Clarifying Shampoos Which Won’t Dry Your Hair Out
There comes a time in any hair-havers life when things just get too much. An overreliance on dry shampoo, or overindulgence in hair oils, treatments, and masks, can leave any hair feeling lacklustre. For times like this, clarifying shampoos can be an absolute game-changer. Using one can effectively remove all product buildup and make hair finally feel clean again.
But there is one caveat. Many clarifying shampoos tend to have a rather harsh cleansing action. It removes dirt, grime, and product while also stripping the hair of any natural oils and moisture. For those with drier or damaged hair types, this can cause more harm than good. But there is a middle way! These clarifying shampoos will do all of the deep cleansings you need – but without drying out your hair.
Staple & Luxe Shampoos
A total classic in the clarifying shampoo category has to be the Bumble & Bumble Sunday Shampoo. Designed for use just once per week this shampoo is fantastic for giving you a fresh start on Monday morning. After use, hair feels light as a feather and truly, truly clean.
For a slightly more luxe option, the Oribe The Cleanse Clarifying Shampoo is incredible. From the art gallery-worthy black and gold pump bottle to the thick, luxurious foam it produces, everything about the experience feels rich. But it’s not just a pretty face. The Cleanse leaves hair feeling fresh and new, but without any horrific squeaky cleanness.
Another staple in my clarifying shampoo arsenal is the Davines Solu Shampoo. This is a clarifying shampoo without any bells and whistles – but that doesn’t make it any less worthy. If you just want a basic but effective clarifying but not drying shampoo, this may be your ideal partner. And those beautiful Davines bottles never go amiss, either.
Alternative Clarifying Shampoos
If you’re uber dry and damaged, you might be keener to opt for a clarifying shampoo with extra moisturising benefits. They do exist! By cleaning the scalp and leaving a hint of hydrating oil behind, you have the best of both worlds. The Mane & Tail Gentle Clarifying Shampoo With Castor Oil is a great (and very affordable) option. And if you’re truly concerned about hair dryness, then the Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo is incredible for leaving hair both deeply cleaned and as soft as hell.
For those on a budget but still in need of a clarifying shampoo, many anti-dandruff shampoos offer the same deep cleaning with a hydrating finish. The Body Shop’s Ginger Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is a great substitute for expensive options and has one of the most pleasant scents. And on the uber-affordable end of the spectrum, the Head & Shoulders Lemon Fresh Shampoo is a brilliant standby. It’s not particularly exciting or glamorous, but boy does it leave hair feeling nice.
A final recommendation for those concerned about overdrying is a lightweight mask. The Frank Body Caffeinated Hair Mask is a favourite of mine. It is both moisturising and strengthening, yet thin and light will undo any potential damage. It does so without adding product buildup and weighing hair down once more. It’s delightfully cooling on the scalp too.
