If you're not already using a clarifying shampoo in your hair care routine, your hair might not be feeling and looking as good as it could. Used correctly, this special type of shampoo will also help other hair treatments work more effectively as well.
In this article, we'll explain the benefits of using a clarifying shampoo, when to use it, and why your hair may thank you for including it for occasional use as part of your hair care routine.
What is Clarifying Shampoo?
A clarifying shampoo is a special type of cleansing shampoo that is formulated to deeply cleanse the hair and scalp. They work by removing any buildup of other hair care products, excessive oil, and general environmental pollutants.
There is good reason though to not overuse clarifying shampoos. That's because clarifying Shampoos contain stronger surfactants than other shampoos. Surfactants are the component of shampoo that breaks down residue in the hair and on the scalp, and remove excess oil.
Surfactants are great at removing pollutants from hair but too much use of strong surfactants can strip natural oils from the hair as well and that will cause hair to dry out.
Clarifying shampoos can be effective for all hair types. However, unless you have particularly oily hair, you will likely only need a clarifying shampoo once a week or even just once a fortnight. If your hair is already dry or has been recently coloured, you might stretch out use to once a month.
Benefits of Deep Cleansing
Regular use of a clarifying shampoo can restore natural shine and bounce to your hair and make it more manageable. It also helps to maintain a healthy scalp which promotes healthy hair growth.
When your hair is deeply cleansed, it will also respond better to hair treatments and conditioners because the ingredients can penetrate the hair more deeply and work more efficiently. For example, washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo can help get better results from popular hair treatments such as K18.
So using a clarifying shampoo can prepare your hair for treatment. It ensures treatments and conditioners penetrate deeply and effectively. If you're planning a deep conditioning or chemical treatment, consider using a clarifying shampoo for best results. If you are getting the treatment at a salon ask your hairdresser for advice.
Clarifying shampoos are renowned for their potent cleansing abilities. They are designed specifically to target and dissolve buildup. This makes them more effective than regular shampoos for deep cleansing. This is thanks to the extra strong surfactants as mentioned earlier.
The ingredients in clarifying shampoos work a bit like magnets. They bind to unwanted particles and lift them from the hair and scalp to then be rinsed out. This process ensures a thorough clean and a deeper clean than your hair might otherwise receive with a regular shampoo.
A key advantage is their ability to combat environmental pollutants. Dust, dirt, and other nasties like smoke can linger in your hair and clarifying shampoos can wash them away. This leaves your hair feeling much fresher and looking cleaner as well.
Here are the primary reasons for using a clarifying shampoo:
- Remove residue left by styling products such as gels and hairsprays
- Eliminate excess oil and sebum from the scalp
- Help manage the effects of hard water on hair.
If you regularly use heavy styling products, clarifying shampoos can be a valuable addition to your hair care arsenal. They prevent the residue and buildup that over time dulls and weighs down hair. Sometimes the first step to restoring the natural vibrance and bounciness of your hair is a clarifying shampoo.
How Clarifying Shampoo Benefits Your Hair and Scalp
The deep cleaning properties of a clarifying shampoo can help solve issues that regular shampoos may not be able to. Cleansing your hair is certainly one of the benefits but your entire scalp can actually benefit.
A healthy scalp is crucial for healthy hair growth. Clarifying shampoo can help promote healthy growth by unclogging hair follicles. To put it another way, it allows your hair to "breathe" and the follicles to function well.
If you have excessively oily hair, a good clarifying shampoo can be a game-changer. In addition to removing excess oil, a cleansed scalp will help regulate oil production, making you hair more manageable. Ah yes, bye bye greasy feeling.
If you are experiencing scalp issues like dandruff a clarifying shampoo might also help you find relief. That's because clarifying shampoos often include ingredients that exfoliate flakes and soothe irritation. Look for ingredients such as zinc pyrithione, pioctone olamine, or salicylic acid if dandruff is a concern.
As we have stressed already though, while it is powerful, clarifying shampoo should be used wisely. You are trying to return your scalp and hair to balance, so don't overdo it.
So let's look at when and how to use it.
When and How to Use Clarifying Shampoo
Knowing the right time and method to use clarifying shampoo is essential for maximum benefits. If you are adding it to your hair care collection for the first time try starting off with one application every two weeks. You may require more frequent use depending on the needs of your hair but wait a couple of months before increasing usage.
If you continue to struggle with oily hair, increase usage to weekly. You can still use other shampoos in between if needed. On the flip side, if your hair is dry or has been colour-treated, reduce application to once a month.
How to Apply
The application technique also plays a crucial role in effectiveness. Start by wetting your hair thoroughly then apply the clarifying shampoo evenly from roots to ends of your hair, and don't forget to work on your scalp (gently).
Massage gently to remove all buildup without irritating the scalp. Then rinse completely to ensure no residue remains on the hair. A thorough rinse is important to get the deep cleaning effect.
Here’s a quick summary on how to use a clarifying shampoo effectively:
- Wet hair fully before application
- Massage shampoo into the scalp and hair
- Rinse thoroughly and follow with a conditioner
To prevent stripping your hair of all the helpful oils, follow up with a nourishing conditioner. This restores moisture balance and will keep your hair from feeling overly dry.
Clarifying Shampoo for Different Hair Types
Find your hair type below to see how a clarifying shampoo can help you:
Oily Hair
Perhaps the greatest benefits of clarifying shampoos can be seen with oily hair, because the shampoo helps manage excessive oil.
Dry Hair
If you have dry or brittle hair, use clarifying shampoo cautiously. It's advisable to limit use to once a month to prevent dryness. However, an occasional use of clarifying shampoo can help prepare your hair for hydrating and nourishing treatments.
Curly Hair
For curly hair you may find clarifying shampoo beneficial in revealing your natural curls. The shampoo can help remove product buildup that weighs curls down. Follow with a moisturising conditioner to maintain curl vitality.
Colour Treated Hair
Colour treated hair requires careful handling as frequent use of a clarifying shampoo can fade colour. If you can, choose a colour safe formula. Even then, use sparingly to ensure colour remains vibrant while also preventing the buildup of unwanted product or pollutants.
Fine Hair
If you have fine hair, clarifying shampoo can help add much needed volume. By removing excess product, your hair will feel lighter and more manageable. It is crucial though to find a balance that doesn’t overstrip fine hair.
Swimmers
If you go swimming frequently and your hair is exposed to chlorinated water, your hair can benefit immensely because clarifying shampoo can remove chlorine and other minerals from your hair. Regular use can help you maintain healthier, shinier hair, without having to reduce how regularly you go swimming.
Adding a Clarifying Shampoo to Your Hair Care Routine for the First Time
At the risk of sounding like a broken record please note - a clarifying shampoo can be added to your routine but it is not meant to completely replace your regular shampoo.
After you use a clarifying shampoo, follow it up with a hydrating conditioner. The conditioner will help replenish the moisture balance and in combination with the shampoo will help make your hair softer and more manageable.
If you apply a hair treatment occasionally then you may want to first use a clarifying shampoo to see if the hair treatment is more effective. The shampoo will help prepare the hair by removing buildup of styling products and pollutants which ensures the treatment penetrates the hair more effectively. Use the clarifying shampoo first, and then apply the intensive treatment as you normally would.
Start by using the clarifying shampoo once or twice a month and then increase frequency based on how your hair responds. It's better to start out cautiously and increase frequency rather than the other way around.
Although it may be tempting to "cleanse" more often, being conservative will help preserve your natural oils and maintain your scalp health.
Time to Give it a Go
Does it feel like something might be missing from your hair care routine?
Perhaps it is time to see if a clarifying shampoo can help give your hair some additional shine and bounce.
As always, if you would like specific product recommendations please don't hesitate to contact our AMR hair experts who are always happy to help out.
