The beauty aisle in any store is a vibrant, multi-colored labyrinth filled with an assortment of bottles. Each one promises to restore, rejuvenate, or redefine your hair. As someone blessed with curls, you might have wondered if a clarifying shampoo could be the magic potion for your hair. But is a clarifying shampoo good for curly hair? Let’s delve into this question.
A clarifying shampoo, as the name suggests, works to ‘clarify’ or deeply cleanse your hair by removing product build-up, excess oil, and impurities from the scalp and hair strands. These shampoos are typically formulated with surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate, which are effective in stripping away residues from styling products, environmental pollutants, and hard water minerals.
Now, is it good for curly hair? The answer is a definite yes, with a small but crucial caveat: it should be used judiciously. Curly hair tends to be naturally dry because the oils produced at the scalp do not travel as easily down the spiral or coiled hair strand. Clarifying shampoos, due to their intense cleaning properties, can strip away natural oils along with the build-up, leading to drier hair. However, occasional use can help remove the product residue that weighs down curls, restoring their natural bounce and shine.
Therefore, a clarifying shampoo can be an important tool in your curly hair care routine. The key is to identify one that is right for your specific hair needs. But how to know what is considered a clarifying shampoo? In simple terms, any shampoo that works to deeply cleanse and rid your hair of build-up can be termed as a clarifying shampoo. It may often be labeled as ‘deep-cleansing’, ‘purifying’, ‘detoxifying’, or ‘anti-residue’. Also, look out for ingredients like sulfates or acetic acid, known for their strong cleaning abilities, as they are common in clarifying shampoos.
A clarifying shampoo can be a game-changer for those with curly hair, if used correctly. It can help restore your curls’ natural vitality by removing any build-up, resulting in hair that feels cleaner, lighter, and livelier. In the next section, we will explore the top 10 clarifying shampoos for curly hair to help you make an informed choice.
10 Best Clarifying Products For Curly Hair
1. DevaCurl Buildup Buster Micellar Water Cleansing Serum
This unique micellar water cleansing serum is specifically designed for curly hair. Its gentle formula cleanses the scalp and hair without stripping away essential moisture. It effectively removes product build-up, leaving your curls soft, bouncy, and revitalized. Choose it for its unique micellar formula and hydrating ingredients.
2. Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo
This shampoo not only cleanses your hair but also restores its balance with its rich argan and avocado oils. It’s ideal for removing build-up caused by hair products and environmental pollutants. Choose it for its nourishing ingredients and effectiveness in restoring the hair’s natural health.
3. Ouidad Water Works Clarifying Shampoo
Designed for curly hair with hard-water mineral build-up, this shampoo uses a blend of fruit acids to purify and refresh your curls without over-drying. Choose this product if you live in a hard water area and want to maintain your curls’ integrity.
4. Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo
This shampoo not only clarifies but also exfoliates the scalp using vegetable-derived micro-exfoliators. It’s a perfect choice if you deal with dandruff or a flaky scalp along with product build-up.
5. Kinky-Curly Come Clean Natural Moisturizing Shampoo
This shampoo provides a deep cleanse without harsh chemicals. Its blend of mandarin orange extract and sea kelp cleanse, balance moisture, and nourish your hair. Opt for this if you prefer a natural and gentle approach to hair care.
6. SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo
This shampoo removes build-up while strengthening hair and promoting growth, thanks to its potent blend of Jamaican black castor oil and organic shea butter. Choose it if you want to cleanse, strengthen, and grow your hair simultaneously.
7. As I Am Curl Clarity Shampoo
It removes product residue and environmental build-up without disturbing your hair’s natural moisture balance. Its gentle formula makes it an ideal choice for regular use.
8. Mielle Organics Detangling Co-Wash
This isn’t a shampoo, but a cleansing conditioner that removes impurities while keeping your curls moisturized. It also aids in detangling. Pick this product if you want a gentle cleanse that doubles as a conditioner.
9. Aunt Jackie’s Oh So Clean! Moisturizing & Softening Shampoo
This clarifying shampoo is enriched with coconut oil, shea butter, and extra virgin olive oil, making it perfect for anyone wanting deep cleansing without compromising on moisture.
10. Not Your Mother’s Naturals Royal Honey & Kalahari Desert Melon Shampoo
It detoxifies and replenishes your hair, maintaining its natural moisture. Opt for this shampoo for its unique combination of royal honey and Kalahari desert melon which helps restore and maintain moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now that we have reviewed some top-notch clarifying shampoos, let’s dive deeper and address some common queries about these hair care products. Understanding these aspects will help you make the most of your clarifying shampoo.
What is the difference between clarifying shampoo and conditioner?
The primary difference lies in their purpose and formulation. A clarifying shampoo is designed to deeply cleanse the hair and scalp, removing all types of build-up, from oils and dirt to heavy styling products. It is typically used occasionally (depending on your hair type and lifestyle) to ensure that your hair is squeaky clean, resetting it to a more natural state.
On the other hand, a conditioner is meant to moisturize and nourish your hair after the cleansing process. Conditioners restore the hair’s natural oils and nutrients that may have been stripped away during washing, especially with a clarifying shampoo. They smooth the hair cuticles, making your hair more manageable and less prone to damage.
How often should curly girls use clarifying shampoo?
While clarifying shampoos work wonders at removing build-up, they can be drying if overused. Therefore, for curly hair, which naturally tends to be drier than straight hair, it’s recommended to use a clarifying shampoo about once or twice a month. However, this depends on the amount of product you use on your curls, your lifestyle, and how quickly your hair and scalp accumulate build-up. When your curls start to feel weighed down or appear less shiny and bouncy than usual, it might be time for a clarifying wash.
How do I know if I need a clarifying shampoo?
Several signs indicate the need for a clarifying shampoo. If you find that your regular shampoo and conditioner aren’t working as effectively, or your hair becomes greasy quickly, a build-up could be the culprit. Other signs include flat, lifeless hair, a flaky or itchy scalp, and dullness. Also, if you use a lot of styling products, live in a hard-water area, or exercise heavily, you might need to incorporate a clarifying shampoo into your routine more frequently. Always remember to follow up with a hydrating conditioner to prevent your hair from drying out.
