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Style > Beauty

Should You Use Clarifying Shampoo?

Her Campus Placeholder Avatar Olivia Shaw
Some days, you just don’t have time for fresh hair. That’s why we all love dry shampoo. But, after a few days of relying on dry shampoo, our hair starts to get kind of… gross. The solution? Clarifying shampoo. 


What is clarifying shampoo?

According to StyleCaster, clarifying shampoo cleans more than just oil and dirt from your scalp. It can also free your hair of any product—and even chlorine. It doesn’t contain any moisturizer in order to avoid adding build-up to your scalp.
Related: Did You Know Your Shampoo Can Stop Working?

Who should use clarifying shampoo?

Any hair type can benefit from clarifying shampoo! It’ll make your hair shinier and can even help your conditioner to work better. 

A good way to know if your hair needs a refresher is if your usual hair products stop working, or if your hair has lost its shine. Using clarifying shampoo will “reset” your hair, so to speak, so that it looks healthier and feels cleaner.

If you’re a swimmer, clarifying shampoo will clean pool chemicals from your hair better than a regular shampoo could. According to Good Housekeeping, if you live somewhere where there are a lot of minerals in the water, this shampoo will help cleanse your hair of them. It’s especially helpful for those with oily hair, too!

How often should I use it?

It’s recommended that you use it once a week at most. Don’t use it too often, since that can lead to breakage. This shampoo is strong, so it’s best to apply extra conditioner after using it.

Where do I find clarifying shampoo?

There are a lot of clarifying shampoos available at drugstores, such as Kenra Clarifying Shampoo ($15, Walgreens) along with higher-quality salon versions, like Fekkai’s Apple Cider Clarifying Shampoo ($19.99, Target). For a DIY version, Good Housekeeping suggests combining 1/4 cup of vinegar with 1 cup of water. After a standard shampoo, add this mixture to your hair and rinse after a couple of minutes.

We all need a fresh start sometimes, and that includes our hair! 

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Olivia Shaw is a senior at UNC Greensboro. She is an English major and plans to write a book someday soon. She is fluent in TV references to "The Office" and "Spongebob" and wishes she lived in Stars Hollow. Her ideal day consists of eating undercooked brownies and playing her ukulele.