Clarifying shampoo (also sometimes referred to as detox shampoo) provides a true reset and deeper clean for your hair, especially your scalp. They’re specifically formulated to remove product build-up, hard water minerals, and other environmental pollutants. As a result, the rest of your hair products absorb (and work) better; plus, your hair and scalp feel refreshed and clean. You use them every week or so; they’re too harsh to replace your regular shampoo.

What is supposed to set Davines Solu Clarifying Shampoo apart from other clarifying shampoos is how effective yet gentle it is. Other clarifying shampoos can leave your hair squeaky clean (aka stripped of its natural oils and dry as straw); Solu is supposed to cleanse without drying out your hair, making it ideal for those who color their hair or have pre-existing damage.

Keep reading for my full review, where I share pros, cons, how to get the most out of the shampoo, and if it’s worth the $38 price tag.

PS: curious to see exactly how it compares to the Ouai Detox Shampoo? Check out my Ouai Detox vs Davines Solu Shampoo comparison.

davines solu clarifying shampoo review

I really like the Davines Solu Clarifying Shampoo and can see why it is so raved about. It’s one of the few clarifying shampoos I’ve tried that deeply cleanses your scalp without leaving your hair dry, overly fragile, or brittle. As someone with color-treated, damaged hair, this formula really worked for my hair.

Solu is not the strongest clarifying shampoo, though, so if you are someone who wants to go as long as possible between washes and then deeply reset with your shampoo, it’s not for you. Get this detox shampoo, which is what I prefer over Solu when I need a post-travel reset after a week of harsh hotel water and environmental pollutants.

Getting into the price, I do think it’s worth it to invest in a higher-quality clarifying shampoo; many of the drugstore formulas I’ve tried have stripped my hair and dried it out, leaving it prone to breakage. That said, Solu is expensive (as are most Davines products) at $38 for an 8.5oz bottle.

You only need to use Solu once a week (or less), so one bottle will last you a long time, but it’s not like you can’t find comparable formulas at a cheaper price. If the gentleness is your main concern, get Solu. If you just want a good clarifying shampoo, I really like this one. It’s stronger, so pair it with a hydrating mask or conditioner afterwards, but it’s cheaper by $4 and you get 1.5oz more, so it’s a better deal.

how to use davines solu clarifying shampoo

Use weekly (or every 10ish days) when you need a good, deep cleanse:

Thoroughly wet your hair and scalp.
Massage a generous amount into hair and scalp.
Add more water as needed to lather.
Rinse well.
If needed, repeat.
Follow-up with your normal conditioner or mask.
- Some clarifying shampoos need a hair mask after, but Solu is gentle and my normal conditioner provides enough hydration.

pros

Gentle formula that is safe for all hair types
Color-safe
Does not dry out hair or strip natural oils of the scalp
Best if you want a gentle clarifying shampoo or have minimal product build-up
Makes your hair feel clean but not stripped
Adds shine and softness
Lathers easily

cons

Not the strongest formula, especially if you have heavy product build-up or hard water residue
May require a double-cleanse if you have extra-oily hair
Expensive ($38)

scent

The only downside to online shopping at this point is the inability to test a scent through the computer; I am not a fragrance expert but will do my best to explain it here. Davines products, in general, have earthy, natural, and herbal fragrances. They’re subtle and fade quickly (aside from the Oi line), and as someone who is migraine-prone and very sensitive to fragrance, I really enjoy Davines fragrances.

Solu is an earthy (but not mossy) scent. The formula contains citrus peel oil as well as patchouli oil, yet is subtle. Some have described it as a citrusy spicy scent, but it’s very mild. If you are looking for a strong, sweet chai latte scent, you will be disappointed. I personally like Solu because I can mix it with any conditioner and not worry about fragrances clashing.

key ingredients

Davines is known for their eco-friendly B Corp practices, which is often most recognizable in their packaging and formulations. The star of the show when it comes to Solu shampoo is regenerative organic certified buckwheat extract. This contains polysaccharides that lock in moisture and shield hair from dryness, and it’s actually noticeable because while most clarifying shampoos are drying, Solu feels a lot gentler (yet is still effective).

And while the name suggests otherwise, buckwheat is gluten-free.

is davines solu clarifying shampoo worth it?

Because it’s a mild formula, it really depends on your hair type. If you find most clarifying or detox shampoos to be too drying or harsh, Solu is worth it.

Solu is best for those who don’t use a ton of product in their hair, need a gentle yet deeper cleanse every week or so, and those who are sensitive to strong fragrances. If you use a fair amount of product (like dry shampoo) during the week, have an oily scalp, or live in an area with hard water, you will prefer a stronger formula (like this one).

Factoring in cost, Solu Clarifying Shampoo is more expensive at $38 for an 8.5oz bottle. Those with more build-up are directed to repeat (wash twice), so it really isn’t the most cost-effective option if you have heavier build-up.

who it’s best for

Davines Solu Clarifying Shampoo is best for:

Normal to slightly dry hair
Fine to medium hair
Color-treated hair
People who want a non-stripping, gentle clarifying shampoo
Those who don’t use a lot of hair products
Those who find most clarifying shampoos to be too drying
Sensitive scalps
Dry to normal scalps

who should skip it

You’ll prefer a stronger clarifying shampoo if you:

Have a very oily scalp that needs a deep cleanse
Use lots of dry shampoo or heavy styling products (like pomades, hairsprays, gels, and thicker creams)
Deal with hard water build-up
Want a strong, “once-a-week” reset shampoo
Want a deep, post-travel reset

how often to use it

This depends on your hair type, how oily your scalp is, and how much build-up you have. In general, Solu is a gentler clarifying shampoo than others you may have tried so you can use it a little more often without drying out your hair.

If you have more build-up, an oily scalp, or use a fair amount of product on your hair (ex: dry shampoo) during the week, use Solu once a week. It’s also a great weekly shampoo for summertime if you are swimming in the pool/ ocean regularly.

For those with normal to dry scalps and mild build-up, you can stretch it to every 10ish days (up to 2 weeks). It’s better to start with less frequency and work your way up, rather than overdo it initially.

frequently asked questions

is davines solu shampoo a clarifying shampoo?

Yes.

is davines solu color-safe?

Yes.

does davines solu remove hard water buildup?

Yes, but if that is your main concern (no product build-up), then you may prefer their chelating shampoo, which is specifically formulated to bind to and remove hard water minerals and heavy metals like iron, copper, calcium, and magnesium.