13 Best Clarifying Shampoos for Your Cleanest Hair Ever
We've got picks for all hair types that remove every drop of dirt, oil and product build-up.
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Whether you don't wash your hair often (guilty!), use multiple styling products, have oily hair or for a multitude of other reasons (hello, pollution), most of us can benefit from using a clarifying shampoo. Also known as purifying or deep cleaning shampoos, these hair cleansers “are formulated to remove excess buildup, residue, dirt, oils and product on your hair and scalp,” says Antoinette Bullock, DIY natural hair expert for Sally Beauty.
“Clarifying shampoos may contain a higher percentage of surfactants, but they are specifically formulated to have fewer or no conditioning agents to prevent leaving any residue,” adds Sabina Wizemann, GH Beauty Lab Director.
But how exactly do they work? “The surfactants produce micelles that surround oily substances like sebum, and pull it off the hair follicle or scalp, making it easier to be rinsed out in water,” explains Danusia Wnek, a senior chemist at the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab.
Truth be told, all clarifying shampoos are not all created equal. It's important to choose the right one for your hair type, texture and overall hair condition, especially if your hair is processed or color-treated. Clarifying shampoos are meant to be used sporadically and only when needed. “If used too often, you could end up with super dry hair,” explains Bullock.
Over the years, the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab has evaluated hundreds of shampoos for different hair types and concerns. For each one, our chemists test and quantify the efficacy of each formula (with the matching conditioner) on real human hair swatches and send products out for real consumer feedback.
Keep reading for our top clarifying shampoo picks, including expert and editor favorites and others that are highly rated and reviewed. Plus, shopping tips and how to best use these deep cleansers.
Pros
- Can be used on many hair types
- Deep cleans without stripping hair
Cons
- May fade color treatment
Best for: All hair types and textures | Scent: Floral | Size: 10 oz.
While most clarifying shampoos are not one size fits all, we love that this one can be used on straight, wavy, curly and coily hair types as well as fine, medium and thick textures. Ouai products have a loyal following so it’s no surprise that the Detox Shampoo is also a favorite at Sephora. Take note, it did seem to fade hair color treatment during use.
Reviewers Say: Some found that it washed away styling product buildup without making the scalp feel too dry.
Pros
- Good value
- Beauty Lab favorite
Cons
- Scent may be too strong for some
Best for: All hair types | Scent: Fruity floral | Size: 22.5 oz.
It's unanimous: all of our experts agree that this shampoo from Suave does an effective job of removing dirt and oil while being one of the lowest-priced clarifying shampoos on this list. Shoppers also praised this on Amazon. However, the scent may be too strong for some.
Experts Say: Our chemists call this the "gold standard" for clarifying shampoos because they use this to thoroughly cleanse hair swatches that will be used for testing all types of hair products.
SheaMoisture Strengthen and Restore Shampoo
Pros
- Claims to balance pH levels in hair and scalp
- Strengthens hair
Cons
- Could tangle hair
Best for: Fine hair | Scent: Light and fresh | Size: 13 oz.
In addition to being color safe and sulfate-free, "the formula is infused with apple cider vinegar and shea butter to balance your pH levels on the scalp and hair strands," Bullock says. One thing to keep an eye out for: a few reviewers share that it leaves hair tangled after using.
Expert Says: It's ideal for those with fine hair as "it strengthens strands to prevent breakage and shedding," Bullock says.
RELATED: Best Shampoos for Thinning Hair
Bumble and bumble Sunday Clarifying Shampoo
Pros
- Removes excess oil
- Sephora best seller
Cons
- Not for color-treated hair
Best for: Oily hair | Scent: Clean and fresh | Size: 8.5 oz.
Some clarifying shampoos only focus on removing buildup on hair but this clarifying shampoo promises it can remove excess oil as well as product residue and pollutants. Though we didn't put this through our rigorous Lab testing, it's one of the most popular clarifying shampoos at Sephora. It claims to work on many different hair types and textures but it’s best for healthy, oily, non-color treated hair.
Reviewer Says: "Leaves my hair super shiny and clean," one Sephora reviewer shared.
Pros
- Low-lather which is ideal for waves and curls
- Contains hydrating ingredients
Cons
- A few reviewers noted that it was drying on their hair
Best for: Wavy and curly hair | Scent: Light and fresh | Size: 12 oz.
Whether your hair has a little wave, a super wavy texture or full blown curls, this shampoo from Texture ID is a great option for you. It's packed with honey, silk amino acids and hydrolyzed wheat proteins to hydrate hair and prevent breakage. While most reviewers agree that their hair felt healthy and soft after using it, a few noted that the shampoo did leave their hair dry.
Expert Says: "I love this one because it’s a low-lather shampoo that gently clarifies without stripping the hair of its natural oil," says Bullock.
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Drybar On The Rocks Clarifying Charcoal Shampoo
Pros
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Refreshes scalp
Cons
- Strong scent that doesn't appeal to some users
Best for: Chemically-treated and damaged hair | Scent: Musky and spicy | Size: 8.5 oz.
If you’re looking to steer clear of sulfates, try the Drybar On the Rocks Clarifying Charcoal Shampoo. It claims to be free of sulfates, parabens and phthalates. It also guarantees it’s safe for color- and keratin-treated hair and contains charcoal to help clean the scalp. FYI: It does have a very strong masculine scent that many reviewers love but others were not a fan of.
Reviewers Say: Enthusiasts of this shampoo rave how clean their hair and scalp feel after they use this shampoo.
EDEN BodyWorks Peppermint Tea Tree Shampoo
Pros
- Soothes dry scalp
- Fresh scent
Cons
- Not ideal for color-treated hair
Best for: Dry scalp and other scalp issues | Scent: Minty and refreshing | Size: 8 oz.
While a clarifying shampoo is typically designed to deep clean the hair and scalp, it usually doesn't help with additional scalp issues. This one does both and claims to increase scalp circulation and decrease any itching and flakes. It likely won't help with skin conditions like dandruff though, which likely need OTC products with ingredients such as pyrithione zinc.
Expert Says: "It contains pure peppermint botanicals which can help invigorate the scalp," says Bullock.
RELATED: 11 Best Scalp Scrubs
Aveda Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo
Pros
- Refreshing scent
- Adds body to fine to normal hair
- Sustainable packaging
Cons
- A few reviewers claim that the bottle leaks
Best for: Fine to normal hair | Scent: Rosemary mint | Size: 8.5 oz.
Get the salon experience at home with this purifying shampoo. This formula promises to gently deep clean hair and adds body to fine to normal hair. It's rated 4.6 stars from over 3,000 reviews and buyers commented how much they love the invigorating rosemary mint scent and how refreshed they feel after using it. As a bonus, this shampoo also took a top spot in our Sustainable Packaging Awards for its 100% recycled plastic bottle, recyclable cap and no secondary packaging, though some reviewers say the bottle leaks.
Experts Say: Our experts love the sustainability component: the bottle is made of 100% recycled plastic (with no secondary packaging) and you can recycle the press-caps at the curb.
Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo
Pros
- Great signature scent
- Removes buildup
Cons
- May dry out hair if used too often
Best for: Thick and color-treated hair | Scent: Musky floral | Size: 8.5 oz.
Moroccanoil hair products are a favorite among our staffers and this clarifying shampoo is no exception. Though not tested in our Lab, it has a 4.6 rating and over 2,600 reviews on Amazon. This clarifying shampoo is made with Argan and avocado oils and claims to remove buildup.
Reviewers say: Many find that this shampoo is excellent at getting rid of residue but they recommend only using it once or twice a month; otherwise it can dry out hair.
TPH by Taraji Honey Fresh Clarifying Shampoo
Pros
- Nourishing formula
- Great for all textures
Cons
- Strong woodsy smell
Best for: Dry hair | Scent: Amber, woodsy | Size: 12 oz.
The word "softening" is not usually associated with clarifying shampoos. This one from TPH by Taraji is the exception to the rule. The strongly-scented gel formula contains honey, aloe and willowbark extract which help purify the hair and scalp without stripping natural oils.
Expert Says: "It helps to remove hard water and mineral buildup which can make hair feel rough," Bullock says. "This shampoo will leave your scalp and hair fresh and clean but also maintain your hair's softness."
Ion Color Solutions Color Defense Clarifying Shampoo
Pros
- Doesn't fade color
- Good value
- Removes buildup well
Cons
- Some feel that it's drying
Best for: Color-treated hair | Scent: Citrus and mild | Size: 10.5 oz.
This sulfate-free cleanser is a big hit among those with color-treated hair as it won't strip color at all but does a great job at removing buildup. A few users felt it was drying so if you have drier hair, make sure to use hydrating hair products along with it.
Expert says: Bullock is a fan of this product "because it's affordable, color-safe, 100% vegan and works hard to remove buildup without stripping moisture from the hair."
L’Oréal Paris EverPure Clarify Sulfate Free Shampoo
Pros
- Gentle on hair
- Adds shine
- Safe on color-treated hair
Cons
- May leave hair frizzy
Best for: | Scent: Rosemary mint | Size: 6.8 oz.
In GH's consumer testing, this shampoo and conditioner combo was one of the top performers for being gentle on hair and adding shine. The fresh scent was a big hit and many felt their hair was super soft after washing. However, it may leave hair frizzy.
Tester Says: "This shampoo cleaned my oily hair extremely well," said one tester. "I've recently tried several salon-quality clarifying shampoos that could not remove enough oil from my hair to go for more than one day between washings; this shampoo solved the problem!" Plus, she said her color was not impacted at all.
Color Wow Color Security Shampoo
Pros
- Removes buildup
- Brightens color
Cons
- May leave hair dry and tangled
Best for: Color-treated hair | Scent: Subtle and fresh | Size: 8.4 oz.
While this Color Wow shampoo isn’t labeled as clarifying, GH's Senior Beauty and Style Director April Franzino finds that it has clarifying benefits on her hair. According to the brand, every ingredient rinses off easily for optimal hair and scalp health. Many reviewers rave about the deeply cleansing formula; a few found it drying and that it left hair tangled.
Expert Says: "I use this shampoo when my highlights are looking dull or discolored — it removes any buildup, making my color immediately look brighter and fresher," says Franzino.
RELATED: Best Shampoos for Colored Hair
How we choose the best clarifying shampoos
The Good Housekeeping Institute has tested hundreds of shampoos (along with their matching conditioners) of all types over the years both in the Lab with high-tech instruments and on consumer testers. In the Lab, we use devices such as the Instron machine to determine conditioning ability and the Spectrophotometer to assess color fading.
For consumer testing, shampoos are first label-masked to eliminate brand bias and then distributed to testers of various hair types across the country to use in their hair routine at home. They then assess the products on their performance, including how well they cleanse hair, how they make hair look and feel, ease of use and overall satisfaction.
While the Lab hasn’t done a specific test on clarifying shampoos, we used our expertise and years of testing to select the picks on this list, comprised of test-winners, recommendations from Beauty Lab and Editor experts, hairstylists and reviewers.
What to look for when shopping for the best clarifying shampoos
It's all about the buzzwords. "Look for keywords on shampoo bottles to know that you have purchased the right product for the job," says Bullock. "Keywords include 'stripping,' 'clarifying,' 'deep cleansing,' 'reset,' 'detox' and 'can remove excess product.'"
It is also important to consider your hair's needs. "If you have color-treated hair you want to make sure it says 'color safe' or it might strip away your color," says Bianca Renee, DIY curly hair expert for Sally Beauty. "Read the labels to see if it is clarifying exactly what you want it to clarify, i.e., product build, dandruff or hard water minerals."
How often should you use a clarifying shampoo?
Unfortunately there is no simple answer to this one as it really depends on your hair type, texture and goals. "Clarifying shampoos should be used only when your hair feels weighed down or you know you need a deeper cleansing than a normal shampoo," says Bullock. But one thing is for sure: "It is not recommended to use a clarifying shampoo every wash day," says Renee. While usage is personal, Renee suggests using a clarifying shampoo more often if you use products that contain silicones or waxes.
Is clarifying shampoo good for your hair?
Yes, but with a caveat. "Clarifying shampoos are good for your hair because they provide your hair and scalp with a fresh new start," says Bullock. A good clarifying shampoo can effectively and thoroughly cleanse the scalp and hair, but "it can also have negative side effects if used too often and could leave your hair feeling dry and dull," says Renee. "It's best to find a clarifying shampoo that also includes some moisturizing ingredients." You can also use a rich conditioner or nourishing deep conditioner immediately after to help balance the pH levels.
Is apple cider vinegar better than clarifying shampoo?
"Clarifying shampoos are designed explicitly for thorough and consistent cleansing results and are rigorously tested to ensure both efficiency and safety," explains Sabina Wizemann, GH Beauty Lab Director. They use surfactants to remove styling product buildup, oil, sebum and pollutants, and can be tailored for specific hair types, such as curly and fine hair, or processed and colored hair.
"Apple cider vinegar, which is chemically diluted acetic acid, can vary by brand and batch, making its effects unpredictable," she says. It can irritate skin if it's too concentrated or be completely ineffective when diluted too much. "Think of apple cider vinegar as more of a general-purpose rinse if you don’t mind the smell, but we recommend using a clarifying shampoo when you need a thorough clean."
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
GH Contributing Writer and Analyst Jamie Ueda, freelance writer and consumer product expert, did the initial research and product selection for this article. She specializes in product testing and reviews, lending her product knowledge across multiple categories such as apparel, textiles, home, kitchen, beauty and tech.
GH Contributing Beauty Editor Dori Price updated the story with new details about clarifying shampoos, expert tips and added more product picks. She has over 15 years of experience researching and writing haircare and hairstyling stories, combining her knowledge with the expertise of top industry professionals such as hairstylists, hair colorists and trichologists. She is an expert in all hair product categories, from shampoos, conditioners, treatments, styling products and tools to hair color, professional services and more.
GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek shared her expertise about clarifying shampoos for this piece, as well as contributing all of the information about the Good Housekeeping Institute's testing of shampoos and conditioners. She has spent over a decade researching and developing testing protocols for haircare products for the Good Housekeeping Institute.
Jamie Ueda is a consumer products expert with over 17 years of experience in areas of product development and manufacturing. She has held leading roles at both mid-size consumer goods companies and one of the most notable and largest apparel brands in the world. Jamie has contributed to several of the GH Institute Labs, including Kitchen Appliances, Media and Tech, Textiles and Home Appliances. In her free time she enjoys cooking, traveling, and working out.
Dori Price is a New York City-based freelance writer and editor and beauty, style and wellness expert who was the Beauty & Fashion Director at Family Circle for 13 years before she joined Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Woman’s Day as a freelance beauty editor. She has also written for WomensHealthMag.com, Elle.com and HealthCentral.com.
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