Clarifying Shampoos Safe for Curly Hair to Remove Buildup

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The key to defined and voluminous waves, curls, and coils is a top-notch curly hair routine. However, with all the stylers, gels, leave-ins, and mousse that we use, the buildup of product can wreak havoc if we're not properly cleansing. "If you've ever felt like your products aren't working as well as they used to, it's probably because your hair has buildup," says April Kayganich, a hairstylist based in Los Angeles. The solution? Clarifying shampoo. "Clarifying shampoo is a deep-cleansing hair product designed to remove the buildup of product, oils, dirt, and minerals on the hair and scalp," says Danielle Priano, a celebrity hairstylist with clients like JLo, Lindsey Lohan, and Jessica Biel. It's also effective at cleansing the hair and scalp from environmental stressors, like pollen or pollution, adds Kayganich. It's a necessary addition to any curly hair routine, but it does require some knowledge before use.

What to consider

Here's the thing: Unlike regular shampoos that are gentle enough to use frequently (or even daily), clarifying shampoos have stronger surfactants (a.k.a. cleansing agents) to provide a more intensive clean, explains Priano. So, while they're effective at getting out the gunk, especially for curly hair, "I always tell my clients that they should be careful not to overuse clarifying shampoos, as it can lead to excessive dryness," says Kayganich. She recommends using these formulas once or twice a month. However, that depends on your scalp type, hair type, how much product you use, and how often you wash your hair. For instance, Ona Diaz-Santin, a hairstylist with curly hair and founder of 5 Salon and Spa, says she uses it every two months because she doesn't use many products.

How to pick a clarifying shampoo for curly hair

When choosing a clarifying shampoo, look for herbal extracts likes chamomile, rosemary, or aloe vera because they're both clarifying and soothing, Diaz-Santin says. Kayganich votes for aloe vera as well as citric acid, which is thorough but gentle. Your clarifying shampoo should also contain moisturizing ingredients, like glycerin, to help combat any potential dryness, says Priano. Ahead, shop the best clarifying shampoos for curly hair.

The experts:

• April Kayganich, a hairstylist in based in Los Angeles

• Danielle Priano, a celebrity hairstylist

• Ona Diaz-Santin, a hairstylist and founder of 5 Salon and Spa

No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo

Kayganich loves this formula because a little goes a long way. It's helpful when you have hard water (water high in minerals, which can cause buildup) because it "removes impurities without making your curls feel stressed." The formula is sulfate-free and pH-balanced to help maintain healthy hydration. It also has technology that helps repair broken bonds to promote stronger hair. When applying, concentrate on the scalp and leave it on for about five minutes before rinsing for best results.

Clarity Hairbath

Diaz-Santin loves this clarifying shampoo because it contains comfrey leaf to cleanse, Japanese swertie to soothe, and chufa milk to strengthen. "It helps clarify and detoxify the hair and scalp while soothing and hydrating it," she says. The formula is also fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, making it suitable for all skin types, especially those with sensitivities.

Scalp Purifying Micellar Shampoo

If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, you can't go wrong with this pick, says Kayganich. "It not only gives you a deep clean that removes build-up, but it also helps strengthen hair," she says. It contains micelles, which, like micellar water cleansers, effectively cleanse without disrupting your moisture barrier. Also, it's safe to use on color-treated hair.

Exfoliating Healthy Scalp Clarify & Shine Shampoo

Dealing with an oily scalp, especially when you have fine or thin curly hair, can be tricky. On the one hand, you need to wash frequently to keep strands from looking greasy, but also, who has the energy to have a daily wash day? Not to mention, the styling that has to come after. Instead, opt for a shampoo made for oily scalps. It's affordable, available at the drugstore, and contains pink grapefruit to help gently exfoliate.

Scalp + Hair Therapy Shampoo

Give you hair a density boost with this sulfate-free shampoo. Its formula was made with the help of dermatologists and includes skin-loving ingredients like vitamin B3, zinc, and peptides to help promote fullness and healthier-looking hair. It's a great option for dry or mature hair, which tends to be more brittle and needs a gentle but effective cleanse.

Un-Do-Goo Shampoo

"Another clarifying shampoo I like is this one because it's a pH-balancing cleanser that removes any and all buildup from the hair gently," says Kayganich. "This is ideal to use prior to a color service because it creates a clean canvas for styling. It also has a great scent and is friendly for all hair textures," she says.

Water Works Clarifying Shampoo

Maintain moisture while getting a deep clean with this vegan formula. It's made with botanicals like lemon, grapefruit, and orange extracts to help remove residue, product buildup, and water deposits. Camellia extract nourishes curls to not strip them of moisture. You can use it every one to two weeks or as needed.

Clarifying Shampoo

Tia Mowry created this haircare line specifically for women with natural hair, so you can trust that this clarifying shampoo gets the job done without disrupting your curls. It contains apple cider vinegar to cleanse and a hydrating molecule called Hemi15. Together, they work to purify while boosting shiny, strong, and healthy hair.

Wash & Scrub Clarifying Detox Shampoo

Get a dual-action cleanse with this shampoo meets scrub. The formula contains microfine exfoliating particles to physically slough away dirt, dead skin, and debris. It also has apple cider vinegar to clarify and enhance shine. It's great for removing buildup but also helps with dryness and flakes on the scalp.

Moisture Fusion Gentle Clarifying Shampoo

While it may seem like a high price tag, you get nearly double the amount of product in this big bottle, so you know you'll have it for a long time. The formula has charcoal to remove buildup and impurities while coconut oil nourishes and adds softness and shine. It offers a more mild cleanse than other options, so you can get away with using it more frequently.

How We Chose the Best Clarifying Shampoo for Curly Hair

Our beauty team is dedicated to finding you the best of the best formulas. We spoke with hairstylists to learn about what to look for in a clarifying shampoo for curly hair and got their go-to recommendations. We also researched and tested top-rated and brand-new formulas that hit the market to help you find the best products out there.

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