Clarifying Shampoo: What it is & Why You Need It
What is clarifying shampoo?:
Clarifying shampoo is stronger and more effective in thoroughly cleansing the hair and scalp compared to regular shampoos. Clarifying shampoos often contain sulfates or other surfactants that are particularly effective at breaking down oils and residues that can accumulate on the hair and scalp. These surfactants help to create lather and effectively remove dirt, hard water minerals, chlorine, oil, and product buildup from the hair that regular shampoos might not fully address. By effectively removing these residues, clarifying shampoo can help rejuvenate hair, making it look and feel cleaner, fresher, and more voluminous. Hair types and lifestyles vary, but as a general guideline, it's recommended that the average person clarifies their hair once or twice a month. Starting with this frequency and adjusting as needed is a good approach. If you find that your hair still doesn't feel sufficiently clean, you can increase the frequency of clarifying shampoo use. Conversely, if your hair seems overly stripped or dry, you may want to space out the clarifying sessions.
However, it's essential to be mindful of overusing clarifying shampoo, as it can potentially be harmful to your hair. The natural oils produced by your scalp play a crucial role in maintaining hair health and shine. Excessive use of clarifying shampoo can strip away too much of these oils, leaving your hair looking dull and lifeless
Avoid clarifying shampoo for at least a week after colouring the hair. These shampoo formulas are designed to strip away impurities, but in doing so, they can also strip away the color molecules from your hair.
When to use a clarifying shampoo:
If you're experiencing hair that feels heavy, lacks shine, or struggling with ongoing problems like excessive oiliness or an itchy, sensitive scalp, incorporating a clarifying shampoo into your routine could be beneficial. For athletes, swimmers, and those regularly exposed to hard water or high pollution levels, using a clarifying shampoo can help prevent hair breakage and damage. Individuals with curly hair, frizz concerns, or prone to dandruff should especially consider using a clarifying shampoo to eliminate buildup from their hair follicles.
Removing buildup
Clarifying shampoo is often used as a reset for excessive product buildup. Many regular shampoos lack the deep cleansing power required to effectively remove all the products you may use, resulting in layers of buildup that can leave your strands feeling greasy. While products like spray waxes or extra-strong hairsprays may have enhanced your style, it's then important to turn to clarifying shampoo when it's time to wash away that buildup and start fresh.
Oily scalp
If your hair still feels or look oily after using a regular shampoo to wash, you may be in need of a deeper cleansing treatment. Clarifying shampoos are perfect for those with excessively oily hair/scalps or dull hair. The clarifying shampoo will be able to remove more of the oily buildup on your hair, leaving your locks feeling fresher and cleaner.
When hair looks ‘lifeless’:
If you find your hair to be dull, limp, or lifeless then it may be time to clarify your hair. Commonly a lack of volume in the hair is due to product build-up or excessive oils on the scalp that can weigh the hair down. So, if you’re looking for voluminous locks a clarification could do wonders for you,
To improve vibrancy:
It's generally advised to avoid using a clarifying shampoo within the first week of coloring your hair, as it may strip away some of the color pigments and compromise the vibrancy of your new hue. However, after this initial period, occasional deep-cleaning sessions with a sulfate and paraben-free clarifying shampoo can be beneficial. These specialized clarifying shampoos can help remove any buildup or residue that may dull the color over time, allowing your vibrant hues to shine through. Just be sure to follow the instructions provided by your hairstylist or the hair dye manufacturer regarding the timing of clarifying treatments to maintain the longevity and intensity of your color-treated hair.