The 11 best clarifying shampoos for a total scalp refresh

After nearly five years of professionally testing the industry’s top shampoos, conditioners and styling products, I’ve developed a deep, ingredient-focused understanding of what truly works for different hair types and textures. Whether it’s fine, curly, oily, colored or natural hair, I’ve spent years researching and personally trying formulations to separate marketing hype from genuinely effective formulas.

In this guide, I’m sharing the results of my extensive experience to help you find the best clarifying shampoo for your unique hair needs.

What is clarifying shampoo?

“A clarifying shampoo is a potent cleanser with stronger surfactants compared to regular shampoos, designed to remove grease, product buildup and scalp impurities,” Mahogany Grace, salon owner and hair stylist specializing in textured hair, keratin treatments and extensions, told Post Wanted. “It’s essentially a heavy-duty option for occasional hair resetting and should not be used often.”

Simply put, it’s a deep-cleansing formula designed to remove product buildup, excess oil and impurities that regular shampoos can leave behind. If you’ve ever wondered, “What does clarifying shampoo do?“, the answer is clear: it hits the reset button on your hair and scalp.

Whether you’re seeking a salon-grade treatment or a budget-friendly drugstore clarifying shampoo, this guide is here to help you make a smart, informed choice. Let’s dive in.

OK, so let me just say, I didn’t expect to fall in love with a clarifying shampoo, but here we are.

I picked up the Odele Clarifying Shampoo on a whim after my scalp felt like it had seen one too many dry shampoos and hair sprays. From the first wash, I was hooked. This stuff lathers like a dream, and get this — it’s sulfate-free! The secret sauce? A combo of Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate and Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, which sounds like a mouthful but basically means squeaky clean hair without that dreaded straw feeling.

It even has chelation tech (yes, I Googled it) that removes hard water minerals, which is nearly as good as having your own filtered shower head (but that’s a story for another shopping guide).

Here’s the plot twist: it doesn’t just clean, it leaves my hair feeling… better? It has Hydrolyzed Rice Protein and Amaranth Seed Extract, which added bounce and shine to my limp strands without weighing them down. The formula also includes glycerin and other moisturizing ingredients, so your scalp gets detoxed and your ends stay soft. When I use it, I’m not left with a crunchy mess or tangles. Just that light, airy, fresh-hair feeling like I just left the salon.

I now use it once a week as a reset button for my hair, and honestly, I look forward to it. The natural cucumber, ylang-ylang and oakmoss scent is spa-like (think bougie candle vibes), and the fact that it’s vegan, cruelty-free, and less than $15 makes it even better. It’s one of those rare products that does exactly what it says, and makes you feel kinda fabulous for finding it. If your hair feels dull, greasy or just meh, trust me: this bottle’s about to be your new BFF.

Size: 13 ounces | Key ingredients: Rice Protein, Amaranth, Chelation Technology

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I’ve been using the Dove Scalp + Hair Therapy Density Boost Clarifying Shampoo nonstop, and wow — it’s hands-down the best drugstore clarifying shampoo I’ve ever used.

From the first wash, I noticed how clean my scalp felt without that tight, stripped sensation typical of clarifiers. Its sulfate‑free formula, featuring milder surfactants like sodium C14‑16 olefin sulfonate and cocamidopropyl betaine, gently dissolves buildup while still lathering well. Compared to higher‑end shampoos, this one doesn’t dry out my ends or leave residue, which can be rare in a clarifying product.

What really sold me are the skincare ingredients infused into the formula. It’s loaded with niacinamide (vitamin B3), zinc gluconate, vitamin E (tocopheryl acetate), glycerin and strengthening peptides, all chosen to nourish the scalp and reinforce the hair’s natural structure. I could feel my roots feeling balanced and less oily over time, while the strands remained soft and resilient. It’s amazing how a clarifying shampoo can also double as a scalp therapy treatment.

On top of the ingredient profile and performance, this shampoo truly delivers in everyday user experience. It leaves a light, fresh floral scent in the shower, and a little goes a long way thanks to its gel‑like but concentrated consistency. At around $10 for a 9.25 oz. bottle, it’s incredibly budget‑friendly— especially when compared to more expensive clarifying options on this list, like Bumble and Bumble and Olaplex.

I follow up with the matching conditioner in the Density Boost line, and the combo gives me fuller‑looking, visibly thicker hair.

Size: 9.25 ounces | Key ingredients: Niacinamide, Peptides, Zinc

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Best Clarifying Shampoo for Curly Hair: OUAI Detox Shampoo

I recently tried OUAI Detox Shampoo as a clarifying treatment for my naturally curly hair — and honestly, it’s hands down the best I’ve ever used for curly hair, specifically. In one wash, I felt grime, product buildup even hard-water minerals melt away.

Its key ingredient, apple cider vinegar, works like a gentle exfoliant on the scalp, sloughing off layers of oil, dead skin, and residue. Meanwhile, chelating agents lift away metal ions and chlorine from hard water. But, it doesn’t stop there. Hydrolyzed keratin strengthens and smooths curls so they retain bounce and shine rather than feeling stripped and tangled.

As someone with some curl-specific concerns (i.e. product buildup from gels and creams, occasional scalp itchiness and a need to maintain moisture), I love that OUAI Detox is sulfate‑free, phthalate‑free, paraben‑free and silicone‑free. The luxe “Melrose Place” scent contains rose, bergamot, lychee and musk so, to say it plainly, it elevates the experience, making each wash feel indulgent rather than clinical.

In my routine, I use this shampoo once a week (sometimes every two weeks depending on buildup), and I always follow with a hydrating conditioner or masque to restore softness. The parts of my hair that are naturally curly emerge cleaner, lighter more defined and with noticeably less frizz. They feel refreshed and revived, yet never overly dry or brittle. As a curly-haired user, I can say OUAI Detox delivers powerful clarifying without compromising hydration — and that’s exactly why I consider it the best clarifying shampoo I’ve ever tried for curls.

Size: 10 ounces | Key ingredients: Apple Cider Vinegar, Hydrolyzed Keratin

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After incorporating the Kristin Ess Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo into my routine, I can confidently say it’s a game-changer for oily hair. In an extremely humid climate, my scalp often becomes greasy quickly, leading to product buildup. This shampoo effectively removes excess oils and impurities without stripping my hair.

I’ve been using Kristin Ess products since middle school because they work, smell amazing and — not going to lie — they look pretty chic on my shower shelf. I can’t get over the less-than-$15 price tag, either. If the formula was placed in a clear tub and I had to guess how much it retailed for, I’d say $50, in all honesty.

Its sulfate-free formula ensures a deep cleanse while maintaining moisture balance, leaving my hair feeling refreshed and not dry. The shampoo’s formulation includes beneficial ingredients like Hydrolyzed Pea Protein, which strengthens hair, and various plant extracts such as Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract and Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, known for their soothing and nourishing properties . These components contribute to a healthier scalp environment and make my hair feel revitalized. Plus, the formula’s gentle yet effective cleansing action makes it suitable for weekly use, especially for those with oily hair prone to build-up.

TL;DR: Its ability to cleanse deeply without causing dryness, combined with nourishing ingredients, offers a balanced solution for maintaining a clean and healthy scalp. For those seeking an affordable yet effective clarifying shampoo, this product proves to be a trusty option.

Size: 10 ounces | Key ingredients: Avocado Oil, Castor Oil, Mango Seed Butter

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In my experience, this shampoo strikes the perfect balance between deep cleansing and moisture retention. I tried ithe Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo when my ends felt heavy with buildup (you know: oil, product residue, chlorine from pool use). Right away, I noticed how clean my scalp felt without that stripped or dry.

It’s rich in gentle surfactants like cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine and sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, yet it doesn’t zap moisture the way harsher sulfates do.

What really sets it apart for dry hair? The formula is enriched with nourishing argan oil and avocado oil, plus keratin amino acids, panthenol (vitamin B5) and botanical extracts of lavender, chamomile, rosemary and jojoba — all known for hydration, softness and strengthening. In my hands, after rinsing, my strands felt smooth and more resilient, and my hair shone without feeling heavy. Plus, Moroccanoil as a brand has long had this decadent reputation for moisturizing luxury, so the hydrating influence is built into even its detox-level products.

I’ve used other clarifying shampoos before, some that left my strands straw-like, others that wiped the moisture out too aggressively. In contrast, this one lovingly protects my hair’s hydration levels. Personally, I only use it every two weeks (or occasionally weekly when I’ve been swimming or using lots of styling products), and always follow with the Moroccanoil Hydrating Mask or Conditioner.

Size: 8.5 ounces | Key ingredients: Argan Oil; Lavender, Rosemary, Chamomile and Jojoba Extracts; Keratin

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I’ve been using the Aveda Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo for years, and I genuinely believe it’s the best clarifying shampoo for fine hair. From the first lather, you can feel the micelle technology and white vinegar working together to remove buildup — without stripping natural oils or making hair brittle. My fine strands felt squeaky‑clean, reset and surprisingly soft, with noticeable body and shine immediately after rinsing.

What really stands out for fine hair are the actual ingredients. Rosemary leaf extract and peppermint/spearmint oils deliver a refreshing, cooling scalp sensation that wakes you up in the shower. The rosemary oil helps stimulate the scalp and reduce dandruff, while the peppermint and menthol deliver a clean tingling that feels invigorating, but not harsh. Meanwhile, glycerin and sunflower seed oil offer lightweight hydration; it’s just enough to prevent breakage and static, but never heavy, keeping finer hair bouncy and lifted.

As someone with parts of my hair that veer on the finer side, I noticed a visible volume boost that lasted through a couple of days, even without heavy styling products. The shampoo cleaned thoroughly and left my scalp feeling balanced, but didn’t collapse my roots the way heavier formulas tend to. Aveda’s silicone‑free, plant‑derived formula also means it’s color‑safe and gentle enough for regular use. Overall, the sensory experience — coupled with ingredient clarity and genuinely improved texture — makes this product stand out as the clarifying go‑to for fine‑haired folks, hands down.

Size: 8.5 ounces | Key ingredients: Glycerin, Sunflower Seed Oil

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The Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo is a relatively new launch, and I have to say, I’m impressed. My hair isn’t dyed permanently, but I do use temporary hair glosses now and then to boost shine and tone. After a few weeks of styling and the inevitable product buildup, my hair was starting to look dull and feel heavy. I wanted something that would deeply clean without stripping away the gloss, and this shampoo totally came through. It left my hair feeling super fresh and light, without that dry, straw-like feeling I’ve gotten from other clarifying shampoos.

One of the reasons I picked this shampoo is because of the ingredients—Olaplex is known for its bond-building technology, and this one includes bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate, which helps repair and strengthen hair as it cleans. It’s also sulfate-free, color-safe and silicone-free, so I didn’t have to worry about ruining the effects of my gloss or drying out my hair. Plus, it has added amino acids, panthenol and hydrating agents that kept my hair soft and manageable.

After using it just once, I noticed my hair looked noticeably brighter and felt way more balanced — like it could actually breathe again. My gloss still looked great, and the shine was even better than before. I followed up with a good conditioner (I used the Olaplex No. 5), and my hair felt salon-fresh. If you don’t color your hair regularly but use glosses or lots of styling products, this is an amazing option.

Size: 8.5 ounces | Key ingredients: Panthenol, Amino Acids

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There’s nothing more luxurious than the Redken Hair Cleansing Cream for a flaky scalp. Whether you experience the occasional flake or two or simply feel like your hair needs to amp up the moisture, this clarifying shampoo has that it-factor.

It’s no surprise that Redken has been whipping out salon stylist obsessions for years now. Before I even opened the cap on this shampoo, I was skeptical at how a cream formula could deeply purify my scalp. It seemed like it wouldn’t really get in there — but I was so wrong.

Its formula is specially designed to remove minerals found in hard water, including copper, iron, magnesium and calcium. Removing pollution, it’s both nourishing, replenishing and scalp-balancing. When my scalp feels a bit drier than normal, this is the clarifying shampoo I reach for every two weeks or so.

Additionally, one of its key ingredients is salicylic acid, which is a trailblazer for removing excess oil in oilier scalps. Yet, with its thick, creamy and dreamy consistency, it works well for a variety of hair types. This is one of my favorite features of this shampoo, as my hair tends to be oilier on some days and extremely dry on the next, so it essentially “grows” with my haircare routine, adapting beautifully to natural changes in how my hair is feeling.

The tube dispenser makes it simple to apply and then later onto my hair, too. Once my hair is fully styled, I admire how my locks feel stronger and shiner, too. It’s a bit up there in price for the average clarifying shampoo, but wholly worth it if your scalp is needing an extra dose of love.

Size: 8.5 ounces | Key ingredients: Citric Acid, Salicylic Acid

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Making more than its everywhere-on-social media dry shampoo, Living Proof’s latest innovation in the clarifying shampoo space has landed with flying colors. The Clarifying Detox Shampoo has an elegant look, and its ability to deliver shine is unreal.

Pleasing scent aside, it’s gentle and doesn’t make my hair feel lifeless and limp. Instead, it’s the ideal superstar to place in my shower routine about once a week, giving my scalp a hard reset. The bouncy, airy end result once I style my hair is thanks to this shampoo — and I noticed a distinct difference once it was time to try this formula for the first time.

I’ve been using Living Proof’s clarifying shampoo for a few months and can attest that it’s worth its price point. If you don’t particularly love having a fancy suite of products in your bathroom like hair masks and hair oils, this one-and-done product will produce that sought-after shine factor.

Size: 8.0 ounces | Key ingredients: Activated Charcoal, Surfactants

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When I say I’ve been using Bumble and bumble since middle school, I mean that I’ve been nonstop obsessed with the brand to the point that it could not and would not leave my bathroom.

My love affair began with the top-selling Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat Protectant ($23), and has continued with the Sunday Clarifying Shampoo. Its bottle may be short and stout, but it’s offering a decent amount of product (8.5 ounces, which seems to be the general consensus among other clarifying shampoos I tested.

OK, let’s talk formula. It’s vegan, cruelty free and extremely gentle. It contains Panax Ginseng Root as a key ingredient, which cleanses the scalp. Ginseng is a popular ingredient used in Korean skincare for its ability to calm the skin. So, this shampoo is essentially skincare for your hair, which is the very best kind of feeling when you want to remove impurities from your scalp.

Uniquely, I like to use this shampoo on its own, sans conditioner. Its consistency and fresh scent make it an excellent product for a reset, and one you won’t have to worry about being too fragrant or abrasive. With a high price tag, it’s an investment, but one I’d argue is worth it for more sensitive skin users.

Size: 8.5 ounces | Key ingredients: Panax Ginseng Root, Rosemary Leaf Extract

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For serious beauty enthusiasts only: the essence of a pre-shampoo treatment is, undeniably, a dream. So, when the amika Reset Pink Charcoal Scalp Cleansing Oil was added to my weekly rotation, you can imagine it was a lovely experience for my scalp.

After reviewing the full suite of amika products, this one grabbed my attention. In my years of placing my haircare products on a strict rotation to try nearly every brand known to man, I haven’t had too much luck with pre-shampoo treatments. They tend to make my hair feel limp or overworked — but not this one.

With a swanky nozzle applicator and groovy design, the heart of the product lies in its formulation, of course. You can use a clarifying oil alongside a clarifying shampoo from this list, or you can opt for your go-to formula from the drugstore. Either way, your hair will smell extremely fresh (it always gives me compliments when I’m around others!) and have your locks looking great.

This charcoal-infused, oil-to-foam pre-wash breaks down product buildup and oil. In tandem, it refreshes the scalp, thanks to its pink clay and charcoal dynamic duo in its ingredient list. Like most amika products, the brand’s proprietary Sea Buckthorn — a superfruit loaded with vitamin C, vitamin A and fatty acid omega-7 — is also housed in its ingredient cocktail, lending itself to alluring body and shine. The final verdict? It’s worth slotting into your weekly haircare routine.

Size: 6.7 ounces | Key ingredients: Sea Buckthorn, Pink Clay, Charcoal

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This article was written by Victoria Giardina, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include testing the best vitamin C serums on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos of 2025. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.

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