Plastic shampoo bottles.
Clarifying shampoo is any of a variety of shampoo products formulated to deeply cleanse the hair, removing product buildup from the hair shafts. Styling products like hair mousse, hair gel, hairspray, conditioners, and even daily shampoos can cause buildup in your hair over time. This buildup can add weight to hair, making it look flat and lifeless, as well as prevent light reflection, making hair look dull and dirty. Regular use of a clarifying shampoo will help remove buildup and give your hair a clean start.
Clarifying shampoo can remove styling products from hair.
Most clarifying shampoos contain acetic acid. A chemical compound, although mild when it comes to acid, it is known for its descaling capabilities. Acetic acid is found in vinegar, which everyone knows is good for removing scale buildup on coffee pots, kettles, and other household items. Similarly, the acetic acid found in hair lightening products removes the buildup found in the hair.
Vinegar works as a clarifier and helps remove product buildup from your hair.
Clarifying shampoo is not known for its conditioning abilities. In fact, while it’s great for helping to remove unwanted buildup from oil, styling products, and other dirt, it can dry out your hair if used too much. Most stylists recommend cleaning oily hair with this type of shampoo once a week and drying it once every two to three weeks.
A product doesn’t necessarily have to be labeled as a clarifying shampoo to do the trick. Check the ingredient label on the back of any shampoo for the presence and location of acetic acid. The closer to the top of the list, the more it contains. Any shampoo that contains acetic acid will break down. The key to keeping buildup under control is to use a different shampoo than your daily product at regular intervals.
Using a clarifying shampoo can help reduce the appearance of dandruff.
Frequent swimmers should consider using a shampoo formulated to remove chlorine, which can dry out hair and, in some cases, leave it blotchy. Clarifying shampoo is good for swimmers’ hair, but should always be followed by a conditioner to keep hair soft.