Created by Bridget Clegg using images from Ceremonia, Courtesy
Considering all of the factors that impact the quality of our hair (think: hair tools, styling products, and environmental stressors), it's no wonder volume, texture, and natural oils are compromised. But not all shampoos are created equal: To give your hair and scalp a deeper cleanse without sacrificing the natural oils it needs to stay healthy, you need to work a clarifying shampoo into your wash routine.
“When you think about all the elements that our hair battles – air pollution, harsh minerals in bathwater, coloring treatments, hair product buildup, etc. — it’s no wonder a quality clarifying shampoo is a must in your hair arsenal,” says celebrity hairstylist Cory Aaron Scott. “A clarifying shampoo will leave your hair shiny and, in most cases, bring out the vibrant color of your hair.”
But that's not the only thing a clarifying shampoo can do for your hair. According to Amanda George, celebrity colorist and owner of Roil Salon, they have a variety of benefits from removing excess oil to cleansing your scalp and follicle.
“Clarifying shampoos are excellent for most hair types, especially those who tend to have an oily scalp. They are designed to remove grease, grime and detoxify the scalp and hair follicle,” says George. “The only hair type that would not benefit is heavily bleached or any hair that has a gloss or a toner on it, as it may wash out the color.”
How We Chose
No one knows hair better than professional hairstylists, which is why we tapped some of our favorite hair masters for this list. Each and every clarifying shampoo on this list was hand-selected and given rave reviews by some of the beauty industry's biggest names in hair.
And the professionals aren't the only ones loving these shampoos: many of these picks also have sparkling reviews on Amazon, Ulta, Sephora, and more. Plus, I also added in a few of my favorites for you to enjoy, too.
Scott says his clients love this clarifying shampoo from Davines. This shampoo is formulated with buckwheat extract, which is known for its ability to speed up hair growth and its anti-inflammatory properties. This gentle formula cleanses your hair and scalp with ease without being too harsh, making it a great pick for sensitive scalps.
“It’s a pleasant, neutral fragrance and will rejuvenate the beautiful shine in your hair,” says Scott.
Maryam Iman, a professional hairstylist specializing in curly and natural hair types, says this shampoo is a must-have for those with that specific type of hair.
On top of having a natural formula that smells incredible, Iman says that this shampoo is best for curly-haired crowns because it cleanses without stripping your strands of natural oils, thanks to its blend of micelles and white vinegar. This is especially important for curly and natural hair types since they're more prone to dryness. It's so important to use products that will add hydration without weighing your precious curls down.
“My clients always have positive results with it, and I use it myself twice a month to help with buildup,” Iman says.
If you have thick, unruly locks like mine, then you know how hard it is to find a proper shampoo that truly cleans your locks without drying them out.
That's where this shampoo from Ceremonia steps in. It's infused with witch hazel that cleans your scalp, while yucca extract moisturizes, reduces frizz, adds shine, and strengthens your strands. Long story short: It’s a miracle worker for thick-haired people.
George says this is the absolute best for color-treated hair, mainly because it's specifically formulated for it. She says this formula gives your hair exactly what it's begging for: hydration, detoxification, and a fuller, bouncier look.
How does it work so well, you may ask? This shampoo is infused with kumquat extract for shine and vitality and sunflower seed extract to reduce color fade and protect from UV damage.
Your hair doesn't have to be color-treated to get its benefits either, because it's formulated to work with natural hair, too.
Editorial hairstylist Anthony Cole says his favorite clarifying shampoo is Sebastian Professional Reset Shampoo. Its formula is strong enough to rid your hair of any impurities, but it's also gentle enough on your hair and scalp for everyday use.
“It reveals your natural shine while removing residue, product build-up, impurities, and pollutants. I find it more gentle on color than most clarifying shampoos,” Cole says.
Looking for a shampoo that will clean your scalp without clearing your wallet? Then this under-$10 shampoo from Aveeno will do just the trick: Its star ingredient is apple cider vinegar, which is famous for removing buildup while balancing your scalp's pH levels.
It's also packed with oat, which is known for its moisturizing and calming properties.
Celebrity hairstylist and photographer Michael Dueñas' pick is perfect for frizzy hair types. This clarifying shampoo cleans up your strands while it deposits moisture deeply into them through its blend of seven different botanical oils. The results: quenched strands and a smooth, frizz-free finish.
8
Best for Shine
ROIL by Amanda George Private Collection Shine Shampoo
If your hair needs a cleanse and a shine boost, then George has the perfect concoction for your lackluster strands. Her haircare line, ROIL, has the perfect shampoo to lift and wash away impurities while leaving your hair ultra soft, glossy, and silky smooth.
This shampoo's mane-boosting powers come from a combination of antioxidant-rich oils including amla oil, coconut, and rose oil.
Excess oil weighing your hair down? Getting rid of oil without washing too much away can be tricky, but this shampoo from Amika does the job perfectly.
This lightweight, gel-to-foam formula is packed with clarifying ingredients like pink clay and charcoal powder to give your strands and scalp some clarity while Indian cress extract boosts oxygen flow. The results: Happy hair with a happier scalp — oil not included.
Celebrity hairstylist Sunnie Brook says this shampoo from Biolage is an exceptional pick for a deep weekly detox. She says this pick stands out for its ability to gently cleanse your hair and scalp while protecting your strands.
Since this formula is paraben-free, it's safe for natural and color-treated hair types to use. Brook also says it works great on your tresses, no matter how thick or thin they are.
"After using, you’ll notice your hairstyles hold better shape, your hair gets less greasy, and your color is more vibrant and less brassy,” she says.
Jennifer HusseinBeauty EditorJennifer is the Beauty Editor for BestProducts.com, where she’s testing out everything from the latest lip gloss to the craziest skincare trend sweeping the online beauty-verse.
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