The Best Clarifying Shampoos To Give Your Hair A Reset And Remove Buildup

According to the expert, “A clarifying shampoo is essentially a deep cleanser for your hair and scalp”. He distinguishes that “unlike traditional shampoos, which are designed for regular cleansing, clarifying shampoos are formulated to remove buildup from styling products, pollution, excess oil, and even minerals from hard water. They’re more intensive than your everyday shampoo – think of them as hitting the reset button for your hair.”

There are dedicated shampoos for dandruff and itchiness, which often go hand in hand. McKnight says, “While clarifying shampoos can help alleviate itchiness caused by product or oil buildup, they’re not specifically formulated to treat dandruff, which often requires targeted actives. A scalp treatment oil such as Hair By Sam McKnight Pure Genius Scalp Restoring Oil would be ideal here. As it clarifies the scalp gently, while improving the scalp microbiome and is enriched with Crinipan, a clinically proven active to regulate sebum, reduce oil, and fight dandruff.”

Simply, there is not a difference between clarifying and detox shampoos. The hairstylist confirms this, “the terms are often used interchangeably. The goal is the same: to remove impurities and build up intensely.”

According to McKnight, “that’s exactly what they’re designed for.” He says, “if you’re someone who uses a lot of styling products, or heavier pomades. Or if your styling products don’t breakdown easily in water/ with a regular cleanse. Or you live in a city with hard water you might notice a gradual buildup that makes your hair feel dull, heavy, or limp these are a good option for a once in a while cleanse.”

To double down on your efforts, he also recommends a focus on scalp care. “You can clarify and detox your scalp with a scalp treatment, which will have a deeper benefit to your scalp. A healthier scalp really is the foundation to healthier, stronger hair. Hair By Sam McKnight Pure Genius Scalp Restoring Oil has been formulated to balance, nourish and soothe helping to prevent inflammation, irritation which can inhibit healthy hair growth. It’s an investment for your hair.”

“Clarifying shampoos can be beneficial for almost everyone, but it’s all about how you use them”, McKnight tells us. “It depends on your hair type, lifestyle and the type of buildup you have. Most people would benefit from using their regular shampoo more regularly.”

He cautions, “rather than cleansing less throughout the week and saying they have product build up and then using a deep clarifying shampoo. This yo-yo of greasy, heavy with sebum or product, and then overly stripped is going to contribute to a distressed microbiome, which can in turn inhibit healthy hair growth. Dry, parched hair, coloured hair, should be cautious. Some clarifying shampoos can be too stripping and may fade colour more quickly.”

While this is very dependent on hair type and lifestyle, the hairstylist stresses that for most people “once every two weeks” may be enough to prevent stripping the strands. “If you’re using a lot of products or you’re often in an urban environment, you might need it weekly. But if your hair is dry, curly, or colour-treated, once every two to four weeks might be enough – just be sure to follow up with a nourishing treatment to boost hydration and repair.”