13 Best Clarifying Shampoos For All Hair Types (2023 Update)

Gentle and chemical-free cleansing shampoos soften and nourish your tresses.

Reviewed by Jill Turnbull, Hairstylist
Written by Oyendrila Kanjilal, Certified Skin Care Coach
Edited by Shiboli Chakraborti, Certified Skin Care Coach
Fact-checked by Anjali Sayee  • 
All products recommended on StyleCraze are independently selected by our editorial team. If you make a purchase through any of these links, we may receive a commission. Learn more about our product selection process here.

Using quick-fix products such as dry shampoos, styling creams, mousses can surely make your hair look flawless in no time, but with all that product build-up, sweat from the gym, and chlorine water from the swimming, can sensitize your scalp, leading to hair fall and rough texture. This is exactly why you need the best clarifying shampoos on your bathroom shelves.

Made with deep cleansing ingredients, clarifying shampoos remove excess oil, dirt, grease, and product build-up, leaving your scalp fresh and clean. It also contains nourishing ingredients such as peppermint, tea tree oil, and green tea extracts that soothe and nourish the scalp giving you a pH-balanced scalp protected from fungal infections.

While finding the best clarifying shampoo for different hair types might seem like a task, we have got your back. Scroll down to find the 13 best clarifying shampoos for all hair types.

Top PicksCheck Price
Best For Sensitive Scalp:Neutrogena Shampoo Anti-Residue FormulaPrice on Amazon
Best For Chemically Treated Hair:TRESemmé Clean & ReplenishPrice on Amazon
Best For Color-Treated Hair:GIOVANNI 50:50 Balanced Hydrating-Clarifying ShampooPrice on Amazon
Best For Itchy Scalp:Maple Holistics Degrease ShampooPrice on Amazon
Best For Hard Water:Kenra Clarifying ShampooPrice on Amazon
Best For Dry and Thinning hair:Moroccanoil Clarifying ShampooPrice on Amazon
Best For Removing Product Buildup:Nothing But Clarifying ShampooPrice on Amazon
Best Vegan Formula:ACURE Curiously Clarifying ShampooPrice on Amazon
Best For Flaky And Itchy Scalp:Puriya Scalp TherapyPrice on Amazon
Best For Hair Rejuvenation:Brocato Peppermint Scrub Purifying ShampooPrice on Amazon

13 Best Clarifying Shampoos For All Hair Types – Review

1. Best For Sensitive Scalp:Neutrogena Shampoo Anti-Residue Formula

4.5
Neutrogena Anti-Residue Clarifying Shampoo Image: Neutrogena

The Neutrogena Shampoo Anti-Residue Formula is one of the best drugstore clarifying shampoos that help remove up to 90% of heavy buildup caused by shampoos, conditioners, and styling products. It is non-irritating and gentle, boosts volume, and restores shine and bounce. Achieve a refreshing scalp while promoting the growth of healthy hair. This once-a-week treatment is formulated for all hair types, including color-treated hair. Learn more about the product in this video that details a tester’s experience of using it.

Hair Type: Multicultural | Product Dimensions: 3.7 x 1.3 x 5.8 inches | Weight: 7.68 Ounces

Pros

  • Gentle and non-irritating
  • Boosts volume and shine
  • Suits all types of hair
  • Safe for color-treated hair
  • No artificial dyes or colors
  • Rejuvenates the hair and scalp
  • Affordable
  • Non-drying

Cons

  • May cause allergic reactions
protip_icon Quick Tip

Anti residue shampoos contain Sodium lauryl sulfate, Ammonium lauryl sulfate, and Triethanolamine lauryl sulfate, which protect frequent swimmers’ hair against chemical damage.
Why It’s Worth Buying: With over 24,488 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
Price at the time of publication: $1.05

2. Best For Chemically Treated Hair:TRESemmé Clean & Replenish

4.6
TRESemme Cleansing Shampoo for Daily Use Image: Tresemme

Treating your hair chemically, be it coloring, smoothening, or styling, can take a toll on your hair and scalp. The TRESemmé Clean & Replenish is a great clarifying shampoo if you have been experiencing the aftermath of chemical treatment.

This shampoo cleanses and replenishes the scalp by gently removing buildup and heavy residue caused by waxes, pomades, creams, and sprays. It is enriched with vitamin C and green tea that clean and soothe the scalp. They also improve shine and revitalize hair. The shampoo works best on people with dry hair and produces salon-quality results. Use a conditioner along with the shampoo to boost hair softness and shine. This video features a reviewer’s experience of using the shampoo regularly. Watch it before making a purchasing decision.

Pros

  • Suitable for chemically treated, over-processed hair
  • Suitable for dry hair
  • Salon-quality results
  • Gentle
  • Replenishes the hair strands
  • Paraben-free

Cons

  • Expensive
protip_icon Quick Tip

Vitamin C shampoos are a perfect for people looking to grow their hair, since they prevent breakage and stimulate hair growth.
Price at the time of publication: $35.94

3. Best For Color-Treated Hair:GIOVANNI 50:50 Balanced Hydrating-Clarifying Shampoo

4.4
GIOVANNI 50:50 Balanced Hydrating Clarifying Shampoo Image: Giovanni

Coloring or bleaching the hair can make your hair look dry, dull, and lifeless. On the other hand, using a regular shampoo can fade your hair color. If you are facing these issues, the GIOVANNI 50:50 Balanced Hydrating-Clarifying Shampoo is your best bet. It is formulated with natural organic ingredients and a proprietary blend of vitamins, nutrients, and proteins that increase the hair strands’ strength and vitality.

The botanical extracts in the formula moisturize the hair, remove impurities, reduce frizz, and improve manageability, making the hair feel smoother. They feel soothing and gentle on the scalp and help balance its pH. However, if you have dry hair, use a color-safe conditioner with the shampoo. Take a look at this video to know more about the product.

Hair Type: Color Treated | Product Dimensions: 3.14 x 2.92 x 9.9 inches | Weight: 1.9 Ounces.

Pros

  • Moisturizes
  • Reduces frizz
  • pH-balanced
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free

Cons

  • May weigh down thick hair
protip_icon Quick Tip

Parabens not only harm your hair and scalp but can also adversely affect your reproductive health.
Price at the time of publication: $19.99

4. Best For Itchy Scalp:Maple Holistics Degrease Shampoo

4.1
Degrease Shampoo for Oily Hair Care - Clarifying Shampoo for Oily Hair and Oily Scalp Care - Deep Cleansing Shampoo for Greasy Hair and Scalp Cleanser for Build Up with Essential Oils for Hair Image: Maple Holistics

The grease in oily hair makes the scalp itchy and smelly. It is tough for a regular shampoo to clean it thoroughly. To combat oily hair and oily scalp issues, try the Maple Holistics Degrease Shampoo. It is formulated with lemon essential oil, jojoba, and rosemary to balance the scalp pH, regulate sebum production, and protect the hair from environmental pollutants.

One of the best shampoos, it thoroughly cleanses the hair and scalp, minimizes scalp pores, and improves blood circulation. Basil and cypress in the formula also boost hair health and reduce frizz. Multiple reviewers vouch for the product’s features, including cleansing the scalp and controlling grease until two days after wash.

Hair Type: Oily, Color Treated, Dry, Normal | Product Dimensions: 1.85 x 1.85 x 6.75 inches | Weight: 8 Ounces

Pros

  • Gentle
  • Reduces frizz
  • Balances scalp pH
  • Improves hair health
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Suitable for sensitive scalp
  • Affordable

Cons

None

protip_icon Quick Tip

Rosemary oil, a primary ingredient of this shampoo, is believed to be one of the best medicines to treat premature graying or dandruff.
Why It’s Worth Buying: More than 9,193 Amazon users have vouched for this amazing product.
Price at the time of publication: $11.95

5. Best For Hard Water:Kenra Clarifying Shampoo

4.4
Kenra Clarifying Shampoo Image: Era Organics

The dissolved minerals in hard water can add to the buildup, eventually causing poor scalp health and frizzy and dull hair. The Kenra Clarifying Shampoo removes excess buildup even when you wash your hair with hard water.

This deep-cleansing shampoo eliminates up to 99% of hair dulling deposits. One of the best hair clarifiers, it lathers well, strengthens the hair roots, and adds bounce, shine, and volume to the hair strands. The clarifying shampoo is also suitable for swimmers to remove chlorine deposits from the scalp and hair. However, conduct a patch test before committing to the product if you have sensitive scalp.

Hair Type: All | Product Dimensions: 1.6 x 2.25 x 8 inches | Weight: 11.85 Ounces.

Pros

  • Strengthens the hair roots
  • Great for swimmers
  • Reduces frizz
  • Volumizes hair

Cons

  • Contains sulfates
Why It’s Worth Buying: More than 3,848 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
Price at the time of publication: $35.99

6. Best For Dry And Thinning Hair:Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo

4.5
Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo Image: Moroccanoil

The Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo deeply cleanses, nourishes, and revitalizes the hair strands. Its strong detoxifying properties gently remove all impurities, including chlorine, environmental pollutants, and product deposits, and maintain the scalp pH balance. The shampoo is perfect for dry and thinning hair as it contains Moroccan argan oil, avocado, jojoba, and castor oils, silk amino acids, and keratin amino acids. These nourishing ingredients make the hair strands glossy, frizz-free, healthy, and bouncy.

Hair Type: Buildup Prone | Product Dimensions: 2 x 2 x 6.5 inches | Weight: 8.82 Ounces

Pros

  • Gentle
  • Maintains scalp pH
  • Makes the hair glossy and bouncy
  • Softens the hair
  • Reduces frizz
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free

Cons

None

Why It’s Worth Buying: There are more than 2,066 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
Price at the time of publication: $75.0

7. Best For Removing Product Buildup:Nothing But Clarifying Shampoo

4.3
Nothing But Clarifying Shampoo Image: Nothing But
Now 20% Off

The Nothing But Clarifying Shampoo is perfect for all hair types, especially curly, coily, and kinky hair. Its gentle deep-cleansing action removes deep-seated contaminants, excess oils, product buildup, and residue from the hair follicles and strands. It improves hair manageability and heals the hair from roots to the tips, making it feel cleaner and lighter for days. The reviews on online forums attest that the product cleans and moisturizes the hair without stripping off natural oils and makes it more manageable. It is free of sulfates, parabens, colorants, phthalates, mineral oil, and petrolatum.

Hair Type: Normal | Product Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 9 inches | Weight: 12 Ounces

Pros

  • Gentle
  • Strengthens the hair follicles
  • Improves hair manageability
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Colorant-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Mineral oil-free
  • Petrolatum-free

Cons

  • Can be drying
Why It’s Worth Buying: It has received over 2,474 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
Price at the time of publication: $9.99

8. Best Vegan Formula:ACURE Curiously Clarifying Shampoo

4.3

The ACURE Curiously Clarifying Shampoo is 100% vegan and gently cleanses excess buildup with a double dose of beneficial oils like argan and lemongrass. This clarifying shampoo hydrates the hair and boosts shine. This hydrating shampoo is free from harsh chemicals and comes in recyclable packaging.

Hair Type: Normal | Product Dimensions: 2 x 3 x 8 inches | Weight: 8 Ounces.

Pros

  • Gentle
  • Paraben-free
  • Formaldehyde-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Mineral oil-free
  • Petrolatum-free
  • Cruelty-free
  • Recyclable packaging

Cons

  • Not color-safe
Why It’s Worth Buying: Almost 2,649 happy users have mentioned the value and quality of this product.
Price at the time of publication: $6.99

9. Best For Flaky And Itchy Scalp:Puriya Scalp Therapy

4.1

The Puriya Scalp Therapy is formulated with a proprietary herbal blend of tea tree oil, arnica, sage, and rosemary that removes excess buildup and dandruff flakes and hydrates the scalp. It has a balanced pH and it rejuvenates the scalp, protects it from infections, reduces itching, and locks moisture in the hair to manage frizz. It is clinically tested to be gentle on the scalp. The doctor-approved shampoo leaves the scalp feeling clean and the hair soft and smooth. It is effective on curly, wavy, straight, fine, and damaged hair.

Hair Type: All, Oily, Dry, Normal, Damaged | Package Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.15 x 2.32 x 2.28 inches | Weight: 1 Pounds

Pros

  • Softens the hair
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Artificial fragrance-free
  • Sodium chloride-free

Cons

  • Not suitable for sensitive scalp
Why It’s Worth Buying: This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 3,266 rave reviews on Amazon.
Price at the time of publication: $24.29

10. Best For Hair Rejuvenation:Brocato Peppermint Scrub Purifying Shampoo

4.5
Brocato Peppermint Scrub Purifying Shampoo Image: Brocato

The Brocato Peppermint Scrub Purifying Shampoo provides deep cleansing to remove excess product buildup. It contains 100% pure peppermint oil that acts as a purifier and leaves the scalp and hair feeling rejuvenated and smelling fresh. This unisex shampoo is suitable for all hair types and textures.

Note: Avoid the product if you are allergic to peppermint or have skin issues like psoriasis and eczema.

Pros

  • Suitable for all hair types and textures
  • Paraben-free
  • Cruelty-free
  • Can be used as a body scrub

Cons

  • May cause allergic reactions
Price at the time of publication: $20.0

11. Best For Bouncy Hair:Saragan Activated Charcoal Shampoo

4.4

Curly hair looks gorgeous. But it traps sweat, environmental pollutants, and residue that are difficult to get rid of completely. The Saragan Pure Activated Charcoal Shampoo can attract all the dirt, grease, and excess oil to cleanse your scalp and curls.

It contains Moroccan oil to reduce frizz, jojoba oil to volumize, almond oil to hydrate, coconut oil to boost hair growth, camelia oil to moisturize, and avocado oil to clean blocked hair follicles. The shampoo also fortifies your hair with keratin and is suitable for oily, curly, straight, color-treated, and frizzy hair. It leaves the hair feeling soft, smooth, and silky, and bouncy. Reviewers on Amazon praise the product for removing stubborn buildup and leaving the scalp squeaky clean.

Hair Type: Oily, Color Treated, Curly, Damaged, Straight | Package Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.67 x 3.14 x 3.03 inches | Weight: 1 Pounds

Pros

  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons

  • Not suitable for sensitive scalp
Price at the time of publication: $9.99

12. Best For Fine Hair:Mixed Chicks Shampoo

4.4
Mixed Chicks Gentle Clarifying Shampoo Image: Mixed Chicks

The Mixed Chicks Gentle Clarifying Shampoo penetrates the follicles to restore the hair’s natural luster and shine and removes all dirt, grease, and pollutants. The soy protein and avocado oil in the formula helps maintain hair health and add shine.

The formula also contains biotin that strengthens the hair, borage seed oil to retain moisture, mallow leaf extract to strengthen the hair follicles, and ginger extracts to improve manageability and reduce dandruff. It is lightweight, non-sticky, and suitable for fine and curly hair.

Hair Type: Straight | Product Dimensions: 3 x 1.7 x 6 inches | Weight: 12 Ounces

Pros

  • Does not weigh the hair down
  • Contains natural ingredients
  • Softens the hair
  • Gentle

Cons

  • May cause dryness
Why It’s Worth Buying: It has received 364 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
Price at the time of publication: $30.0

13. Best Color-Safe:Malibu C Un-Do-Goo Shampoo

4.5
Malibu C Un-Do-Goo Shampoo Image: Malibu

The Malibu C Un-Do-Goo Shampoo restores shine, softness, and manageability to hair. Its sulfate-free formula uses innovative surfactant technology to provide gentle yet effective cleansing. Plant-based proteins help reconstruct hair proteins while preserving moisture and removing buildup. Its nutritious vitamins also combat residue from hard water. It even eliminates resin buildup from styling products without leaving hair feeling dry. The shampoo is suitable for all hair types, including chemically treated and damaged hair, and won’t cause color fading.

Pros

  • Safe for color-treated hair
  • Non-drying
  • Suitable for chemically treated
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Great for swimmers

Cons

  • Expensive
Price at the time of publication: $38

These are the 13 best clarifying shampoos for all hair types and textures you can buy online. Before you take the final call, here’s a quick checklist for you to consider. Scroll down.

How To Choose The Best Clarifying Shampoo For Your Hair

  • Ingredients: Avoid clarifying shampoos with parabens and check for soothing and hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, argan oil, almond oil, and avocado.
  • Hair Type: If you have curly hair, choose a shampoo with activated charcoal. For low porosity, rough, and damaged hair, use a hydrating shampoo infused with nourishing ingredients and oils that offer restorative care. If you have fine hair, use a shampoo with cleansing ingredients but not too many oils as that can weigh down your hair and make it look oily and limp. If your hair is color-treated, get a color-safe shampoo.

The Bottom Line

Even after repeated hair washes, if you find your hair oily, you need to try some clarifying shampoos to get that squeaky clean hair. Clarifying shampoos are made of cleansing ingredients that remove the greasiness and product buildup caused by hair styling products like hair sprays or mousses. If you have color-treated hair, choose a color-safe clarifying shampoo. The shampoos on our list are gentle, paraben-free, and sulfate-free. You can opt for the Neutrogena Shampoo Anti-Residue Formula which stands out for its volume-boosting and shine restoration capabilities, the Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo which effectively maintains scalp pH levels and adds significant bounce, and the ACURE Curiously Clarifying Shampoo which removes scalp buildup and infuses hydration. However, overuse of these shampoos might lead to dryness and allergic reactions, and they might not always be suitable for sensitive scalp. Always choose the shampoos that suit your hair types and scalp condition.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author, Oyendrila Kanjilal, is a certified skin care coach with a keen interest in hair care. She has conducted thorough research and gone through feedback from users to help you pick the best clarifying shampoo to cleanse buildup. She advocates the importance of good scalp health, and the list includes some of her top picks. These shampoos are free from harmful chemicals that strip your hair of its natural oils and do not dry your hair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does clarifying shampoo do for the hair?

Clarifying shampoos remove residue, grease, product buildup, mineral deposits (from hard water), and environmental pollutants to thoroughly cleanse the scalp and keep your hair feel clean and healthy.

What can I use instead of a clarifying shampoo?

Diluted apple cider vinegar is believed to be a natural alternative to clarifying shampoos. However, ACV is acidic and can alter the scalp pH, cause infections and dandruff, and lead to rough hair.

Can you use Dawn dish soap as a clarifying shampoo?

No. Never use Dawn dish soap as a clarifying shampoo. It will make your scalp sensitive.

Can I use baby shampoo as a clarifying shampoo?

No. Baby shampoos do not contain the ingredients needed to remove residue, excess dirt, and oil.

Is it OK to use a clarifying shampoo every day?

No, clarifying shampoos contain harsh surfactants to deep cleanse the scalp and should not be used more than once a week.

What is the difference between clarifying shampoo and regular shampoo?

Clarifying shampoos contain heavier surfactants than regular shampoos. It deep cleanses the scalp to remove buildup, sebum, dirt, and oiliness.

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