The 13 best clarifying shampoos to refresh and revive your hair

When it comes to the best clarifying shampoo, few are as well-rounded as K18's. It is color-safe and suitable for all hair types and contains a nourishing peptide blend to keep strands at their healthiest and prevent breakage. The formula also features exfoliating salicylic acid, which hair growth expert and trichologist Shab Caspara says is beneficial for "safely and effectively regulating oily roots."

Those with sensitive scalps or dry hair may want to find a different option, as users report this shampoo can be too intense for these concerns.

This creamy formula is nourishing and gentle, yet it lathers beautifully to offer a deep, thorough cleanse. My sensitive skin loves how gentle it is while still leaving my hair super clean and refreshed. The formula also features zinc pyrithione, which helps to cleanse and targets dandruff-causing flakes. Dove DermCare is such a great budget option that we named it our favorite drugstore pick in our guide to the best dandruff shampoos. 

Treat yourself to a scalp detox with this luxurious formula. Goldie Locks' clarifying shampoo features natural ingredients like champagne (which has the same pH as apple cider vinegar and helps gently exfoliate), bentonite clay to absorb oil, and black pepper to stimulate hair growth and reduce shedding. I personally appreciate how little of this product you need to get a foamy lather and deep clean, especially because of the higher price point. It's also important to note that this product lacks potent ingredients like chemical exfoliants, so it may not be effective for those with dandruff or excessive buildup.

When my scalp is in need of a serious clean, I reach for Paul Mitchell's Clarifying Shampoo Two. It's incredibly effective at absorbing oil and buildup and leaves behind a squeaky-clean feel without leaving my hair stripped— plus, I find the light citrus scent really refreshing. While this is definitely the best clarifying shampoo for oily scalps, normal to dry hair types may want to choose a different pick or use this one sparingly.

Yes — dry hair needs clarifying, too. This gentle formula from Virtue Labs contains charcoal powder to absorb excess oil and hops extract to purify the scalp. Additionally, a coconut fatty acid blend moisturizes the hair, while a protein similar to keratin helps repair damage. Oily hair types may need a stronger formula, but those with dry hair can benefit from weekly use.

Gentle yet effective, L'Oreal EverPure is the best clarifying shampoo for color-treated hair. The moisturizing formula deeply cleanses and contains the antioxidants vitamin C and glycine to help boost vibrancy.

"This is a great option for people who have processed hair but still feel like they need a more thorough cleaning," says Dr. Nazarian. "It's gentle but uses classic ingredients like salicylic acid to remove buildup."

Just like your Sunday reset routine sets you up for success, this clarifying shampoo from Bumble and bumble serves as a refresher for the week ahead. It offers a deep cleanse and bubbly lather to remove excess oil and buildup. The formula is also focused on scalp care; rosemary and sage leaf extracts help stimulate the scalp, encouraging hair growth.

The gel consistency of this clarifying shampoo helps to add slip to thick hair, aiding in detangling. It also contains nourishing ingredients like jojoba oil to hydrate the hair and prevent breakage. While this shampoo offers a gentle cleanse, it may not be enough for those with lots of buildup or extremely oily scalps.

Powered by antioxidants and nourishing plant extracts, Pattern Beauty's clarifying shampoo strengthens and nourishes the hair while cleansing the scalp. It's specifically formulated for curly and coily hair types, but other hair types can also enjoy the benefits. The musky floral scent is luxurious, but it's worth noting that it may irritate those sensitive to fragrance.

Briogio is known for its innovative formulas; this clarifying shampoo is an excellent example. The ingredients work together to balance the scalp; binchotan charcoal helps to draw out impurities, coconut oil moisturizes, and the blend of peppermint, spearmint, and tea tree oils cools and soothes irritation. The creamy, whipped formula also feels super luxe.

If you're looking for a deep cleanse to remove build-up, look no further than Neutrogena T/Sal. The fragrance-free formula contains salicylic acid which helps to exfoliate the scalp and slough away flakes. Dr. Nazarian recommends using once or twice weekly to improve signs of build-up.

If your hair could use a little TLC, this Pureology clarifying shampoo might be just what you need. Formulated with Keravis, a strengthening protein, and the antioxidant astaxanthin, this gentle shampoo works to repair damage and protect color. Plus, the highly concentrated formula means you can get 75+ uses out of just one bottle.

Dr. Nazarian recommends this vegan option that is also paraben-free and formaldehyde-free. "It does a pretty good job of removing layers of oil and buildup without over-stripping," she says. The formula's lemongrass also offers a fresh, subtle aroma, while argan oil boosts moisture and shine. Check out our guide to the best sulfate-free shampoos for even more great options.

Ingredients:

When searching for a clarifying shampoo, anti-fungal ingredients can be hugely beneficial, especially if you are experiencing any scalp concerns. Dr. Nazarian points to selenium sulfide and zinc pyrithione, which help decrease flakes, and ketoconazole, which targets yeast and deeply cleanses the scalp. Salicylic acid, a chemical exfoliant, is also helpful in breaking down flakes and dead skin cells.

If you're looking for a more natural option, Dr. Nazarian suggests looking for apple cider vinegar and citrus fruit extracts. 

Caspara notes that apple cider vinegar "balances out the scalp microbiome by calming down any irritation or clearing up excess sebum or flakiness." Caspara also recommends avoiding intense cleansing agents like sodium chloride, sodium lauryl, and laureth sulfate, especially when they are among the first few ingredients listed. 

Hair type: 

All hair types can benefit from various clarifying shampoos, but Dr. Nazarian says that your hair type can dictate how often you use one.

"People who have naturally dry or processed hair have to be much more conservative in how often they use clarifying shampoos," she explains. "Because of their ability to clean so much more effectively, clarifying shampoos can often cause hair color and processing to fade faster, making naturally dry hair a little bit dryer."

Dr. Nazarian adds that clarifying shampoos are not just safe for certain skin conditions but can actually help improve them due to their powerful cleansing properties.

"Clarifying shampoos are wonderful if you have seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff, or conditions like psoriasis where the skin thickens and creates flakes," she says. "I recommend utilizing a clarifying shampoo at least once a week to help normalize the scalp and offer a more thorough cleaning."

When should I use a clarifying shampoo?

Clarifying shampoo should be the first step in your hair wash routine, followed by a conditioner.

How often should you use a clarifying shampoo?

Recommended use can vary from once a week to once a month, depending on your hair type and what products you are using.

Dr. Nazarian says those dealing with scalp conditions should utilize a clarifying shampoo once a week. She also points out that regularly using dry shampoo, which can accumulate on the scalp, can increase the need for clarifying shampoo.

Caspara puts it into perspective based on your wash cycle. "For those who wash as infrequently as every 7-10 days, I recommend a clarifying shampoo every wash day either on its own or followed by a regular shampoo," she says. "For those who wash around every 2-4 days, I recommend using a clarifying shampoo every other wash day. And for those who wash daily, I recommend a clarifying shampoo at least once a week to help ensure the scalp is clear and balanced."

Celebrity curl specialist Christin Brown generally recommends using clarifying shampoo once a month. "It's easy to remember, and clients don't feel overwhelmed with responsibility," she explains. "The upside is that they see and feel the difference almost immediately. The point of doing a deep detox is to remove old product buildup, dirt, excess oil, and minerals, and hopefully, it can be accomplished without the hair feeling like straw afterward."

Can clarifying shampoo remove hair dye?

As Dr. Nazarian mentioned earlier, some clarifying shampoos can cause hair dye to fade quicker. However, there are gentler options on the market specifically tailored to colored hair, such as our pick above, L'Oreal EverPure.

Brown, whose hair is colored blue, also recommends DevaCurl's Buildup Buster, which features micellar water technology. "This gets into the hair and scalp and provides that deep, yet somehow gentle cleansing action that same way micellar water works in skincare," she explains. "Although you're not going to see bubbles which typically makes us believe that's what's getting our hair clean, the action lies in the massaging of the scalp and the formulation of the treatment."

Do you shampoo again after using clarifying shampoo?

Brown and Nazarian agree that shampooing again after a clarifying shampoo is unnecessary, but it is important to include a hydrating step.

"There will still be a need to use conditioner afterward to protect hair follicles every time you use a clarifying shampoo," says Nazarian.

Caspara, however, says that if your clarifying shampoo leaves your hair feeling dry and matted, following with a regular shampoo can help clear out any remaining residue.