What Does Clarifying Shampoo Do - The Real Truth
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Do you ever feel that your hair is weighed down and greasy? If this sounds like you, it's possible that you might have product build-up on your hair strands to blame. Clarifying shampoo is a type of shampoo that is meant to eliminate build-up from your hair and make it feel lighter, softer, and shinier. In this article, we'll go through what clarifying shampoo does, how it works, and if you really should be using a clarifying shampoo.
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What is clarifying shampoo?
There are many different types of shampoos, but what is clarifying shampoo? Clarifying shampoo is a type of shampoo that removes buildup from the hair.
So what exactly is build-up? Build-up is used to describe the accumulation of products, oils, and dirt on the hair. Build-up within in your hair can come from styling products like hairsprays, gels, dry shampoo, and even daily hair products you use in your hair routine can cause build-up within the hair strands.
Also environmental factors like pollution or hard water minerals can cause build-up over time in the hair. Product build-up and these environmental factors that come into play can make the hair feel heavy, greasy, and dull. Clarifying shampoo will break down the unwanted build-up.
These shampoos have a higher pH level than regular shampoos causing the hair to feel extremely clean and dry after using them. However, the higher pH helps to remove all unwanted build-up in your hair.
The best way to restore the pH levels of your hair to it's normal levels is to make sure to go in with your conditioner after washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo.
A good conditioner or a hair mask will lower back down the pH of your to 4.5-5, which is the normal level your hair should be sitting at. Your hair will feel soft, hydrated, and easy to manage once the pH is lowered from the deep cleansing shampoo you just used.
What is the difference between shampoo and clarifying shampoo?
The main difference between shampoo and clarifying shampoo is that clarifying shampoo is meant to remove build-up while regular shampoo cleanses the hair.
Most shampoos have a pH level that ranges any where from 3.5-5.0, which is what helps to remove any unwanted oils and dirt from your scalp. Meanwhile, clarifying shampoos have a higher pH of around 9.0-10.0.
When we are looking to remove product buildup, hard water minerals, or chlorine using traditional shampoos will not do the job. You will have to use a clarifying shampoo with a higher pH level that helps remove the build-up from your hair strands.
Pro tip: It's important to use clarifying shampoo sparingly because it can strip away the natural oils in your hair if used too often. Only use a clarifying shampoo when needed.
When should you use a clarifying shampoo?
A good clarifying shampoo should not be used as your daily shampoo. Also, you should not be using a clarifying shampoo just because your scalp may be producing excess oil or you feel as thou you can't get your greasy hair under control.
You should only use a clarifying shampoo if you are constantly using an excess amount of products on your hair, you are washing your hair with hard water, or you are in chlorine a lot.
However, if you are going to add a clarifying shampoo into your hair care routine, you should only be using it every other month or every third month.
If you have colour-treated hair, you still can use a clarifying shampoo, but you should use one that is colour-safe so you can avoid the shampoo from stripping away your colour.
Do you need a clarifying shampoo?
While you may think you need to add a clarifying shampoo into your hair care routine, you may be wrong.
A clarifying shampoo should only be used when you have a great amount of buildup in your hair.
The shampoo will help strip out the unwanted build-up and allow your hair to absorb the benefits of your hair products properly.
Overall if you are not using an excessive amount of hair products, in chlorine all the time, or washing your hair with hard water, then you may not need to be using a clarifying shampoo.
How often should I use clarifying shampoo?
The first thing to make clear is that you should not be using a clarifying shampoo like it's your daily shampoo.
The formula created for clarifying shampoo is harsher than regular shampoo. This is because it's stripping away excess buildup that should be in your hair.
Also, you should know that a clarifying shampoo will not help with an itchy scalp. With all that being said, you should only be using a clarifying shampoo every other month or every third month.
How to use a clarifying shampoo
Start by wetting your hair thoroughly, then apply the shampoo evenly throughout your scalp and massage it for a minute before rinsing out completely.
Follow up with your regular conditioner. You may notice that your hair feels a bit dry after using a clarifying shampoo; this is normal because it has removed all the build-up and hair products from your hair. Just make sure to use a hydrating conditioner to help restore moisture back into your strands.
Also, another thing to note when washing your hair with clarifying shampoo is that a little of this shampoo goes a long way. You will find that the shampoo gives you a rich lather.
Additional Facts to note about clarifying shampoo
Clarifying shampoo can be used on blonde hair. Make sure you are using a clarifying shampoo that is safe for colour-treated hair.
Clarifying shampoo is not meant to be used as a regular shampoo. For all my oily hair people, I do not recommend using this shampoo as your daily shampoo it will strip your hair and make it extremely dry if used too often.
If you have dry hair you can still use a clarifying shampoo just make sure to follow up with a deep conditioner.
All hair types can use clarifying shampoo however, make sure you are using the right clarifying shampoo for your hair type.
Top 4 Best Clarifying Shampoos
Best clarifying shampoo for color-treated hair
AG Care Renew Clarifying Shampoo
GK hair ph+ clarifying shampoo
Best clarifying shampoo for a normal to oily scalp
The Ouai detox shampoo
Best clarifying shampoo for all hair types
Biolage clean reset shampoo
FAQ About Clarifying Shampoos
Does clarifying shampoo damage hair?
No, clarifying shampoo does not damage your hair. However, overusing your clarifying shampoo can eventually cause your hair to become extremely dry and brittle over time.
What does clarifying shampoo do to colored hair?
If your hair is color treated, meaning that you bleach or do an all-over color on your hair, clarifying shampoo can affect your overall color. The shampoo can strip your color and make it 1-2 shades lighter, or it can make it brassy.
This is why it's important to use a clarifying shampoo that is color safe. If your hair happens to go lighter or brassy after a clarifying shampoo, do not panic you can get your hair toned or glossed, and your color will be revived.
What Does a Clarifying Shampoo Do to Bleached Hair?
If your hair is bleached, a clarifying shampoo can strip the toner out of your hair or make your hair feel more brittle. Don't be scared to use a clarifying shampoo because of this. You must make sure you are using a clarifying shampoo for color-treated hair.
Will clarifying shampoo dry out my hair?
If you use clarifying shampoo too often, it can dry out your hair. But if you only use a clarifying shampoo when needed or every other month. You should not experience any dryness to your hair.
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