11 Best Affordable Clarifying Shampoos Of 2023
Affordable shampoos that are gentle on your scalp but tough on dirt and buildup.
Alexandro VasquezHairdresser
Expertise: Hairdressing & Hair Color
Experience: 24 years
Alexandro Vasquez has been a hairdresser since 1997 and has worked in various countries, including Brazil, Spain, Ireland, Indonesia, Singapore, and UAE. His experience spans salon brands such as Toni&Guy, Aveda, and Leekaja. He special... more
Shiboli Chakraborti Certified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 4 years
Shiboli 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 edito... more
Aditi NaskarDiploma In Health & Wellness
Expertise: Health & Wellness
Experience: 5 years
Aditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She i... more
Ramona SinhaCertified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 11 years
Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Beng... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
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.
In This Article
11 Best Affordable Clarifying Shampoos Of 2023
1. TIGI Bed Head Down N’ Dirty Clarifying Detox Shampoo
Image: Tigi 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 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 its natural oils. It is suitable for every hair type and color-treated locks.
Pros
- Color-safe formula
- Removes product buildup
- Suitable for every hair type
- Mild citrus fragrance
Cons
- Contains sulfates
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!”
Caution2. Neutrogena Anti-Residue Clarifying Shampoo
Image: Neutrogena 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 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 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
Pros
- Suits all hair types
- Color-safe
- No colorants
- No artificial dyes
- Non-irritating
Cons
- Overpowering fragrance
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!”
Did You Know?3. Alberto Vo5 Herbal Escapes Clarifying Shampoo
Image: Alberto Vo5 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, and purify hair effectively with this 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.
Pros
- Silicone-free
- Suits all hair types
Cons
- Contains sulfates
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.”
Caution4. Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two
Image: Paul Mitchell 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 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. 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
Pros
- Removes buildup
- Reduces sebum production
- Offers volume
- Ideal for oily hair
- Color-safe formula
- Vegan formula
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Contains sulfates/SLS
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.”
5. Avalon Organics Clarifying Lemon Shampoo
Image: Avalon Organics 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 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 product.
Pros
- Suitable for all hair types
- Specifically suits dry hair
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Non-GMO
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Preservative-free
- No artificial colors
- No artificial fragrances
- Pleasant fragrance
Cons
- Watery consistency
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.”
6. Fairy Tales Sun & Swim Lifeguard Clarifying Shampoo
Image: Fairy Tales 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.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Gluten-free
- Soy-free
- Nut-free
- Dairy-free
- No synthetic colors
- No synthetic fragrances
Cons
None
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.”
7. Keratin Research Clarifying Shampoo
Image: Keratin Research 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.
Pros
- Reduces hair breakage
Cons
- Contains formaldehyde
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.”
8. Acure Curiously Clarifying Shampoo
Image: Acure 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 hair moisture.
The shampoo is 100% vegan and cruelty-free. It also is free of parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, petrolatum, and formaldehyde.
Pros
- Mineral oil-free
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- 100% vegan
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- Overpowering fragrance
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!”
9. Nothing But Clarifying Shampoo
Image: Nothing But 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.
Pros
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Suitable for all hair types
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Colorant-free
- Phthalate-free
- Non-irritating formula
- Pleasant fragrance
Cons
- May dry hair out in some
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.”
10. GIOVANNI Eco Chic 50:50 Balanced Hydrating Clarifying Shampoo
Image: Giovanni 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 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 product 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 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!
Pros
- Suitable for dry hair
- Imparts shine
- Color-safe formula
- Moisturizing formula
- Vegan-friendly formula
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
Cons
None
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.”
11. Kenra Clarifying Shampoo
Image: Era Organics The Kenra Clarifying Shampoo is a perfect solution for those with dry, dull, and unmanageable 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 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.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Suits all hair types
- Pleasant fragrance
- Color-safe
- Softens hair
Cons
- Contains sulfates
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!”
Infographic: A Buying Guide On Drugstore Clarifying Shampoos
If you want to remove the unnecessary product buildup in your tresses without going too high on budget, you should opt for drugstore clarifying shampoos. They rejuvenate your tresses while getting rid of extra buildup and residue. However, choosing one might be challenging if you are not aware of what to look for. The below infographic explains how to choose the right drugstore clarifying shampoo. Take a look!
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The Bottom Line
Bad hair days can be easily avoided with the best drugstore clarifying shampoos. They clean the grease off your scalp and strands and make your hair look gorgeous. Alexandro Vasquez, a hairdresser, says, “Clarifying shampoos is something I recommend only for customers with oily scalp or to clear products residues like that crazy peekaboo balayage that you want change the shade, but is better to be careful when your hair got a new shade because Clarifying Shampoos could wash off your new colors and remove that new keratin treatment too. So ask for professional advice in case you have doubts ok.” Most of the products mentioned in our list are hypoallergenic and chemical-free. Some of them are color-safe and reduce split ends, itchy scalp, and hair breakage. The TIGI Bed Head Down N’ Dirty Clarifying Detox Shampoo keeps the tresses healthy and hydrated, while the Neutrogena Anti-Residue Clarifying Shampoo works wonders in volumizing the strands and removing product buildup, and the Acure Curiously Clarifying Shampoo enhances shine. The best part? These products are affordable, and therefore, you do not have to break your bank to keep your hair healthy. Check various reviews and stay away from products that may dry out the strands.
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.
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
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