Clarifying Shampoo
A clarifying shampoo is slightly stronger than everyday shampoos and is designed to remove products, hard water or chlorine residue that have built-up over time. These types of shampoos usually have a higher pH level or surfactant-to-water ratio to deep cleanse the hair and therefore should not be used regularly as they may dry out the hair and scalp. However, clarifying shampoo should form part of everyone’s hair maintenance regime and the general rule on when to use it is as follow.
1. Oily Hair.
If your hair is naturally oily, then clarifying will be useful to you as 1 of every 2-4 washes. It will keep your hair fresh, clean and oil-free and won’t leave you feeling weighed down. Always follow a clarifying shampoo with a light conditioner to soften the hair.
2. Heavy use of oils, conditioners and finishing products.
Products that are not water-soluble, like heavy oils and silicone-based ingredients that are found in everyday conditioners, moisturizers, mousses, gels, serums and hairsprays, can build up on the hair and cause it to feel limp and lifeless. A regular moisturizing shampoo won’t be able to lift these stubborn ingredients. You’ll need to use a clarifying shampoo to remedy this build-up.
3. Swimming.
Chlorine and salt residue from swimming pools or the beach can really damage your hair if they are not removed promptly and properly. A clarifying shampoo will help you get your hair back to normal after chlorine exposure and will prevent unnecessary damage to the hair.
4. Product Build-up.
When silicone and oils from your hair products build up on your hair, they may cause your favourite shampoos, conditioners and other products to ‘stop working’. Your shampoo might not lather properly, and your hair might feel weighed down after deep conditioning. The problem is simply product build-up. Whenever products you know are good just stop working, don’t toss them out. Clarify your hair to remove the build-up.
5. It’s been a month since you’ve last used a clarifying shampoo.
Clarifying your hair can be done as a monthly refresher, and it will give your hair a fresh clean slate for products each month. I’ve found that after about a month, my hair begins to get a coated, weighed down feeling. Clarifying at least once a month can remedy this.
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