What is the difference between a chelating and clarifying shampoo?

Author: Dayne Herman  |  Last update: Wednesday, July 9, 2025

In short, clarifying shampoos are perfect to remove product buildup in your hair and on your scalp, but chelating products are stronger and can target and break the bond between mineral deposits and your hair and prevent chlorine from damaging and turning hair green.

Is chelating shampoo the same as clarifying shampoo?

Chelating shampoo is stronger than clarifying shampoo & removes mineral, metal & chlorean as well as product build up, oils & dirt. Clarifying shampoo is more for removing product build up, oils & dirt. Do a little googling on `` Chelating Shampoo'' & it will explain it all.

How do I know if I need a chelating shampoo?

If you swim in chlorinated pools, color treat your hair, have excess product buildup, or your shower has hard water (most households do), your hair would definitely benefit from regular detoxing with both a clarifying and a chelating shampoo.

What does a chelator do for hair?

Hair Color Correction: Chelators can help remove unwanted metal deposits from hair. This can be particularly useful for correcting hair color issues caused by mineral build-up from hard water or certain hair coloring processes. By chelating these metals, the hair is better prepared to receive new color treatments.

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.

The difference between clarifying and chelating shampoos.

How often should I use chelating shampoo?

You should only use chelating shampoo every week or so.

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.

What are the side effects of a chelator?

Common side effects of iron chelators may include:
  • Impaired or blurred vision.
  • Rash or hives.
  • Itching.
  • Vomiting.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Stomach or leg cramps.
  • Rapid heart beat.
  • Hypotension (low blood pressure)

What is the best chelator?

Calcium Disodium Ethylenediamine Tetraacetic Acid (CaNa2EDTA) Calcium disodium ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (CaNa2EDTA) is the most commonly used chelating agent.

Does apple cider vinegar chelate?

Raw apple cider vinegar is a weaker chelator than EDTA but it is excellent as a daily natural chelation regime to aid in removing heavy metals from the body. Pectin is another excellent way to remove heavy metals from the body.

How to remove hard water buildup from hair?

Here are a few treatment options for hard water hair that can help prevent future damage:
  1. #1: Apple Cider Vinegar Wash. ...
  2. #2: Specialized Shampoo. ...
  3. #3: Shower Filters. ...
  4. #4: Pre-Shampoo Treatment. ...
  5. #5: Hair Masks and Leave-In Conditioners. ...
  6. #6: Lemon Rinse. ...
  7. #7: Baking Soda Wash. ...
  8. #8: Specialized Brushes.

Which shampoo has an active chelating agent?

Clarifying shampoo- contains an active chelating agent that binds to metals (such as iron and copper) and removes them from the hair, as well as an equalizing agent that enriches hair, helps retain moisture, and makes hair more manageable.

Does apple cider vinegar do the same thing as clarifying shampoo?

Yes, apple cider vinegar is an excellent clarifying shampoo. It can be used alone or with your regular shampoo to remove buildup, excess oil, and product residue from your scalp and hair. It also helps to soothe an itchy, irritated scalp and prevent dandruff.

Is Dawn dish soap the same as 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.

What does hard water do to your hair?

Hard water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can leave a residue on the hair and scalp. This can lead to issues like dryness, brittleness, and dullness of the hair.

What is the best natural chelating agent?

Natural Chelating Agents
  • Fulvic acid: is the most powerful natural chelating agent. ...
  • Amino acids: are all capable of chelation but the single most effective is Glycine. ...
  • Kelp: contains mannitol another powerful chelating agent.

What are chelating shampoos?

What is a Chelating Shampoo? Chelating shampoos, on the other hand, are formulated to target and remove metal ions from the hair. These metal ions are minerals such as iron, copper, magnesium, and calcium and can accumulate in your hair from water or environmental exposure.

What is a chelator for hair?

Chelating treatments are designed to remove cortex-deep deposits, which can hinder your client's color goals and the effectiveness of color, lightener and other services. Chelation works to rebuild hair simultaneously while gently removing up to 98 percent of impurities and buildup after just one use.

Can chelation cause liver damage?

You can only do chelation therapy safely under the care of a healthcare provider. Heavy metals are toxic to your body once they reach certain levels and may damage your brain, liver or other organs.

What is a good chelator?

The lead and other heavy metal chelators include succimer (dimercaptonol), dimercaprol (BAL), and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Succimer is orally available and appears to be more effective and better tolerated that the other therapies, which require intravenous administration.

Is Dove a clarifying shampoo?

Dove's Scalp+ Hair Therapy Density Boost Clarifying Shampoo is incredible! It leaves my scalp feeling fresh and clean without stripping moisture. My hair looks thicker and feels stronger. Plus, the light, fresh scent is lovely.

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 happens if you only use clarifying shampoo?

It isn't advisable to use clarifying shampoo — even one as gentle-yet-effective as our Clarifying Detox Shampoo — on a daily basis, as this can strip hair of its natural oils over time, causing it to dry out.

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