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Not allshampoosare created equal.

Image may contain Person Washing Adult Indoors and Bathing

Profile view of young woman enjoying while washing her hair in the bathroom.

For example: What is clarifying shampoo?

If you’re someone who has oily hair or anitchy scalp, you might want to consider using one.

Clarifying shampoos are best used occasionally as a treatment.

Redken Hair Cleansing Cream Clarifying Shampoo

In fact, clarifying shampoo can help treat a bunch of hair concerns and overall promote a healthy scalp.

Clarifying shampoos will also remove excess oil, sebum, and grease for those with oily hair.

Some people who could especially benefit from clarifying shampoos are swimmers and people who bathe in hard water.

Act+Acre Clarifying Hard Water Shampoo

For swimmers, clarifying shampoo eliminates chlorine and chemical residue, explains Buechner.

And for people with hard water, it clears mineral deposits.

Regular shampoo is more gentle.

Kerastase Discipline Bain Fluidealiste Shampoo

Clarifying shampoo, on the other hand, has stronger surfactants (a.k.a.

cleansers) that remove buildup, oils, and residue, says Buechner.

It’s meant to be used as a treatment.

Nécessaire Rosemary Shampoo

So dont reach for your clarifying shampoo for every wash the way you would a regular cleanser.

Use clarifying shampoo once a week maximum to avoid dryness of the scalp and hair, says Novobielski.

A clean and clear scalp leads to healthierhair growth, Buechner says.

Necessaire Rosemary Shampoo

Who should not use clarifying shampoo?

Detox shampoo is strong, which makes it so effective at deep-cleaning your strands and scalp.

But it’s not for everyone.

dae Desert Detox Clarifying Shampoo

If you have asensitive scalp, Buechner recommends steering clear as it may cause irritation.

Dealing with dry or damaged hair?

Clarifying shampoo could cause further dryness, so avoid these formulas if that sounds like you, says Novobielski.

K18 Peptide Prep Color-Safe Detox Clarifying Shampoo

Will clarifying shampoo dry out hair?

Yes, clarifying shampoo can absolutely dry out your hair, especially if youre using it too often.

However, there are simple ways to help avoid this and even give moisture back to your hair.

Leave it on for about five minutes before rinsing.

For even more hydration, apply a leave-in conditioner or hair oil on damp strands post-shower as well.