My Hair and Scalp Feel Reborn Whenever I Use This Unappreciated Type of Shampoo

Your hair probably goes through a lot. From styling to products to salon appointments, it can get dried out, exposed to heat damage, and get some split ends or breakage. Buildup is another thing you might experience, too, especially if you use a lot of products, have an oily scalp, or even work out a lot. Basically, if your hair looks and feels limp, dull, or heavy, it might be due to excess buildup of leftover hair products or dirt. You might also notice some residue on your scalp when you're dealing with buildup.

So what can you do to get your hair back on track and start with a fresh slate, so to speak? Use a clarifying shampoo. These hard-working shampoos work to deeply cleanse the hair and scalp, making both feel super fresh and "brand new," pretty much.

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(Image credit: @alllisonho)

It's important to note, though, that clarifying shampoos can be drying because they do such a good job with removing all the product grime and dirt. So, it's not something you'll want to use every day. Usage depends on your hair type and needs, but some stylists recommend using it once or twice a month. You can also use a leave-in treatment, conditioner, or mask to keep your strands hydrated.

Take a look at some of the best formulas we love below.

1. Oribe The Cleanse Clarifying Shampoo

2. Drybar On the Rocks Clarifying Charcoal Shampoo

3. Biolage Normalizing Clean Reset Shampoo

4. Ouai Detox Shampoo

5. Pattern Clarifying Shampoo

6. Neutrogena Anti-Residue Clarifying Shampoo

7. Leonor Greyl Huile de Germe de Ble Deep Washing Treatment

8. R+Co Oblivion Clarifying Shampoo

9. Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo

10. DevaCurl Buildup Buster Gentle Clarifying Cleanser

11. Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Triple Detox Shampoo

12. Love Beauty and Planet Delightful Detox Sulfate-Free Shampoo

13. Malibu C Un-Do-Goo > pH 9 Shampoo

14. Adwoa Beauty Blue Tansy Clarifying Gel Shampoo

15. Virtue 

16. Sheamoisture Residue Remover Shampoo

More Clarifying Products

Managing Editor

Sarah is lifestyle writer and editor with over 10 years of experience covering health and wellness, interior design, food, beauty, and tech. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she attended New York University and lived in New York for 12 years before returning to L.A. in 2019.

In addition to her work on THE/THIRTY and Who What Wear, she held editor roles at Apartment Therapy, Real Simple, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, and The Bump (sister site of The Knot).

She has a passion for health and wellness, but she especially loves writing about mental health. Her self-care routine consists of five things: a good workout, “me” time on the regular, an intriguing book/podcast/playlist to unwind after a long day, naps, and decorating her home.