Best Clarifying Shampoo for Build-Up
One of my favorite parts of having a beauty blog is trying new products (all purchased by me - giving you unsponsored reviews and product recommendations worth paying for is my priority). The downside is all of the experimentation can lead to product build-up, and having color-treated hair, I need a clarifying shampoo that will address the build-up without drying out or damaging my fragile, fine hair. I also live in Southern California, so all of the time spent in the pool and at the beach contributes to build-up too; you don’t have to be a product maximalist to incorporate a good clarifying shampoo into your routine.
Some clarifying shampoo can be drying, though, so it’s important to find one that will eliminate build-up without stripping your scalp of its natural oils or leaving your hair feeling like straw. I’ve tried quite a few over the years at a variety of price points. Whether you want a clarifying shampoo that’s pH balanced, sulfate-free, scalp-safe, safe to use weekly, or clean beauty certified these are my absolute favorites I cannot recommend enough.
best clarifying shampoos for build-up
ouai detox shampoo
As I mentioned, I’ve tried lots of clarifying shampoos over the years. When you factor in how well this shampoo works at removing build-up without stripping your hair, the Ouai Detox Shampoo is the best clarifying shampoo on the market right now, and 100% worth the $34. Color safe and for all hair types, this is the “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” of detox shampoos. My mom has thick, wiry grey hair that can get oily and loves it. My boyfriend has medium hair and loves how it makes his hair feel after hard work and gym sessions, and I have fine hair with a sensitive scalp and we can all use this shampoo weekly. No downsides, full benefits - shiny hair, healthy hair, a balanced scalp, and clean hair that doesn’t feel dry or brittle. It suds beautifully, but is sulfate-free and color safe. If you’re a swimmer (or your kids are) the Ouai Detox Shampoo is definitely the clarifying shampoo you want in your weekly rotation.
k18 peptide prep clarifying detox shampoo
If you have a sensitive scalp or very color-treated hair (dramatic lift or all-over bleach), this is the best clarifying shampoo for you. Clean beauty certified, the K18 Peptide Prep Clarifying Detox Shampoo is pH balanced and gentle yet effective. The shampoo itself is a darker green color, which surprised me, but works so well. Where the Ouai Detox Shampoo feels like a deep clean, K18 Peptide Prep Clarifying Detox Shampoo is a gentler refresh. When my hair needs a little TLC or it just got colored, I stick with the K18 shampoo because it’s effective but a little more luxe and also adds shine. The scent is mild and fresh - slightly fruity, but not too sweet. K18 is a pricier brand, but their products are highly concentrated, so a little goes a long way. If you are not one to use hair masks or leave-in conditioners, get K18 Peptide Prep Clarifying Detox Shampoo.
davines solu shampoo
I also really love the Davines Solu shampoo. Davines is one of my favorite brands, but it’s pricey, so I typically prioritize their toning or brightening products over clarifying (if you are a blonde or blonde, the Heart of Glass products are amazing). That said, once I tried Solu, I realized why everyone raves about it so much. It gives your scalp a true, deep clean, and makes your hair noticeably shinier, suds easily, yet doesn’t dry out your hair. If you want a shampoo that’s gentle yet sudsy and deep-cleaning, this is for you. The scent is a light earthy tomato-y scent that is super mild, and I love that it’s vegan. It works best on fine to medium hair, though, so stick to Ouai if you have thick or coarse hair.
act + acre clarifying hard water shampoo
If you travel a lot or live in an area where hard water is prominent, Act + Acre Clarifying Hard Water Shampoo is a true beauty staple. I have a bottle that has lasted me forever because I don’t use this as my regular detox shampoo; it’s for when I get home from traveling because you cannot control hotel (or friends’ apartment) water, and it typically wreaks havoc on my hair. This removes all of the build-up, makes my hair feel clean, and is just the cherry on top of the post-travel shower. It restores shine, makes my scalp feel healthy again, and I swear my hair craves it towards the end of a trip at this point. The scent is not my favorite (earthy patchouli) and polarizing to many, but if your hair has been subjected to lots of hard water, the Act + Acre Clarifying Hard Water Shampoo is a staple product I recommend at least trying out.
briogeo scalp revival charcoal and coconut oil micro-exfoliating shampoo
I have a love-hate with this shampoo because there’s a learning curve with it, and I’ve never liked hair products that take effort. But once you figure it out, I love it. Clean-beauty certified, the Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal and Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo is for fine or thin hair. It’s gentle and for minimal build-up; this is not your heavy-duty deep clean, but if you have a sensitive scalp, it’s worth trying. The texture is watery yet gritty, I recommend starting with just a little in your hands and rubbing them together first, rather than applying it directly to your scalp. It takes a minute to get it to suds, and it’s still less than what you might be used to, but I promise it works. It’s minty, so you get a spa-like scalp treatment, but isn’t so strong that it stings or burns your eyes.
Again, not my #1 favorite ever, but if clean ingredients are a priority to you and you’re willing to work with the texture, it’s worth it.
kristin ess deep clean clarifying shampoo
While I consider the Ouai Detox to be a better deal overall (quality, performance, price), if you want something under $15, the Kristin Ess Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo is the best budget-friendly option (and the only drugstore clarifying shampoo that doesn’t dry out my hair). The bottle itself feels a little flimsy, but has never leaked or spilled; I think it’s recycled plastic, so I’m not knocking it at all. You get a great lather with this shampoo, and it removes all product build-up without leaving your hair feeling stripped or drying out your scalp. Cruelty-free, vegan, sulfate-free, and safe for all hair types, this is a universal winner. I love to follow-up with the Kristin Ess Leave-In Conditioner. Also-budget friendly, it’s lightweight yet hydrating, helps prevent tangles, and really combats frizz.
