Best Clarifying Shampoos for an Extra Deep Clean — Starting at $9

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It’s amazing how fresh our hair feels after washing it. But did you ever feel that your shampoo might not be doing the job? Your hair might look and feel great at first, but after a day, it’s back to its same dullish state. This might sound familiar? You might want to try a clarifying shampoo.

Don’t know the difference between regular and clarifying shampoos? In a nutshell, clarifying shampoos offer a deeper clean for your scalp that you may need, which is what traditional shampoos don’t typically provide. That’s not to say that clarifying shampoos act as a replacement for the shampoo you use on a regular basis — but they serve as an addition to your already-established hair care routine.

Clarifying Shampoos: Why should I add them to my hair care routine?

While your everyday shampoo is great for keeping hair clean, clarifying shampoos can go further to remove dirt and buildup. This can cause dullness and make hair look lifeless. Healthline says that clarifying shampoos focus on removing hair-stress buildup to make your hair look healthier and more vibrant. These cleansers can be super powerful, so they’re only meant to be used twice per week — or even less frequently.

There are many factors to consider when deciding which clarifying shampoo is best for you. If you have a naturally oilier scalp, you may want to go for a more intense formula — and if you have color-treated or damaged hair, a lighter, gentler formula is a better choice. Also, think about the type of hair you have — be it fine, thick or curly — when picking up a clarifying shampoo to try. All of these concerns and needs are addressed in our comprehensive roundup below of the top clarifying shampoos. Continue reading to learn more!

Our 11 absolute favorite clarifying shampoos for every hair type

Kristin Ess Deep Cleaning Clarifying Shampoo

This product will not only remove any buildup on your hair or scalp but also repair damaged ends. The formula contains a strengthening complex that can be used to repair damaged hair cuticles or split ends. This will make your hair stronger and more resilient over time.

Pros

• Affordable
• Sudsy feeling
• Helps with breaking

Cons

• Some hair may find it too harsh

It’s there!

Available at: Ulta. Amazon. Target

Odele Clarifying Shampoo

This women-owned and operated brand’s clarifying shampoo is arguably one of the safest ones you can try! It’s sulfate, paraben, phthalate and cruelty free, plus dermatologist tested to boot. We recommend this shampoo if you have sensitive scalps but still want to give your hair a thorough clean.

Pros

• Ultra-gentle
• All hair types are welcome
• Affordable

Cons

• Not as thorough as others

It’s there!

Available at Target

Herbal Essences Tea tree Clarifying Shampoo

The intoxicating smell is what customers love about this shampoo. Tea tree oil is added to the shampoo to help clean your hair and leave you with a clean, fresh scent. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but reviewers say they haven’t found a more superior smelling product than this one!

Pros

• Great value
• Fresh feelings

Cons

• The scent of tea tree might not suit all shoppers.

It’s amazing!

Available at Target, Amazon

Sunday Shampoo: Bumble and Bibumble

This shampoo is intended to be used on Sunday nights, as you prepare for the next work week. It’s ideal for fine-to-medium hair and helps to fully cleanse the buildup in your hair that’s garnered throughout the week. If you’re the type of person who wants to wash their hair less frequently, this is the product for you!

Pros

• Ultra-cleansing formula
• A small amount can go a long distance

Cons

• Not best for dryer scalps

It’s there!

Available at: Ulta. Sephora. Nordstrom

Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two Clarifying Cleanser

Though this shampoo can be used for all hair types, it’s especially excellent if you have oily hair. The formula is designed to help decrease oil production over time so it doesn’t get greasy, and in turn allow you to wash your hair less often. Shoppers note that while it does provide a proper deep clean, it doesn’t leave their hair feeling stripped and dry either!

Pros

• Affordable
• Refreshing lemon scent
• Works with all hair types

Cons

It’s there!

Available at: Ulta, Amazon

Shampoo to clarify the use of verb reset

While removing the buildup that may be sitting on the scalp, this shampoo also helps soothe the scalp and restore your hair’s natural pH balance! This shampoo contains aloe Vera, which leaves your hair feeling clean and healthy from the root to the tip.

Pros

• Paraben- and sulfate-free
• Natural extracts added to enrich the product

Cons

• This may not work for oilier hair

It’s there!

Available at: Ulta, Sephora

PATTERN Clarifying Shampoo

This iconic actress created it Tracee Ellis RossThis clarifying shampoo was specifically designed for curly and coily hair. It’s designed to help cleanse the scalp without stripping hair bare of the oils that keep locks feeling healthy and strong. It can also be used to moisturize low-porosity hair. If you’re using a deep conditioner after, it will fully absorb the product!

Pros

• For natural, curly hair
• Non-stripping formula

Cons

• Might be too gentle for oily scalps
• The most expensive of all

It’s there!

Available at: Ulta, Sephora

OUAI Detox Shampoo

This hair detox is suitable for all hair types. It uses apple cider vinegar to deep cleanse your scalp and give you a feeling of freshness. This cult-favorite shampoo has led shoppers to feel like they’re fresh from the salon. It’s non-drying, which helps to relieve dry scalps and brings life back into your hair.

Pros

• The cult-favorite product
• All hair types are welcome

Cons

It’s there!

Available at: Amazon. Sephora. Ulta

Nexxus Pure Clarifying and Clean Shampoo

If you’re worried about a clarifying shampoo being too harsh on your hair, this lightweight formula may be a good option for you. It contains proteins and minerals that can help your hair feel nourished and silky smooth after washing. It’s safer to use more frequently than some of the other products we’ve mentioned!

Pros

• Great value
• Ideal for dry hair

Cons

• Too gentle for some shoppers

It’s there!

Available at: Amazon and Ulta

Redken Detox Shampoo Clarifying Shampoo

This cleansing cream is suitable to all hair types. It promises to remove all the buildup after one wash. The thicker cream consistency makes it feel gentler on the scalp and is great for color-treated hair. It helps to strengthen hair’s cuticle, which makes your hair feel silky smooth and 100% revived.

Pros

• Cream consistency
• Strengthening formula

Cons

• Some shoppers don’t love the scent

It’s there!

Available at: Amazon and Ulta

GIOVANNI Eco Chic50:50 Balanced Hydrating Clarifying Shampoo

This cleanser is packed with vitamins, natural extracts and proteins to help restore your hair’s health and radiance. If your hair is overworked or has been over-processed, the healthy pH balance it once had can be thrown off — and this shampoo is designed to help get you back in the game!

Pros

• Super affordable
• Super deep clean

Cons

• If conditioner is not used, it can be very dry.

It’s there!

Available at: Amazon, Target

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