11 Best Hairdresser Reviewed Affordable Drugstore Clarifying Shampoos -2025

If your hair feels weighed down and greasy even after regular shampoos, then what you might just need is the best drugstore clarifying shampoo. This shampoo will deeply cleanse your hair and scalp, leaving it free from residue, product build-up, and dirt. It can be used for all hair types to leave them super-clean and fresh.

Given below are the 11 best drugstore clarifying shampoos for you to try.

Top Picks	Check Price
Best Color-Treated Hair:Neutrogena Anti-Residue Clarifying Shampoo	Price on Amazon Price on Walmart
Best Herbal Clarifying:Alberto Vo5 Herbal Escapes Clarifying Shampoo	Price on Amazon Price on Walmart
Best Pollution Free:Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two	Price on Amazon Price on Walmart
Best Deep Cleansing:Avalon Organics Clarifying Lemon Shampoo	Price on Amazon Price on Walmart
Best Lemon-Aid Conditioner:Fairy Tales Sun & Swim Lifeguard Clarifying Shampoo	Price on Amazon Price on Walmart
Best Keratin Treatment:Keratin Research Clarifying Shampoo	Price on Amazon Price on Walmart
Best Cruelty-Free:Acure Curiously Clarifying Shampoo	Price on Amazon Price on Walmart
Best Biracial Hair:Nothing But Clarifying Shampoo	Price on Amazon Price on Walmart
GIOVANNI Eco Chic 50:50 Balanced Hydrating Clarifying Shampoo	Price on Amazon Price on Walmart
Best Color-Safe:Kenra Clarifying Shampoo	Price on Amazon

11 Best Affordable Clarifying Shampoos Of 2025

1. Best Herbal Clarifying:Alberto Vo5 Herbal Escapes Clarifying Shampoo

The Alberto Vo5 Herbal Escapes Clarifying shampoo combines the fresh fragrance of sweet kiwis and tangy limes with rosemary and lemongrass extracts. You can balance scalp pH levels, restore natural hair moisture, purify the tresses, and achieve healthier hair effectively with this drugstore shampoo. It is suitable for all hair types, including damaged hair. The herbal clarifying shampoo revitalizes dry, oily, and damaged hair and leaves it feeling silky, soft, and fluffy. It is free of harsh chemicals and silicones.

Review:

A user says, “This clarifying shampoo works wonders for my oily hair, leaving it impeccably clean. However, be cautious with color-treated hair as it may strip the dye. While there was initial dryness, subsequent uses along with a conditioner proved effective and the shine was impressive. A monthly go-to for a refreshed look.”

2. Best Pollution Free:Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two

The Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two deeply cleanses your tresses and removes unwanted product buildup. The color-safe product is suitable for every hair type and ideal for oily tresses. The deep-cleansing formula comprises nourishing ingredients like jojoba seed oil, aloe extract, white ginger root extract, and wheat oil that tame unruly tresses and keep your hair grease-free for days. The ingredients leave your strands feeling fresh, rejuvenated, and shiny. The product rejuvenates hair by eliminating pollution residue. It also reduces oil and sebum production in your hair and scalp. This oil-control shampoo also offers a volumizing effect and improves the overall appearance of your hair. The product can help in achieving free-flowing tresses and deserves a definite spot in your hair care regime. Check out this review on YouTube to understand the product better.

Also Recommended By: Forbes and Allure have also listed Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two in their top 10.^{[1]The Best Clarifying Shampoos That Remove Buildup, According To Experts, Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/article/best-clarifying-shampoos/?sh=5bc8b4ba69e8
[2]17 Best Clarifying Shampoos for Healthy, Squeaky-Clean Hair, Allure. https://www.allure.com/gallery/best-clarifying-shampoos}

Review:

A tester mentions, “Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two has become a lifesaver for my oily scalp. Its refreshing citrus scent and effective residue removal are impressive. My hair stays clean and bouncy between washes, its a must-have for oily scalps.“

3. Best Deep Cleansing:Avalon Organics Clarifying Lemon Shampoo

The Avalon Organics Clarifying Lemon Shampoo restores the natural hair shine and luster. This restorative-care composition is a beautiful mix of modern science and natural plant-based botanicals and an exclusive blend of revitalizing essential oils. This drugstore shampoo consists of a fine blend of lemon essential oil, aloe, quinoa protein, and vitamin E that condition and seal the hair cuticles. It offers voluminous hair and clean grease off the scalp and strands without any hassle.

This deep cleansing shampoo revitalizes hair by removing the excess oils and build-up. The shampoo is EWG-verified. It is non-GMO and is free of preservatives, parabens, artificial colors/fragrances, phthalates, and sulfates. This shampoo is specifically suitable for dry hair. It also is vegan and cruelty-free.

For excellent results, apply this shampoo to wet hair, massage till you get a rich lather, and rinse thoroughly. You can additionally combine this shampoo with Avalon Clarifying Lemon Conditioner to multiply the results. You may check this video to explore a reviewer’s experience with the hair product.

Review:

A reviewer says, “As someone working in a pool, I needed a healthy clarifying option, and this exceeded my expectations. It effectively cleanses my hair and scalp while the pleasant lemon scent adds a refreshing touch that lingers around.“

4. Best Lemon-Aid Conditioner:Fairy Tales Sun & Swim Lifeguard Clarifying Shampoo

The Fairy Tales Sun & Swim Lifeguard Clarifying Shampoo is made of natural fruit extracts that boost hair health. They gently remove accumulated chlorine, sea salts, minerals, and daily build-up. This gluten-free, restorative-care shampoo is made with lemon, pineapple, and orange extracts. This product softens and detangles hair. This deep-cleanse shampoo deals with problems specific to dry hair and helps clarify the scalp gently. It is free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, soy, dairy, and nuts.

For best results, massage this shampoo into hair and scalp and rinse thoroughly. You can follow this routine with a Lemon-Aid Conditioner for quick hair detangling and shine.

Review:

A users says, “Fairy Tales Sun & Swim Lifeguard Clarifying Shampoo has been a lifesaver for my children’s hair. With their blonde hair prone to damage from swimming, this shampoo refreshes, eliminates pool chemical buildup, and leaves their hair soft and manageable.“

5. Best Keratin Treatment:Keratin Research Clarifying Shampoo

The Keratin Research Clarifying Shampoo is formulated to deep clean the hair cuticles and remove all impurities and residue from the hair shaft. This shampoo opens the cuticles for optimum receptivity of the Keratin Treatment. It leaves the hair clean, soft, and residue-free. It helps promote hair growth and moisturization to unveil soft and fluffy hair you won’t stop admiring. This shampoo keeps hair silky and naturally straight and improves hair quality. It also reduces hair breakage and strengthens hair cuticles by boosting hair volume.

Review:

A reviewer says, “This has revolutionized my hair care routine. As a frequent keratin treatment user, this shampoo is essential for maintaining results. Its gentle yet powerful formula effectively removes buildup and residues, leaving my hair clean, soft, and prepped for keratin treatments. It’s a game-changer for managing frizz and maintaining smoothness.“

6. Best Cruelty-Free:Acure Curiously Clarifying Shampoo

The Acure Curiously Clarifying Shampoo is formulated to gently wash out all build-up without stripping the natural hair oils. It comes with a double dose of highly beneficial oils infused with lemongrass. The freshness of lemongrass revitalizes hair, boosts hair shine, and replenishes natural hair moisture.

The shampoo is 100% vegan and cruelty-free. It also is free of parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, petrolatum, and formaldehyde.

Review:

A user says, “Acure Curiously Clarifying Shampoo is my go-to choice. Its lemongrass scent is soothing, and my hair feels amazing after each wash. As someone with fine hair, I appreciate its sulfate-free formula that leaves my hair clean without causing damage. It’s been a true haircare discovery!“

7. Best Biracial Hair:Nothing But Clarifying Shampoo

The Nothing But Clarifying Shampoo gently deep cleans the hair and scalp. It removes deep-seated contaminants, excess oils, build-up, and residue from the hair and hair follicles. The clarifying shampoo restores hair shine and makes hair more manageable. It suits all hair types, including color-treated hair, curly, African American, and biracial hair.

It can be easily used once to twice a month or whenever you feel the need. Swimmers can also use this shampoo to safely remove chlorine build-up and achieve healthy hair. This shampoo is free of parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, petrolatum, phthalates, and colorants. For best results, you can use a sulfate-free clarifying shampoo with a moisturizing cleansing conditioner and an intense healing mask. Multiple reviewers on Amazon have also complimented the product for its effective results and stated that it as one of the best shampoos for curly hair types.

Review:

A tester says, “I was seeking a solution for my hair struggles and found it in Nothing But Clarifying Shampoo. It effectively removes buildup, leaving my hair soft and moisturized. My curls are now lively, flaky scalp is gone, and volume is back. It’s a newfound haircare balance I adore.“

8. GIOVANNI Eco Chic 50:50 Balanced Hydrating Clarifying Shampoo

The GIOVANNI Eco Chic 50:50 Balanced Hydrating Clarifying Shampoo is curated with a blend of vitamins, proteins, and nutrients that nourish and strengthen each hair strand. This color-safe shampoo is suitable for daily use and particularly ideal for people with dry hair. It revitalizes over-processed and overworked hair by hydrating and moisturizing the tresses. The everyday shampoo also controls the pH balance in your hair and leaves the tresses shinier than ever. It is enriched with aloe vera, rosemary, and sunflower seed oil that gently cleanse and add moisture to your hair. Rosemary extract offers a luxurious appearance to your hair and smooths frizz. Aloe vera strengthens your hair strands and controls extra grease. The sunflower seed oil prevents breakage, thinning hair and improves its growth. Get voluminous and frizz-free hair with this safe-for-sensitive scalp shampoo today!

Review:

A tester says, “I was in search of a clarifying shampoo that truly delivered, and GIOVANNI Eco Chic 50:50 Balanced Hydrating Clarifying Shampoo exceeded my expectations. It leaves my hair squeaky clean, effectively removing buildup without drying it out. The results are amazing and worth it.“

9. Best Long-Lasting Fragrance:TIGI Bed Head Down N’ Dirty Clarifying Detox Shampoo

The TIGI Bed Head Down N’ Dirty Clarifying Detox Shampoo comes with a cleansing and clarifying formula that improves your overall hair and scalp health. The effective formula consists of glycerin that keeps your tresses hydrated and healthy. It also includes lotus flower extract that has proven efficacy in intensely repairing and softening your hair. It effortlessly enhances the natural beauty of your hair with its fresh and long-lasting fragrance. This scalp detox shampoo removes dirt, grime, and product buildup without stripping your hair of moisture or its natural oils. It is suitable for every hair type and color-treated locks.

Review:

A reviewer says, “I’ve used TIGI Bed Head Down N’ Dirty Clarifying Detox Shampoo and it’s fantastic! Leaves my hair soft, shiny, and thoroughly clean. The citrusy scent is a nice touch. It truly makes a difference in hair and scalp health. Affordable and effective, highly recommend!“

10. Best Color-Safe:Kenra Clarifying Shampoo

The Kenra Clarifying Shampoo is a perfect solution for those with dry, dull, unmanageable, and lifeless hair. The product also works well on hair exposed to hard or well water or mica. Its unique formula is made of extracts of grapefruit and witch hazel combined with amino acid chelates. It helps restore natural hair volume and helps you achieve gorgeous hair. This drugstore shampoo works perfectly to remove build-up and clears 99% of the dulling deposits. It is color-safe and ideal for all hair types. It brightens highlighted, bleached, and gray hair. The product is free of parabens. It is also free of animal testing.

Review:

A user says, “After decades of battling hard water effects on my highlighted hair, Kenra Clarifying Shampoo was a game-changer. Just one use brought back the softness and revived my highlights. Weekly use keeps buildup at bay, and it even rescued my stained hair. Truly impressed with this product!“

11. Best Color-Treated Hair:Neutrogena Anti-Residue Clarifying Shampoo

The Neutrogena Anti-Residue Clarifying Shampoo is a mild and gentle formula suitable for all hair types. It also is safe for color-treated hair. This dermatologist-recommended drugstore shampoo can effectively remove over 90 percent of the build-up and residue. You can enhance natural hair shine and beauty and make your hair voluminous with this deep cleanser. However, excess use of the residue-removing shampoo may lead to hair dryness. Using a hair conditioner after shampooing could reduce the possibility. The hair product contains no colorants or artificial dyes.

Also Recommended By: Maneaddicts and Forbes have also listed Neutrogena Anti-Residue Clarifying Shampoo in their top 10.^{[1]7 BEST DRUGSTORE CLARIFYING SHAMPOOS, Maneaddicts. https://maneaddicts.com/blogs/maneaddicts/7-best-drugstore-clarifying-shampoos
[2]The Best Clarifying Shampoos That Remove Buildup, According To Experts, Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/article/best-clarifying-shampoos/?sh=5bc8b4ba69e8}

Review:

A user says, “Neutrogena Anti-Residue Clarifying Shampoo is my hair savior. Whether it’s product buildup or chlorine aftermath, this trusty shampoo gets the job done. My hair feels clean, light, and residue-free. An essential in my routine for that instant refresh!“

Frequently Asked Questions

What does hair clarifying mean?

Hair clarifying is the process of removing product build-up on the scalp or in the hair through the use of home remedies or clarifying shampoos.

Is a clarifying shampoo bad for your hair?

No. Using clarifying shampoos the right way has benefits. But excess usage can leave your hair dry and brittle.

How often should I use a clarifying shampoo on natural hair?

You can use a clarifying shampoo once a week or twice every two to four weeks. The usage, largely, depends on your needs.

Do clarifying shampoos strip hair color?

Clarifying shampoos are usually color-safe. But using them too often may fade your hair color.

How do clarifying shampoos work on curly hair?

Drugstore clarifying shampoos for curly hair are better than regular shampoos. They cleanse well and also restore the natural bounce and shine of curls when used on curly hair.

What’s the difference between shampoo and clarifying shampoo?

Regular shampoos use harsh substances like sulfates to clean the scalp and hair, removing natural oils from the scalp’s surface. On the other hand, clarifying shampoos have a unique formula that attracts dirt and product buildup, dissolves them, and flushes them out from the scalp.

Does baby shampoo work as a clarifying shampoo?

Yes, baby shampoos are a gentler option. They provide deep cleansing without striping the essential oils from the scalp. Also, if you have colored hair, it’s important to choose a clarifying shampoo that is specifically formulated for colored hair. Look for a drugstore clarifying shampoo for colored hair, as they are designed to preserve your dye while providing deep cleansing benefits.

How do you know if you need a clarifying shampoo?

Here are a few signs that indicate your hair needs clarifying shampoos.
• Your hair is frequently oily and greasy, and dirt is not off the scalp.
• When your highlights look dull
• Your hair cannot hold styling anymore
• Frequently using dry shampoo

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach and a hair care enthusiast. She strongly advocates using drugstore clarifying shampoos to deeply cleanse the hair and scalp. This list of the best clarifying shampoos is based on hours of research of various products and user feedback collected from trusted online forums. These products are suitable for all hair types and work best to leave your hair super fresh and clean.

---