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Hair and the scalp take on the burden of dust, dirt, grime, styling products, and whatnot. Every day, exposure to external aggressors and extensive use of styling products leads to product buildup on the scalp. This leads to clogging of the pores, ultimately leading to hair loss and slow growth.
Just like our skin needs exfoliation to slough off the dead cells, so does the scalp, and this is where a clarifying shampoo steps in. For those prone to buildup, the deep-cleansing formulas give your hair and scalp a clean slate. The blog details everything you need to know about the shampoo and gives your hair care routine an edge.
Read More - Tips to use a Dry ShampooWhat is clarifying shampoo?
The clarifying shampoo is a detoxifying product that thoroughly cleanses the scalp, removes the buildup, dead skin flakes, oil, dust, and grime. Its intense cleansing formulation eliminates any residual products and leaves hair super clean. Whether you plan on getting a keratin hair treatment or a protein therapy, or color your hair, a clarifying shampoo prepares you for the process.
However, these shampoos are not meant for regular use as they are notorious for being slightly harsh, and frequent use might strip off the natural hair oil. Formulated with chelating agents and surfactants, these shampoos are specially crafted to give your hair and scalp a deep clean. As it intensely degreases the hair, it might leave hair dry.
What are the benefits of clarifying shampoo?

Now that we know what is a clarifying shampoo , let's delve into how it benefits hair and why exactly it is needed as a part of our haircare routine.
Complete detox therapy:
Unlike regular shampoo, the deep-cleansing product focuses on thoroughly detoxing your hair and scalp. A flaky scalp is often a sign of product buildup on the scalp. Investing in the best clarifying shampoo helps remove product buildup from the scalp and dislodges dirt or grease from hair. As a result, it leaves hair super clean and fresh.
Less scalp irritation:
Itchy and flaky scalp is often caused by buildup from styling products and pollution. Unless it is cleaned, it makes the scalp prone to inflammation and dandruff. With the use of clarifying shampoo for oily hair , it helps in controlling sebum secretion. Not only does the product thoroughly cleans, but it also reduces scalp irritation.
Prepare for hair treatments:
Getting any hair treatments on thoroughly clean hair is highly recommended. With its superpower ability to pull out every trace of dirt, grime, and buildup, the clarifying shampoo prepares your hair for treatments like keratin , hair botox , hair coloring , and many more. No matter the treatments, its efficiency increases on clean hair.
Healthier and fuller hair :
Extensive use of styling products often weighs down hair, making it look dull and lifeless. As the layers of products stick to the strands, it blocks moisture and increases dryness. Even the most hydrating products fail to nourish the locks. The best clarifying shampoos come as a rescue with their ability to clear off all residues. This helps with adding shine, restoring volume, and improving hair's overall health and vitality.
Now that we know what does clarifying shampoo do , it is vital to take cognizance of other things as well. No, it’s not meant for everyday use. So, how often should it be used? Who is it best suited for? What is the right way to use it? Don't fret; we have all these answers in the coming sections.
Who should use a clarifying shampoo?
The intense cleaning shampoo is recommended for anyone who is frequently exposed to a lot of external aggressors.- Excess use of styling products – This leaves hair with residues and also leads to higher product buildup on the scalp. As the shampoo consists of surfactants, it pulls out every trace of the product and leaves hair fresh.
- For frequent swimmers – Diving into a chlorinated swimming pool leaves hair with a green tint. The best clarifying shampoo for hair removes the colorful tint and, as a result, cleans off the chlorine deposit.
- Exposure to pollution – Once a month, deep cleansing with clarifying shampoo is recommended for people who live in dusty, high-pollution areas.
- Preparing for chemical treatment – As it gives a clean slate, it prepares your hair for any type of treatment, improving its efficiency.
How to use clarifying shampoo?
Think of the clarifying shampoo as your monthly deep-cleansing ritual for optimal haircare. The steps of using the product are no different than a regular shampoo – lather, rinse, repeat! Take a generous amount of the shampoo and start applying it to your roots. As it lathers, it starts softening the product build on the scalp. Massage gently, starting from the roots and gradually working towards the hair length's end. Rinse well, and repeat if required. Follow up with a deep conditioning hair mask to restore the moisture, hydrate, and deeply nourish hair.
Pro Tip : Overusing shampoo can impact the hair cycle. It is recommended to contact a salon professional to use the clarifying product.How often should you use a clarifying shampoo?

Precautions to Observe while Using a Clarifying Shampoo
While we have addressed the benefits of clarifying shampoo, it does come with its set of drawbacks. This makes taking certain precautions while using the deep cleaning shampoo formulation is essential. Avoid excessive dependence, as the hardcore agents tend to strip the natural oil and dry out the strands. For someone with highly porous hair, it might further be damaging. As a part of the cleansing routine, always follow up with a deep conditioning hair mask to hydrate, moisturize, and nourish the hair. Booking a salon appointment is apt for a holistic cleaning regime.
References
https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/hair/a11128/how-to-use-clarifying-shampoo/ https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/clarifying-shampoo#risksHow we reviewed this article:
Our experts continually monitor the fashion and beauty space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.