Why use a clarifying shampoo?

Clarifying shampoos for some reason tend to have a bit of a bad reputation for their tendency to dry out the hair. If used correctly this should never be the case as it’s job is to lift stubborn styling and finishing products from the hair. It is important to use it at the right time. Most people will benefit from using a clarifying shampoo occasionally. They are formulated with a high surfactant-to-water ratio to deep cleanse the hair. They are designed to lift stubborn residue, products and dirt just like when you deep cleanse or use a scrub on your face! Also as the focus is on cleaning, they often contain very few emollients and conditioning oils to balance them out so are often clear in colour.

So when is the right time to use a clarifying shampoo? 

Here are five steps to look out for!

1. Your hair is really oily.

If your hair is naturally oily, then clarifying will be useful to you. It will keep your hair fresh, clean and oil-free and won’t leave you feeling weighed down. Because clarifying shampoos can be drying, always follow them with a light conditioner to soften the hair.

2. You have been using lots of oils, heavy conditioners and finishing products.

Products that are not water-soluble, like heavy oils and silicone-based ingredients that are found in everyday conditioners, moisturizers, mousses, gels, serums and hairsprays, can build up on the hair and cause it to feel limp, icky and lifeless. A regular moisturizing shampoo won’t be able to lift these stubborn ingredients. You’ll need to use a clarifying shampoo to remedy this build-up.

3. You have been swimming.

Chlorine and salt residue from swimming in pools or hanging out at the beach can really damage your hair if they are not removed promptly. Combine them with sun, and the damage is multiplied. A clarifying shampoo will help you get your hair back to normal after chlorine exposure and will prevent unnecessary damage to the hair.

4. None of your products are working.

When silicone and oils from your hair products build up on your hair, they may cause your favourite shampoos, conditioners and other products to “stop working.” Your shampoo might not lather properly, and your hair might feel weighed down after deep conditioning. The problem is simply product build-up. Whenever products you know are good just stop working, don’t toss them out. Clarify your hair to remove the build-up.

5. It’s been a month since you have last used a clarifying shampoo.

Clarifying your hair can be done as a monthly refresher as it will give your hair a fresh clean slate. If you feel your hair beginning to get a coated, weighed down feeling clarifying at least once a month can remedy this. If you use oily or sticky products like serums, regular oils, gels and heavy pomades frequently throughout the week, then you may find that clarifying weekly is a better option. If your hair is naturally oily, then daily clarifying can be beneficial.

RECOMMENDATION -

L'anza's Daily Clarifying shampoo, gentle enough for every day use, whilst protecting colour.