Does clarifying shampoo remove protein?

Author: Aurore Robel  |  Last update: Sunday, August 3, 2025

Absolutely! Shampoo can totally zap that extra protein from your hair. A clarifying shampoo is your go-to for tackling protein buildup and getting your hair back to feeling fresh and fab.

Does clarifying shampoo get rid of protein?

One of the protein-free products you should get is a good clarifying or deep cleansing shampoo. It will help to remove some of the excess protein from your hair as well as any build-up.

When should you not use clarifying shampoo?

"Clarifying shampoo is not meant for daily use, and using it too frequently could cause color to fade over time," says Rivera, who doesn't recommend using the product after a color service.

How to tell if your hair has too much protein?

To determine protein or moisture overload, take a few hairs out of your hairbrush or after the shower and pull them between your fingers. If the strand snaps immediately, there's too much protein. If the strand stretches and stretches without really breaking, there's too much moisture.

What does lack of protein in hair feel like?

Your Hair Feels Gummy

If your hair feels mushy and sticky, it's a sign the protein bonds in your hair have been weakened beyond repair causing it to feel like bubblegum.

Clarifying Shampoo Makes Your Life Easier

Does Olaplex contain protein?

While some OLAPLEX products contain some protein, the amounts are minimal and not enough to be considered a protein treatment. Therefore, OLAPLEX is not a protein treatment. OLAPLEX works at a molecular level to rebuild the hair internally. Our hair contains millions of disulfide bonds.

What are the disadvantages of clarifying shampoo?

Excessive use of clarifying products can cause hair breakage and scalp problems. With the deterioration of the balance of oils in the scalp, the hair becomes dry, frizzy, rough, uncontrollable and fragile.

Do you shampoo again after using clarifying shampoo?

Yes, after using a clarifying shampoo, it's advisable to use a normal shampoo to help maintain moisture in your hair.

How to tell if you need clarifying shampoo?

6 signs that you might benefit from a clarifying shampoo

Your hair looks and feels oily or greasy, even after washing. Your hair feels heavy or sticky. Your hair looks dull, limp, or lifeless. You hair has difficulty holding different styles.

What does protein damaged hair look like?

Hair in protein overload will have some distinctive symptoms: If you pull one strand of hair it will have no elasticity, but instead it will snap and break. The hair will feel dry, brittle and stringy, because it won't have enough moisture to stretch and support elasticity. The hair will lose shine and look dull.

What shampoos don't have protein?

I've got you covered.
  • AUNT JACKIE'S GRAPESEED STYLE & SHINE RECIPES POWER WASH INTENSE MOISTURE CLARIFYING SHAMPOO.
  • ORS HAIRESTORE UPLIFTING SHAMPOO.
  • ESSATIONS TEA TREE SOLUTIONS DRY & ITCHY SCALP SHAMPOO.
  • ESSATIONS TEA TREE SOLUTIONS DRY & ITCHY SCALP CONDITIONER.
  • AS I AM HYDRATION ELATION INTENSIVE CONDITIONER.

Is Head and Shoulders a clarifying shampoo?

With the addition of menthol, you'll even leave the house with a fresher feeling scalp than you thought possible. Head & Shoulders goes even further: our clarifying shampoo helps purify pores by removing impurities. And our pH balanced formula is gentle enough for everyday use, so you can use it more regularly.

How can I remove protein from my hair?

A clarifying shampoo can fix the protein overload in your hair. First, you'll want to soak your hair in regular warm water. Afterwards, begin cleansing with a clarifying shampoo for protein overload.

What does clarifying shampoo remove?

A clarifying shampoo is a deep cleanser that uses heavier surfactants—the soap-like ingredients—than regular shampoos to eliminate grease, product residue, and impurities from your scalp. In other words, it's a heavy-duty cleanser you can use to reset your hair every once and a while.

What are the symptoms of protein overload?

Consuming more protein than the body needs can cause symptoms such as intestinal discomfort, dehydration, nausea, fatigue, headaches, and more. Chronic protein overconsumption can also increase the risk of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, blood vessel disorders, liver and kidney issues, and seizures.

When not to use clarifying shampoo?

If you just colored your hair a vivid hue, got corrective color, or went from blonde to dark, we would not recommend clarifying your hair unless directed by your stylist to do so (she or he may recommend using it just before you come in for a new color service, for instance).

What to put on hair after clarifying shampoo?

What to use after clarifying shampoo. After you clarify, make sure you follow up with a hydrating conditioner or hair mask to replenish moisture. This is a very important step! After conditioning, seal in all that hydration with a moisturizing leave-in treatment, like our Leave-in Conditioner or Air Dry Styler.

What happens if you use clarifying shampoo too much?

This makes them ideal for those looking to address product buildup or get extra deep cleanse without compromising their regular haircare routine — although it's important to note that clarifying shampoo should not be used too often as it can strip away natural oils and lead to dryness if overused.

How often should you clarify shampoo your hair?

How Often Should You Clarify? The average person should clarify once or twice a month, but if you use a lot of hair styling products or have hard water, you may need to clarify weekly. Be careful not to overuse clarifying shampoos as they can strip the scalp of the essential oils that keep hair healthy.

Is Olaplex a clarifying shampoo?

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. Amazon's Choice highlights highly rated, well-priced products available to ship immediately.

What is the difference between clarifying and purifying shampoo?

A clarifying dandruff shampoo can help remove extra oil from the hair and deep clean the scalp, leaving it looking and feeling clean and refreshed. Purifying shampoos also effectively eliminate dandruff flakes caused by a buildup of dead skin cells on the scalp.

What does too much protein in hair look like?

One major sign is a change in the look and texture of your hair as it may start to look dry, dull, and brittle. Your hair may feel more coarse and struggle to hold a curl when dealing with protein overload. Too much protein may also cause split ends and breakage, leaving hair to shed more.

Why is there a lawsuit against Olaplex?

The lawsuit alleges that the Olaplex products they used resulted, in certain instances, in bald patches, allergic outbreaks, open wounds, and hair that is “dry, brittle, frizzy, and lifeless.” One claimant alleges in the lawsuit that the treatments gave her hair an appearance akin to being “hacked with a string trimmer ...

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