifying shampoo every day?
No, clarifying shampoos contain harsh surfactants to deep cleanse the scalp and should not be used more than once a week.
What is the difference between clarifying shampoo and regular shampoo?
Clarifying shampoos contain heavier surfactants than regular shampoos. It deep cleanses the scalp to remove buildup, sebum, dirt, and oiliness.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Oyendrila Kanjilal, is a certified skin care coach with a keen interest in hair care. She has conducted thorough research and gone through feedback from users to help you pick the best clarifying shampoo to cleanse buildup. She advocates the importance of good scalp health, and the list includes some of her top picks. These shampoos are free from harmful chemicals that strip your hair of its natural oils and do not dry your hair.
Read full bio of Jill Turnbull
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