10 Best Clarifying Shampoos of 2019

If you have a crazy schedule between work and family, sometimes having the time to spend concentrating on special hair treatments is just not something you can deal with or even think about. Whether it is because you work a physically challenging job, exercise regularly, or use styling products regularly, you will likely end up with some build-up on your hair and scalp. One of the easiest ways to take control is with a clarifying shampoo.

Clarifying shampoos are like using a deep cleansing treatment coupled with an excellent shampoo. How can you possibly choose between all the options available? Well, we’ve done the work for you. This guide will serve to lay out all the most important information on the best clarifying shampoos on the market to assist you in finding the clarifying shampoo to rid your hair of that build-up without putting a dent in your regular hair care routine.

Buying Guide

How did we come to these clarifying shampoos? We looked through tons of different shampoos designed to clarify hair. Here are a few of the things that we found with these shampoos to help decide on which is best.

Clarifying Ingredients:

• Charcoal: Charcoal is a natural ingredient known to remove toxins from beneath the scalp. Charcoal may soothe an irritated scalp, decrease dandruff, and reduce itchiness as well.
• Acetic Acid: The main substance found in vinegar. A powerful cleanser that will not harm scalp or hair.
• Citric Acid: A mild acid, breaks through even the toughest product or oil buildup. Found naturally, so will not harm scalp or hair. Great ingredient if you have hard water.

Surfactants: Multiple chemicals that are often found in clarifying shampoos and other household cleaners. Studies have revealed that surfactants can be irritating to skin and is especially toxic to aquatic animals. Look for products that state they are sulfate free.

Color Protection: For individuals who color treats their hair, using a shampoo that protects the color while still clarifying can be difficult as many clarifying ingredients can strip away color. This may be especially bad for low-end, at-home coloring.

Conditioners: Clarifying conditioners are designed to strip away product and oil build-up from the hair, they will often cause hair to be dry. Pairing a clarifying shampoo will likely be necessary to offset this effect.

Most clarifying shampoo manufacturers also offer a matching conditioner. As these are typically formulated to go together, you should use the same brand conditioner when possible.

Effectiveness: When looking for a clarifying shampoo, it needs to work. Removing excess product build-up and reducing the natural oil accumulation on the scalp and hair is important to allow the scalp to breathe, improving overall hair health. A clean scalp will allow hair to grow stronger and healthier.

Frequency: Clarifying shampoos are designed differently based on the intended frequency of use.Many clarifying shampoos are gentle enough to be used daily, where others are too strong for daily use and should be limited to once a week, or even once a month.

10 Best Clarifying Shampoos Comparison Table

10 Best Clarifying Shampoos: Detailed Review

1. Kick Men’s Tea Tree Oil and Peppermint Shampoo (Top Pick)

Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5.0

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Kick has formulated their men’s tea tree oil and peppermint shampoo will potent herbal extracts sourced from 11 different plant botanicals. These are designed to provide an ultimate cleaning shampoo, as well as help to restore the scalps natural health and leave the hair stronger and healthier as well.

In addition to tea tree oil and peppermint oil, this shampoo also contains eucalyptus and aloe vera, both ingredients that help to fight irritation, dandruff, and itching. These ingredients also help to break through product, dirt, and oil without being too harsh on the scalp.

Gentle enough for regular use, Kick shampoo is also safe for all types, as well as colored and chemically treated hair, so you do not have to worry about your color washing away and becoming dull.

This shampoo is 100% free of irritants, contains no harsh chemicals, SLS/Sulfates or parabens, and is also cruelty-free. Kick ensure complete satisfaction with their shampoo with their no questions asked satisfaction guarantee.

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2. Marc Daniels Charcoal Clarifying Shampoo

Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5.0

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Marc Daniels has produced their charcoal clarifying shampoo to remove harmful impurities, environmental toxins, and product build-up from the hair. This shampoo detoxifies hair and restores hair, leaving it stronger, shinier, and healthier.

Using charcoal as the main clarifying ingredient ensures that this shampoo can cut through the worstcases of build-up yet remains gentle enough for daily use. The charcoal acts as a gentle, natural exfoliant allowing the clean to reach deep into the hair root, for the deepest clean.

Bamboo extract can also be found in this shampoo, bamboo helps to volumize dull, limp hair and helps to reduce frizz and even has some anti-aging properties as well. Pro-vitamin B5 is included to help strengthen dry, brittle hair and make hair touchable soft while restoring natural shine. A bonus of pro-vitamin B5 is that it protects hair from heat during styling as well as harmful UV rays from the sun.

Safe for use on all hair types including colored and chemically treated hair, this shampoo of vegan-friendly and free of sulfates and parabens.

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3. Dove Men+Care Shampoo, Charcoal (Best Value)

Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5.0

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Dove, a well-known manufacturer or beauty and hair products introduced their Men+Care line targeted specifically to men’s skin and hair needs. Their charcoal shampoo is designed to clean deep within the scalp with strengthening and fortify the hair. This shampoo is gentle enough for everyday use, and the masculine fresh scent can last up to 24 hours for an all-day refreshing feel.

Hair appears healthier and revitalized with just one use, thanks to the proprietary blend of charcoal and caffeine. Intended to be used as part of an entire line of men’s hair care, this shampoo provides a worry-free solution to some of the most common hair issues. Build-up of excess sweat, and oil will be a thing of the past, when you embrace the Dove Men+Care line.

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4. Head & Shoulders 2-in-1, Charcoal

Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5.0

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Head & Shoulders’ 2-in-1 Charcoal shampoo plus conditioner is built on the foundation of the number one company in hair care for individuals who fight dandruff or itchy scalp. This formula not only included charcoal for a deep penetrating clean but Head & Shoulders’ well-establish blend of rich moisturizers and zinc pyrithione.

The comfort of using this well-known brand is coupled with the flexibility that this shampoo is gentle enough for everyday use, thanks to the 2-in-1 formula that keeps hair from drying out. Safe enough for even colored and chemically treated hair. Additional conditioners will not be necessary for most users. However, individuals with excessively thick or long hair may consider adding a separate conditioner.

Zinc pyrithione helps to heal the scalp. Regular use will help to reduce or eliminate dandruff completely, while hair remains soft and hydrated. Head & Shoulders guarantees you will be 100% flake free or your money will be quickly refunded.

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5. Biolage Cleanreset Normalizing Shampoo

Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5.0

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Biolage presents their Cleanreset shampoo designed to provide a deep refreshing clean for any hair type. This shampoo is inspired by the lemongrass plant that has the amazing ability to stay extra clean in the dingiest environments.

Biolage is a professional grade shampoo, and though safe for even color treated hair, this shampoo may be too strong for daily use. Perfect for once or twice a week application, you will never have to worry about your hair becoming dry and brittle. Follow up with any Biolage conditioner for the best results.

This shampoo is based on the amazing power of plant-derived botanicals and loved by salon professionals across the industry. Free of parabens, this formula is safe for all hair types and colors, even colored and chemically treated hair.

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6. Old Spice Shampoo for Men, Volcano (Best Budget)

Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5.0

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Old Spice has been catering to the specific hygiene and skin care products of men for decades, now they have introduced their Volcano shampoo. Inspired by the complex and challenging environment found in Denali, this shampoo is designed to provide the ultimate in clean and freshness.

Formulated specifically for men’s unique hair care needs, Volcano is made with real charcoal to clean deep into the scalp and hair shaft to remove whatever toxins, build-up, dirt, or oil you may throw at your hair. The unique scent is a mix of citrus and musky woods, a masculine scent geared for the modern man.

Additionally, this is available in a double pack of extra-large25.3-ounce bottles to provide an affordable generous portion sure to last for quite a while. Gentle enough to use everyday and safe for all hair types, even colored and chemically treated hair.

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7. Selene Deep Clean Activated Charcoal Shampoo

Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5.0

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When you are looking for a shampoo to use with especially hard water, or spend time swimming in chlorinated water, then Selene’s Deep Clean shampoo will help to strip these hard minerals from your hair with the included activated charcoal. This shampoo is designed to be a deep clarifying shampoo while strengthening dry and damaged hair from root to tip.

Especially useful for curly or colored hair, this shampoo will not dry out your hair or scalp and is gentle enough to be used every day. The proprietary blend of charcoal and natural oils including Keratin, Argan, and Jojoba penetrate deep into the hair shaft to fortify and strengthen while locking in moisture without leaving hair dull or limp.

You will notice your hair is clean, softer, and shinier after just one wash. Additionally, this shampoo is both sulfate and paraben-free and backed by a risk-free 30-day money back guarantee. Selene professionals are completely convinced you will be completely satisfied.

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8. Brocato Peppermint Scrub Purifying Shampoo

Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5.0

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Brocato provides a deep cleaning shampoo designed to be used NO MORE than once per week. This peppermint scrub purifying shampoo can also be used as a full body scrub to wash away toxins from all your pores and scalp. Whether you are a regular styling product user, love to swim in chlorine, or just work up a sweat on a regular basis, this shampoo will take care of the effects these activities have on your hair.

Formulated with 100% pure peppermint oil to remove even the toughest impurities from your hair and scalp. This shampoo is safe for all hair types including colored and chemically treated hair.

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9. Krieger + Söhne’s Man Series Shampoo

Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5.0

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Krieger + Söhne (K+S) has formulated their Man Series shampoo specifically to take care of men’s specific hair care needs. Designed to offer a relaxing mini vacation in the shower, the infusion of tea tree oil with help you to face the day ahead while removing even the toughest build-up. K+S was inspired to create this shampoo by battle-worn warriors who needed, not only a deep clean but a chance to settle their mind and wash away the world’s worries.

You will notice a difference after just one use with this amazing shampoo. Gentle enough for daily use, this shampoo is safe for all hair types. Additionally, this shampoo is produced cruelty-free and is proudly made in the USA.

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10. Brickell Men’s Daily Strengthening Shampoo

Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5.0

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When it comes to taking care of men’s daily hair needs, Brickell’s Daily Strengthening shampoo will not only wash away build-up from products, dirt, and oil, but the naturally fortified shampoo helps hair to be stronger and healthier with each use. The proprietary formula is made with only natural and organic ingredients, including peppermint and tea tree oil.

Brickell began as a personal vision in one of the owner’s garage and has developed into one of the most reliable hair organic based skincare and grooming lines designed specifically for men. This shampoo will clean deep into the hair shaft and scalp as well as help to eliminate common scalp issues such as dryness and dandruff.

Some of the other fantastic ingredients included in the shampoo include; hydrolyzed protein to strengthen and increase hair thickness, amino acids to volumize and create a natural shine, and vitamin E that stimulated hair growth and decreases hair loss.

This shampoo contains ZERO sulfates, parabens, or other harsh ingredients and is never tested on animals. Additionally, all Brickell products are made with only the best organic ingredients that are also vegan. Making this shampoo safe for all hair types, even colored and chemically treated hair.

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Tips for Using Clarifying Shampoo:

Shampooing your hair may seem as simple as “lather, rinse, and repeat”, using a few of these simple tips can help you achieve the best experience while using your clarifying shampoo.

Proper Shampooing: Taking the time to shampoo your hair correctly can help you achieve maximum results from whatever brand of clarifying shampoo you choose. Follow these simple steps:

1. Using warm water, completely wet hair
2. Apply a small amount of shampoo using your hands to work the shampoo from the scalp to ends.
3. Completely rinse the shampoo away
4. Re-apply a small amount of shampoo concentrating on the scalp, allow the shampoo to sit on the hair for a few moments.
5. Work the lather down the length of the hair to the ends.
6. Rinse well. Use cooler water to rinse if you are NOT applying conditioner to seal pores in the scalp and help to smooth the hair shaft. When using a separate conditioner, use cool water only on the final rinse.

Change it Up: Use a clarifying in conjunction with another shampoo. Unless you use a significant amount of product daily, there is little likelihood that you will require the use of a daily clarifying shampoo.

Choose instead a stronger clarifying shampoo designed to be used 1-2 times a week, or even once a month. Individuals that have extra dry hair (or colored or chemically treated) should limit the use of a clarifying shampoo to once a month.

Conditioning: Clarifying shampoos may strip away the natural oils that are produced by the scalp. Conditioners can help to replenish these important oils or protect the hair until the oil replenishes naturally.

There are different conditioning options available. Some clarifying shampoos have included conditioning components designed to help protect the scalp and help reduce drying the hair from use. Shampoo manufacturers typical produce a separate conditioner specifically designed to go with their clarifying shampoo.

When using a strong clarifying conditioner, you may want to follow it with a deep conditioning treatment, using a conditioner designed for treated severely dry or damaged hair and allowing it to remain on the hair for up to an hour will help the hair to absorb the necessary moisture and nutrients.

Limit Styling Products: Individuals that fight oil and dirt buildup from their daily routine should limit adding several styling products. This will help to reduce the build-up that requires harsher clarifying shampoos. Some of the worst of these products include dry shampoos, anti-frizz oils, hair spray, and pomades.

Conclusion

WRAP UP, HOPE THIS HELPS, AND CLOSING LINE.