15 best clarifying shampoos, tested and reviewed
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Good clarifying shampoos are haircare essentials that'll fight against our beloved dry shampoos, hair oils, mousses and hair sprays. Which, as necessary as they are, can leave a dulling build-up if you don't cleanse your hair properly after use. Styling products aside, you should also use a clarifying formula if you exercise a lot (think of the sweat!) or swim (chlorine deposits are not your friends). They're even beneficial for city living (yep, we don't need to tell you about air pollution).
Employed once a month or once a week (depending on your hair's needs), a clarifying shampoo acts like your favourite cleanser, removing every trace of product build-up and excess oil. Clarifying shampoo gets deep into your roots and works all the way along the hair shaft – lifting every speck of dirt, grime and product residue on its way. Perfect for when your usual favourite shampoo just won't cut it, and you need to bring in the big guns.
Don't get us wrong, we're still very much on board with regular shampoo. For day-to-day cleansing, finding one suited to your hair type and texture can make a huge difference to the health and appearance of your hair and scalp. Especially given the options now are more specific and targeted – you can pick up solutions catered solely toward textured tresses, fine strands, and those made to soothe irritated, itchy scalps.
Below, we've put together a comprehensive guide on the best clarifying shampoos on the market, from budget-friendly options to premium buys that hairdressers swear by. We've also included new launches and our personal favourites, so there's definitely one that will fit your preference and hair concerns.
SKIP TO: How we test clarifying shampoos | What kind of hair needs clarifying shampoo? | Does a clarifying shampoo remove colour? | What are the benefits of clarifying shampoo? | How often should you use one? | What should you look for?
Meet the experts:
| Jack Merrick-Thirlway | Creative Director at Neville Hair & Beauty |
| Stephen Buller | Co-Founder of Buller and Rice |
| Katy Grimshaw | Founder of Spectrum One Salon and Spectrum One Hair Extensions |
| Ana McCormack | Of Kevin.Murphy |
What is clarifying shampoo?
A clarifying shampoo is a powerful cleanser that uses heavy-duty surfactants (cleansing agents) and higher pH levels than standard shampoos to really break down excess oil, product build-up and daily grime for a beautifully clean scalp and strands. They also tend to be more concentrated, so it's advised not to use them in place of your standard shampoo, as daily use can lead to dryness.
Behold, our edit of the best clarifying, purifying and deep-cleansing shampoos…
Bottle sizes: 300ml (featured), 89ml, or 946ml
Scent: Ouai's ‘Melrose Place’ scent, with a blend of bergamot, lychee, white musk and champagne
Sulphate-free? Yes
Cruelty-free? Yes
Key ingredients: Apple cider vinegar, tamarind seed extract
Customer review: “Love the way it makes my scalp and hair feel – it's not harsh or too stripping. Smells amazing and really helps with controlling my oily scalp.”Why we love it: Designed to be a gentle formula that cleanses hair without stripping away moisture, this clarifying shampoo transforms into a rich lather upon contact with water to help remove impurities, excess oil, product build-up and hard water deposits. It's suitable for all hair types, and Ouai recommends this for anyone struggling with oiliness, dullness or flaking. The bottle is fully recyclable too, and we love that a little goes a long way.
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K18 Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo
Bottle sizes: 250ml (featured), 930ml
Scent: Clean and citrussy
Sulphate-free? Yes
Cruelty-free? Yes
Key ingredients: Patented ‘K18Peptide', salicylic acid, activated charcoal
Customer review: “This is the best shampoo! Seriously! My fifth bottle. Does not irritate my scalp. It lasts long, it smells very neutral and perfectly cleans my scalp.”Why we love it: Want more vibrant colour and nourished strands? Say no more. Engineered for less frequent, heavy-duty washing, this colour-safe shampoo is made with the brand's patented ‘K18Peptide’ to help reduce protein loss and leave your hair softer and healthier. It's ideal for bleach-damaged strands that need a little lovin'.
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Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo
Bottle size: 250ml
Scent: Subtle, fresh
Sulphate-free? Yes
Cruelty-free? Yes
Key ingredients: Vitamin B5, amino acids
Customer review: “The absolute best clarifying shampoo!! The first time I used it I double shampooed I couldn’t believe how much volume and my natural “beachie wave” came back.”Why we love it: This once-weekly shampoo uses an advanced broad-spectrum clarifying system to remove impurities such as hard water minerals, chlorine, heavy metals and product buildup, which is perfect for those who live in London! This formula even improves hair health by repairing broken bonds, leaving hair feeling soft and silky. Even Kim K is a fan!
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dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Soothing Shampoo
Bottle size: 250ml
Scent: Soft, light, clean, fresh
Sulphate-free? Yes
Cruelty-free? Yes
Key ingredients: Artisanal crafted apple cider vinegar from George Paul Vinegary
Customer review: “Love this for my psoriasis scalp. Really soothing, hair feels clean and looks really shiny when I wash with this.”Why we love it: If you’re prone to a dry, sensitive scalp, then this is the product for you. Fuelled by the soothing effects of apple cider vinegar, this pH-balanced shampoo exfoliates the scalp and seals the hair's cuticle, making your hair appear shinier and healthier. But don't worry about a funky, vinegary smell – this formula will leave you smelling baby-fresh. Oh, and whilst you should always ask a doctor for advice on skin conditions, a quick read of some reviews and it's clear to see that some find this soothing even on dermatitis and psoriasis-prone scalps.
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Adwoa Beauty Blue Tansy Clarifying Gel Shampoo
Bottle sizes: 414ml (featured), 98ml
Scent: Unspecified but reviewed as having “The best scent ever”
Sulphate-free? Yes
Cruelty-free? Yes
Key ingredients: Vitamin E, sea kelp, blue tansy oil, bamboo, jojoba
Customer review: “This shampoo was great! It lathered up my hair instantly. My hair felt very clean yet not stripped of all its moisture. I would highly recommend this shampoo and will definitely be purchasing again!”Why we love it: With a luscious, velvety-smooth texture that melts into your scalp and transforms into an effortless lather, this formula removes dirt and oils to create the perfect environment for later products and styling. It doesn't strip strands – instead, it maintains your hair's moisture levels, reduces breakage, hydrates, and nourishes. It's also clear that this shampoo is made with multiple hair textures in mind; it provides added ‘slip’ for better detangling, which is a game-changer for curly hair types.
Glamour-approved: “I made my friend try this because I wanted to see how it would play with her 3A curls. She's obsessed. Her hair looks more defined and she can go longer between wash days. She says she'll definitely repurchase, which is high praise indeed from someone in our industry!” – Humeara Mohamed, GLAMOUR Commerce Contributor
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Aveda Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo
Bottle sizes: 250ml (featured), 50ml, 1l
Scent: Minty and energising
Sulphate-free? No
Cruelty-free? Yes
Key ingredients: Rosemary, spearmint, peppermint, white vinegar
Customer review: “Leaves my hair feeling clean and I love the minty scent. It wakes me up and I also find it really soothing if I’m a bit headachey. Recommend.”Why we love it: This weightless yet deeply nourishing shampoo is 96% naturally derived, treating scalps to an invigorating injection of rosemary, spearmint, peppermint and white vinegar. Ideal for washing away dirt, excess oils and product build-up, it calls on little micelles to gently lift residue without stripping away moisture or disrupting your scalp's biome. The formula itself is incredibly lightweight and “thin” – perfect for fine hair types as it won't weigh strands down.
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Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Triple Detox Shampoo
Bottle Size: 160ml
Scent: Citrus and green tea with notes of sparkling yuzu and grapefruit
Sulphate-free? Yes
Cruelty-free? Yes
Key ingredients: Magnetic polymer, activated charcoal
Customer review: “I use this once a week in between my other shampoo routine. It's absolutely amazing – my hair and scalp instantly feel so clean and revitalised. Once styled, my hair is super manageable and shiny. Would highly recommend to anyone looking to give their hair an extra clean and detox.”Why we love it: Infused with witch hazel, this gentle, sulphate-free shampoo works to free your hair from lingering product residue, pollution and hard water build-up. It moisturises both your hair and scalp, while charcoal powder helps absorb excess oil. You can tailor your usage according to how bad your hard water is, and the formula itself is completely oil-free. We also love its snazzy magnetic polymers, which actively attract product buildup to pull it away from the scalp. If you need a shampoo that will keep your hair cleaner for longer, this will serve you well.
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Redken Retail Amino-Mint Scalp Shampoo
Bottle Size: 300ml
Scent: Minty
Sulphate-free? No
Cruelty-free? It depends on which country you're in
Key ingredients: Peppermint, salicylic acid, menthol
Customer review: “Redken Amino Mint Scalp Cleansing Shampoo has been a game-changer for my greasy hair and oily scalp. From the first use, I noticed a significant difference—my scalp felt thoroughly cleansed and refreshed without any dryness. The minty sensation is invigorating, and it leaves my hair feeling light and clean for days. It's now a staple in my hair care routine, and I couldn't be happier with the results. Highly recommend it to anyone struggling with oily hair!”Why we love it: Infused with peppermint extract, this shampoo contains an amino acid ‘strength complex’ that fortifies hair and promotes moisture retention. It's ideal for treating oily scalps, as it balances the pH of your head whilst it cleanses dirt and product build-up, all without irritating sensitive skin.
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Aveeno Haircare Clarify and Shine+ Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo
Bottle Size: 300ml
Scent: Subtle apple scent
Sulphate-free? Yes
Cruelty-free? “AVEENO® doesn't conduct animal testing of our cosmetic products anywhere in the world, except in the rare situation where governments or laws require it”
Key ingredients: Apple cider vinegar, colloidal oat
Customer review: “Been buying this for about 2/3 months now and my hair is so great. I have a massive build-up of box dye in my hair and it’s definitely helped to remove some of that build up. I get compliments all the time of how shiny my hair is now which is all down to this shampoo.”Why we love it: Gentle enough for daily use, this affordable shampoo is clinically proven to help relieve itchy, dry scalps and reduce flakes without stripping hair of its natural oils. It leaves hair with a natural, glossy shine after just a single wash, and it's made for all hair types.
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L’Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Metal Detox Anti-Metal Cleansing Cream Shampoo
Bottle Size: 300ml
Scent: Fresh citrus and musk
Sulphate-free? Yes
Cruelty-free? L'Oréal states they do not test on animals. However, according to Conscious Bunny, they do agree on and pay for third parties to test their products on animals.
Key ingredients: Glicoamine
Customer review: “Lovely fresh smell, great lather. Hair feels really clean. Helped to even out colour and remove imbalance from purple shampoo.”Why we love it: Did you know that your water might be showering you with excess levels of copper and other metals? Your hair absorbs these metals, resulting in breakage and premature colour-fading. Enter: Metal Detox, which features glicoamine – a molecule small enough to neutralise metals inside the hair fibre – leaving your hair refreshed, clean and seriously shiny.
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Tea Tree Purifying & Balancing Shampoo
Bottle sizes: 400ml (featured), 250ml
Scent: Tea tree
Sulphate-free? No
Cruelty-free? Yes
Key ingredients: Community fair trade tea tree oil
Customer review: “The very best shampoo for greasy hair.”Why we love it: Created with 100% vegan proteins and housed in 100% recycled plastic, this affordable plant-based shampoo cleanses oily hair with ease. Plus, it's made with organically grown tea tree oil from Kenya and 93% natural ingredients. It's perfect for sensitive scalps and it balances excess oils without stripping moisture.
Beauty Pie Super Healthy Hair Detox Shampoo
Bottle size: 250ml
Scent: Apple
Sulphate-free? Yes
Cruelty-free? Yes
Key ingredients: Apple cider vinegar, charcoal, peptides, amino acids
Customer review: “This is the stuff! For all of the styling products, hair colour, pomade and city life abuse that happens to our hair. This will take it out. You’ll feel squeaky clean. You’ll come back in with your conditioner and know that your scalp is clean, and all of the products you’ve put on your hair have come off. It’s starting new.” –Why we love it: This salon-strength, deep cleaning formula works as a weekly reboot for your hair by smoothing the cuticle, drawing out oils and toxins and protecting your hair from environmental stress. Made with apple cider vinegar, activated charcoal and a flurry of peptides and amino acids, reach for this if you're in an active love affair with hair sprays, oils, mousses and gels.
Bottle size: 250ml (featured), 70ml
Scent: Spicy amber and musk with sweet floral
Sulphate-free? Yes
Cruelty-free? Yes
Key ingredients: Argan oil, vitamin A, vitamin E, red algae
Customer review: “Love it – smells great, gives my hair a great shine and feels luxurious.”Why we love it: Dealing with thirsty, dehydrated hair? This antioxidant-rich, argan oil-infused shampoo contains vitamin A and vitamin E for intense hair hydration. Plus, it's colour-safe and free from sulfates, phosphates and parabens – what's not to love? It's more gentle when it comes to clarifying than other shampoos in this list, so use this if you're not ready for a more traditional clarifying formula.
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Virtue Refresh Purifying Shampoo
Bottle sizes: 120ml
Scent: A refreshing citrus fragrance with notes of sweet orange and lemon
Sulphate-free? Yes
Cruelty-free? Yes
Key ingredients: Alpha Keratin 60ku, charcoal powder
Customer review: “This works like a charm, and I love the smell - I use it once a week and it works very well to cleanse the hair and scalp.”Why we love it: Give your scalp and strands a touch of TLC with this targeted treatment shampoo. Designed to be applied once a week, it stars the brand's hero ingredient, Alpha Keratin, which helps to repair damaged hair and restore it back to its healthy former self. Not only that, but it also contains charcoal powder to help remove impurities. We're sold.
Christophe Robin Purifying Shampoo with Thermal Mud
Bottle sizes: 250ml
Scent: Fresh, mineral
Sulphate-free? Yes
Cruelty-free? Yes
Key ingredients: Thermal mud, red algae
Customer review: “This is now my all time favourite shampoo, it’s so good even other people commented on how good my hair looked after using it and I love the smell.”Why we love it: Said by the brand to be your ‘daily anti-pollution shampoo,’ this detoxifying offering uses red algae to smooth your hair cuticle and extends the length of time between washes (which we can always get behind). But of course, the star ingredient is its namesake thermal mud, which although sounds questionable, does a stellar job of balancing, clarifying and relieving the sensation of an oily scalp.
How we test clarifying shampoos:
The GLAMOUR team has collectively reviewed hundreds of clarifying shampoos from a variety of brands. When it comes to testing, we keep in mind various hair types and textures, assessing each formula on things like efficacy, value for money, ingredients and packaging.
In the rare instance where we can't personally test something, we make sure to consult our little black book of experts, as well as consumer reviews, to bring you a truthful and informed review nonetheless. Read more about how we test here.
What kind of hair needs clarifying shampoo?
Those of an oily haired disposition, clarifying shampoo is for you - it's perfect for removing excess oils and product build up, leaving your hair uber clean and swishy.
But even if you don't have oily hair, you can still benefit from a clarifying shampoo. Stephen Buller reveals that a clarifying shampoo on any hair type will lead to healthy, shiny hair and help to boost volume. And we'll take that any day of the week!
With this in mind, you can expect to notice less breakage, a brighter colour, and your scalp won't get as oily as quickly. In short? Using a clarifying shampoo is always a win.
Does a clarifying shampoo remove colour?
If you've just got a fresh colour done at the salon, step away from the clarifying shampoo.
Although clarifying shampoos aren't designed to remove colour, they are still potent cleansers that can remove your colour alongside product build-up and grime.
If the grease just won't cease and you need to use a clarifying shampoo, you can - but bear in mind that constant use will cause your colour to fade.
What are the benefits of clarifying shampoo?
“Clarifying shampoos are usually more concentrated than regular ones and feature higher pH levels, making them more effective at cleansing the hair,” explains Katy Grimshaw.
“While both types of shampoo aim to clean your hair and scalp, clarifying shampoo is stronger and much more effective. The deep cleanse of a clarifier is specifically designed to get rid of residue, dead skin cell build-up and excess oils. They're also great for removing product build-up before colouring hair. It’s often recommended to use a clarifying shampoo if you use a lot of hair products, suffer from an oily scalp or hair, have very hard water or if you're a swimmer with a greenish tint from chlorine buildup. ”
How often should you use a clarifying shampoo?
That being said, it's not exactly the best idea to deep-clean your hair with a clarifying shampoo every time you wash. Clarifying shampoos have harsher ingredients, which, if used too regularly, can dry hair and scalps out.
“This is a product that means business. So, use it wisely and have a conversation with your stylist first,” muses Stephen. “Generally, I wouldn’t recommend using a clarifying shampoo regularly – you should introduce it alongside your current hair care routine. I would recommend two-three times a month, alongside your regular shampoo. If you overuse a clarifying shampoo it can dry out the scalp and irritate it further. So go easy!”
What to look for in a clarifying shampoo:
Ana likes to pick “sulphate-free and naturally derived ingredients” as they're “both kind to your hair and the environment," but Jack Merrick-Thirlway says sulphates can be helpful – they're lathering cleansing agents that remove build-up.
“If you have dry or colour-treated hair, prioritise a gentler clarifying shampoo – look for formulas with hydrating ingredients like aloe vera or glycerin. If you have oily hair, you can opt for a more traditional clarifying shampoo with sulphates for a stronger clean,” he explains.
Ultimately, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Stephen says you should pick whichever ingredients are “suitable for you”.
Katy recommends looking for exfoliating ingredients like salicylic acid, which can help to control sebum production. “Some clarifying shampoos can dry out your scalp and cause cells to produce more oil though, so watch out for that,” she adds.
Looking for more hair products? Head this way for the best shampoos for all hair types and over here for conditioners to pair with them. We’ve also got hair masks, purple shampoos, soothing shampoos for sensitive scalps, the best shampoos for curly hair and the best shampoos for greasy hair.
For more beauty and wellness content from Glamour UK Commerce Contributor Humeara Mohamed, follow her on Instagram @humeara and TikTok @humearaa.
