Clarifying shampoos are great because they keep our hair and our scalps clean and healthy.
As naturals, we use a lot of products on our hair such as oils, butters, gels, moisturizers and so much more.
This can cause severe product buildup on our scalps and hair that cannot be easily removed by regular shampoo. In addition, the product buildup will prevent your hair from absorbing more product or responding to the product as it should.
Clarifying shampoos get the same job done as using a regular shampoo mixed with baking soda which some may find more affordable than having a specific product just for clarifying. But it has to be said that baking soda is basic which means that it has a very high pH which may have unforeseen consequences.
With that said you will want to know which clarifying shampoos work the best. So here are the top 8 clarifying shampoos for your natural hair:
1. Nothing but Clarifying Shampoo Sulfate-Free Detox for Natural Hair
A lot of naturals absolutely love the feeling of their hair after using this shampoo as their hair feels just….clean.
This shampoo will deeply cleanse the hair and scalp by removing the deep-seated contaminants, excess oils, buildup, and residue. It is free from harmful ingredients such as petrolatum, mineral oil*, sulfates, and parabens. Your hair should feel light, cleaner, and more vibrant after use.
2. Neutrogena Anti-Residue Clarifying Shampoo
This shampoo boasts a retail price of $22.99 for a 6 FL Ounce bottle (at the time of writing). People have shared their displeasure with the price compared to the quantity of shampoo that you are receiving.
On the other hand, others love this shampoo as it aids to remove 90% of product buildup/residue which is causing you to have dull and lackluster hair.
Neutrogena has formulated the shampoo with gentle cleansing properties that are safe for all hair types, including color-treated kinks, coils, and curls.
3. Giovanni Eco Chic 50:50 Balanced Hydrating Clarifying Shampoo
Giovanni is a popular brand within the natural hair community known for formulating great products. This is another one for them that lives up to the reputation of the brand.
It is a hydrating shampoo that infuses into each strand of the hair to remove product buildup thoroughly. In addition, it contains aloe vera, rosemary*, and other botanical ingredients that will balance your scalp’s PH.
As well as, nourishing your hair strands from the inside out. As with most things, your own mileage may vary when it comes to finding a product that works for your hair but this is a good place to start.
4. Avalon Organics Shampoo
The Avalon Organics shampoo reviews are praising the beautiful smell of the product that is not overbearing, especially for naturals with sinus issues.
It is formulated with lemon which is the key ingredient as it gently cleanses and revitalizes the scalp by removing excess oils and product buildup. In addition, it has other essential oils* to nourish the scalp to promote healthy hair growth. It is also free from parabens, sulfates, and harsh preservatives that do no good for the scalp.
Naturals have also warned that your hair will feel too dry if you use too much of shampoo and don’t rinse your hair thoroughly enough after use. It’s also a good idea to ensure that you condition your hair afterward to prevent any dryness caused by the shampoo.
5. Nexxus Clean and Pure Clarifying Shampoo
Nexxus Clean and Pure Clarifying shampoo* will gently cleanse the scalp and hair, so it feels lightweight. It is formulated with protein fusion which is an exclusive blend of elastic protein and minerals to leave your hair feeling smooth and nourished.
It is free of harmful ingredients making it safe for your hair whether it is dull, dry, or damaged. The reviews for this product have been great as naturals have agreed that the product works. However, some were extremely sensitive to the scent so that’s something to bear in mind.
6. Carol’s Daughter Wash Day Delight
Carol’s Daughter is another popular brand within the natural hair community and is known for formulating great products.
Their wash day delight is no different as it provides the perfect lather needed to cleanse the scalp and hair properly. In addition, it has an applicator top which makes it easier to apply directly to the scalp.
It is formulated with micellar water which lifts the oil and product buildup on the scalp without causing your kinks, coils and curls to be stripped.
There have been mixed reviews for this shampoo with around 70% naturals saying absolutely will repurchase it. The other 30% have said that the shampoo is too stripping and can create unnecessary tangles, doesn’t lather as well as they would like and also affects their moisture retention. Bear these in mind before trying.
7. Tea Tree Special Shampoo
As the name suggests we know that the key ingredient in this shampoo is tea-tree. Tea tree* is an antibacterial essential oil that is known for soothing inflamed scalps and removing the impurities from your scalp and hair.
After rinsing the shampoo your hair will look, feel, and smell wonderful. The shampoo removes product buildup to leave the hair full of vitality and luster.
Naturalistas who have scalp issues such as psoriasis have shared that the product aids in providing their scalp with relief. But again this is quite subjective so give it a try and see if it works for you.
8. Aussie Destress Clarifying Shampoo
The Aussie shampoo is infused with refreshing mosa mint and Australian peperberry which will soothe the scalp leaving it feeling clean and fresh.
It is formulated to remove layers of product buildup due to your missteps. After rinsing the shampoo, your scalp and hair should feel light, free, and be buildup free. Naturals with oily hair are obsessed with this shampoo. However, other naturals are saying that it leaves your hair dry which makes it susceptible to breakage.
Final thoughts
You may have noticed a trend, a lot of naturals complain that clarifying shampoos are drying, and they are. That is entirely their point! They clean residue, product buildup, natural oils and everything else essentially resetting your hair to a naked state.
I think the lesson here is that a clarifying shampoo shouldn’t be used every week and should only be used when you have plenty of buildup on your hair and scalp. Either way, your hair is bound to be dry after using a clarifying shampoo* so you absolutely must follow up with a moisturising deep conditioning* session to restore your hair’s moisture balance.
