Clarifying Shampoo

If you are anything like me, I just know the basics about hair care, shampoo and conditioner. My official title is mom, (who not licensed stylist), however, armed with a computer and a great stylist we can figure just about anything out.

Within the hair and beauty professionals, clarifying shampoo is a cure all for many hair woes. To the rest of us however, there is a degree of uncertainty about what it is, why it should be used and when it should be used. Our goal is to explain in basic terms what clarifying shampoo is and how you should apply it. If you are already familiar with all these basics, you might be more interested in the specific articles about the brands of clarifying shampoos.

What is clarifying shampoo?

Clarifying shampoo is a product used to cleanse hair by removing the build-up of hair products that can remain in your hair, even after regular washing. Popular and frequently used shampoos and conditioners don’t usually fully wash out of your hair, which can make your hair look dull and less attractive. Overtime, hair gel, hair mousses and hair sprays can leave your hair with that heavy almost greasy look and feel.

Clarifying shampoos are not always easily identified, as many bear a similar appearance to regular shampoos. Clarifying shampoos can be spotted if you take the time to read ingredient lists on shampoo bottles, and look for the inclusion of acetic acid. Acetic acid is often the essential component in clarifying shampoo.

How often to use clarifying shampoo?

It really depends on how much hair products you use each day and how hard the water is in your area. Also, if you are a swimmer and your hair is exposed to the chemicals from the pool you may need to clarify your hair more than others.

Clarifying shampoo is useful for anyone that applies hair products regularly, and is particularly recommended for swimming enthusiasts, as it aids the removal of chlorine from your hair. Chlorine is perhaps more damaging than acetic acid, and removes color and moisture, so should be combated effectively. If swimming leads you to more frequent use of clarifying shampoos, a popular recommendation, based on science, is that you use conditioner immediately afterwards.

On average hairstylists recommend using clarifying shampoo once or twice a month for the average person. If you ask your hairstylist she can tell you based on how your hair feels to them.

Most popular clarifying shampoo

DERMALOGICA-Shine Therapy Shampoo
NIOXIN BIONUTRIENT PROTECTIVES CLEANSER- for women and men
American Crew Peppermint Cleanse-formulated with peppermint and tea tree oils.
Paul Mitchell Shampoo Three-removes dulling build up, chlorine and impurities by reducing chlorine, iron and minerals
Molton Brown Cleanshine Quillaja Hair Wash- gentle cleansing for men
Abba Pure Detox Shampoo - detox shampoo for the removal of heavy build up and impurities.
Alterna Life Solutions Clarifying Shampoo-Sulfate free, weekly shampoo, used to remove chlorine, hand water deposits, sytling product build up and environmental pollutants.
Goldwell Colorglow IQ Preparation Shampoo - hair redidue remover
Philip B. Peppermint and Avocado Shampoo-contains 2.3% peppermint extract
Enjoy Sulfate Free Hydrating Shampoo- sulfate free
Abba Pure Detox Shampoo-contains molasses and baking soda to remove impurities (Formerly Molasses Purifier)
BURT'S BEES Shampoo Grapefruit & Sugar Beet-Pomegranate blended with natural coconut and sunflower oil cleansers.
Swisa Beauty Spa Mud Shampoo-helps remove dirt and build up
TRISWIM Shot- personal care shampoo for swimmers
EI Solutions Intense Nutrition Hair Cleanser
Apivita Propoline Balancing Shampoo forGreasy Hair
Terax Orginal Latte Shampoo- deep cleaning shampoo to remove hand water build up, salt, copper chlorine
Shampoo Just For Him-deep cleaning shampoo for met
BACK TO BASICS by Graham Webb GREEN TEA Normalizing Shampoo- unisex back to basic shampoo
Nature's Gate Chamomile Replenishing Shampoo-for color treated hair with chamomile
Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Shampoo
Giovanni Hair Care Gold Wheat shampoo- deep cleansing shampoo
Alfaparf Semi Di Lino Diamante Anti Aging Shampoo
Pert Plus Hair Shampoo-cleans and conditions hair
Home Health Hairever Shampoo -

Clarifying Shampoos Straight Hair

Can I make my own clarifying hair products?

You can, but due to the importance of acetic acid, which is a major ingredient in vinegar, many people have attempted to create vinegar-based compounds for the removal of the build up of products. However, these vary in effectiveness, and can potentially have detrimental effects. Clarifying shampoos are available in just about every store that sells shampoos for fairly low prices, so you’re better off saving time and buying the shampoo from your nearest retailer. Also, the products on the market are clinically tested and despite variances in performance, will typically be far better than vinegar formulations.

Lemon Clarifying Shampoo Curly Hair

How do I clarify my hair?

You an clarify your hair by simply washing it with clarifying shampoo. Clarifying shampoos are just like regular day-to-day shampoo the only exceptions are that you do not use as much clarifying shampoo with each washing and you do not use it every day. Your hair can get substantially dried out if you use clarifying shampoo on a frequent basis.

Which clarifying shampoo works the best...

There is a wide range of clarifying shampoos available, and these occupy a fairly broad range of prices. As a customer, it’s up to you to decide which you buy.

There are two categories of clarifying shampoos, professional and over the counter.

Professional clarifying shampoos- sold in salons and hair supply companies.

Over the counter clarifying shampoos-sold just about everywhere else.

Hopefully that ‘clarifies’ (sorry for the unavoidable pun) the issue of clarifying shampoo.

Clarifying shampoo- it should be used sparingly and in accordance with recommended guidelines for use. Don’t use it to replace your regular shampoo and also be aware that many clarifying shampoos are not blatantly advertised as such, so if your hair currently seems dry, you may wish to take a closer look at your shampoo bottle. Also be aware that not all clarifying shampoos have acetic acid in them, so if it’s missing from the ingredients list on your clarifying shampoo, don’t be suspicious. Another point to make is that if you really insist on using vinegar compounds, then that’s not necessarily a bad thing; a number of people have found these to be effective. For everyone else, clarifying shampoos can be helpful in removing unwanted build up from your hair. Just make sure that you don’t overuse it.

Tigi Bed Head Clarifying Shampoo 128 oz

Neutrogena Shampoo Anti-Residue Formula Hair Shampoos

Frederic Fekkai Apple Cider Clarifying Shampoo