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What Is Clarifying Shampoo + Why Do You Need It?

The other night I decided that it was time to clarify my hair after not doing it for a while, and I realized that I have never written a post about clarifying shampoo…

There is no doubt you've heard about clarifying shampoo, but do you know exactly how it works? Learn all about the science...

So, What Is Clarifying Shampoo?

Clarifying shampoo is a stronger shampoo that is designed to cleanse the hair of any buildup.

Why Should I Use Clarifying Shampoo?

If you use hairspray, hair product, etc. on a daily basis, then odds are that you should be clarifying from time to time. There are some shampoo / conditioners even that coat your hair with wax, silicone or other chemicals that need to be removed with a clarifying shampoo. Beyond that, your hair could have buildup from hard water. Either way, when your hair has a lot of build-up, it will become hard to comb or style, and will look dull, lifeless and/or greasy. Clarifying is also part of maintaining a healthy scalp for healthy hair growth.

There is no doubt you've heard about clarifying shampoo, but do you know exactly how it works? Learn all about the science...

How Often Should I Clarify?

This all depends on your personal situation. For instance, if you use a lot of products and/or have hard water, it is recommended that you clarify 1-2 times a week. If you swim in a pool with chlorine on a daily basis,  you should probably do it more often. On the other hand, if you don’t use a lot of products and have soft water, you can get away with 1-2 times per month.

How Do I Use Clarifying Shampoo?

You use it pretty much like regular shampoo. You just have to make sure that you spend a few minutes working it in. If it doesn’t lather too much, feel free to rinse and repeat. To give it a little extra “kick” you can let it sit for 5 minutes or add a pinch of Baking Soda to the shampoo. Just make sure you use a little extra conditioner when you are done, since odds are that the clarifying shampoo doesn’t have as many conditioners as regular shampoo does.

What Clarifying Shampoo Do I Recommend?

One of the best clarifying shampoos out there is the Redken Cleansing Cream. I love this stuff since it doesn’t leave your hair feeling too dry when you’re done.

Is there anything I left out about clarifying shampoo? Do you have any suggestions? I’d love to read your feedback in the comments section below.