13 Best Clarifying Shampoos to Cleanse Hair and Remove Scalp Buildup
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So you’ve been using high-quality shampoo but your hair just doesn’t feel fully clean? This has happened to me more times than I can count, and the best clarifying shampoos can help if you’re experiencing greasy strands, itchy scalp, or serious product buildup (been there). Swapping formulas is especially ideal when the seasons change (or if you’re a regular swimmer) because it helps remove pollutants like chlorine and salt from your strands and extra iron and calcium. With routine use (more on frequency later), it can help hair stay soft and shiny—not weighed down, frizzy, or dry. Stylists often use a clarifying shampoo to prep hair before a chemical treatment too.
Below, we polled stylists and Glamour editors for their favorite deep-cleaning formulas for different hair types and concerns. Our top overall pick was the K18 Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo because it left our scalp feeling fresh and made our hair look and feel buildup free. We also found options for oily scalps, low-porosity strands, color-treated hair, and more.
The best clarifying shampoos, at a glance:
- Best Overall: K18 Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo, $38
- Best Drugstore: Aveda Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo, $20
- Best for Fine Hair: Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo, $30
- Best for Curly Hair: OGX Quenching+ Coconut Curls Shampoo, $11
- Best for Oily Hair: Dae Desert Detox Clarifying Shampoo, $26
- Best for Color-Treated Hair: Redken Detox Hair Cleansing Cream Clarifying Shampoo, $25
- Best for Low Porosity Hair: Pattern Cleansing Shampoo, $21
Your clarifying shampoo questions, answered
What is a clarifying shampoo?
A clarifying shampoo is a deep-cleansing shampoo that helps exfoliate, remove excess oil, and remove buildup from hair products, says Kenna Ehman, co-owner of Kenna Kunijo, a salon in Charlotte, North Carolina. “It’s designed to lift away chemical deposits on the hair, as well as remove excess lipids,” says Paul Labrecque, stylist and colorist at Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa.
Do clarifying shampoos really work?
If your hair or scalp needs a reset, a clarifying shampoo really does work, says Labrecque. Clarifying cleansers vary depending on your hair type and scalp needs. Look for ones made for fine-textured natural hair or dry, oily, or sensitive scalps to ensure you’re using the best formula for you. “These particular shampoos are also formulated with strong cleansing agents that remove dead skin cells, product residue, and excess to natural oils,” says Miguel Luis, hairstylist at Rita Hazan Salon.
Keep in mind that unlike regular shampoo, this type of hair product is not made for daily use, since it tends to be drying. “Extended use of this kind of shampoo can rid hair of its natural oils,” Luis says. It’s a great thing to add to your routine if you are active, use a lot of dry shampoo or hair products, or go a long time between shampooing, says Ehman.
“When shopping for a clarifying shampoo, make sure you’re opting for one with a balanced pH—not too high—so it cleans effectively without overly drying your hair,” says Rogerio Cavalcante, hairstylist at Second Floor Salon in NYC.
Can clarifying shampoo remove hair dye?
While these formulas are strong enough to effectively clean, they can’t help you with color oopsies. “Color penetrates the hair’s cortex layer, changing the cysteine hair bond,” says Labrecque. “Clarifying shampoos don’t reach that layer of your hair. Instead, they have the power to lift off the film that’s left on the outer layer of your strands, removing only what’s on its cuticle layer.”
How we tested clarifying shampoos
We evaluated clarifying shampoos by how well they felt during application, how well they washed out, and if they really detoxed our scalp and hair at the roots. We also looked for formulas that had exfoliating ingredients that helped get rid of product buildup, as well as hydrating ingredients to keep our hair smooth post-wash. The best clarifying shampoos lathered well but were easy to wash out and made our hair and scalp look and feel cleaner, softer, and refreshed, ready to take on the outside air, hot tools, and various styles.
Meet the experts
- Kenna Ehman, co-owner of Kenna Kunijo, a salon in Charlotte, North Carolina
- Paul Labrecque, stylist and colorist at Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa
- Miguel Luis, hairstylist at Rita Hazan Salon
- Rogerio Cavalcante, hairstylist at Second Floor Salon in NYC
- Ebony Knight, stylist and owner of Textured Press
Best Overall: K18 Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing K18 Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo
- Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing K18 Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo
K18 is one of the buzziest brands in hair care, and Ebony Knight, stylist and owner of Textured Press, says its clarifying shampoo is one of its standouts: “It’s actually also a chelating shampoo, which means that it penetrates the outer layer of the hair shaft into the middle of the hair shaft and removes metals and toxins—great for anyone who uses hard water to shampoo and condition hair.” It’s also really great to prep hair the day before coloring to yield a more vibrant result, she says.
While this shampoo is suitable for all hair types, I found it to be extra useful for my fine hair, which tends to get oily at the root. The consistency itself isn’t overly sticky or goopy; it’s actually quite lightweight and absorbs quickly into the hair. I didn’t have much of an issue washing it out either—my scalp and hair instantly felt smooth and clean. After my blow-dry, my scalp looked fresh and healthy, non-oily, and I didn’t see any flakes, either. My hair looked plump (thanks to the peptides in the formula) and it was easy to run my fingers through it.
- Pros: Softens hair, exfoliates scalp, absorbs oil at the roots
- Cons: Pricey for the size
- Key Ingredients: Activated charcoal, salicylic acid, peptides
- Size: 8.5 oz.
Best Drugstore: Aveda Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Loneeja Talukdar testing Aveda Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo
- Original photo from Loneeja Talukdar testing Aveda Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo
“This is perfect for people with oily scalps or those who prefer a refreshing, invigorating experience during their wash. The rosemary and mint provide an energizing cleanse that works well for individuals seeking to remove excess oil and buildup while leaving a cool, fresh sensation on the scalp,” says Cavalcante.
“After a week of using the Aveda Rosemary Mint Shampoo, I can confidently say I’m a fan. As someone with naturally curly hair, I’m very picky about what goes on my strands and scalp, and this one pleasantly surprised me. Right off the bat, the scent is so refreshing. That minty, herbal aroma isn’t just nice—it’s therapeutic. It feels like a mini spa moment every time I wash my hair. Performance-wise, it did everything I hoped for and more. My hair felt noticeably softer after each wash, and detangling was a breeze (which, let’s be real, is half the battle with curls). But the real win? My scalp. It felt clean, calm, and refreshed—not stripped or tight—and I saw a real improvement in my usual dry, flaky patches. That cooling mint tingle? Instant relief. Overall, this shampoo feels like a treat and a treatment. If you’ve got curls and struggle with a dry or irritated scalp, I’d definitely give this one a try. Aveda nailed it,” says Glamour senior analyst Loneeja Talukdar.
- Pros: Affordable, easy to use, helps reduce grease
- Cons: Has a cooling effect which might be irritating to some
- Key Ingredients: Rosemary, mint
- Size: 8.5 oz.
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Best for Curly Hair: OGX Quenching+ Coconut Curls Shampoo
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Monique Wilson testing OGX Quenching+ Coconut Curls Shampoo
- Original photo from Monique Wilson testing OGX Quenching+ Coconut Curls Shampoo
There are plenty of drugstore picks that will get the job done, but this formula by OGX is one of the better options. The sulfate-free formula, especially designed for curly girls, clarifies with the help of citrus oil but also works hard to restore moisture with the addition of coconut oil and sweet honey. Did we mention it smells like a piña colada in a bottle?
“First off, this shampoo smells amazing! The coconut smell is strong, but not overpowering, which I love. Apart from the smell, this shampoo does a fantastic job of cleaning my hair and making sure it’s still clean after at least a week. After one wash, my hair felt really soft and easy to detangle,” says Glamour’s editorial assistant Monique Wilson.
- Pros: Hydrates and defines curly hair, boosts shine
- Cons: Mixed reviews on whether it leaves hair feeling stripped
- Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, glycerin
- Size: 13 oz.
Best for Wavy Hair: Ouai Detox Shampoo
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Jen Calle testing OUAI Detox Shampoo
- Original photo from Jen Calle testing OUAI Detox Shampoo
- Original photo from Jen Calle testing OUAI Detox Shampoo
Apple cider vinegar is the star of this beloved shampoo that strips dirt, oil, and product buildup, leaving both scalp and hair cleaner. It also contains keratin to strengthen split ends; the result is softer, smoother, and shinier hair.
“As a shopping editor I’m constantly testing new hair products and sometimes all those treatments wreak havoc on my scalp. This is why a clarifying shampoo is essential in my routine, and the Ouia is one I can trust for a thorough cleanse. I normally add this as a second shampoo once a week. The consistency is on the thicker side so I suggest parting sections of your hair. I have thick, wavy hair so I have to distribute it all around before scrubbing. It has an average lather but the post-wash cleanse is very noticeable (just peep my scalp before and after images). Keep in mind that it is a smaller bottle, so if you have long hair like me you might run out of it fast,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle.
- Pros: Detoxes hard water deposits in hair
- Cons: You go through it quickly, has fragrance that might not be suitable for sensitive skin types
- Key Ingredients: Apple cider vinegar, keratin
- Size: 10 oz.
Best for Oily Hair: Dae Desert Detox Clarifying Shampoo
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Dae Desert Detox Clarifying Shampoo
- Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Dae Desert Detox Clarifying Shampoo
If you have oily hair, this detox shampoo is a personal favorite of mine. It’s a dream to apply—it lathers beautifully and gives you a ton of suds. My hair and scalp felt very clean after using it, and I also notice a difference in the volume and feel of my hair after I dry it. My hair was not flat or extra shiny like usual; instead it was quite bouncy and thick. I’d definitely recommend this one if you’re looking for an affordable deep-cleansing shampoo to combat oiliness that feels incredibly luxe.
- Pros: Gives you a deep-clean feeling, doesn’t strip hair
- Cons: Has fragrance, which may cause sensitivity to some
- Key Ingredients: Prickly pear extract, devil’s claw extract
- Size: 10 fl oz.
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Best for Dandruff: Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo
- Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo
The brand behind one of our favorite hair masks also has a gentle scalp scrub that thousands of reviewers love for its ability to eliminate product buildup from dry and oily scalps. Charcoal detoxifies and helps draw out any impurities clogging the hair follicle (the root cause of buildup) while a peppermint, spearmint, and tea tree oil blend works to cool, soothe, and reduce itchiness, irritation, and flakiness on dry scalps. Plus, coconut oil hydrates and locks in moisture to prevent future flare-ups.
If you’re in the market for a deep clean, this exfoliating shampoo will do just the trick. It’s almost a blend of a shampoo and a scrub, which makes for a really unique experience, and I’d highly recommend it for anyone who deals with flakiness, especially during seasonal transitions. After using this I noticed fewer flakes generally, and my scalp felt less irritated than it usually does. The only thing I’d note about this one is that you really have to make sure you wash it out, as some residue might be left behind.
- Pros: Deep cleaning, helps reduce flakes
- Cons: Has a gritty texture
- Key Ingredients: Peppermint oil, tea tree oil
- Size: 8 oz.
Best for Scalp: L’Oréal Paris Sulfate Free Shampoo with Antioxidants
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Loneeja Talukdar testing L’Oréal Paris Sulfate Free Shampoo with Antioxidants
- Original photo from Loneeja Talukdar testing L’Oréal Paris Sulfate Free Shampoo with Antioxidants
This rich and creamy formula may be sulfate-free and gentle on color, but it works into a great lather to rid the scalp and strands of the yucky stuff. Without all that excess weight from oil and buildup, your scalp will be healthier and flake-free and your hair shinier, lighter, and bouncier.
“I’ve been using the L’Oréal EverPure Clarify Shampoo for a few weeks now, and I’m quite impressed with the results. This shampoo effectively cleanses my scalp, removing buildup and leaving my hair feeling refreshed and light. I’ve noticed a significant reduction in oil production, allowing me to extend the time between washes without my hair feeling greasy. The sulfate-free formula is gentle yet efficient, and the subtle citrus scent adds a pleasant touch to my hair care routine. Overall, it’s a fantastic option for those seeking a thorough cleanse without stripping natural oils,” says Talukdar.
- Pros: Gentle, reduces dandruff, doesn’t strip hair
- Cons: Has fragrance which might cause sensitivity
- Key Ingredients: Menthol, neem leaf extract
- Size: 8.5 oz.
Best for Hair Breakage: Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Norell Zable testing Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo
- Original photo from Norell Zable testing Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo
Great for all hair types, this clarifying shampoo by Olapex is a stylist favorite. That’s because it’s formulated to remove any buildup in the hair while resisting stripping or exacerbating dryness, unlike many traditional clarifying shampoos, says celebrity hair colorist Bianca Hillier: “It also has the Olaplex patented bond-building technology, so while you’re removing minerals, you are also building a stronger structure inside the hair.”
“I love Olaplex as a brand, so I was very excited to try the Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo! I was not disappointed in the results. It lathers really well and the refreshing and clean smell lasted throughout the day (and the next day too) on my hair. I followed the recommended instructions to let it set for up to five minutes in the shower before rinsing out, which did seem like a long time in the morning; however, the first time I used it I didn’t let it set as long and I still felt my hair got a very good cleansing. I am someone who has to wash my hair every day or it feels too oily, and after letting it set in for five minutes, I was able to skip a wash day the next day,” says Condé Nast global executive director of creative strategy Norell Zable.
- Pros: Strengthens hair, helps address flyways and breakage
- Cons: Can dry out hair if overused
- Key Ingredients: Glycine, Sodium PCA
- Size: 8.5 oz.
Best for Hard Water: Act+Acre Clarifying Hard Water Shampoo
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Act+Acre Clarifying Hard Water Shampoo
- Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Act+Acre Clarifying Hard Water Shampoo
Another favorite of Cavalcante, this shampoo helps minimize the effects of hard water on hair. “If your hair feels weighed down or lacks shine due to the minerals in your water, this shampoo is perfect for restoring its natural luster and health without over-drying,” he says.
I love it too. Not only does my hair get oily at the roots, it also gets gross around the mid-shaft when I don’t wash it for a day or two. The texture becomes stringy and almost looks wet (TMI, I know). This shampoo did such wonders in breathing life back into my hair. After washing and drying I styled my hair into a bubble pony, and it held a lot of volume and shape. My hair was slicked back at the top but didn’t appear greasy. I’ve continued to use this shampoo since, and overall my hair is a lot softer and stays fresh throughout the day.
- Pros: Makes hair feel clean, doesn’t weigh down hair
- Cons: Pricey
- Key Ingredients: Coconut cleanser, fulvic acid
- Size: 10 fl oz.
Best for Dry Ends: Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo
- Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo
This argan-oil-packed shampoo helps remove buildup caused by styling products, hard water, and chlorine. It contains a blend of essential oils (avocado oil, as well as lavender, keratin, jojoba, and chamomile extracts) that nourish and hydrate at the same time. The result? Frizz-free, clean hair with plenty of bounce.
This clarifying shampoo is thick and thorough and did a great job absorbing grease at my roots and mid-shaft after a long day at work. It has amino acids to soften and smooth hair and a slew of oils to remove product buildup. My hair strands were shiny after use (but not overly shiny) and I was able to even skip a wash day after using this pick; it kept my hair grease-free for two days.
- Pros: Moisturizes dry hair while removing buildup
- Cons: The formula is very thick so make sure you thoroughly wash it out
- Key Ingredients: Amino acids, jojoba oil
- Size: 8.5 oz
Best for Fine Hair: Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo
Bumble and Bumble products often win praise from hairstylists, and its clarifying formula is no exception. It gently lifts oil, residue, and other gunk from the scalp and hair, but it isn’t so harsh that it’ll strip away natural oils from the individual strands. Here’s how: Sage extract naturally cleanses, ginseng extract revitalizes, and rosemary extract stimulates the scalp to encourage hair health.
“After using this shampoo, my hair felt extremely clean and I was able to get rid of all the dry shampoo and hairspray that’s often left behind after I use hairstyling products. My strands were very soft post-wash and there was no oil or frizzy, rough texture post-wash. I’ll definitely be using this again,” says executive account director at Condé Nast Carolyn Frazier.
- Pros: Enhances volume and clarity for fine hair
- Cons: The bottle leaks
- Key Ingredients: Ginseng root extract, sage extract, rosemary extract
- Size: 8.5 oz.
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Best for Low Porosity Hair: Pattern Cleansing Shampoo
For low-porosity hair types, like 4C, a clarifying shampoo is especially helpful—it helps remove buildup that can block the hair cuticle from delivering the moisture strands need. Pattern beauty products, like this shampoo, offer exactly what natural-going girls need, says Brittany Gharring, a professional hairstylist and makeup artist. The value is great for its size; plus, it’s packed with natural extracts like matcha green tea, aloe vera, and panthenol that can help strengthen hair over time.
“This one was really great and smelled like lemons post-wash. I feel like it added some good definition to my curls, lathered up nicely as well, and washed out easily. I definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a wash that’s more detoxifying and clarifying, not necessarily something that’s moisturizing over time,” says Condé Nast content licensing associate Paton Hardy.
- Pros: Great for type 3 and 4 hair, has nourishing oils
- Cons: May dry out hair if overused
- Key Ingredients: Green tea, aloe
- Size: 7.8 oz.
Best for Color-Treated Hair: Redken Detox Hair Cleansing Cream Clarifying Shampoo
Can you really talk hair care without Redken? Powered by an AHA fruit acid and cleansing complex, this stylist go-to expertly removes not only dirt, oils, and other impurities but also minerals like copper, iron, and magnesium found in hard water. At the same time the creamy formula helps strengthen the hair cuticle and boost shine.
“This shampoo left my hair feeling clean without feeling like it stripped all the oil from my hair. It had a delightfully fruity smell, which I feel isn’t always common for products that really clean your hair. It lathers really well, and I could immediately tell a difference in how my hair felt after using it—it was much softer and hydrated. I didn’t feel the need to go back and add products to rehydrate it after the fact, which is a huge plus,” says Glamour senior manager of social media Jazmin Gathers.
- Pros: Lathers well, suitable for all hair types
- Cons: Pricey
- Key Ingredients: AHAs, fruit acids
- Size: 8.5 oz.
