A clarifying shampoo (also referred to as a deep cleansing shampoo, purifying shampoo, or detox shampoo) is a high-performance hair cleanser that uses stronger surfactants to remove residue that traditional shampoos can’t. Unlike regular shampoos, clarifying formulas are designed to "reset" the hair — stripping away layers of product, pollution, grease, and minerals.

These shampoos are especially recommended:

• Once a week for regular product users (especially those using dry shampoo, hair styling creams, or oils)

• After swimming or exposure to chlorine

• To remove hard water build-up (use a chelating shampoo UK like EDTA-based formulas)

• Before colour treatments or hair repair treatments

• As prep for hair loss treatment regimens, helping topical treatments absorb more effectively

“Clarifying shampoos are essential for removing microscopic residue that builds up over time. This is often a hidden cause of limp, greasy hair or ineffective styling results.”
— Dr. Tania Malik, Trichologist

What Does a Clarifying Shampoo Do?

Clarifying shampoos provide a deep cleanse that improves:

• Shine and volume: Hair appears more bouncy, clean, and weightless

• Scalp clarity: Helps rebalance the scalp microbiome and removes flakes, grease, and pollution

• Product absorption: Prepares your hair for masks, conditioners, and treatments by removing residue that blocks absorption

• Colour correction: Use clarifying shampoo to remove toner, excess dye, or staining from previous colour jobs

• Detoxifying: Use as a hair detox shampoo to remove impurities caused by pollution or heavy styling

Best Clarifying Shampoos

✔ For Curly Hair: Use a clarifying shampoo once every 1–2 weeks to remove build-up from curl creams and gels. Follow up with a conditioner or deep moisture mask. Great options include Living Proof Detox Shampoo and sulphate-free formulations.

✔ For Colour-Treated Hair: Choose a clarifying shampoo for coloured hair that’s gentle and colour-safe. Avoid frequent use, and always pair with a repair treatment.

✔ For Oily Hair: If your scalp gets greasy fast or your hair feels heavy the next day, a clarifying shampoo for greasy hair like a chelating shampoo can refresh roots and remove excess oil without over-drying.

✔ For Product Build-Up: Remove waxes, serums, and heavy silicones that regular shampoo can’t tackle. Ideal before using bonding or keratin treatments.

✔ For Removing Colour or Toner: Clarifying shampoos can help fade or remove colour. Try this before using a hair colour remover to maximise effectiveness.