Using a clarifying shampoo is an effective occasional treatment to reduce buildup of hair products, oils, sebum and dirt. While great for limp or dull hair, misuse can cause it to dry out. If you want to start using it, do your research to find the best product for your hair type and use it instead of your usual shampoo. It is possible to do the treatment once a week or only once a month depending on your needs and your hair type.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Finding the Right Shampoo
Step 1. Consider your hair type
There are different types of clarifying shampoos, with different properties. While some are considered to be suitable for all hair types, others are targeted for specific characteristics. If you have normal hair, you can use a generic clarifying shampoo. If, on the other hand, you suffer from particular problems, you may want to look for a specific one. Here are some hair types that may need this product:
- Dry hair;
- Fat hair;
- Curly hair;
- Straight hair;
- Fine hair;
- Double hair;
- Dyed or treated hair.
Step 2. If your tap water is hard or chlorinated, look for a chelating shampoo, much like the clarifying one, but more effective at fighting mineral build-ups
It is a product also suitable for those who swim. Can't find it? You can use a clarifying shampoo that contains EDTA, a chelating ingredient.
Hard water has a high mineral content. If you are not familiar with the properties of tap water, you can check it by contacting the water purification and purification plant in your city or by testing it at home. Pour 10 drops of soap into a bottle of water and shake it. If foam forms, then it is soft, otherwise it is hard
Step 3. If you have naturally curly hair, make sure you don't let it dry out too much
Since the clarifying shampoo dries out natural sebum, you should replace it with an oil-based moisturizer, such as argan, coconut, avocado, shea, or olive. These shampoos allow you to eliminate impurities thanks to the action of the oil.
If you have curly hair, look for sulfate-free shampoos. Substances contained in many clarifying shampoos can worsen frizz
Step 4. Baby shampoo is a much gentler option
For sensitive scalp, extremely dry, dyed or damaged hair, normal clarifying shampoos can be too harsh. So try using a mild shampoo to avoid further damaging your hair. With a formulation that avoids drying the sebum, it still allows you to perform a deep cleansing.
If you have dyed hair, you can also look for a clarifying shampoo that protects the color
Step 5. Read reviews online
Many beauty websites offer comparisons and opinions on different clarifying shampoos. Do your research before proceeding with your purchase to make sure you choose one that is effective but not too aggressive. Look for one that polishes them and removes impurities at the same time. In case of dyed or highlighted hair, it is good to read various reviews to make sure that the product does not cause it to fade.
Part 2 of 3: Wash the Hair
Step 1. Moisten your hair
Make sure they are completely wet before applying the shampoo. If you take a shower, moisten them under running water. If you're using a sink, fill a bowl of water, bend over and gently pour it over your head.
Moisten your hair using warm, but not hot, water to open the cuticles. Water that is too hot can damage them and turn them off
Step 2. Massage the shampoo into your hair
Squeeze a nut into the palm of your hand. Rub it with the other to form a lather and massage the product into your hair. Make sure you focus on the scalp so that it can remove the oil that has accumulated on the roots.
Step 3. After massaging the shampoo, rinse it well, making sure that no residue remains on the scalp, roots and tips
If your hair is particularly oily, you can try washing again, but in most cases only one application is enough.
Many hairdressers recommend rinsing with cold water, as it helps to close the cuticles and polish the hair
Step 4. Apply conditioner
Since the clarifying shampoo dries both natural sebum and artificial oils, lost moisture must be recovered to prevent the hair from breaking and being damaged. After rinsing off the shampoo, apply your favorite conditioner.
- If you do a nourishing treatment once a week, try using the clarifying shampoo before doing it. Combined, the two products can be more effective.
- If you have oily hair, only the lengths and ends may need to be moisturized. Then massage the product from the central part of the hair down. Do not apply it on the roots and scalp.
Part 3 of 3: Knowing When to Use Clarifying Shampoo
Step 1. If you swim or use a lot of hair products on a daily basis, apply it once a week
Pair it with a nourishing treatment, such as a mask, to avoid damaging your hair.
A mask is a nourishing product that can be used once a week to moisturize the hair. Apply it to wet hair and distribute it with a wide-toothed comb. Let it sit for two to 15 minutes, then rinse it off
Step 2. If you have greasy or normal hair, use the clarifying shampoo only twice a month, ie every 15 days
This way you can take advantage of its cleansing properties without drying out or damaging your hair.
Clarifying shampoos purify the hair thanks to the action of sulphates. For regular washes, use a shampoo that is free of it to reduce exposure to these harsh and irritating chemicals. This way you will avoid damaging your hair even more. Look for a conditioner that hydrates your scalp while purifying it
Step 3. If you have dry or dyed hair, apply it once a month
By using it more often, you risk cracking the stem or fading the color.
Step 4. Use the clarifying shampoo a day or two before coloring to remove excess oil
In this way the pigments will adhere better to the stem. However, do not use it on the day of the treatment: the hair must still have a light coating of greasy material.
Advice
- Some people use clarifying shampoo before making the mask.
- Clarifying shampoo is recommended for those with dyed blond hair, as it helps prevent them from turning brass. Purple clarifying shampoos allow you to keep the cool tones of blonde hair.
- If you have dull hair due to a buildup of residue, try using fewer products and see if you notice any improvements.
- Clarifying shampoo doesn't have to be expensive. There are many affordable supermarket brands.
Warnings
- If shampoo causes scalp sting, discontinue use immediately.
- Most clarifying shampoos contain sulfates. If you are trying to avoid them, do not use this product or choose a brand that does not have them.
