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Clarifying shampoos are a must for those of us who don’t wash our hair for, well, as long as we can possibly get away with it. (If you have a lot of hair, then you know how daunting and demanding the task can be.) But, interestingly, they’re also helpful for those who wash frequently. Clarifiers remove the excess oil, residue, and grime that builds up from skipping wash days, but they also rinse away leftover styling products and minerals from hard water better than your go-to shampoo can. "If you feel your hair has become a bit lifeless, then that’s typically a sign you need to clarify," says celebrity hairstylist Cynthia Alvarez. No matter what’s stuck on it, "a clarifying shampoo will wipe the slate clean." The key is to choose the right clarifying formula for your hair type and color.
Our Top Picks
- 1
Best for All Hair Types
Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo
$26 at Amazon$26 at AmazonRead more
- 2
Best for Shine
Davines Solu Shampoo
$34 at Amazon$34 at AmazonRead more
- 3
Best Affordable Option for Curly Hair
4U by Tia Clarifying Shampoo
$10 at Walmart$10 at WalmartRead more
- 4
Best Vegan
Biolage CleanReset Normalizing Shampoo, 33.8
$38 at Ulta Beauty$38 at Ulta BeautyRead more
- 5
Best for Menopausal Hair
VITABRID C12 Scalp+ Shampoo
$40 at Amazon$40 at AmazonRead more
Show more
Swap a clarifying shampoo for your regular shampoo at least once or twice a month. "Don’t use a clarifying shampoo more than once a week because excessive use can dry out the hair or fade color," says Cesar Deleon Ramirez, a celebrity stylist and Toppik brand ambassador.
When shopping for a formula, look for a product that includes hydrating ingredients in addition to cleansing, so it doesn’t completely strip the hair of moisture, recommends Alvarez. Here, our favorite clarifying shampoos along with celebrity-hairstylist-approved picks.
1Best for All Hair Types
Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo
1Best for All Hair Types
Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo
$26 at Amazon$25 at Walmart$26 at Saks Fifth AvenueCredit: MoroccanoilPros
Doesn’t strip color or moisture
Cons
It’s pricey compared to other options on this list
Ramirez loves this formula because it effectively removes dirt, oil, and product buildup without stripping the hair of moisture, thanks to argan and avocado oils. It’s also great for all hair types, including color-treated.
2Best for Shine
Davines Solu Shampoo
2Best for Shine
Davines Solu Shampoo
$34 at Amazon$24 at WalmartCredit: DavinesPros
Increases shine
Leaves hair feeling fresh
Cons
May not be safe for color-treated hair
Another one of Ramirez’s go-to formulas? This clarifying solution— because it "leaves hair and scalp feeling refreshed," he says. It contains buckwheat extract, which is rich in proteins, antioxidants, and amino acids that help strengthen hair and boost shine.
3Best Affordable Option for Curly Hair
4U by Tia Clarifying Shampoo
3Best Affordable Option for Curly Hair
4U by Tia Clarifying Shampoo
$10 at WalmartCredit: 4U by Tia Pros
Great for curly hair
Affordable
Cons
Not available at Ulta or Sephora
Tia Mowry recently launched a haircare collection, including this affordable clarifying shampoo for curly hair. Alvarez likes it because it has Hemi15, an ingredient that "helps strengthen and moisturize your hair while protecting from humidity and frizz," she says.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below4Best Vegan
Biolage CleanReset Normalizing Shampoo, 33.8
4Best Vegan
Biolage CleanReset Normalizing Shampoo, 33.8
$38 at Ulta Beauty$32 at Walmart$38 at JCPenneyCredit: BiolagePros
Vegan formula
Doesn’t strip hair
Cons
13.5 oz option is sold out
This CleanReset shampoo is another one of Alvarez’s favorites because it doesn’t strip the hair of moisture. It’s a vegan, cruelty-free formula packaged in a recycled bottle, so not only does it do great things for your hair, but it’s helping the environment a bit, too.
5Best for Menopausal Hair
VITABRID C12 Scalp+ Shampoo
5Best for Menopausal Hair
VITABRID C12 Scalp+ Shampoo
$40 at Amazon$32 at Nordstrom$27 at Saks Fifth AvenueCredit: VITABRID C12Pros
Promotes fullness and volume
Refreshing
Cons
It’s pricey compared to other options on this list
You’ll immediately notice how light and refreshed your hair and scalp feel after using this formula. It also strengthens hair and adds fullness with collagen-boosting peptides, making it ideal for tackling the thinning hair that menopause can cause.
6Best for Damaged Hair
Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo
6Best for Damaged Hair
Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo
$30 at SephoraCredit: OlaplexPros
Repairs broken hair bonds
Cons
Can be drying
Reach for this when you need a deep-cleanse and strengthening treatment in one. It leaves hair thoroughly cleansed, while its bond-building technology repairs broken areas in strands.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Best Exfoliating
OUAI Detox Shampoo
7Best Exfoliating
OUAI Detox Shampoo
$32 at Sephora$45 at Walmart$32 at Ulta BeautyCredit: OUAIPros
Exfoliates
Reduces frizz and adds shine
Cons
It’s pricey compared to other options on this list
Made with exfoliating apple cider vinegar, this formula removes flakes, residue, and buildup. Hydrolyzed keratin helps to soften strands, reduce frizz, and add shine.
8Best for All Curls
Ouidad Water Works Clarifying Shampoo
8Best for All Curls
Ouidad Water Works Clarifying Shampoo
$24 at Ulta Beauty$15 at Walmart$24 at NordstromCredit: OuidadPros
Cons
Can be drying
Whether you need to wash away hard-water deposits, chlorine, or residue, fruit acids in this clarifier remove the buildup without stripping curly hair of its moisture. Lemon, grapefruit, and orange extracts also help promote volume so curls are left defined and frizz-free.
9Best for Color-Treated Hair
COLOR WOW Color Security Shampoo
9Best for Color-Treated Hair
COLOR WOW Color Security Shampoo
$24 at Sephora$21 at WalmartCredit: COLOR WOWPros
Preserves hair color
Rich lather
Cons
May not be enough of a cleanse for those who use a lot of hair products
If you color your hair, product residue can dull your strands, and yet the potent cleansers in a clarifying shampoo can be too harsh on your hue. This formula solves that catch-22, relying on a blend of cleansing, hydrating, and strengthening ingredients that build into a lather and then completely rinse out so your color stays vibrant.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below10Best for Fullness
Michiru Clarifying Shampoo
10Best for Fullness
Michiru Clarifying Shampoo
$15 at TargetCredit: MichiruPros
Helps promote stronger and fuller hair
Cons
Contains fragrance
Typically, sulfates are the cleansing stars of clarifying formulas, but if you find them too drying, this formula is the perfect alternative. It infuses Japanese yuzu to gently cleanse without stripping the hair. It also contains peony extracts, which can help reduce inflammation and facilitate hair growth.
11Best for Flakes and Itchiness
Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo
11Best for Flakes and Itchiness
Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo
$42 at Amazon$65 at Walmart$42 at NordstromCredit: BriogeoPros
Soothing formula
Cons
It’s a splurge
A scrub and shampoo in one, this feels like a spa treatment for your scalp. Charcoal helps to cleanse deeply, while coconut oil, panthenol, and tea tree oil target flakes, itchiness, and dryness—and make your scalp feel soothed immediately afterward.
12Best Drugstore
Neutrogena Exfoliating Healthy Scalp Clarify & Shine Shampoo
12Best Drugstore
Neutrogena Exfoliating Healthy Scalp Clarify & Shine Shampoo
Now 25% Off$10 at Amazon$10 at WalmartCredit: NeutrogenaPros
Great for oiliness
Cons
Can be drying
This affordable drugstore pick is especially great for anyone who experiences excessive oiliness. Grapefruit extract gently exfoliates the scalp and increases shine.
