9 Best Clarifying Shampoos For Low Porosity Hair, Hairstylist Picks (2024)
Deeply cleanse and hydrate your low porosity hair with these nourishing shampoos.
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: 5 yearsMedha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.
Read full bio of Medha Deb
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: 8 yearsArshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.
Read full bio of Arshiya Syeda
Image: Shutterstock
If you are looking for the best clarifying shampoo for low porosity hair, you are in the right place. Low porosity hair tends to have flat hair cuticles, making it tough for the hair to absorb moisture. This leads to dry, brittle, and unmanageable hair that is more prone to fall and breakage. Any product that you use to help nourish such hair type leads to product and debris buildup on the shafts of the hair leading to itching and irritation. This is exactly why you need a clarifying shampoo specially formulated for such hair. While regular clarifying shampoos help cleanse your scalp and hair of dirt and debris, the ones for low porosity hair work more effectively and help moisturize your strands simultaneously. To help you choose one for yourself, we have shortlisted the 9 best clarifying shampoos for low porosity hair to help you keep your hair clean, nourished, and strong.
In This Article
9 Best Clarifying Shampoos For Low Porosity Hair In 2024
1. Best Sulfate-Free:tgin Moisture Rich Sulfate Free Shampoo
This sulfate-free clarifying shampoo contains coconut oil, which gently cleanses your hair, and amla oil, which reduces hair breakage and improves moisture retention. It keeps your hair soft, smooth, and moisturized. It does not contain any harsh elements that strip away natural oils from your hair. Infused with pro-vitamin B5, this shampoo helps to smooth the hair cuticle surface. It does not contain paraben or artificial colors. All you need to do is apply the shampoo evenly throughout your wet hair and scalp. Rinse well and follow up with a conditioner to revitalize your hair. You may check more about this product in this video.
Pros
- Sulfate-free formula
- Soft and smooth hair
- Contains pro-vitamin B5
- Cruelty-free
- Suitable for all hair types
Cons
- It may not be suitable for an extremely sensitive scalp.
Pro Tip2. Best Moisturizing:Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo
If you are looking for a clarifying shampoo that removes chlorine, mineral deposits, oil, dirt, and other impurities from your hair, try the Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo. The deep cleansing formula of this shampoo clears build-up caused by products and environmental impurities, and restores the health of your hair. It consists of argan and avocado oils, keratin, lavender, jojoba extracts, and chamomile, which nourishes the scalp and hair. It is color-safe and paraben and sulfate-free. You can use this clarifying shampoo twice a month. If you swim regularly or use hard water and a lot of hair products, it is suggested that you apply this moisturizing shampoo throughout your hair and scalp once or twice a week to remove chlorine and seawater impurities. Check out this video to learn more.
Pros
- Color-safe
- Removes build-up
- Moisturizes your hair
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Increases elasticity and restores shine
Cons
- It may not be best suited for fine hair.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 2,066 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
3. Best Detangling:As I Am Curl Clarity Shampoo
Restore the shine in your hair with this clarifying shampoo for low porosity hair. It makes combing your hair easier by 62% and eases detangling of curly hair by 78%. The shampoo cleanses the scalp and strands of all residues and eliminates excess oils, while ensuring your strands do not lose moisture. Gently massage the shampoo into a lather throughout wet hair and scalp before you rinse it off. Ensure that you detangle your hair completely while you shampoo or condition your hair. You can use this shampoo for curly hair on an intermittent basis. Watch this video for more information about the product.
Pros
- Vegan
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Holds moisture in your hair
- Prevents hair from getting dry
Cons
- May not be suitable for all hair types
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 1,383 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
| tgin Moisture Rich Sulfate Free Shampoo Best Sulfate-Free | Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo Best Moisturizing | As I Am Curl Clarity Shampoo Best Detangling | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | Curly Hair,Dry Hair | Buildup Prone | Curly |
| Dimensions | 2.5 x 2.5 x 6 inches | 2 x 2 x 6.5 inches | 1.8 x 1.8 x 7 inches |
| Weight | 13.02 Ounces | 8.82 Ounces | 8 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 176 | 2,066 | 1,383 |
| Price | $14.97 | $75.0 | $11.97 |
4. Best For Scalp Health:SheaMoisture Baobab & Tea Tree Oils Low Porosity Protein-Free Shampoo
Detoxify your scalp and clarify impurities with the SheaMoisture Baobab & Tea Tree Oils Low Porosity Protein-Free Shampoo. This sulfate-free clarifying shampoo gently cleanses and removes grease, oils, and product build-up from your hair. It is ideal for low porosity curls and coils that resist moisture. It contains baobab, tea tree oils, spearmint, and clary sage that work towards improving the health of your scalp. It also includes shea butter in its ingredients that moisturize your hair. You may use this shampoo once a month to refresh your hair, maintain scalp health, and promote healthy hair growth.
Pros
- Sulfate-free
- Removes build-up
- Improves scalp health
- Moisturizes your hair
Cons
- It may not offer deep conditioning qualities.
"I love using this shampoo to quench my dry 4C curls. It has an immediate softening effect that makes my hair feel well-nourished and balanced. Even the scent of the product is quite refreshing."
Pro Tip5. Best For All Hair Types:Mixed Chicks Gentle Clarifying Shampoo
This sulfate-free clarifying shampoo is suitable for all hair types, whether straight, wavy, or curly. It is also ideal for chemically-treated hair. It contains soy protein and panthenol that penetrate through the hair follicles to give your hair its natural shine and strength back. The botanical extracts present in the shampoo help remove product build-up and cleanse your dry hair. It promotes healthier and stronger hair and helps with dandruff and dry scalp. If you are looking for a shampoo that enhances the natural texture of your hair, give this one a try! This video helps you know more about the product.
Pros
- Deep conditioning
- Detangles hair
- Hydrating
- Contains avocado oils
Cons
- It has to be thoroughly washed; otherwise, it may leave some white flakes.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With 364 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
6. Best Color-Safe:Ouidad Water Works Clarifying Shampoo
Give your curls a fresh start with this clarifying shampoo. It contains non-stripping citrus extracts, which remove dulling residue, hard water deposits, and impurities in your hair without removing moisture to make your curls feel soft and clean. It is safe to use on color-treated hair. Gently massage the shampoo through your wet hair and scalp and rinse it with warm water, once or twice a week to enhance low-porosity hair. The shampoo acts as a customizable approach for each type of curly hair, whether it is wavy, coily, or kinky.
Pros
- Color-safe
- Contains fruit extracts
- Locks moisture in your curls
- Removes build-up and impurities from hair
Cons
- Not sulfate-free
How to clarify with Ouidad Water Works Shampoo
Pro Tip7. Best Hydrating:MIZANI Moisture Fusion Moisture Rich Shampoo
Rejuvenate your hair with a deep moisturizing treatment with this clarifying shampoo. It is suitable for every texture and curl type. It is rich in coconut oil and contains charcoal, which helps remove residue and impurities in your hair without reducing its shine or stripping the moisture away. The shampoo is formulated to balance moisture levels and help you achieve and maintain healthy hair. Massage a coin-sized amount into wet hair and rinse it thoroughly. For best results, use this shampoo once a week.
Pros
- Removes build-up
- Hydrates and locks moisture
- Leaves your hair feeling clean
- Works for all textures and curl types
Cons
- Some may find the fragrance overwhelming.
8. Best Anti-Shrinkage:Dark And Lovely Au Naturale Beyond Gentle & Sulfate-Free Wash
If you are looking for a clarifying shampoo that is gentle enough to be used every day and rejuvenates dull and frizzy hair, this Dark And Lovely Au Naturale Beyond Gentle & Sulfate-Free Wash is exactly what you need. This sulfate-free shampoo helps you get rid of daily product buildup, grease, and dirt. It clarifies without stripping your scalp of its natural oils. The formula contains a weightless anti-shrinkage blend of mango oil and bamboo milk to eliminate frizz and moisturize your hair for well-defined coils and curls.
Pros
- Tames frizz
- Adds volume
- Softens hair
- Pleasant fragrance
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Suitable for regular use
Cons
- None
9. Best Non-Irritating:Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo
Gently cleanse your hair with this non-irritating clarifying shampoo and rinse away up to 90% residue from hair products. The formula is ideal for all hair types, including color-treated hair. You need to use it on your wet hair and massage it into a lather before rinsing it off. It helps boost the volume of your hair with its gentle and mild formula. Use this shampoo once a week to improve the health of your hair and bid goodbye to your bad hair days now.
Pros
- Non-irritating
- Suitable for all hair types
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Increases volume of your hair
Cons
- Contains sulfate
"The Neutrogena Anti-Residue Clarifying Shampoo works well on my hair. It washes away stubborn buildup effortlessly. It leaves my hair feeling so clean. It is gentle and does not cause itchiness or irritation."
This was our list of highly-rated clarifying shampoos that you can add to your hair care routine. While purchasing a clarifying shampoo, you should ensure that it is formulated for low porosity hair. Not all shampoos are made with the same formula. Here are some do’s and don’ts that you need to keep in mind while buying a clarifying shampoo.
How To Choose A Clarifying Shampoo For Low Porosity Hair?
Deep cleansing
The shampoo should have deep cleansing properties. It is better to buy one without sulfates and harmful toxins.
Moisturizer
It should also contain ingredients that hydrate your hair apart from cleansing agents. In other words, the clarifying shampoo should have a non-drying formula and not over strip moisture from your hair. It should contain 2 layers of moisturizer. According to experts, the first layer of humectant works as an adhesive layer of moisture, small enough to enter your hair cuticles to make your hair soft and shiny. The second layer should contain lipids usually found in shea and avocado and other fatty acids oils. It can bind with humectant and fill up the open spaces in your hair shaft.
Low protein
Low porosity natural hair
is prone to the overload of proteins. Hence, you should avoid using products that contain protein ingredients.
Infographic: Key Ingredients In Clarifying Shampoos For Low Porosity Hair
Low porosity hair is prone to product buildup. Products tend to sit on top of the hair, resulting in ugly residue reaching the scalp. Generic products used to care for such hair can result in more buildup on the hair shafts, causing itching and irritation. This is why you need a clarifying shampoo explicitly designed for this hair type. The infographic below will walk you through the main ingredients to look for in a low-porosity clarifying shampoo. Take a peek! Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Low porosity hair has flat cuticles, and therefore it cannot absorb moisture. This leads to dry, damaged, and brittle hair. You must start using the best clarifying shampoos for low porosity hair to address these hair issues. These shampoos work effectively to clear up all the buildup and debris from your scalp while moisturizing the strands. Opt for the tgin Moisture Rich Sulfate Free Shampoo for hydration and reducing hair breakage, Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo for deep cleansing and clearing build-up, and lastly try the As I Am Curl Clarity Shampoo for detangling especially if you have curly hair. The reviewed options in the article are free from sulfates, parabens, and some of them are also safe for color-treated hair. When choosing a clarifying shampoo for low porosity hair that you want to add to your hair care routine, make sure it offers deep cleansing and moisturizes your hair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is clarifying shampoo good for low porosity hair?
It is good to add a clarifying shampoo to your hair routine. Low porosity natural hair is prone to product build-up. The hair strands tend to get crammed together. Due to the absence of space between the cuticles, it gets difficult for conditioners to penetrate and deliver moisture to the hair shaft. Hence, it is better to use a clarifying shampoo. These help your strands maintain a lightweight feel and increase hair porosity for better absorption of products.
How do you clarify low porosity hair?
Saturate your hair with warm water for 3 minutes. Use a clarifying shampoo for deep cleaning and wash it with a low porosity shampoo. Clear all excess water and apply conditioner to your hair.
Is coconut oil good for low porosity hair?
It may not be good to use coconut oil if you have low porosity hair. Oils such as olive oil and coconut oil sit up on top of the hair instead of absorbing them. Hence, it would be difficult for water to get into the strands and moisturize the hair. These oils tend to dry low porosity hair.
Are leave-in conditioners good for low porosity hair?
It is difficult to moisturize low-porosity hair. Hence, water-based leave-in conditioners can help penetrate moisture into your hair shaft. It also helps to detangle your hair.
How often should you clarify low porosity hair?
You can use a clarifying shampoo once or twice a month to cleanse your hair and prevent product residue from building up. Follow it with a protein-free conditioner.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Medha Deb, the author of this article, loves trying out various hair care products that keep the scalp and hair healthy. She browsed hundreds of reviews and conducted a thorough research on clarifying shampoos to provide you with the list. These recommended formulas offer deep cleansing, and are chemical-free. They eliminate all impurities, lock in hydration, and condition your hair.
Read full bio of Jill Turnbull
Read full bio of Medha Deb
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Read full bio of Arshiya Syeda
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our empowering community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with other beauty, lifestyle, and health enthusiasts.