If your hair has been feeling greasy or looking dull and none of the products you usually use seem to be working, it might be time for a haircare reset. With constant use of products like leave-in conditioners, styling creams or even the best hair oils, product build-up on your scalp is normal along with remnants of dirt, sweat or dust that shampooing could sometimes miss. This is why you need a clarifying shampoo in your hair cleansing routine.
You might already have the best menopause shampoos if you are struggling with dry and brittle hair or you might have invested in shampoos for coloured hair to keep your hair looking vibrant. While these shampoos are formulated to address specific concerns, if your scalp is need of a deep clean, you might need to incorporate the best clarifying shampoo for your hair type in your shower routine.
Best clarifying shampoo at a glance
What is clarifying shampoo?
Healthy hair starts at the scalp and keeping it clean is key. For expert insight on scalp care, we spoke to Consultant Trichologist Eva Proudman FIT IAT at UK Hair Consultants. She explains that a clarifying shampoo is a deeper-cleaning formula designed to remove product build-up, excess oils and impurities that can weigh hair down and leave it looking dull.
Want to learn more about what clarifying shampoo is and how it works? We've got all of the answers in this helpful guide.
How to tell if your hair needs clarifying shampoo?
We also spoke to Anabel Kingsley, Brand President and Consultant Trichologist at Philip Kingsley and she says, “If you are facing scalp issues such as dandruff, dry scalp, irritation, flakiness or your hair gets greasy quickly, a clarifying shampoo can help. You should look for a product containing an acid such as Vitamin C or Citric Acid as these acids will exfoliate by dissolving build up.”
“Your hair may also need clarifying if it is very oily, dull and ‘lank’ from product build-up and other impurities which are often found in hard water,” Eva Proudman adds.
How we tested these clarifying shampoos
In order to put together a list of the best clarifying shampoos for a range of hair types and hair concerns, we sourced every product in the market worth buying and had our panel of testers review them. We assessed each of these clarifying shampoos based on a list of factors, which includes – effectiveness in cleansing the scalp, reducing irritation and itchiness, preventing flakiness, eliminating greasiness and how long these results last. We also looked at whether it causes excessive dryness, texture and feel of the shampoo, how easily it lathers, packaging, price range, quantity you get for the price, fragrance and overall user experience.
Best clarifying shampoos
Best clarifying shampoo overall
Akhila ThomasThe OUAI Detox Shampoo tops our list of the best clarifying shampoos given its effectiveness, formula and value for money. The OUAI Detox Shampoo was tested and reviewed by Akhila Thomas, Digital Writer for Yours.co.uk and she said, “As someone with curly hair who uses curl creams and hair oils on a daily basis, I need a clarifying shampoo at least once every 4-5 washes to get rid of product build-up. This shampoo has works well for me as it does a good job of getting rid of oil, impurities and grime without being too harsh on my curls.”
The formula is enriched with apple cider vinegar that deeply cleanses and removes build up from styling products and hard water deposits too. “It comes with a subtle scent of fresh citrus and apples and it leaves my scalp feeling clean and refreshed. The only downside I noticed is that you need quite a bit of the product to work up a good lather,” she said. But as a gentle, effective product this shampoo is definitely worth the price.
Pros
- Helps get rid of oil, impurities and grime
- Gentle on the hair
- Formula is enriched with apple cider vinegar
- Removes build up from styling products and hard water deposits
- Good value for money
Cons
- Reviewer noted that you need quite a bit of the product to work up a good lather
Best clarifying shampoo for greasy hair
NATALIE KNOWLESwww.philipkingsley.co.uk
Philip Kingsley’s Flaky/Itchy Shampoo comes expert recommended as a clarifying shampoo that is mild and gentle enough to be used as often as you need. Trichologist Anabel Kingsley says, “I would recommend a clarifying shampoo/treatment at least once a week to support hair health. This is an effective but gentle shampoo with ingredients such as anti-microbial Piroctone Olamine and Lauryl Betaine to deeply cleanse without causing redness or irritation.”
This shampoo was tested and reviwed by Angela who has been using this shampoo for years and considers it truly superb. “After struggling with flaking and irritation caused by bleaching, I discovered this shampoo, which has been my go-to ever since. The shampoo calms my scalp, reduces itchiness and prevents flare-ups. I haven’t experienced any major issues since I started using it,” she says.
This award-winning formula was originally created for Oscar-winning actor Sir Laurence Olivier and it is perfect for giving your scalp a deep clean, reducing flaking and oil build-up and it is also safe for colour-treated hair. "While it doesn’t create much lather on the first shampoo, it does on the second and I find the results well worth it. I love the light apple scent too, which adds a pleasant touch. It deeply cleanses without stripping my hair of colour or causing dryness," she adds.
Pros
- Expert recommended by Trichologist Anabel Kingsley
- Contains anti-microbial Piroctone Olamine and Lauryl Betaine
- Helps to deeply cleanse without causing redness, irritation, dryness or stripping hair of colour
- Helps to calm the scalp, reduce itchiness and prevent flare-ups
- Comes with a light apple scent
Cons
- Reviewer noted that it doesn’t create much lather on the first shampoo, but it does on the second.
Best clarifying shampoo for hard water
Piper Huxleywww.lookfantastic.com
The Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo is made to be used weekly to deliver a deep cleanse. This shampoo was tested and reviewed by Piper Huxley, Commercial Content Writer at Bauer Media. “This one tops the list of the best hard water shampoo to go for as the formula helps remove a wide range of impurities such as hard water minerals, chlorine, heavy metals and product build-up, without stripping colour,” Piper said.
It offers good value for money as well as you only need a small amount for a heap of difference. “My hair feels super soft and seems to have stopped any minerals and product residue build-up in its tracks. Hard water has been taking a toll on my skin and hair - but, my hair seems to be getting back to its former glory with this shampoo,” Piper added.
Pros
- Helps remove impurities such as hard water minerals, chlorine, heavy metals and product build-up
- Does not strip colour
- It is safe for coloured hair
- Only need a small amount for good lather
Cons
- If you already have dry scalp or dry hair, it might a bit drying, but this is why it works well for oily/greasy hair
Best affordable clarifying shampoo
Bootswww.boots.com
The L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hydra Pure Shampoo is perfect if you are looking for a budget-friendly option that cleans your scalp and protects your lengths. Formulated for greasy hair and roots, this loreal clarifying shampoo is infused with Salicylic Acid which helps remove excess oil and impurities and Hyaluronic Acid that adds moisture to prevent excessive dryness.
Reviewers online have shared that this shampoo left their hair feeling soft and refreshed. “I can now easily go 3 days before washing my hair again as it does not get as greasy or oily. The pleasant scent of the shampoo also lasts quite long,” one reviewer said. It is also silicone-free and suitable for all hair types.
Pros
- Budget-friendly option
- Infused with Salicylic Acid which helps remove excess oil and impurities
- Contains Hyaluronic Acid that adds moisture
- Long lasting pleasant scent
Cons
- Some reviewers have noted that it does not lather very easily and that you need a good quantity for it
Best clarifying shampoo for fine hair
Niyatiwww.boots.com
The Aveeno Haircare Clarify and Shine+ Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo is perfect for giving your scalp a deep clean if you have fine hair and need a gentle sulphate-free product. This shampoo was tested and reviewed by Niyati and she said, “I loved using this shampoo as it helped to cleanse my scalp without leaving it too dry. The scent is also quite mild which I prefer.”
It is made with colloidal oats known for their skin moisturising properties and helps to clarify your scalp by removing product build-up and residue while also enhancing shine and soothing the scalp. It is created with both the hair and scalp in mind, and it is also clinically proven to help relieve itchy, dry scalps and reduce flakes.
Pros
- Gentle sulphate-free product
- Helps to cleanse the scalp without leaving it too dry
- Made with colloidal oats known for their skin moisturising properties
- Helps enhance shine and soothes the scalp
- Helps elieve itchy, dry scalps and reduce flakes
Cons
- May not be suitable for very oily or greasy hair
Best clarifying shampoo for oily hair
Harshita SharmaThe Fudge Clean Mint Shampoo is the perfect clarifying shampoo to go for if you have coloured hair and a scalp that needs a deep cleanse. This shampoo was tested and reviewed by Harshita Sharma and she said, “I recently coloured my hair and I have red highlights. I was looking for a clarifying shampoo that would help remove the greasiness and oily look of my scalp without stripping the colour off or making my lengths too dry.”
This shampoo is formulated with sustainable marine algae extract to balance oil production and it also helps to reduce flaking, giving you a fresh, clean scalp. “I noticed that my scalp feels really clean and that fresh feeling lasts longer than before since I started using this shampoo. The mild menthol scent is also quite refreshing in the shower,” she added.
Pros
- Deep cleans scalp without stripping away hair colour
- Helps remove greasiness and oily look of the scalp
- It is formulated with sustainable marine algae extract to balance oil production
- Comes with a mild menthol scent
Cons
- Some reviewers online felt that the menthol scent could have been a bit more stronger and refreshing
Best clarifying shampoo sulphate free
Piper Huxleywww.boots.com
The Noughty Detox Dynamo Clarifying Shampoo is the perfect pick if you are looking for a budget friendly clarifying shampoo to give your scalp a deep clean. This shampoo was tested and reviewed by Akhila Thomas, Digital writer for Yours.co.uk and she said, “It works to cleanse any product build-up, dirt and hard water residue as it leaves my scalp feeling very fresh and light.”
The formula is enriched with Sugar Beet Extract to condition the hair, Peppermint extract that helps to purify and hydrate and Sorrel extract that contributes to cleansing. “The shampoo comes with a mild peppermint scent that is very subtle. You need lots of water and quite a bit of the product to work up a lather. But other than that, this clarifying shampoo is a good choice,” she adds.
Pros
- Budget friendly
- Helps cleanse any product build-up, dirt and hard water residue
- Formula is enriched with Sugar Beet Extract, Peppermint and Sorrel extract
- Comes with a mild peppermint scent
Cons
- Reviewer noted that you need lots of water and quite a bit of the product to work up a good lather
Best clarifying shampoo for curly hair
Bootswww.boots.com
If you have curly hair and are looking for a good clarifying shampoo, the Curlsmith Wash & Scrub Detox Shampoois the perfect pick. The formula is designed to remove all the product build-up and residue that tends to accumulate on the scalp if you regularly use styling and leave-in products, which a lot of us with curly hair do. The shampoo is also formulated to clean the scalp without drying out the lengths which is very important for curly hair.
Reviewers online have shared quite positive experiences with the shampoo. “I have struggled with a crusty, scabby scalp for ages and nothing seemed to work. I found that this shampoo helps to deeply cleanse my scalp without being harsh, and for the first time, I can actually feel my scalp breathing again,” one reviewer said. The formula contains micro-exfoliating particles that will unclog hair follicles and wash off without leaving any residue or getting stuck in your hair. This is another feature that was much appreciated by several reviewers. It is also infused with Apple Cider Vinegar that helps to cleanse any build-up and leave your curls shiny and rejuvenated.
Pros
- Designed for curly hair to cleanse without drying out the lengths or disturbing the natural curl pattern
- Formula contains micro-exfoliating particles that will unclog hair follicles
- Infused with Apple Cider Vinegar that helps to cleanse any build-up
Cons
- Some reviewers have noted that you need a lot of product to work up a good lather
Best clarifying shampoo and conditioner
AmazonIf you are looking for a good clarifying shampoo and conditioner set that gives you the whole package, the Coco & Eve Repair & Restore Shampoo & Conditioner Bundle is the perfect pick. Both the products are free of sulphates, phthalates, and parabens, making them gentle on your hair and scalp. Reviewers online have shared that it works to make the scalp feel really refreshed. “I love the scent and how it leaves my hair feeling clean and lightweight. The shampoo also lathers quite well,” one reviewer added.
The duo is infused with Ceramide that boosts shine, repairs and reduces damage, Hyaluronic Acid Complex that prevents moisture loss and frizz, Vitamin B5 that smooths hair cuticles and locks in moisture as well as Coconut and Guava extracts that add silkiness and shine to your hair while deep cleaning your scalp.
Pros
- It is free of sulphates, phthalates, and parabens
- It lathers quite well
- Infused with Ceramide, Hyaluronic Acid Complex, Vitamin B5 and Coconut and Guava extracts
Cons
- Some reviewers felt that it is a bit on the pricier side
What is the best clarifying shampoo?
The level of clarifying your scalp requires depends on the type of hair and scalp you have. This is why we have listed out the best clarifying shampoos for different hair types such as oily, greasy, dry or curly hair. So, if you tend to be more on the oilier side, then you will need a strong clarifying shampoo that will prevent greasy roots and restore the freshness and volume back to your hair. However, if you have dry scalp or dry hair, then you will need a good clarifying shampoo that gets rid of product build-up or flaking without drying out your lengths. So it is important to choose the best clarifying shampoo according to what your hair and scalp needs.
How often to use clarifying shampoo?
“A clarifying shampoo should only be used once a month as it is much ‘stronger in action’ than a regular cleansing shampoo and can strip and dehydrate the hair if used too often,” says Trichologist Eva Proudman.
Best clarifying shampoos FAQs
Is head and shoulders a clarifying shampoo?
While all shampoos from the brand are not clarifying shampoos, the Head & Shoulders Clarify & Shine Shampoo is a clarifying shampoo that is designed to target the root cause of dandruff and maintain a balanced scalp microbiome. It can be used by both men and women and comes with a fresh apple scent. The clinically proven, dermatologically tested, and pH-balanced formula leaves your scalp and hair feeling clean and fresh.
Who should not use clarifying shampoo?
“If you suffer from a scalp condition that causes itchiness and / or flakiness, such as seborrhoeic dermatitis or psoriasis, a clarifying shampoo can be too harsh and can actually exacerbate / irritate the scalp. So, look for shampoos that are specifically designed to manage these conditions such as Juniper Therapy treatment shampoo,” Trichologist Eva Proudman says.
If you have very dry or damaged hair, then a clarifying shampoo can again dehydrate the hair further by removing vital oils and moisture, potentially leading to breakage. So she recommends choosing a clarifying shampoo that adds moisture back to your lengths while also cleansing the scalp. Some clarifying shampoos can also be too harsh on colour treated hair and can strip the colour, particularly semi-permanent colour. So, you may need to opt for a colour-safe clarifying shampoo.
Should you double shampoo with clarifying shampoo?
“You shouldn’t need to double shampoo when using a clarifying shampoo – however, I would recommend a good conditioner after clarifying as this will help to combat the potential impact of dehydration from the shampoo,” Eva adds.
Meet the experts:
Anabel Kingsley – She is the Brand President and Consultant Trichologist at Philip Kingsley. She is a qualified trichologist and an Associate Member of The Institute of Trichologists. With a special focus on postpartum hair loss, nutrition and the psychology of hair loss, she is a professional who began her career at Philip Kingsley in 2006 and now, she heads the team.
Eva Proudman is the founder and a Consultant Trichologist at UK Hair Consultants. She also set up Tricoextra, an award-winning hair supplement brand that aims to resolve excessive hair loss. She has been working as an expert in hair and scalp health for over 20 years now
Akhila Thomas is a digital writer at Yours.co.uk and her areas of interest are beauty, fashion, food, wellness and lifestyle. She has previously written for magazines like Leftlion, Women’s Health and t’Art and worked extensively with art, culture, fashion and social media trends. She also likes to travel and explore new cultures and cuisines.