Clarifying Shampoo

We put our hair through a lot. Color treatments, blowouts, at-home heat styling, texture sprays, dry shampoo, waxes, and pomades - the list goes on and on. Even everyday shampoo and conditioner, including beloved hair masks, can cause unwanted buildup that can be hard to remove.

When hair is uncooperative, whether limp and lifeless or frizzy and unruly, there are plenty of fingers to point. It can be hard to pinpoint the cause and even harder to find a solution. Luckily, the answer can often be found with a simple reset. A good clarifying shampoo can provide a clean slate, cutting through the tough buildup to reveal revived locks.

Where do you start, though? Does your hair really need clarifying? How do you pick a product?

Hairstylist Paul Labrecque of Paul Labrecque Salon and Spa advises, "These shampoos can be used by anyone, especially if you feel your hair is not cooperating or if it seems a bit lifeless. Those are signs of product buildup. Think of clarifying your hair as preparing your canvas for something new."

What Is It?

Clarifying shampoo is like your regular shampoo's big brother. These shampoos are specially formulated to provide a deeper, more thorough clean than standard shampoo. Clarifying shampoos are made to remove buildup that can occur from various hair care products, hard-water mineral deposits, chlorine, and other chemicals.

The buildup from these substances can cause dandruff, dullness, and greasiness - which often leads to applying more product and intensifying the problem. It's a vicious cycle!

For its extra-cleansing power, clarifying shampoos are often also called "purifying," "detox" or deep-cleansing" shampoos.

When and How To Use It

Clarify shampoo should be personalized to your needs. How often you use it depends on your hair care and styling routine as well as your natural hair features. Is your hair curly, dry, or naturally oily? How often do you use styling products?

If your hair is dry, curly, or heavily color-processed, once a month is sufficient for a good clarifying wash. If you regularly use hair products such as texturizing spray, dry shampoo, waxes, and pomades, or hair masks, you should consider adding a clarifying shampoo to your weekly routine. Usage can be increased if you feel like your hair still needs some extra deep cleansing. Generally, no more than twice a week is recommended.

Since most of the residue and buildup is concentrated at the root, it is vital to work the shampoo into your roots and scalp. Take your time, beginning at the scalp and generously massage into a lather before working through the rest of your hair. It's all about those roots!

A good clarifying routine is important to maintaining healthy hair. Product residue and chemical buildup can cause dandruff, dullness, and greasiness. However, in the process of removing this buildup, clarifying shampoo can also remove natural sebum and oils necessary for maintaining scalp health. Always make sure to follow your clarifying shampoo with a good hydrating conditioner to restore natural oils essential for healthy hair.

Best Products

Look for strong, natural cleansers - not sulfate-based products which can often be harsh and add to dryness. A good antiseptic base such as apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil is an excellent start for any clarifying shampoo (and usually smells great too!). These cleansers work gently to ensure hair stays healthy and strong. An added bonus - apple cider vinegar is known to balance hair's pH to provide locks with an extra boost of hydration.

You also want to make sure there are plenty of ingredients that will help retain your hair's natural oils. Ingredients such as coconut oil and green tea condition and nourish the hair and scalp. Aloe vera and witch hazel improve shine. These should be the main ingredients in the product - not just listed at the end.

All-natural cleansers can provide maximum cleansing without stripping away essential natural oil. Of course, we highly suggest giving Dr. Yate’s Reset Clarifying Shampoo a try.

The Bottom Line

The goal of clarifying shampoo is to remove damaging buildup that can occur from daily hair care. It is important to choose a natural, gentle product that will not strip away too much natural oil in the process. And clarifying shampoo should always be followed with a good conditioner.

With the right combination of healthy, nourishing ingredients and proper routine usage, clarifying shampoo can help you have spa-inspired hair day after day. Silky, refreshed hair is waiting for you. Are you ready?