Best Clarifying Shampoo of 2025

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 10, 2025

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Clarifying shampoo is a type of shampoo that is designed to remove buildup from hair caused by styling products, hard water, and other environmental factors. It is formulated with stronger cleansing agents than regular shampoo and is used periodically to deep-cleanse the hair and scalp. Clarifying shampoo is especially useful for people who use a lot of hair styling products, as these can leave a residue that regular shampoo may not be able to remove. It is important to note that clarifying shampoo should not be used too frequently, as it can strip the hair of its natural oils and cause dryness.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two Cover #TOP 1
Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two
ftb score rating icon 9.9
L'Oreal Paris EverPure Clarifying Shampoo Cover #TOP 2
L'Oreal Paris EverPure Clarifying Shampoo
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Kristin Ess Hair Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo Cover #TOP 3
Kristin Ess Hair Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Clarifying Shampoo

Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two

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Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two Cover
Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two, Clarifying, Removes Buildup, For All Hair Types, Especially Oily Hair 10.14 fl. oz.

Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two is a clarifying shampoo that removes buildup and is suitable for all hair types, especially oily hair. It is perfect for medium to fine hair and chemically treated hair, leaving hair manageable, full of body and shine without the dull build-up. Customers have reported that it cleans hair really well, helps with oil and sweat, and leaves hair feeling healthy and not weighed down. However, some customers have noted that it can strip hair of oils and damage color, and that the scent may not be to everyone's liking.

What We Like
Cleans hair really well
Helps with oil and sweat
Leaves hair feeling healthy and not weighed down
#TOP 2

L'Oreal Paris EverPure Clarifying Shampoo

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L'Oreal Paris EverPure Clarifying Shampoo Cover
L'Oreal Paris Clarify Sulfate Free Shampoo with Antioxidants, Clarifying Shampoo for Hard Water Exposure and Styling Build-up, EverPure, 6.8 Fl Oz

L'Oreal EverPure Shampoo is designed to protect your hair color from fading while eliminating buildup from styling products and hard water. This sulfate-free formula not only cleanses but also delivers double the moisture, helping your hair feel hydrated and healthy. With Vitamin C and Glycine, it ensures your hair remains vibrant and strong. Plus, it’s vegan and free from sulfates and parabens, making it a safe choice for color-treated hair. Use it alongside the Restoring Conditioner for the best results and to maintain that salon-fresh look.

What We Like
Color protection
Double moisture delivery
Vegan and sulfate-free
Removes styling buildup

Kristin Ess Hair Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo

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Kristin Ess Hair Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo Cover
Kristin Ess Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo for Oily Hair & Build Up | Detox Purifying + Cleansing Oily Hair Treatment - Sulfate Free + Vegan - Product for Thick, Curly + Color Treated Hair

Kristin Ess Deep Clean Shampoo is a purifying and volumizing shampoo suitable for all hair types. It removes excess oils, mineral deposits, product buildup, and even silicones that can accumulate over time. The shampoo provides a deep cleanse, leaving the hair feeling moisturized, full, and shiny from root to tip. The clean and well-conditioned canvas is essential for healthy hair. This shampoo is cruelty-free, vegan, and free of parabens, phthalates, and silicones. To use, apply a dime to quarter-sized amount of shampoo to wet hair, massage into the scalp to create a rich lather, rinse thoroughly, and repeat if necessary.

What We Like
Purifies and volumizes
Removes mineral and product buildup
Leaves hair moisturized and shiny

Neutrogena Exfoliating Healthy Scalp Shampoo

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Neutrogena Exfoliating Healthy Scalp Shampoo Cover
Neutrogena Exfoliating Healthy Scalp Clarify & Shine Shampoo for Oily Hair and Scalp, Anti-Residue Shampoo with Pink Grapefruit, pH-Balanced, Paraben & Phthalate-Free, Color-Safe, 12oz

Neutrogena Exfoliating Healthy Scalp Clarify & Shine Shampoo is designed to clarify and exfoliate oily hair and scalp. It contains pink grapefruit and is pH-balanced, paraben and phthalate-free, and color-safe. This shampoo is perfect for those who want to achieve a healthy scalp and shiny hair.

What We Like
Clarifies and exfoliates oily hair and scalp
Pink grapefruit ingredient
pH-balanced, paraben and phthalate-free, and color-safe

OUAI Detox Shampoo Travel Size

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3 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
OUAI Detox Shampoo Travel Size Cover
OUAI Detox Shampoo Travel Size - Clarifying Shampoo for Build Up, Dirt, Oil, Product and Hard Water - Apple Cider Vinegar & Keratin for Clean, Refreshed Hair - Sulfate-Free Hair Care (3 oz)

The OUAI Detox Shampoo is your go-to solution for maintaining clean and healthy hair. This clarifying shampoo, enriched with apple cider vinegar, effectively removes buildup from products and hard water, giving your hair a fresh start. You can use it once or twice a week to help eliminate dirt and oil, while chelating agents work to lift away heavy minerals and chlorine that may damage your hair color. With a focus on effortless routines, this sulfate-free shampoo simplifies your hair care process, allowing you to enjoy beautiful, nourished strands without the fuss.

What We Like
Removes product and hard water buildup
Exfoliates itchy scalp
Sulfate-free formula
Simplifies hair care routine
#TOP 6

Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo

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Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo Cover
Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo, Deep Cleans, Softens, Restores Shine, & Clarity, For All Hair Types Experiencing Product Buildup or Excess Oil, 8.5 fl oz

Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo is a liquid shampoo that gently washes away damaging buildup and impurities for deeply clean hair without dryness. Formulated with a Broad-Spectrum Clarifying System, it is a deeply reparative mask for weightless hair.

What We Like
Gently washes away damaging buildup and impurities
Does not dry out hair
Reparative mask for weightless hair

OGX Rosemary Mint Clarifying Shampoo

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OGX Rosemary Mint Clarifying Shampoo Cover
OGX Clarifying Strength + Rosemary Mint Shampoo, Clarifying Shampoo Visibly Helps Remove Oil & Residue to Clear Away Buildup from Oily Hair, Sulfate-Free Surfactants, 13 fl. oz

OGX Clarifying Shampoo is designed to help you achieve cleaner, healthier hair. This shampoo effectively removes excess oil and buildup, giving your hair a fresh start. Infused with rosemary and peppermint, it not only clarifies but also refreshes your scalp, leaving a pleasant scent. The improved formula protects your hair from damage, reducing frizz and breakage while adding shine. Additionally, the innovative Lipi Pro Shield Technology offers enhanced protection for your hair's natural proteins and lipids, ensuring your strands remain strong and vibrant. For optimal results, pair this shampoo with the complete OGX Rosemary Mint hair care line.

What We Like
Removes oil and residue
Refreshing rosemary and mint scent
Strengthens and adds shine
Protects against frizz and breakage

Kenra Clarify Shampoo 10.1 fl. oz.

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Kenra Clarify Shampoo 10.1 fl. oz. Cover
Kenra Clarify Shampoo | Deep Cleansing | Color-Safe | Removes Dulling Deposits & Product Build Up | Brightens Highlighted, Bleached, or Gray Hair | Adds Shine | All Hair Types | 10.1 fl. oz.

The Kenra Clarify Shampoo is designed to effectively cleanse your hair by removing harmful impurities and buildup. It tackles issues like hard water minerals and pollutants, helping your hair look fresh and vibrant. With the addition of Willow Bark Extract, this shampoo clarifies your hair without leaving it feeling dry or stripped. It's also color-safe, so you can enjoy its benefits without worrying about dulling your color-treated hair. This makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking to brighten highlighted, bleached, or gray hair while adding shine.

What We Like
Deep cleansing action
Color-safe formula
Enhances shine
Gentle on hair

Redken Hair Cleansing Cream Clarifying Shampoo

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Redken Hair Cleansing Cream Clarifying Shampoo Cover
Redken Detox Hair Cleansing Cream Clarifying Shampoo | For All Hair Types | Removes Buildup & Strengthens Cuticle | 8.5 Fl Oz

REDKEN Clarifying Shampoo is a professional-grade hair cleanser suitable for all hair types. It removes product buildup, excess oil, and pollution residue from your hair, leaving it purified, refreshed, and shiny. The shampoo is formulated with alpha hydroxy acid, fruit acid, and cleansing complex to deeply purify hair build-up and pollution and remove copper, iron, magnesium, and calcium minerals. The clarifying shampoo strengthens the hair cuticle, pairs well with any Redken conditioner, and is suitable for both colored and non-colored hair. With this shampoo, you can prepare your hair for in-salon services, deeply cleanse oily and greasy hair, and instantly remove residue.

What We Like
Suitable for all hair types
Deeply cleanses oily and greasy hair
Strengthens hair cuticle

Nexxus Clean & Pure Clarifying Shampoo

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Nexxus Clean & Pure Clarifying Shampoo Cover
Nexxus Clean and Pure Clarifying Shampoo, With ProteinFusion, Nourished Hair Care Silicone, Dye And Paraben Free 33.8 oz

Nexxus Clean & Pure Clarifying Shampoo is a lightweight, hydrating shampoo that gently cleanses and nourishes hair. Formulated with an exclusive PROTEINFUSION blend of elastin protein and marine minerals, it replenishes vital nutrients and recovers hair's natural shine, movement and moisture. This silicone, dye and paraben free shampoo is safe for even dull, dry or damaged hair, and is great for all hair types.

What We Like
Removes buildup
Leaves hair manageable and soft
Dye and paraben-free
Minimal scent
Comes in a large bottle
Buying Guide Image

Find Your Fit: How to Buy the Right Clarifying Shampoo

Introduction

Clarifying shampoo is a type of shampoo that is designed to remove buildup from your hair caused by styling products, hard water, and other environmental factors. It can be a great way to refresh your hair and give it a deep clean. However, with so many options on the market, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. In this article, we will explain what to look for when choosing a clarifying shampoo.

Ingredients

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a clarifying shampoo is the ingredients. Look for shampoos that contain gentle ingredients such as tea tree oil, peppermint, or chamomile. Avoid shampoos that contain harsh chemicals like sulfates, parabens, and silicones. These ingredients can strip your hair of natural oils and cause damage.

Hair Type

Another important factor to consider is your hair type. Different clarifying shampoos are designed for different hair types. If you have dry or damaged hair, look for a clarifying shampoo that contains moisturizing ingredients like jojoba oil or shea butter. If you have oily hair, look for a clarifying shampoo that is specifically designed for oily hair.

Frequency of Use

Clarifying shampoos are more powerful than regular shampoos, so they should not be used every day. Using a clarifying shampoo too often can strip your hair of natural oils and cause damage. It is recommended to use a clarifying shampoo once a week or every other week.

Brand Reputation

When choosing any hair care product, it is important to consider the reputation of the brand. Look for brands that have a good reputation for producing high-quality products. Some well-known brands that produce clarifying shampoos include Neutrogena, Bumble and Bumble, and Moroccanoil.

Conclusion

Choosing the right clarifying shampoo can be a daunting task, but by considering ingredients, hair type, frequency of use, and brand reputation, you can find the perfect product for your hair. Keep in mind that clarifying shampoos should be used sparingly and not as a replacement for your regular shampoo. With the right product and a little bit of care, you can keep your hair looking and feeling healthy and clean.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a clarifying shampoo?

Clarifying shampoos, often called purifying or deep cleaning, are specifically formulated to remove stubborn residue on your hair that your everyday shampoo may miss.

2. What is the difference between shampoo and clarifying shampoo?

Here's the difference between a clarifying shampoo and a regular shampoo: Regular shampoos use detergents like sulfates to scrub the hair and scalp clean, therefore removing natural oils. Clarifying shampoos use a unique formula that works like a magnet to attract dirt, dissolve them, and flush them away with water.

3. Does clarifying shampoo cause hair loss?

Not using a clarifying shampoo Clarifying shampoos are different from regular shampoos because they're designed to remove surface-level gunk and grime, rather than condition and smooth." By prioritizing the health of your scalp, you can make sure that it surface irritation will not contribute to hair fall out.

4. Is a clarifying shampoo really necessary?

Hair care experts recommend using a clarifying shampoo to get rid of buildup in your hair. Clarifying shampoo is designed for occasional use only and shouldn't replace your daily cleanser.

Editor's Notes

During our clarifying shampoo research, we found 48 clarifying shampoo products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 178,177 customer reviews through our big data system to write the clarifying shampoo list. We found that most customers choose clarifying shampoo with an average price of $14.14.

The clarifying shampoo are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of clarifying shampoo, including Paul Mitchell, Kristin Ess, Neutrogena, OUAI, Olaplex. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Lisa Bechard Avatar

Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.