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By Brigitt Earley and Andrea Navarro
Courtesy of brands
So you’ve been using a high-quality shampoo, but your hair just doesn’t feel fully clean? The best clarifying shampoos can help if you're experiencing symptoms of greasy strands, dry, itchy scalp, or serious product buildup.
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.
Swapping formulas is especially ideal in the summer (or if you're a regular swimmer), Labrecque says, because it helps remove 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. We polled stylists and Glamour editors for their favorite deep-cleaning formulas for different hair types and concerns.
The best clarifying shampoos, at a glance:
- Best for Split Ends: Ouai Detox Shampoo, $32
- Best for Sensitive Scalp: Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt, $20
- Best for Dry Hair: Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo, $26
- Best for Fine Hair: Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo, $30
- Best for Hard Water: K18 Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo, $38
- Best for Curly Hair: OGX Quenching+ Coconut Curls Shampoo, $11
- Best for Oily Hair: Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two, $14
- Best for Dandruff: Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo, $42
- Best for Color-Treated Hair: Redken Detox Hair Cleansing Cream Clarifying Shampoo, $25
Your common clarifying shampoo questions, answered:
- Does clarifying shampoo really work?
- Can clarifying shampoo remove hair dye?
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Best for Split Ends: Ouai Detox Shampoo
1/22
OUAI Detox Shampoo
Original photo courtesy of Glamour commerce writer Andrea Navarro
Apple cider vinegar is the star of this beloved shampoo that strips dirt, oil, and product buildup, leaving both scalp and hair cleaner. “This shampoo is like hitting a reset button for your hair,” says Glamour commerce writer Andrea Navarro. It also contains keratin to strengthen split ends; the result is softer, smoother, and shinier hair. “This is the one product with ACV that leaves my scalp feeling super clean, rather than tender and sensitive,” she says.
The TL;DR: Targets split ends while detoxifying hair
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Best for Sensitive Scalp: Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub With Sea Salt
2/22
Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt
Original photo courtesy of Glamour reviewer Mia Nuñez
For those with a sensitive scalp, this sea salt scrub is a game changer. “It's gentle yet effective, and my scalp feels so refreshed after using it,” says Glamour reviewer Mia Nuñez. The formula helps to soothe irritation and eliminate impurities, ensuring your scalp and hair feel rejuvenated. It's also one of the gentler physical exfoliants on the market. “I've noticed a significant reduction in itchiness and flakiness,” she says.
The TL;DR: Soothes sensitive scalps with sea salt exfoliation
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Best for Dry Hair: Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo
3/22
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.
The TL;DR: Moisturizes dry hair while removing buildup
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Best for Fine Hair: Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo
4/22
Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo
See AlsoDetox Your Hair With These Clarifying ShampoosIf your hair is looking lifeless, this kind of shampoo can helpUpgrade Your Everything Shower Routine With These Editor-Approved Clarifying ShampoosIf You Use Dry Shampoo Almost Every Day, You Need These Clarifying Shampoos In Your Weekly RotationBumble 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.
The TL;DR: Enhances volume and clarity for fine hair
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Best for 4C Hair: Pattern Cleansing Shampoo
5/22
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.
The TL;DR: Gently cleanses and nourishes 4C hair
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Best for Hard Water: K18 Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo
6/22
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 conditioner hair.” It's also really great to prep hair the day before coloring to yield a more vibrant result, she says.
The TL;DR: Effectively combats hard water buildup with peptides
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Best for Curly Hair: OGX Quenching+ Coconut Curls Shampoo
7/22
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?
The TL;DR: Hydrates and defines curly hair
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Best for Oily Hair: Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two
8/22
Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two
Knight’s personal favorite and a recommendation we got from more than one stylist, this purifying shampoo by salon brand Paul Mitchell leaves the hair squeaky-clean without stripping entirely, so hair won’t feel hard or brittle. “I suggest this one for adults who swim regularly,” says Knight.
The TL;DR: Controls oiliness for a refreshed scalp
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Best for Dandruff: Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo
9/22
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.
The TL;DR: Exfoliates and soothes dandruff-prone scalps
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Best Drugstore: L’Oréal Paris EverPure Scalp Care + Detox Sulfate Free Shampoo
10/22
L’Oréal Paris EverPure Scalp Care + Detox Sulfate Free Shampoo
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.
The TL;DR: Affordable detoxification for scalp care
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Best for Color-Treated Hair: Redken Detox Hair Cleansing Cream Clarifying Shampoo
11/22
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.
The TL;DR: Safeguards color-treated hair from impurities
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Best Bonding Clarifying Shampoo: Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo
12/22
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.”
The TL;DR: Strengthens hair bonds while clarifying
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Best Soothing Clarifying Shampoo: Verb Reset Clarifying Shampoo
13/22
Verb Reset Clarifying Shampoo
This gentle formula features three superstar ingredients: aloe vera, honey, and seawater. The aloe focuses on scalp health, repairing dead skin cells and soothing any irritation and itching, the honey seals in moisture to condition strands, and the seawater helps restore lost minerals, improving the appearance of damaged hair. It’s also color-safe, says Kerry Yates, trichologist for Colour Collective.
The TL;DR: Calms and resets the scalp with gentle cleansing
Best Luxury Clarifying Shampoo: Oribe The Cleanse Clarifying Shampoo
14/22
Oribe The Cleanse Clarifying Shampoo
Designed as a foaming mousse, this product has a weightless lather that is easily distributed from strand to scalp, says Yates. While it works its magic, volcanic ash gently exfoliates to remove impurities, green tea extract strengthens strands to minimize damage, and the brand’s signature complex helps protect hair from environmental elements that can cause dulling and breakage. Plus, it has the same yummy Oribe fragrance, says Yates.
The TL;DR: Luxurious deep cleaning for all hair types
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Best Hair Protecting Clarifying Shampoo: Living Proof Clarifying Detox Shampoo
15/22
Living Proof Clarifying Detox Shampoo
If you're in need of a thorough cleanse that won't require multiple washes, this Living Proof shampoo might be your holy grail. “My hair feels super clean, but not dry whenever I use this,” says Glamour's Navarro. It's designed to remove product buildup and environmental pollutants, leaving your hair feeling as fresh as possible. “It's a staple in my hair care routine now, especially on the days I let it air-dry and want to wear it curly,” she says.
The TL;DR: Protects hair from environmental aggressors
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Best Hydrating Clarifying Shampoo: Vegamour Hydr-8 Hydrate and Repair Shampoo for Dry, Damaged Hair
16/22
Vegamour HYDR-8 Hydrate and Repair Shampoo for Dry, Damaged Hair
Dry, damaged hair can find solace in this hydrating and repairing shampoo. “It's transformed my brittle hair into silky, healthy locks,” says Glamour reviewer Rosi Norton. The formula aims to replenish moisture and strengthen hair from within. “I've noticed less breakage and more shine since I started using it,” she says.
The TL;DR: Hydrates and repairs dry, damaged hair
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Best Nondrying Formula: Bread Beauty Supply Clear Wash Detox Clarifying Shampoo
17/22
Bread Beauty Supply Clear Wash Detox Clarifying Shampoo
If you're looking for a gentle clarifying shampoo, try this one from Bread Beauty Supply. “It removes all the gunk without stripping my hair,” says Navarro. This formula is ideal for those who want a deep clean without harsh ingredients, and this shampoo leaves hair feeling soft to the touch (even before conditioner). “My curls have never looked better,” she says.
The TL;DR: Gently removes buildup without drying
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Best Salon-Quality Clarifying Shampoo: Nexxus Clean and Pure Clarifying Shampoo With ProteinFusion
18/22
Nexxus Clean and Pure Clarifying Shampoo With ProteinFusion
For those seeking a protein boost along with a deep cleanse, this shampoo is a standout choice. “It's revitalized my limp hair, giving it body and shine,” says Glamour reviewer Maria Navarro. The patented ProteinFusion blend made of elastin protein and marine minerals helps nourish and strengthen the hair while removing impurities. “I love how my hair feels so light and bouncy after each wash, thanks to this salon-quality shampoo,” she says.
The TL;DR: Salon-quality purification with protein infusion
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Best Invigorating Clarifying Shampoo: OGX Extra Strength Refreshing Scalp + Teatree Mint Shampoo
19/22
OGX Extra Strength Refreshing Scalp + Teatree Mint Shampoo
If you're after a refreshing and invigorating experience, this tea tree mint shampoo is quite the treat for your scalp. “The cooling sensation is amazing, and my scalp feels so clean,” says Glamour reviewer Jade Brito. It's formulated to provide a deep clean while soothing the scalp with the antibacterial properties of tea tree oil. “My hair smells so good and minty for days after using this,” she says.
The TL;DR: Invigorates the scalp with tea tree and mint
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Best Cream-Based Formula: Oribe Cleansing Crème
20/22
Oribe Cleansing Crème for Moisture & Control
In need of extra moisture? This cleansing crème is a luxe pick to add to your hair care routine. “It's like a spa treatment for my hair,” says Norton. The rich formula helps to hydrate and tame frizz, leaving hair feeling softer and more manageable. “I've noticed a significant improvement in the texture and appearance of my hair,” she says.
The TL;DR: Cream formula for ultimate moisture and control
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Brigitt Earley, a graduate of Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism, has been testing consumer products and writing commerce content for 15 years and counting. She began her career in media as an editorial assistant at Real Simple, eventually rising to deputy editor of the publication's website before departing to pursue... Read more
Andrea is the special projects commerce writer at Glamour where she writes shopping content with a focus on beauty, gift guides, and style. She's worked in digital media for over seven years and tests everything from viral TikTok makeup to best-selling leggings, lingerie, and swimwear. Her work has appeared in... Read more
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