What is Clarifying Shampoo? Why You Need it For a Healthier Scalp
It's the number one role of a shampoo: to keep your hair and scalp clean and fresh. But there's one type of shampoo that works harder than the rest when it comes to deeply purifying oily scalps. Enter clarifying shampoo; a must-have hair care product in every routine, helping you detox your locks to maintain a buildup-free, flake-free, healthy scalp. If you haven't tried one yet, keep reading…
What Does a Clarifying Shampoo Do?
A clarifying shampoo gives you an even deeper cleanse than a traditional shampoo. It's like a reset button for oily scalps, removing excess sebum, dead skin cells and residue from hair in a single wash. If you have oily hair, this supercharged cleanser is a staple in your hair care routine, helping to rebalance your scalp and keep hair clean without stripping your strands.
But it's not just for oily locks; if you tend to use rich hair products or you're a dry shampoo or hairspray loyalist, a clarifying shampoo will help to remove the product residue that can build up over time. Slicked-back ponytails and Texan blowouts are trending, but they both require gels and mousses to get the look, so you need a hard-working cleanser in your kit to rid strands of residue in between styling sessions.
What is the Best Clarifying Shampoo?
When it comes to choosing a clarifying shampoo that's deep cleansing and never stripping, look to salon-grade formulas. INVIGO Aqua Pure Purifying Shampoo is a pro go-to. It makes light work of whisking away impurities, oil and product build-up, while Lotus Extract soothes your scalp to leave hair soft and skin feeling healthy and cared for. Even those with oily hair and sensitive skin can lather up with this supercharged formula. The gentle yet powerful ingredients strike just the right balance for the skin and hair.
What is a Good Clarifying Shampoo For Curly Hair?
The other great thing about INVIGO Scalp Balance Deep Cleansing Shampoo? It's suitable for all hair types including curly and coily hair textures. But if you want an even gentler alternative to use in between co-washing curly hair types, try NutriCurls Micellar Shampoo.Like micellar water cleansers for your skin, it harnesses molecules called 'micelles' which forage for and trap impurities, so they can easily be rinsed away. This clever tech is perfect for delicate yet thorough washing. So, if your curls or coils are on the drier, more fragile side but need a quick reset, lather up with this curl-friendly shampoo for a shine-enhancing, nourishing deep cleanse.
Does Clarifying Shampoo Remove Heavy Metals?
You know that clarifying shampoo removes the accumulated build-up of styling products and excess oils – but what about metals? You can't see them, but heavy metals such as copper lurk in the water you wash with, and can cast a dulling veil over hair. But you don't need a clarifying shampoo to remove them; our bestselling Wella Professionals shampoos harness Metal Purifier, which neutralizes and rinses away pesky metals to leave you with crystal-clear locks.
You'll find the technology in a range of formulas. Choose ULTIMATE REPAIR Shampoo for damaged hair, Oil Reflections Luminous Reveal Shampoo to boost shine, Fusion Shampoo for hair breakage, INVIGO Nutri-Enrich Deep Nourishing Shampoo for dry hair and INVIGO Color Brilliance Color Protection Shampoo or ColorMotion+ Color Protection Shampoo to shield your dream shade. That's every hair concern covered.
How Often Should I Use a Clarifying Shampoo?
Because they're hard-working cleansers, clarifying shampoos aren't designed to be used on every hair wash day. You still need a regular shampoo that's tailored to your hair type and goals, whether you're looking to repair damage, define curls or boost volume. So, think of your clarifying shampoo as a hair detox on those days when roots and lengths feel extra oily. This could mean using it weekly, monthly or even every few months – it all comes down to your individual routine.
You might also find it changes from season to season. Think of how you treat your hair with the changes in weather; your summer salt spray addiction or hat hair-defying winter routine could leave your locks more weighed down than usual. Plus, in winter those cool, dry days can leave your scalp parched which actually makes it even greasier. The dryness kicks your sebaceous glands into overdrive, causing them to pump out too much sebum. So, don't be surprised if you find yourself needing more clarifying shampoo sessions during the colder months. By keeping one in your kit, you'll never get caught out.
How Do I Use a Clarifying Shampoo?
Using a clarifying shampoo is simple! Follow these steps:
Step 1: Wet hair and massage in INVIGO Scalp Balance Deep Cleansing Shampoo. If the lengths and ends of your hair are dry or damaged, focus the lather on your scalp and let the lather run through the ends as you rinse.
Step 2: While you're resetting your roots, it's time to give the rest of your hair some attention too, so apply a hair mask or deep conditioner to rebalance the lengths. Try ULTIMATE REPAIR Mask to target a range of hair concerns, from heat damage to dullness to frizz. It harnesses smart conditioning agents that identify and treat the areas that need it most.
Step 3: After rinsing the mask, blot hair dry with a towel or soft cotton t-shirt for the gentlest touch. Follow with ULTIMATE REPAIR Miracle Hair Rescue to repair hair damage in 90 seconds* and give you 12x smoother hair** with 99% less breakage***.
Step 4: After Miracle Hair Rescue has absorbed, your hair is ready for styling. Repeat these steps monthly – or as often as roots need it – to keep build-up at bay.
Should I Use Clarifying Shampoo After Swimming?
You already know that sea water and chlorinated pools are bad news for your hair, but did you know that a clarifying shampoo can help? Because it gives locks a deep cleanse, it helps to rinse away damaging post-swim residue. So if you're heading off on a far-flung vacation or you're simply a regular swimmer, you'll need a clarifying formula to get rid of stubborn salt and chlorine buildup.
That doesn't mean you should skip pre-swim protection though. Before you take the plunge, soak hair with clean water and a leave-in conditioner, like Elements Renewing Leave-In Spray. Your hair is like a sponge – it can only soak up so much moisture before it reaches saturation level – so if you drench it with water and conditioner, it will absorb less of the pool or sea water.
Can I Use a Clarifying Shampoo If I Have a Sensitive Scalp?
Not all clarifying shampoos will be suitable for sensitive skin, as they can contain deep cleaning agents and harsh ingredients that dry out and aggravate a dry or flaky scalp. However, INVIGO Scalp Balance Deep Cleansing Shampoo is infused with Lotus Extract, a super soother that keeps every scalp type calm and balanced.
Can I Use a Clarifying Shampoo If I Have Color-Treated Hair?
You might be wondering if a clarifying shampoo might strip out your hair color, and you wouldn't be completely wrong. Using a deep cleanser too often could leave the hair shaft dry and porous, creating gaps and tears that color molecules can escape through. But that doesn't mean you can't use a clarifying formula; the trick is to only use it when you feel you need it. The rest of the time, maintain your dream shade on a daily basis with INVIGO Color Brilliance Color Protection Shampoo or, for added nourishment, ColorMotion+ Color Protection Shampoo.
You've got to the root of oily scalps and product buildup – now let's look at the rest of your routine. Discover our complete edit of Hair Care Guides for every type and concern.
* When using ULTIMATE REPAIR Miracle Hair Rescue.
** Vs. non-conditioning Shampoo.
*** When using ULTIMATE REPAIR Miracle Hair Rescue instrumental test vs. non-conditioning Shampoo.
