13 Best Clarifying Shampoos For Color-Treated Hair – Expert Picks (2024)
Thoroughly cleanse your hair and preserve its color using these gentle clarifying shampoos.
Becky Sturm is a multi hyphenate beauty maven who has been in the salon and spa industry for 30+ years as a hairdresser, esthetician, as well as product development and product expert. After graduating in the HORST/Aveda Institute Advanced Training program in 1985, she went on to do an apprenticeship at The Red Carpet Salons for three years in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, and then 1 year at Regis Corporation.
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Experience: 2 yearsOyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skin care coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience, she writes about everything that the modern woman needs to know about grooming and self-care.
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Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
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Experience: 7 yearsAnjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.
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Rigorous chemical treatments done to your natural hair, conditioner applied frequently, and regular use of styling products can lead to the accumulation of remnants on the scalp. And if your hair is color-treated, the damage is more. This is why you need the best clarifying shampoo for color-treated hair that can not only remove excess sebum present on the hair shaft. This haircare product also prevent your hair from feeling dull, dehydrated, and flat. These shampoos can eliminate all stubborn build-up from styling products, help in residue removal, and cleanse the whole of your hair correctly while providing color protection. They also remove excess oil and dirt from the natural hair. Incorporating this into your haircare routine is definitely an excellent addition. And this is precisely why you must try the 13 best options listed below.
In This Article
13 Best Clarifying Shampoos For Color-Treated Hair
1. Best-Rated:Neutrogena Anti-Residue Clarifying Shampoo
The Neutrogena Anti-residue Clarifying Shampoo cleanses your hair and scalp properly by removing 90% of the dulling residue. This essential haircare product is infused with glycerin,, hydrogenated castor oil, and clarifying ingredients that provide gentle cleansing and help boost volume instantly. Use this anti-residue shampoo once a week along with your regular shampoo to protect hair color and remove heavy build-up. If you need more convincing, feel free to take a look at this reviewer’s video on the merits and demerits of the product.
Key Ingredients: Glycerin
Pros
- No added dyes and colorants
- Non-irritating
- Boosts hair volume
- Gentle and mild formula
- Easy to use
- Suitable for thin hair
- Dermatologist-recommended brand
Cons
- Strong fragrance
- May not suit sensitive scalp
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 24,488 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
2. Best For Oily Hair:Maple Holistics Degrease Moisture Control Shampoo
If you are tired of washing your oily locks and greasy hair, The Maple Holistics Degrease Moisture Control Shampoo could be ideal. It not only clarifies and makes your scalp oil-free but also provides a shield of protection to colored strands. It is infused with botanical extracts that nourish and hydrate dry, dehydrated, and frizzy locks. The shampoo is gentle on the hair and leaves hair cleaner, shinier, and smoother. It also contains peach kernel oil that is light, rich in antioxidants and vitamins, and protects locks from environmental aggressors. It also adds bounce to dull, limp hair and keeps your hair clean.
Rosemary, basil, and cypress oil extract improve blood circulation. They also supply nutrients to hair follicles, promote hair growth, and minimize scalp pore size to control hair loss and shedding. Lemon oil extract removes excess oil from the scalp and leaves your hair with an invigorating sense of freshness. This salon-quality, regenerating shampoo with botanical keratin is safe and gentle and effective for lustrous, smooth, soft hair.
Key Ingredients: Rosemary, basil, cypress oil
Pros
- Non-greasy
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Natural ingredients
- Safe and gentle
- Suitable for sensitive scalp
- Reduces pore size
- Controls excess oil secretion
- Stimulates hair growth
- Tames frizz
- Adds instant volume
Cons
- None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 3,150 Amazon users have vouched for this amazing product.
3. Best For Swimmers:Paul Mitchell Shampoo Three
The Shampoo Three from Paul Mitchell keeps your hair from turning green. It is ideal for swimmers. It is a clarifying shampoo that deep cleanses hair and removes chlorine, iron, and minerals that can prevent you from sporting green hair. The clarifying formula helps minimize the oiliness on your scalp and increases hair volume. A clarifying hair rinse with this product strikes the perfect balance by controlling oil production on your scalp and keeping moisture levels intact. The wheat extracts deeply condition your hair. The shampoo strengthens hair strands and minimizes build-up. It is best used before any deep conditioning treatment. It is ideal for all hair types and is color-safe. Becky Sturm, an esthetician with over 30 years of experience, states, “This shampoo is also a great once-a-month treatment for hair that has a lot of buildup from hair styling products and hard water deposits.”
Key Ingredients: Clarifying ingredients
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Hair strengthening
- 100% vegan
- Does not weigh down hair strands
- Tames frizz
- Removes waxy films
- Removes green tones from colored locks
Cons
- May make hair brittle
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
The extensive 7,056 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.
| Neutrogena Anti-Residue Clarifying Shampoo Best-Rated | Maple Holistics Degrease Moisture Control Shampoo Best For Oily Hair | Paul Mitchell Shampoo Three Best For Swimmers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | Multicultural | Oily | All |
| Dimensions | 3.7 x 1.3 x 5.8 inches | 2.4 x 2 x 8.1 inches | 1.92 x 1.92 x 8.5 inches |
| Weight | 7.68 Ounces | 1 Pounds | 11.84 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 24,488 | 3,150 | 7,056 |
| Price | $1.05 | $21.95 | $38.0 |
4. Best For Dandruff:Honeydew Tea Tree Peppermint Shampoo
The Honeydew Tea Tree Peppermint Shampoo is infused with 100% pure, therapeutic-grade essential tea tree, rosemary, and peppermint oils that rejuvenate and nourish hair and scalp. Tea tree is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory and soothes scalp pimples. It also sloughs off dead skin cells, dandruff, and flaking. It adds life to limp, dull hair.
Rosemary oil extract stimulates blood circulation, boosts hair growth, unclogs hair follicles, and prevents dandruff. It also moisturizes and hydrates the dry, flaky scalp. Peppermint essential oil provides a refreshing and pleasant fragrance. This gentle, safe shampoo is suitable for all hair types, sensitive scalp, and color-treated hair.
Key Ingredients: Tea tree, rosemary, peppermint essential oils
Pros
- Eco-friendly
- Cruelty-free
- Revitalizing
- Natural botanical extracts
- Hypoallergenic
- Suitable for all hair types
- Reduces dandruff
- Pleasant aroma
Cons
- Not ideal for cleansing long hair
5.Best For Bleached Hair:Kenra Clarifying Shampoo
The Kenra Clarifying Shampoo contains grapefruit and witch hazel extracts along with amino acid chelators (binders) that eliminate deposits and impurities and adds radiance. This shampoo is popular among swimmers as it removes hard water and chlorine remnants from your hair and scalp. The deep cleaning shampoo has restorative properties bring back the shine to dull and limp hair. The Kenra Clarifying Shampoo can also be used as a color enhancer to brighten gray, bleached, highlighted, or textured hair. It is a go-to product for those who suffer from the accumulation of hard water deposits on their scalp.
Key Ingredients: Grapefruit and witch hazel extract, amino acid chelators
Pros
- Gentle on hair strands
- Suitable for swimmers
- Suitable for daily use
- Adds shine
- Makes hair soft and smooth
Cons
- May dry hair out
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received 3,848 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
6. Best Mood Lifter:SofN’free GroHealthy Nothing But Clarifying Shampoo
The SofN’free GroHealthy Nothing But Clarifying Shampoo is formulated with clarifying ingredients that cleanse the scalp and soothe scalp irritation. The antioxidants and citrus fruit extracts remove oil build-up, control excess sebum formation, and keep hair intensely moisturized. The hydrating shampoo also cleanses and clarifies the deeply settled chlorine and other contaminants. The linalool in the shampoo has stress-reducing properties and a floral aroma that instantly enhances your mood.
Key Ingredients: Clarifying ingredients, citrus fruit extract
Pros
- No harmful chemicals
- Natural cleansing ingredients
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Ideal for most hair types
- Makes hair manageable
- Gentle and safe
- Refreshing fragrance
Cons
- May not suit extremely dry hair
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has gained over 2,474 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.
7. Best Overall:Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo
The Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo revitalizes, nourishes, and rejuvenates limp and lifeless colored hair. It washes away everyday build-up from chlorine, hard water, mineral deposits, dirt, and pollution. It is infused with a deep cleansing and invigorating blend of argan oil, avocado oil, and lavender, chamomile, and jojoba extracts. Argan and avocado oil contain fatty acids (linoleic and oleic acid) that act as a protective shield to retain moisture, hydrate the scalp, improve scalp health, and protect each hair strand from the damaging effects of chemicals.
The nourishing ingredients like chamomile, lavender, and jojoba extracts provide intense replenishment to hair and leave it feeling weightless. The signature Moroccan fragrance and exotic blends of floral extracts uplift and rejuvenate your mood. This amber-colored color-protecting shampoo does not strip your tresses of natural oils and will leave them smelling great, shiny, bouncy, and feeling soft and silky to the touch. Follow up with a moisturizing conditioner for a balanced haircare routine.
Key Ingredients: Argan and avocado oils
Pros
- Protects hair strands
- Keeps hair and scalp weightless
- Retains moisture
- Keratin-enriched
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phosphate-free
- Smells exotic
Cons
- Expensive
- Not suitable for dry hair
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 2,066 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
8. Best For All Hair Types:Redken Hair Cleansing Cream Clarifying Shampoo
The Redken Hair Cleansing Cream Clarifying Shampoo has a detox formula suitable for all hair types and textures. This pH-balanced shampoo is made with an AHA cleansing complex that thoroughly cleanses your hair and scalp. It removes hard water minerals, product build-up, and excess oils, leaving your hair healthy and soft. It strengthens your hair cuticles and enhances the shine of your color-treated hair. If you want a detailed review of the product, make sure to take a look at this video.
Key Ingredients: Redken Cleansing Complex
Pros
- Non-greasy
- Paraben-free
- Suitable for all hair types and textures
- Pleasant scent
- Climate Pledge Friendly
Cons
- May dry out hair
9. Best Natural Formula:Aquableu Apple Cider Vinegar Deep Cleansing Shampoo
The Aquableu Deep Cleansing Shampoo is rich in vitamins and minerals for healthy hair. It is formulated with nourishing ingredients, such as apple cider vinegar, papaya, green coconut, jojoba, sweet almond, avocado oil, shea butter, pomegranate, and hibiscus flower extract. Apple cider vinegar is rich in vitamins B and C, and alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) that deeply nourish and cleanse the scalp. They also rebalance the scalp pH and remove excess build-up to retain hair shine. The shampoo’s anti-inflammatory properties help alleviate dry scalp issues and protect it from dandruff.
The formulation of virgin coconut and avocado oil rejuvenates weak, thin, dull, and damaged hair. It offers protection to each hair strand and keeps hair strong, smooth, and shiny. The combination of essential oils with vitamin E promotes blood circulation to the hair follicles and stimulates hair regrowth. The chemical-free formula is safe and gentle for daily use.
Key Ingredients: Apple cider vinegar, jojoba, almond, avocado oil, shea butter
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
- Silicone-free
- Soothing fragrances
- 100% natural and organic
- Strengthens hair roots
- Protects hair from aggressors
Cons
- May dry hair out
10. GIOVANNI 50:50 Balanced Hydrating-Clarifying Shampoo
The GIOVANNI 50:50 Balanced Hydrating-Clarifying Shampoo features its trademark Eco Chic Technology that is a blend of vitamins, nutrients, and proteins. Using this advanced technology, the product strengthens and protects over-processed, color-treated hair to retain its natural color and shine. Aloe vera, rosemary, and other botanical extracts clarify scalp and hair thoroughly, moisturize it, while leaving your hair soft and manageable. It provides restorative care for normal, straight hair to dry hair and is gentle enough for everyday use. You can also check this YouTuber’s detailed review to learn more about the results after using this product.
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, lavender extract, rosemary extract, thyme extract
Pros
- Lauryl and laureth sulfate-free
- Goodness of natural botanical extracts
- pH-balanced
- Anti-frizz
- Suitable for normal to dry hair
- Vegan
- Color-safe
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- None
11. Best Vegan:Acure Curiously Clarifying Shampoo
The Acure Curiously Clarifying Shampoo contains organic extracts of pomegranate, calendula, argan oil, and lemongrass that help remove dirt and oil from the scalp. Since it contains natural ingredients, it does not dry your hair out. This hydrating shampoo works best on oily scalps and scalps with excess deposits. It also keeps your hair soft and light without weighing it down.
Key Ingredients: Argan oil
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Silicone-free
- Phthalate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Improves scalp health
- Suitable for all hair types
- Leaves a glossy look
- Long-lasting effects
Cons
- Unpleasant fragrance
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 423 reviews claiming its efficacy.
12. Best For Chemically-Treated-Hair:Aloxxi Clarifying Shampoo
Aloxxi Clarifying Shampoo is created with ColourCare Complex and Detox Blend that removes stubborn build-up from the scalp and hair without stripping off the hair’s natural moisture. It also contains chelating agents that remove hard water residue and daily pollutants from the hair to maintain its overall health. This nourishing hair shampoo leaves your hair feeling soft, smooth, and purified.
Key Ingredients: ColorCare Complex and Detox Blend
Pros
- Gentle formula
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Gluten-free
Cons
- None
13. Best For Hair Breakage:By The Way, Your Hair Looks Fabulous Clarifying Shampoo
The By The Way Clarifying Shampoo nourishes and rejuvenates chemically-treated and processed hair. It keeps hair from shedding. The shampoo is infused with oat proteins, vegetable glycerin, panthenol, bladderwrack extract, yellow dock root extract, and aloe vera that gently remove stubborn build-up from various styling products. The oat proteins and amino acids deeply penetrate the hair shaft and leave hair feeling soft and well moisturized. Bladderwrack extract boosts hair with vitamins and minerals and prevents hair breakage. The shampoo is gentle on the natural hair. It leaves hair cleaner, shinier, more supple, and smoother.
Key Ingredients: Oat proteins, panthenol, aloe vera extract
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- No synthetic chemicals
- Softens hair
- Non-irritating fragrance
- Lightweight
- Safe for all hair types
Cons
- None
"It is a clarifying shampoo that gently cleanses the scalp, while keeping my color-treated hair protected. I often use it as post-swim care, and it leaves my hair clean, soft, and shiny. It has a subtle scent and its all-natural ingredients seems to suit my hair pretty well."
These are the 13 best clarifying shampoos meant for color-treated hair. In the upcoming sections, we have further discussed clarifying shampoos.
What Is A Clarifying Shampoo?
A clarifying shampoo is specifically designed to remove excess or stubborn build-up, clear excess oil formation, and to absorb dirt and impurities for a healthy scalp. It also removes the residue left behind by hard water and chlorine water. Unlike a regular shampoo that is primarily used to moisturize the scalp, a clarifying shampoo is often formulated for deeper cleansing and to strip excess oil without shedding hair (1).
The next section illustrates the uses of a clarifying shampoo.
Uses Of A Clarifying Shampoo
- It helps absorb gunk, oil, dirt, and impurities from the scalp developed from excessive pollution or environmental aggressors.
- It offers deep cleansing without stripping natural oils or shedding hair.
- It softens and smoothes hair strands when matched with a good conditioner.
Here are the factors you should look for before you buy the right clarifying shampoo for your color-treated hair.
Choosing The Best Clarified Shampoo For Color-Treated Hair
- Check the label of a color-safe shampoo. Color-safe shampoos are specifically formulated to treat dry, damaged hair and also to prevent the stripping of color.
- A clarifying shampoo should contain natural ingredients like tea tree and other essential oils, oat proteins, etc. that remove excess build-up of chemical treatments, hard water, and chlorine water.
- It should be able to hydrate, moisturize, and soften the hair. It also should be able to add instant volume to limp and flat hair.
- It should be free from all harmful toxins and chemicals.
Infographic: Tips To Keep In Mind When Using Color-Safe Clarifying Shampoos
One of the primary considerations while deep cleansing the hair is preserving the hair color. You want to not only remove the dirt and sebum buildup, but also hydrate the scalp and keep the hair color from fading. How do you go about doing that? Check out the infographic below for some helpful tips when using a color-safe clarifying shampoo.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Regular shampoos or dry shampoos may not effectively remove chemical build-up. A clarifying shampoo achieves this without causing harm to your hair color. It also keeps your hair from shedding. The Neutrogena Anti-Residue Clarifying Shampoo removes stubborn build-up and adds volume to your hair. The Maple Holistics Degrease Moisture Control Shampoo is suitable for treating dry and dehydrated hair, while the Paul Mitchell Shampoo Three is perfect for swimmers and removes green tones from the hair. The shampoo also nourishes, moisturizes, and rejuvenates hair strands and adds instant bounce. With these clarifying shampoos- clean and healthy hair is just a click away! Choose your pick from this list today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of a clarifying shampoo?
A clarifying shampoo is the best option to remove excess build-up from your hair and scalp. Do not replace it with any other shampoo.
Is baking soda safe on color-treated hair?
No, baking soda is not safe on color-treated hair. Refrain from using it.
Should I use clarifying shampoo before coloring?
Yes, use a clarifying shampoo before coloring to enhance the hair dye effects.
How do you know if your hair needs clarifying shampoo?
If your shampoo is not lathering enough, and your hair has lost shine due to the buildup of conditioners and hair care products, this is a sign your hair needs clarifying shampoo.
How often should you use a clarifying shampoo for color-treated hair?
You can use clarifying shampoo once or twice a month for color-treated hair.
How long does it take for clarifying shampoo to work?
It takes 30 seconds for clarifying shampoo to work on your scalp.
References
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.
- Draelos, Zoe D. “Essentials of Hair Care often Neglected: Hair Cleansing.” International journal of trichology vol. 2,1 (2010).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3002407/#:~:text=Deep%20cleaning%20shampoo,spray%2C%20gel%2C%20and%20mousse.
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- Shampoos For Hard Water
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