When should you not use clarifying shampoo?

Author: Pattie Gerhold  |  Last update: Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Yes, clarifying shampoo can affect hair color. Its primary function is to strip away buildup and impurities, which can inadvertently lead to color fading, especially if used too frequently. For those with freshly colored hair, it's best to avoid clarifying shampoos for at least four to six weeks post-coloring.

Why you shouldn't use clarifying shampoo?

Since clarifying shampoo is not a normal shampoo and not to be used on daily basis. Since it contains SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) chemical it can damage your hair. Additionally, this shampoo is a part of hair taming treatment therefore it is not recommended to be used on your own.

How do I know if I should use 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.

When should I use clarifying shampoo in my routine?

You should be using Clarifying shampoo ONCE A MONTH or after any longterm style! Clarifying shampoo is made to lift and remove dirt, oil and buildup from your hair and more importantly, your scalp. You feel like products ``are not working'' when in reality, there's layers of buildup on your hair and scalp.

How do you know if your hair needs to be clarified?

A great way to tell if your hair needs clarifying is if it looks especially dull, if it's struggling to absorb moisture and products, or if you can visibly see the buildup or oil excess--as though it's just sitting on top of your strands.

If You Are NOT using Clarifying Shampoo, You SHOULD BE!

How do you know if you have mineral buildup in your hair?

Here are some telltale signs you should keep an eye out for:
  1. Having a Green or Blue Tinge in Hair. One of the most obvious signs of mineral buildup in hair is the appearance of a green or blue hue. ...
  2. Greasy Roots with Dry Ends. ...
  3. Limp and Lackluster Texture. ...
  4. Excessive Scalp and Hair Dryness. ...
  5. Test Strand Reactivity.

What happens if you over clarify hair?

Might cause hair dye to fade: Because the idea of a clarifying shampoo is to strip away any deposit on the hair, using one too frequently will make your color wash out faster.

Do you use regular shampoo 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.

In which situation would a clarifying shampoo be recommended?

Clarifying shampoo is a type of deep cleansing shampoo that is designed to remove excess oil, dirt, and product buildup from the hair and scalp. It can help to improve the health and appearance of the hair and scalp, and is particularly useful for people with oily hair or those who use a lot of hair styling products.

What is the next step 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.

Should you use conditioner 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 do I know if I have shampoo buildup?

Here are some signs that your hair may be bogged down with buildup: An oily scalp coupled with dry hair. Hair that appears dull. Hair that feels heavy.

What are chelating shampoos?

What is a chelating shampoo? Chelating shampoos are designed to tackle buildup beyond just what's on the surface of your hair. They remove minerals, metals, and deposits from inside the hair shaft. These minerals can build up over time and cause hair to become dry, brittle, and difficult to manage.

Is clarifying shampoo bad for fine hair?

Clarifying shampoos are really tricky, especially if you have fine hair. They're meant to detox your scalp and remove product buildup, but oftentimes end up drying out your hair in the process, which isn't ideal.

Do you double wash with clarifying shampoo?

Yes, double cleansing can be highly beneficial for your hair. The first cleanse, using our Clarifying Shampoo and Scalp Scrub, helps to remove product buildup, excess oils, flaking and environmental pollutants. This is crucial for maintaining scalp health and preventing issues like clogged hair follicles.

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.

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 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.

What is the best rated clarifying shampoo?

  • Best Overall. K18 Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo. ...
  • Best Splurge. shu uemura Gentle Radiance Deep Cleanser Shampoo. ...
  • Best for Curly Hair. Bounce Curl Gentle Clarifying Shampoo. ...
  • Best for Hard Water. Davines SOLU Shampoo. ...
  • Best for Oily Hair. Kristin Ess Clarifying Shampoo. ...
  • Best for Buildup. ...
  • Best for Fine Hair. ...
  • Best for Damaged Hair.

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.

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 Olaplex shampoo clarifying?

This surface-level deep cleansing shampoo uses surfactants and clarifiers to pull impurities out of your hair like heavy metals, chlorine, and pollutants.

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)

Does vinegar help clarify hair?

Because of the high acidity of apple cider vinegar, it should be treated as a clarifying treatment. As with clarifying shampoo, you don't need to do this every wash day. We recommend using it: Once a week if you wash your hair every day.

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.

Previous article
Can makeup really change your appearance?
Next article
Can travel nurses have tattoos?