Top 10 Clarifying Shampoos
For Clean Hair Like Never Before, Try One Of These Clarifying Shampoos
Clarifying shampoos are like the superheroes of hair cleansers. They have powerful formulas that can penetrate dirt, debris, oil, and product build-up that a regular shampoo might not be able to. And while they're a necessary step in a well-rounded regimen, a little goes a long way with these powerhouse cleansers. If used minimally—think once a week at most—these deep-cleansing shampoos can be really beneficial to your hair health. That's why we want to make sure you find the very best one. To help you out, we rounded up a list of the Top 10 clarifying shampoos on the market for every hair type, concern, and budget. If improving your hair health is of the utmost importance to you, then you've come to the right place.
How We Found The Best Clarifying Shampoos
To round up this list, we tapped our handy algorithm that finds top products by factoring in best-selling buzz, editor recommendations, rave reviews, and more. Whether you want something for damaged strands or a formula that will play nice with color-treated hair, we're here to help. Scroll on to shop the Top 10 clarifying shampoos out there and be on your way to healthy, best-looking hair days.
March 1, 2024
Written By:Sierra Rogers
Product Expert:Georgia Jones
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Bumble And Bumble Sunday Clarifying Shampoo
Overall Score
4.55
10
Bumble And Bumble Sunday Clarifying Shampoo
4.64
3191 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Clarifying Shampoo For Sensitive Scalps
WHY YOU NEED IT
Anyone with a sensitive scalp knows it's important to tread lightly when it comes to hair products, especially those that are meant to detoxify. That's a non-issue with this Bumble And Bumble shampoo—it's made with sage leaf extract, which gently but effectively cleans and supports the scalp and hair shaft.
THINGS TO KNOW
One Ulta reviewer claimed this shampoo completely took care of the eczema on her scalp. Yes, it's that good.
Cruelty Free
Clean Beauty
Kristin Ess Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo
Overall Score
4.6
09
Kristin Ess Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo
4.45
9022 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Affordable Clarifying Shampoo
WHY YOU NEED IT
Bouncier hair is just around the corner with Kristin Ess's Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo. By rinsing away sweat, dirt, silicone, and other substances that contribute to build-up, this shampoo helps infuse shine back into your hair.
THINGS TO KNOW
You can pick this product up in a two- or three-pack on Amazon.
Made In Usa
Cruelty Free
Clean Beauty
Aveda Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo
Overall Score
4.65
08
Aveda Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo
4.6
11351 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Cooling Clarifying Shampoo
WHY YOU NEED IT
The formula behind Aveda's Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo features naturally derived ingredients. There's rosemary and mint, of course, as well as white vinegar (known for its cleansing properties) and cooling menthol.
REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"My hair gets oily the day after washing. I hate to wash my hair daily because I lose so much with each wash. With this shampoo, I can push my hair washing to every three days."
Eco Friendly
Cruelty Free
Clean Beauty
Oribe The Cleanse Clarifying Shampoo
Overall Score
4.65
07
Oribe The Cleanse Clarifying Shampoo
4.39
343 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Clarifying Shampoo For Damaged Hair
WHY YOU NEED IT
This do-it-all mousse is formulated with volcanic ash and sea kelp extract to exfoliate and purify the scalp, while green tea extract strengthens and protects the hair against damage.
THINGS TO KNOW
This formula contains Oribe's signature complex, which protects the hair from environmental elements, oxidative stress, photoaging, and deterioration of natural keratin.
Cruelty Free
K18 Biomimetic Hairscience PEPTIDE PREP Clarifying Detox Shampoo
Overall Score
4.65
06
K18 Biomimetic Hairscience PEPTIDE PREP Clarifying Detox Shampoo
4.67
1617 User Reviews
3.2
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Color-Safe Clarifying Shampoo
WHY YOU NEED IT
Activated charcoal, one of the key ingredients in the PEPTIDE PREP Clarifying Detox Shampoo, absorbs toxins, excess oil, and dirt that accumulate in the scalp. Plus, there's the K18PEPTIDE, a unique complex that reduces protein loss to keep strands strong and healthy over time.
THINGS TO KNOW
If you have color- or chemical-treated hair, this product is a good option for you as it's formulated to be non-stripping.
Made In Usa
Eco Friendly
Cruelty Free
Clean Beauty
Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo
Overall Score
4.7
05
Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo
4.45
2816 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Clarifying Shampoo For Volume
WHY YOU NEED IT
Activated charcoal, one of the key ingredients in the PEPTIDE PREP Clarifying Detox Shampoo, absorbs toxins, excess oil, and dirt that accumulate in the scalp. Plus, there's the K18PEPTIDE, a unique complex that reduces protein loss to keep strands strong and healthy over time.
THINGS TO KNOW
If you have color- or chemical-treated hair, this product is a good option for you as it's formulated to be non-stripping.
Cruelty Free
Clean Beauty
Kenra Professional Clarifying Shampoo
Overall Score
4.7
04
Kenra Professional Clarifying Shampoo
4.5
4664 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Clarifying Shampoo For Swimmers
WHY YOU NEED IT
Kenra's Clarifying Shampoo eliminates up to 99% of dulling deposits, so it's perfect for those who want to prep for color treatments. Formulated with mica to enhance shine and promote restoration, it's also great for swimmers and those who live in hard water areas.
THINGS TO KNOW
If you have color-treated hair, use this shampoo once weekly to remove deposits that may dull hair color.
Davines Solu Shampoo
Overall Score
4.7
03
Davines Solu Shampoo
4.5
2510 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Nourishing Clarifying Shampoo
WHY YOU NEED IT
Davines' SOLU Shampoo features vitamin-rich buckwheat extract sourced from Italy. Buckwheat is supercharged with B complex vitamins that keep hair strong, shiny, and healthy.
THINGS TO KNOW
Frequenting the hair salon? If so, you might need this shampoo, which is specifically formulated to remove the residue of styling products or before a perm service.
Eco Friendly
Cruelty Free
Clean Beauty
Living Proof Clarifying Detox Shampoo
Overall Score
4.75
02
Living Proof Clarifying Detox Shampoo
4.67
1702 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Clarifying Shampoo For Shine
WHY YOU NEED IT
Increase your hair's shine, prevent color from fading, and blast away build-up with Living Proof's Clarifying Detox Shampoo. Described as a weekly reset, this product is best used sparingly to remove product and pollution buildup, excess oil, and heavy metals deposited from hard water.
THINGS TO KNOW
Because this shampoo does not have an abundance of emollients or conditioning agents, it's best to follow up with a mask or leave-in conditioner.
Cruelty Free
Clean Beauty
Ouai Detox Shampoo
Overall Score
4.85
01
Ouai Detox Shampoo
4.42
2460 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Clarifying Shampoo
WHY YOU NEED IT
Along with apple cider vinegar for major cleansing and exfoliating benefits, this shampoo is also formulated with keratin to help strengthen the hair (and make it color-safe). Bonus: just like all of Ouai's products, it smells incredible.
REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
“The apple cider vinegar gives your scalp a complete detox, helps with dandruff, and leaves your hair happier than ever! I love the texture as well—it’s thick like honey, not watery, and has the perfect amount of lather!”
Cruelty Free
Clean Beauty
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