9 Best Clarifying Shampoos That Really Work, According to Hair Experts

The GH Beauty Lab has tested hundreds of shampoos (along with their matching conditioners) of all types over the years both in the Lab using specialized instruments and with consumer testers. In the Lab, we use devices such as the Instron machine to determine conditioning ability and the DigiEye to assess color fading.

For consumer testing, shampoos are first label-masked to eliminate brand bias and then distributed to testers of various hair types across the country to use in their hair routine at home. They then assess the products on their performance, including how well they cleanse hair, how they make hair look and feel, ease of use, and overall satisfaction.

While the Beauty Lab hasn't conducted a dedicated comparative test of clarifying shampoos, these recommendations are informed by years of shampoo testing, evaluations from Beauty Lab experts and GH editors, and input from hairstylists.

It's all about the buzzwords on the bottle.

✔️ "Look for keywords on shampoo bottles to know that you have purchased the right product for the job," says Bullock. "Keywords include 'stripping,' 'clarifying,' 'deep cleansing,' 'reset,' 'detox,' and 'can remove excess product.'"

✔️ Consider your hair's needs. "Read the labels to see if it is clarifying exactly what you want it to clarify, i.e., product buildup, dandruff, or hard water minerals," says Bianca Renee, DIY curly hair expert for Sally Beauty.

“A clarifying shampoo is best for getting rid of buildup because it’s formulated to dissolve sebum and styling products,” says Chiara Butler, GH Beauty and Personal Care Lab Reviews Analyst. “Moisturizing shampoos also cleanse hair, but they may not clean away buildup as well as a clarifying shampoo.”

“Clarifying shampoos are formulated to remove excess buildup, residue, dirt, oils, and product on your hair and scalp,” says Bullock. They are different from regular shampoos as “they may contain a higher percentage of surfactants, but these shampoos have fewer or no conditioning agents to prevent leaving any residue,” says GH Beauty Lab Director Sabina Wizemann.

But how do they actually work? “The surfactants produce micelles that surround oily substances like sebum, and pull it off the hair follicle or scalp, making it easier to be rinsed out in water,” explains GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek.

Unfortunately there is no simple answer to this one as it really depends on your hair type, texture, and goals. "Clarifying shampoos should be used only when your hair feels weighed down or you know you need a deeper cleansing [rather] than a normal shampoo," says Bullock. “If used too often, you could end up with super dry hair.”

But one thing is for sure: "It is not recommended to use a clarifying shampoo every wash day," says Renee. While usage is personal, Renee suggests using a clarifying shampoo more often if you use products that contain silicones or waxes.

Yes, but with a caveat. "Clarifying shampoos are good for your hair because they provide your hair and scalp with a fresh new start," says Bullock. A good clarifying shampoo can effectively and thoroughly cleanse the scalp and hair, but "it can also have negative side effects if used too often and could leave your hair feeling dry and dull," says Renee. "It's best to find a clarifying shampoo that also includes some moisturizing ingredients." You can also use a rich conditioner or nourishing deep conditioner immediately after to help balance the pH levels.

"Clarifying shampoos are designed explicitly for thorough and consistent cleansing results and are rigorously tested to ensure both efficiency and safety," explains Wizemann. They use surfactants to remove styling product buildup, oil, sebum, and pollutants, and can be tailored for specific hair types, such as curly and fine hair, or processed and colored hair.

"Apple cider vinegar, which is chemically diluted acetic acid, can vary by brand and batch, making its effects unpredictable," she says. It can irritate skin if it's too concentrated or be completely ineffective when diluted too much. "Think of apple cider vinegar as more of a general-purpose rinse if you don’t mind the smell, but we recommend using a clarifying shampoo when you need a thorough clean."

“Clarifying shampoo can make your hair feel dry, especially if your hair has been bleached or dyed,” says Butler. You don’t have to use a clarifying shampoo every time you wash your hair. “Use it when your hair is especially oily or you’ve used a lot of styling products, and use a conditioner afterwards,” she advises.

GH Contributing Writer and Analyst Jamie Ueda, freelance writer and consumer product expert, did the initial research and product selection for this article.

GH Contributing Beauty Editor Dori Price updated the story with new details about clarifying shampoos, expert tips and added more product picks.

GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek shared her expertise about clarifying shampoos for this piece, as well as contributing all of the information about the Good Housekeeping Institute's testing of shampoos and conditioners.

GH Beauty and Personal Care Lab Reviews Analyst Chiara Butler provided more details about the pros and cons of clarifying shampoos and best ways to use for the most recent article update.