What is the difference between a clarifying shampoo and a regular shampoo?

Author: Lazaro Dooley  |  Last update: Sunday, May 25, 2025

While both types of shampoos aim to clean your hair and scalp, clarifying shampoo is stronger and more effective. The deep-cleaning product is specifically formulated to nix product residue, dead skin cell buildup and excess oil—all of which can make hair look and feel limp, dull and oily.

Can I use regular shampoo instead of clarifying shampoo?

Any shampoo with sodium laureth sulfate that doesn't contain any silicones will work.

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.

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.

What kind of hair needs clarifying shampoo?

Your Hair Look Dull, Weighed Down, Or Greasy

You may also get oil build-up from your scalp's sebum production—which is totally normal. If your hair is feeling greasier than usual or dull, you could probably benefit from the occasional use of a clarifying shampoo.

Clarifying shampoo VS Regular shampoo… WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?!

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.

What can I use instead of clarifying shampoo?

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.

How do you know if your hair needs clarifying?

Signs you need to clarify:
  1. Greasy flat roots.
  2. Dry/irritated scalp.
  3. Hair looks dry and dull no matter what products are used to combat this.
  4. Excess Frizz.
  5. Limp curls/waves.
  6. Styling products aren't working.
  7. Excess shedding (more than usual)

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 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 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.

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.

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.

Can Apple cider vinegar replace clarifying shampoo?

Apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute for clarifying shampoo on color-treated-hair. While once in a while they're ok to use, if used too often, clarifying formulas can cause color-treated hair to fade and dry out. Apple cider vinegar is perfectly safe for colored hair, and may even help boost vibrancy.

Do you use conditioner after clarifying shampoo?

A weekly application can help maintain volume and a fresh feel. Thick or Coarse Hair: For thick or coarse hair, using a clarifying shampoo can help remove heavy product buildup that may weigh your hair down. However, it's crucial to follow up with a rich conditioner to maintain hydration and softness.

How to remove product buildup from hair without clarifying shampoo?

Apple Cider vinegar – Mix 2 tablespoons of vinegar to a cup of water, or about ¼ cup to 2-3 cups of warm water for a larger batch. Use the vinegar mix instead of your shampoo and rub gently into your scalp and through your hair. Rinse out completely in cold water.

How often should you shower?

While there is no ideal frequency, experts suggest that showering several times per week is plenty for most people (unless you are grimy, sweaty, or have other reasons to shower more often). Short showers (lasting three or four minutes) with a focus on the armpits and groin may suffice.

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.

Why does my hair feel waxy after using clarifying shampoo?

That wax-like feeling on your freshly washed hair is product buildup or excess sebum. Hair can feel waxy for a number of reasons, including heavy ingredients, infrequent washing, and improper rinsing.

How to tell if your hair has buildup?

How Do You Know If Your Hair Has buildup?
  1. An oily scalp coupled with dry hair.
  2. Hair that appears dull.
  3. Hair that feels heavy.
  4. Hair that feels rough.
  5. Hair that feels unclean, even after washing.
  6. Uncharacteristic dandruff or a very dry scalp.

Is washing hair with apple cider vinegar side effects?

Washing hair with apple cider vinegar side effects

Scalp Irritation: ACV's acidic nature can irritate sensitive or broken skin. Dryness and Brittleness: Overuse can strip natural oils from the hair, leading to dryness. Hair Color Fading: ACV may lighten hair slightly over time, especially if used frequently.

What is the name of a good clarifying shampoo?

Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two, Clarifying Shampoo, Deep Cleanses + Removes Buildup, For All Hair Types, Especially Oily Hair.

Previous article
Why do I get plaques on my scalp?
Next article
Is vitamin E oil good for stretch marks?