The 16 Best Clarifying Shampoos of 2023

Best Overall

Davines SOLU Shampoo

4.5

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This sudser is a go-for for Byrdie Senior Editor Karli Bendlin, and it's so clarifying that it’s meant to be used to deep clean hair before a perm. But trust us: Go ahead and use it whether or not you’re getting a perm. This shampoo quickly transforms into an airy foam that whisks away all kinds of excess residue, gunk, and grime, all while leaving hair with mega-watt shine.

Price at time of publish: $32

Size: 8.45 fluid ounces | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Budget

Suave Essentials Daily Clarifying Shampoo

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Not quite sold on the fact that you need a clarifying shampoo? Or just don’t want to shell out the big bucks for one? This guy will cost you a few dollars—a very small price to pay regardless, but even more so when you consider the efficacy. Gentle and pH-balanced, it still gets the job done and also has a very lovely, fresh scent.

Price at time of publish: $16

Size: 12 fluid ounces | Scent: Fresh | Sulfate-Free: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Splurge

Oribe The Cleanse Clarifying Shampoo

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There’s no sugar-coating it—there’s something about the idea of a clarifying shampoo that just feels, well, kind of clinical. But trust us, there’s none of that with this luxurious shampoo, which has high-end hair treatment vibes. The whipped foam boasts a luscious texture and high-end scent (in true ORIBE fashion). But that doesn’t keep it from being a heavy-hitting treatment, using volcanic ash to exfoliate your scalp and hair, taking oil and product buildup with it.

Price at time of publish: $44

Size: 7.1 fluid ounces | Scent: Cote d’Azur | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Splurge, Runner-Up

Ouai Detox Shampoo

4.2

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“This is a lighter clarifying shampoo that leaves hair softer than many other formulas do,” says Mouzakis of another one of his picks. Lathering up nicely, it contains both apple cider vinegar for clarifying purposes and chelating agents to remove hard-water deposits. There’s also strengthening keratin in the mix, always a nice plus.

Price at time of publish: $30

Size: 10 fluid ounces | Scent: OUAI's Melrose Place scent | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Drugstore

Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Clarify & Shine Shampoo

5

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The namesake ingredient in this pick deep cleans both your scalp and hair. It also comes with soothing oats to help calm a stressed-out scalp. Free from sulfates, parabens, and dyes, it’s another great pick for colored hair and happens to add plenty of shine and volume, too.

Price at time of publish: $7

Size: 12 fluid ounces | Scent: Fruity | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No

Best for Oily Hair

Amika Reset Clarifying Gel Shampoo

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If you have oily hair, you can benefit from incorporating a clarifying shampoo like this one into your routine. This touts two oil-absorbing ingredients more often found in skincare—pink clay and charcoal—to not only sop up excess grease but also remove all kinds of odors, residue, and other unwanted gunk and grime. The lightweight gel-to-foam texture that won’t weigh down your hair is another plus, given that those with oily hair also tend to have finer hair.

Price at time of publish: $12

Size: 1.0 fluid ounces | Scent: Cote d’Azur | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Colored Hair

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Triple Detox Shampoo

4.8

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If you color your hair, proceed with caution when using a clarifying shampoo. After all, by definition, they made of formulas that are more stripping than traditional. This can spell disaster when it comes to unwanted color fading. That being said, there are plenty of options out there that are safe for colored hair, which can also benefit from a deep clean every once in a while.

Take this option, for example, which boasts a litany of ingredients to get the job done. These include an anionic polymer that removes product residue, chelating agents that attach to dulling minerals in hard water, charcoal to absorb excess oil, and sulfate-free surfactants to clean without removing your color.

Price at time of publish: $29

Size: 5.4 fluid ounces | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Curly Hair

Pattern Beauty Cleansing Shampoo

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Does curly hair ever need a clarifying shampoo? The short answer is yes. Not only do people with curly hair tend to go longer in between washes, but they also tend to use more product. Both of factors raise the need for reaching for a clarifying formula occasionally.

Make it this pick, from the brand created by Tracee Ellis Ross to specially address the (unique) needs of curly girls everywhere. In this case, that means purifying your hair and scalp—but also making sure your curls aren’t stripped of their natural moisture, thanks to ingredients such as aloe vera and pantheon.

Price at time of publish: $20

Size: 7.8 fluid ounces | Scent: Jasmine, bergamot, sandalwood | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for All Hair Types

Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo

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Have fine, straight hair? This is a great option for you. Blessed with thick curls? Yep, still a great option. For any and every hair type and texture, this formula gets the clarifying job done while also delivering plenty of moisturizing argan, avocado oils, and strengthening keratin in the process. It’s safe for colored hair, too.

Price at time of publish: $20

Size: 8.5 fluid ounces | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Sensitive Scalps

GIRL+HAIR CLEAR+ Apple Cider Vinegar Clarifying Rinse

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For those whose scalp is on the sensitive side, the last thing you want to do is use an intense or overly harsh shampoo that can cause further dryness and possible irritation. Instead, reach for this rinse. While you use it as a shampoo, it relies on apple cider vinegar rather than detergents to remove residue and help balance your scalp’s pH, and there are hydrating shea butter and oil-absorbing tea tree oil in the mix, too. Plus, the targeted nozzle makes it easy to apply directly to your scalp.

Price at time of publish: $12

Size: 10.1 fluid ounces | Scent: Apple | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Heavy Duty Buildup

UNITE Hair Weekender Shampoo

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This is a top pick for Mouzakis. The caveat? Use it just once a week; it will help clarify your scalp and hair without stripping natural oils or color. It’s safe for chemically treated hair and extensions, too, and the refreshing, mandarin-lemon scent is a nice bonus.

Price at time of publish: $23

Size: 8 fluid ounces | Scent: Citrus | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for City Dwellers

Redken Hair Cleansing Cream Clarifying Shampoo

4.2

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Stash this in your shower if you live in a city. Mouzakis says it helps remove not only product buildup but also pollution residue and minerals found in hard water (like copper, iron, magnesium, and calcium) that can change both the texture and color of your hair. Plus, the formula is pH balanced to help keep hair looking and feeling healthy and shiny.

Price at time of publish: $46

Size: 8.5 fluid ounces | Scent: Citrus | Sulfate-Free: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Best for Flaky Scalps

AMELIORATE Clarifying Shampoo

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Clarifying shampoos can be a good way to help remove dead skin on the scalp—so long as the formula isn’t too stripping, which can end up exacerbating the situation. Enter this option. The mild shampoo clarifies but contains prebiotics and a unique hydration complex to help soothe your scalp while still getting rid of flakes. Plus, it can be used daily.

Price at time of publish: $18

Size: 8.4 fluid ounces | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Natural

Alodia Nourish & Heal Organic Black Soap Wash

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The ingredient list of this deep-cleansing formula is super minimal—and entirely natural and organic. Think of things such as tea tree oil and cocoa seed powder to help break down gunk and residue that can clog the hair follicles. It’s safe and effective for all hair types and a great option for those sporting styles such as locs and weaves, too.

Price at time of publish: $14

Size: 8 fluid ounces | Scent: Minty | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Unknown

Best for Daily Use

Kevin Murphy Balancing Wash

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Packed with nourishing and hydrating ingredients like amino acids and antioxidants, this formula is ideal for those who want to wash daily. The protein-rich formula will helps fortify the cuticle without causing build up on the scalp or shaft, making it a great clarifying choice. Worth noting is the amazing scent, which makes washing a luxe experience.

Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Botanical | Size: 8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Price at time of publish: $35