Clarifying shampoo: what is it and why use it?

Over time, hair and scalp accumulate styling product residue, sebum, impurities from pollution, and even minerals from tap water. This buildup can make hair feel heavy and dull, and contribute to itching or dandruff. That's where clarifying shampoo comes in—a purifying treatment that allows you to start fresh. 💧

But what exactly is a clarifying shampoo? What are its benefits? How often should it be used and how do you choose the right one?

We'll tell you everything in this article!

What is a clarifying shampoo?

Clarifying shampoo is a hair cleanser formulated to deeply purify the scalp and hair . Unlike regular shampoos that gently cleanse, clarifying shampoo It acts as a powerful detoxifier : it dissolves build-up of styling products (oils, butters, gels, hairsprays), excess sebum and environmental impurities.

Its formula often contains Stronger cleansing agents , such as specific surfactants (sometimes mild sulfates) or natural ingredients like clay, apple cider vinegar, or activated charcoal, help to rebalance the scalp and leave hair feeling lighter and shinier.

Why use a clarifying shampoo?

A clarifying shampoo offers numerous benefits for scalp health and hair beauty :

1️⃣ Remove styling product residue 🫧

Regular use of gels, mousses, sprays, oils, and hair butters can eventually clog the hair fiber and scalp . While these products are essential for moisturizing, setting, or styling dreadlocks, they don't always completely wash out with regular shampoo. Over time, residue builds up , forming a film that weighs down the hair and can cause various problems:

• Hair becomes dull and greasy faster : The buildup of products creates an occlusive film that prevents light from reflecting off the hair fiber, giving a dull and sometimes sticky appearance.

• Suffocated scalp : Scalp pores can become clogged, thus promoting the appearance of itching, dandruff or excess sebum.

• Dirty locks : Unlike loose hair, locks retain more product residue, which can form visible deposits and dull their natural appearance.

A clarifying shampoo contains more powerful cleansing agents than everyday mild shampoos. It is specially formulated to dissolve stubborn impurities and rid hair of that accumulated layer of styling products. After use, hair and scalp breathe again , allowing for better absorption of moisturizing and nourishing treatments.

2️⃣ Purify the scalp and regulate excess sebum 🌱

The scalp plays a fundamental role in the beauty and vitality of hair. It regulates the production of sebum, a natural oil essential for hydrating and protecting the hair shaft. However, an excess of sebum combined with impurities can quickly disrupt this balance and lead to various problems:

• Hair that gets greasy too quickly : When the roots are saturated with sebum, they become heavy, giving a greasy appearance and a lack of volume the day after washing.

• Itching and irritation : A scalp clogged by a mixture of sebum, product residue, and pollution can cause persistent discomfort.

• Appearance of dandruff : The accumulation of dead cells promotes the development of flakes, which can be oily or dry depending on the type of scalp.

Unlike traditional shampoos, which primarily focus on cleaning the lengths of the hair, clarifying shampoo acts directly on the scalp. root . It contains purifying agents capable of effectively dissolving excess sebum , impurities, and styling product residue. Result:

✔ A cleansed scalp , free from accumulated impurities.

✔ An immediate feeling of freshness and lightness .

✔ A restored balance , allowing the scalp to produce just the right amount of sebum, without excess or dryness.

3️⃣ Restore lightness and shine ✨

Over time, the accumulation of styling product residue, sebum, and external impurities (pollution, dust, limescale) suffocates the hair fiber . The result? Hair becomes heavy, dull, and flat . It loses its natural elasticity, and even the best hairstyles don't hold as well.

A clogged scalp can also slow hair growth , as the follicles no longer receive the oxygen and nutrients they need. That's why deep cleansing is essential to restore vitality and volume.

By removing all these impurities, clarifying shampoo lightens the hair fiber . Hair immediately regains more suppleness and movement. Furthermore, once free of residue, it reflects light better, giving it a natural and radiant shine.

How often should I use a clarifying shampoo for dreadlocks?

The buildup of styling products, sebum, and impurities is more noticeable on dreadlocks than on other hairstyles, making deep cleaning even more important. However, excessive use of clarifying shampoo can dry out the hair, so it should be used sparingly.

It is recommended to use a clarifying shampoo once a month to effectively remove residue and purify the scalp without risking drying out the hair or disrupting the natural moisture of the dreadlocks. This frequency helps maintain clean, light, and healthy hair while avoiding excessive damage to the hair fibers.

It is also crucial to properly moisturize the locks after each use of clarifying shampoo to maintain their softness and suppleness.

Ready to detox your dreadlocks? Check out our selection right here 🌱