What does a clarifying shampoo do to your hair?

Author: Carey Greenfelder DDS  |  Last update: Wednesday, October 15, 2025

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.

Are clarifying shampoos good for your hair?

If you're only washing your hair once or twice a week, you're going to want clarifying shampoo's ability to remove dirt, oil, and product build-up from your scalp and roots. It'll keep your hair healthier—not to mention easier to style.

How often should you wash your hair with clarifying shampoo?

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.

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.

Will clarifying shampoo lighten hair?

Does Clarifying Shampoo Lighten Your Hair?. Part of the series: Basic Haircare & Hairstyles. Clarifying shampoo removes build-up in hair, and while it won't lighten natural hair, it usually lightens artificial hair color. Find out more about the rules of using clarifying shampoo on hair with this free video fr.

Clarifying Shampoo Makes Your Life Easier

How many washes with clarifying shampoo to remove color?

There are plenty of benefits to using a clarifying shampoo. The main, being is if you're looking to strip your hair for a new colour, it will do just that – slowly over up to 5 washes.

What is the least damaging way to lighten your hair?

Natural bleaching agents like apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, chamomile tea, or cinnamon and honey can lighten hair gently and naturally with minimal damage.

Do I use regular shampoo after clarifying shampoo?

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

How often should you wash your hair?

Generally, he says, the range is somewhere between once a day and once a week. “If you have very fine or thin hair, you may need to wash more often, while those with thick or curly hair may need to wash less often,” says Dr Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, a double board certified dermatologist and hair health expert.

Is baby shampoo a clarifying shampoo?

No, baby shampoo is not clarifying. It's formulated to be gentle and mild, suitable for babies' sensitive skin and hair.

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.

How do you tell if you need a 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 is cowash?

Co-washing is short for "conditioner-only washing." It means skipping shampoo and relying solely on conditioner, whether you're a daily or a weekly washer. Most conditioners contain trace amounts of detergents called cationic surfactants, or "quats" for short.

Is Dawn dish soap a clarifying shampoo?

Can you use Dawn dish soap as a shampoo? Yes, it's clarifying, but it should be considered a last resort and should be done so sparingly. It can also strip color from your hair.

Why does my hair feel dry after clarifying?

Clarifying shampoos work wonders to remove buildup, but they can also leave your hair feeling stripped, making it more prone to dryness, frizz, and even breakage. That's why skipping the deep conditioner after a clarifying session is not an option, babe.

How to clarify hair naturally?

Clarify hair with apple cider vinegar

Mix a few tablespoons with warm water, apply to your hair after shampooing and conditioning, and let it sit for a little while before rinsing out. Use this as a once-a-week detoxifier for softer, shinier, healthier looking hair.

Should you wet your hair every day?

While daily wetting may have its advantages, there are also potential drawbacks to consider: Moisture Loss: Excessive water exposure can strip the hair of its natural oils and moisture, leading to dryness, frizz, and breakage, especially for those with dry or damaged hair.

How to make hair grow quicker?

9 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR HAIR GROW FASTER
  1. Trim your hair. ...
  2. Eat protein-rich foods. ...
  3. Take a hair-boosting supplement. ...
  4. Use a hair growth serum. ...
  5. Use a weekly hair mask. ...
  6. Take care after washing your hair. ...
  7. Always use heat protection. ...
  8. Protect your hair from the elements.

How often should one shower?

Showering 2-3 times a week may be sufficient for some, while others may need to shower daily or multiple times a day. In-Depth Explanation: There is no one-size-fits-all answer for how many times you should shower each week. Factors like physical activity, climate, and individual skin type play significant roles.

How many washes does it take for clarifying shampoo to work?

"Do three to four shampoos, not just one, and always follow up with a good treatment," suggests master colorist Melanie Smith. Depending on the amount of buildup and oils on your hair, the shampoo may not lather much, but that doesn't mean it's not working. Rinse very well.

What comes after clarifying shampoo?

Yes, it's highly recommended to follow up with a deep conditioner after using a clarifying shampoo to restore moisture that may have been stripped away.

How often should I use leave-in conditioner?

The frequency depends on your hair type and needs. Generally, using leave-in conditioner 2-3 times a week for dry or damaged hair is sufficient, while those with oily hair may benefit from less frequent application.

What should hair never be lightened to?

Hair should never be lightened to the stage of white because it can cause significant damage to the hair. The stages in hair lightening include orange and palest yellow, with white being the most extreme. To maintain healthy hair, it's crucial to avoid over-processing to the point of white or damaging stages.

How to darken hair naturally?

Henna and Indigo: Henna alone gives a reddish-brown color, but combining it with indigo can give a black color. First, apply henna, then apply indigo for a black tone. Black Tea Rinse: Regular rinses with strong black tea can darken hair over time. It's a gentle method and can also provide some shine.

What do hairdressers use to lighten hair?

Hair bleach is a chemical product used to lighten the natural colour of hair. It is a powerful agent that works by oxidizing the melanin, which is the pigment responsible for hair colour, in the hair shaft.

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