Dull and dry hair that is half as shiny and healthy as it could be.

What is a clarifying shampoo?

“A clarifying shampoo is a deep cleanser for the hair and scalp.

Hannah Frye

So, view these products as a routine clean-up, not a cure-all for scalp buildup.

Ouai Detox Shampoo

This product is a cult-favorite and I totally understand why.

Itreallyworks, but it doesnt leave your hair wrecked like some of the other products out there.

Detox Shampoo hero

It actually leaves my hair feeling softer, which is impressive for a super-strong shampoo.

Hydration: 4

This one is strong but never dries out my hair.

Fragrance: 4

The formula does have a fragrance, but its very neutral.

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Unless you have a sensitivity to fragrance, I doubt it will be a problem.

Efficacy: 5

This one makes the best overall for a reasonit does work!

Ive gone through multiple bottles and never been disappointed.

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This cuts through loads of gel, styling paste, and oil in one single cleanse.

Color-safe: 5

This product is color-safe but does contain sulfates.

I used to highlight my hair pretty heavily (read: lots of blonde highlights all over).

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As far as formulas go, this is non-stripping, Engler says.

The fragrance is similar to the other Olaplex scents, which are fairly neutral.

Its a great product to reset your strands after time away from shampoo or product overload.

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This one is color-safe, and Engler even says it helped her hair color pop when using it.

It helps to give hair a nice clean slate, so your color can really shine, she says.

However, Pattern makes that easy with this nourishing, yet detoxing formula.

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The plentiful array of botanical oils and extracts helps keep the scalp and hair nourished through and through.

The fragrance smells clean with notes of jasmine, sandalwood, and bergamot.

Given how hydrating it is, I was pleasantly surprised by the cleaning power.

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Yes, its color-safe.

The natural oils also help to preserve and enrich color.

I was shocked to feel how soft my hair was after using this product for the first time.

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The formula isnt stripping but still delivers on efficacy.

The dark color foams up into a gray hue and always rinses clean.

The fragrance smells faintly of citrus but isnt too strong.

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It doesnt take much work at all for it to bubble into a foam, Schneider says.

The light fragrance includes notes of cardamom, iris, violet, and sandalwood.

I love this scent, but it may not be for everyone.

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If your hair color is easily stripped, pick another option from the list.

The formula is rich in buckwheat protein which helps to nourish and protect the strands.

After using this product, your strands are sure to shine, without feeling brittle.

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Its not drying and acts more like a normal shampoo with a slightly higher horsepower.

This one lathers well and spreads easily.

Like many of the Davines products this one has a natural and floral fragrance.

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Its not too strong but may not be for everyone.

Its also a great fit for those who prefer to use a clarifying shampoo more often.

This shampoo does contain sulfates which can be stripping for temporary hair dyethink glosses and glazes.

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In fact, once or twice a month is generally enough to get the job done.

So part of the process is knowing when to switch out your normal shampoo for a clarifying formula.

Curly and textured hair tends to be on the dryer side.

Act+Acre Cold Processed Hair Cleanse held in hand

What does clarifying shampoo do to bleached hair?

Bleached hair tends to be a bit dryer and more fragile than non-bleached strands.

If you’re unsure, ask your stylist.

Act+Acre Cold Processed Hair Cleanse held in hand by tester

Are clarifying shampoos necessary?

To be franknot for everyone.

You don’thaveto use a clarifying shampoo.

Davines SOLU Shampoo

But if you tend to find buildup on your strands, it’s definitely a good idea.

Consider these products a treat and only use them when needed to prevent over-drying your hair.

Other times, opt for a gentle and hydrating shampooour favorite day-to-day hair cleansers here.

Davines SOLU Shampoo

Davines SOLU Shampoo