A hardworking shampoo is an essential step in our haircare routine, and there's an abundance of options. No matter what your hair type is, we all need a deep cleanse every now and then. The only thing for it is a clarifying shampoo.
What is clarifying shampoo?
Clarifying shampoo is designed to remove that cloying, greasy build-up from hair products. It also removes the minerals, oils, dirt and chemicals from your hair, all of which accumulate over time and weigh your hair down, causing it to be limp and dull.
'When you’re looking for a deeper, more purifying kind of clean (that feels like a luxurious beauty treatment), you use a clarifying shampoo.' This is what haircare specialist Davines recommends. 'Specific formulas obviously vary, but in general, clarifying shampoos work to help dissolve product build-up, oil and dead skin cells. This gives you the deepest clean and much-needed detox for your hair and scalp.'
What are the benefits of using clarifying shampoo?
Think of clarifying shampoos as a facial for the scalp. If you're experiencing a flaky scalp with lots of fallout, it might not necessarily be dandruff, but could be a build-up of product. By using one of these deep-cleaning shampoos, you can instantly reset and refresh your hair. This is achieved by stripping it of the grimy surface layer and giving your scalp a chance to breathe - more on how to care for your scalp, here.
Does clarifying shampoo work for all hair types?
Yes! They do work for all hair types but use them sparingly if you have a naturally high hair porosity, freshly coloured or treated. The strength of the formula could weaken an already compromised hair shaft (the outer layer of each strand). However, there are also sulphate-free shampoo options that will give the same deep clean, without entirely stripping back the cuticles.
How often do you need to use it?
Depending on your usual styling routine and how many products you use, will depend on the frequency. But unlike regular shampoos, these won't need to be used more than once a week, think of it more as a treatment wash, and recommended use can vary from every other week or every other month depending on the level of build-up.
Scroll down to discover our edit of the most effective, affordable clarifying shampoos on the market for every hair type and texture.
Shop: The 13 Best Clarifying Shampoos From £6.79
Perfect For Oily Hair
www.sephora.co.uk
This purifying formula tackles excess sebum to cleanse the scalp and repair dehydrated and damaged fibres.
Sephora review: "I really love this shampoo. It does what it says it will but feels so luxurious at the same time. I genuinely think it helps to prolong the time I can leave my hair between washes and if you've got a lot of product build-up, it clears it all out and leaves your scalp feeling clean with no itchiness."
Pros
- It's silicone free which means smooth strands without weighing hair down.
Cons
- May not work for dry hair types
Perfect For Humidity Hair
www.lookfantastic.com
A revitalising shampoo formulated with apple cider vinegar for that squeaky clean feeling, but you needn't worry about the smell, it's imbued with the brand's signature Melrose Place fragrance.
LookFantastic review: 'I am really sensitive to shampoos as I have a sensitive scalp. There are a lot of high end shampoos that I cannot use. However this really does deep clean the scalp and leaves my hair feeling extra clean. A bottle lasts me ages and I always recommend this!'
Pros
- Hydrolysed keratin prevents humidity frizz, so expect smooth, defined curls that won't lose shape
Cons
- Works best on greasy hair types
Perfect For Sensitive Scalps
www.boots.com
Aveeno is known for its sensitive skincare line and specialises in soothing itchy, broken, and dry skin, and your scalp is no exception. Made with colloidal oats and botanical ingredients, the new Clarify and Soothe shampoo reduces flakes without stripping hair of its natural oils.
Boots review: 'I’ve never tried an Aveeno product that I haven’t been happy with and this shampoo doesn’t disappoint! It’s great for soothing my scalp and for getting rid of the build that dry shampoo and hairspray leave behind. It lathers really well so a little goes a long way and it has a nice subtle scent. Really pleased with it!'
Pros
- Gentle enough for daily use
- Clinically proven to relieve itchy scalps
- Mild acids make it safe to use on colour-treated hair
Cons
- May not be thorough enough for tougher scalps and hair types
www.lookfantastic.com
Specifically designed for oily scalp types, the zingy formula is infused with peppermint extract, to soothe and invigorate your scalp as you cleanse.
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LookFantastic review:** 'I bought this for my teenage daughter who struggles with greasy roots and dry ends, and of course I had to try it myself! We both absolutely loved this shampoo, it cleaned well without over drying our hair and it smelled fresh. Best of all, my daughter doesn’t have to wash her hair as often anymore.'
Pros
- Amino acid complex helps to build, strengthen and fortify hair
- Boosts moisture retention
- Best for thin or fine hair
Cons
- Thicker, dry hair types won't love this
Perfect For Dry Ends
www.christopherobin.co.uk
The great thing about Christophe Robin is that you can build a solid, consistent haircare regime using their different products. For an ultra-deep clean regime, use it alongside the brand's sea salt scrub to exfoliate congested scalps, and the purifying mask treatment to draw out impurities.
Christophe Robin review: 'Using this product has allowed me to wash my hair every other day instead of every day, as it keeps my naturally oily scalp in check. This product is a must have for me and I would not be without it.'
Pros
- Deeply rebalances, cleanses and protects the hair and scalp
- Infused with mineral-rich thermal mud
- Features a cuticle-smoothing dose of Baltic Sea red alga
Cons
- Not the best for ultra-nourishment
Perfect For Sustainable Shoppers
www.thebodyshop.com
Made with revolutionary Vegan Silk Protein, this refreshing shampoo is part of The Body Shop's 3-step tea tree routine to repair hair from the inside out. Use the shampoo alongside the conditioner and scrub for the ultimate clean routine.
The Body Shop review: 'I love the silky gel texture of this shampoo. I shampoo and leave it on my scalp for a few minutes before rinsing. Normally, I have really dry eczema on my scalp and very dry crunchy hair. This works for both! It leaves my scalp squeaky clean and my hair soft and moisturised. Amazing!'
Pros
- Sustainable
- Best for oily hair types
- Affordable
Cons
- Dry hair types should steer clear
Perfect For Fine Hair
www.lookfantastic.com
An ultra-lightweight wash infused with white vinegar to wash away product build-up without eliminating essential moisture. The peppermint and rosemary scent make this shampoo a real delight, too. Don't expect a rich lather, as it is less soapy and more of a rinse.
Lookfantastic review: 'I have bright blonde highlighted hair and as a result have to use a very hydrating shampoo and conditioner to stop it from drying out. However, when my dark roots start to show my hair gets greasy quickly and products build up because the shampoo is too moisturising for my natural colour. My hairdresser recommended getting a purifying shampoo for this greasy stage and as I have used other Aveda products in the past and love them, I decided to give their purifying one a go. WOW. My hair honestly feels so fresh and clean and smells amazing. I have no build-up or grease and my colour is still intact. I used a small amount twice and it’s also kept my hair super soft with a healthy shine. I definitely recommend it and will be purchasing it again!'
Pros
- Lightweight
- Refreshing
- Great at removing purple shampoo residue for any blondes who regularly use toning shampoos.
Cons
- Dense hair types may require a lot of product
Perfect For Curly Hair
www.sephora.co.uk
This dynamic duo (the Bouclème Scalp Exfoliating Shampoo alongside the Hydrating Hair Cleanser) removes product buildup with an exfoliating shampoo and soothes and rebalances dry and irritable or oily scalps with a gentle, foaming, hydrating cleanser.
Sephora review: 'This shampoo is great to use once or twice a week to clear your scalp of ‘build-up’. It also leaves my hair (longish and fine) feeling softer and a bit bouncier.'
Pros
- Features a cooling sensation
- Fail-safe choice for curly, kinky, coily and afro textures
- Promotes a healthy scalp microbiome
Cons
- If you don't like texture in your shampoo you won't the beaded formula
Perfect For Dandruff Sufferers
www.lookfantastic.com
This salon-quality shampoo is specifically designed for those with occasional dandruff, and its clear, purifying formula helps combat and control flakiness without putting undue stress on sensitive skin. The the primary ingredient, Piroctone Olamine, is commonly found in anti-dandruff shampoos and to treat fungal infections.
LookFantastic review: 'I bought this shampoo as since I've been pregnant my hormones have played havoc with my scalp causing a little bit of dandruff. I have always had an oily scalp too so this shampoo was recommended to help both problems. I love it, it has left my hair feeling and looking clean, super light and really healthy! I will absolutely be purchasing again!'
Pros
- Developed for use in professional salons
- Approved by dermatologists
- Lightweight
Cons
- Offers a light foam, if you prefer a rich lather you may need to dispense more product
Perfect For A Detoxing Treatment
www.loveamika.co.uk
Just like a face mask, Amika's exfoliating shampoo includes charcoal and pink clay to draw out impurities, and uses sea salt to deep clean and purify the hair. Although use for all hair textures is encouraged, it's not recommended for coloured or chemically treated hair.
Amika review: 'My hair was a bit dull and I didn't even know it until I used this product. It instantly lifted at the roots (not that it was oily and flat) but it gave my curls a true reset. My husband that normally does not comment too much about my hair, even noticed that my curls were beautiful and bouncy and not dry. I didn't even add any product after I showered.'
Pros
- Great for almost all hair types
- Deep cleanse
Cons
- Not suitable for coloured or chemically treated hair
Perfect For All Hair Types
www.sephora.co.uk
Loaded with sugars, minerals and betanin to condition the hair, and peppermint and sorrel extracts help to refresh, Noughty's affordable offering is a hardworking, plant-powered shampoo that prides itself on being ethically conscious.
Sephora review: 'Very good at removing buildup on my scalp and completely reduced how much I have to wash my hair. I love how good quality it is with it being natural, vegan and cruelty-free. Overall it made my oily-prone hair last 1 week in between washes and it smells amazing, only downside is you need a lot of product each time as it doesn’t spread or foam easily on my scalp.'
Pros
- Great for all hair
- Plant-powered, ethical
- Affordable
Cons
- One Sephora reviewer claimed this dried out their scalp
Perfect For Thick Hair
www.champohaircare.com
A gentle but effective shampoo that uses Turmeric root extract to help tone the scalp, and coconut oil to cleanse and purify without stripping. Chämpo warns that less is more when it comes to this concentrated formula as it contains 'formidable' natural actives.
Chämpo review: 'I've been using the Kapha shampoo and conditioner for a couple of years now and am still truly amazed at the results! I used to need to wash my hair every day, if I went an extra day my hair would look really greasy. Since using these products I can now go 3 days before needing to wash my hair which I am thrilled about. On top of this, my hair is in the best condition it's been and I get so many compliments about how great it looks and how shiny it is! The absolute bonus is that these products are natural - probably why the condition is so amazing! I will never use another brand again, I'm totally converted.'
Pros
- Rooted in Ayurvedic tradition
Cons
- Thin hair types may find this too rich