Clarifying Shampoo

Clarifying and purifying shampoos that lift product buildup and oil, from Davines, Shibui, Olaplex and small natural hair brands.

How to choose a clarifying shampoo

A clarifying shampoo is a deeper-cleansing wash for the days your regular shampoo is not getting everything off: styling product, dry shampoo, oils, sunscreen, and the mineral film that hard water leaves behind. Hair that feels coated, limp or dull a day after washing is the usual sign. These are not meant for every wash. Most people use one every week or two and go back to a gentler shampoo in between.

What we stock, and who each one suits

  • Hair that feels heavy or coated with product: Shibui Clarifying Shampoo and Olaplex No.4C Clarifying Shampoo are made for exactly this reset.
  • Scalp that gets oily or flaky: Davines Purifying Shampoo (in a 250 ml bottle and a 1 litre salon size) is formulated for a flaking scalp, and the Davines Detoxifying Scrub Shampoo adds a gentle exfoliating texture for a scalp that feels congested.
  • A plant-based, budget pick: the Lemon & Rosemary Clarifying Shampoo from Nature's Little Secret is our lowest-priced option.

How to use one

  • Wet hair well, then work the shampoo into the scalp first, where build-up sits.
  • Rinse thoroughly. If hair felt very coated, a second, lighter wash helps.
  • Always follow with conditioner or a mask from our conditioners and hair masks. Clarifying lifts oils as well as residue, so the lengths need moisture back.

A note for color-treated and dry hair

Deep-cleansing formulas can speed up color fade and leave dry or curly hair feeling rough. If your hair is colored, clarify less often, and use a color-safe sulfate-free shampoo for everyday washing. For more on the scalp side, see our scalp care collection.

Questions

How often should I use a clarifying shampoo?

For most people, once every one to two weeks is plenty. Use it more often if you use a lot of styling product or swim in chlorinated water, and less often if your hair is dry, curly or color-treated.

What is the difference between clarifying shampoo and regular shampoo?

Clarifying shampoo is formulated to remove build-up such as styling products, oils and hard-water minerals that a gentle daily shampoo leaves behind. It is a periodic reset rather than an everyday wash.

Is clarifying shampoo safe for color-treated hair?

It can fade color faster, so clarify less often if your hair is colored and follow with a conditioner. Check the product page, since some formulas are gentler than others.

Should I use conditioner after a clarifying shampoo?

Yes. A clarifying wash removes oils along with residue, so follow with a conditioner or hair mask to restore softness and reduce tangles.

Can clarifying shampoo help a flaky scalp?

Some scalp-focused formulas, like Davines Purifying Shampoo, are designed for a flaking scalp. Persistent flaking, redness or itching is worth checking with a dermatologist, who can recommend a medicated option if needed.