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7 clarifying shampoos that'll help you hit refresh on your hair

Give your lacklustre locks a new lease on life

By Team BEAUTYcrew

July 13 2021

Ever get the feeling that your shampoo just isn't working? While your first instinct is to blame the shampoo itself, it's actually the rest of your haircare kit that may be the dullness-causing culprit.

You see, your regular shampoo does a great job of cleaning away everyday products, dirt and oils, but sometimes it needs to call upon a friend that has a little more oomph. So while the issue is not your current shampoo's fault exactly, swapping in another option every few washes is still the answer.

Not just any option, though; this is a problem that specifically calls for a clarifying shampoo. Think of your clarifying shampoo as the exfoliant to your cleanser, or the mask to your moisturiser. They work harder and deeper than your normal shampoo (removing stubborn excess build-up as well as other hair-dulling elements like pollution, hard water and daily grime) but they can be too much for everyday use.

Overuse one and you might strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving your tresses dry and unbalanced. Use it on occasion, however, and you'll be blessed with that just-stepped-out-of-a-salon, refreshed hair feeling on the regular. We’ll take the latter, thanks.

Keen to join the clarifying club? Here are the deep-cleansing shampoos we rate...

Noughty Detox Dynamo Clarifying Shampoo

This sulfate-free clarifying shampoo has no nasties in its 97 per cent natural formula, and heroes peppermint and sorrel leaf extract to gently detox hair while also leaving it smelling as fresh as it feels. Oh and did we mention it's packed with plant oils? Shine levels are set to soar.

Shop here.

Kevin Murphy Maxi Wash Detox Shampoo

Rebalance hair and ditch residue while also lifting iffy tones from your blonde with this grapefruit extract and tea tree oil combo. Don't stress about irritating your scalp by 'over-cleaning', either; this guy's specifically designed to soothe it.

Shop here.

IGK First Class Detoxifying Charcoal Shampoo

There's a reason congestion lives in fear of charcoal; it sends it packing real fast. This detoxifying buy is designed specifically to aid oily hair types and scalps, balancing grease and banishing build-up in a single soothing, refreshing hit.

Shop here.

Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo

Clarifying and moisturising don't always go together (hence the aforementioned 'use occasionally' warning), but this formula's argan and avocado oil duo makes for a mix as moisturising as a super deep-cleansing shampoo can be.

Shop here.

Christophe Robin Clarifying Shampoo

This refreshing clarifier is particularly great for coloured hair, with chamomile and cornflower helping to brighten hair colour by boosting highlights. It's also rather talented at breaking down traces of silicone stuck in your strands; impressive stuff.

Shop here.

TRESemmé Deep Cleansing Shampoo

You've got to love a product that costs this little ($5.49 to be precise) and delivers this much (a head full of shiny, swishy, squeaky-clean-but-not-dry hair). Especially when it comes with a zesty lemon and grapefruit aroma. Delightful.

Shop here.

R+Co Oblivion Clarifying Shampoo

A luxurious-feeling coconut and witch hazel formula that's actually mild enough for daily use if you so desire (yes, there are a few exceptions; just read your ingredients list carefully), it'll rescue hair from the land of the lacklustre in just one lather.

Shop here.

Main image credit: @eduardoponcehair

Need a dry shampoo instead? Here are the freshening formulas we love...