Traditional shampoos do a great job of keeping your hair and scalp clean every day. However, sometimes, you need a deep-cleansing formula to maintain voluminous and healthy hair that isn't weighed down by product residue. This is where these best clarifying shampoos for curly hair, hand-picked by our team after rigorous testing, come in as a game-changer. Our tests indicate that these shampoos are specifically formulated to go deep into your roots and remove dirt, oil, and stubborn styling product residues that regular shampoos can't handle.

Just like every other hair type, curly hair too needs deep cleansing and nourishment to maintain hair health. Our findings show that curly hair usually tends to be drier, which may lead people to use more hydrating formulas and leave-in conditioners on their scalp to boost hair nourishment. While this helps seal moisture into the hair, frequent uses of these products can also accumulate and lead to product buildup. This is why our hair care experts recommend using clarifying shampoo occasionally to eliminate all the buildup and get healthy and strong hair. However, these shampoos should not be used as a replacement for your regular shampoos, as using them too often can lead to dry hair. 

How often you need to use it depends on how dry your hair is and your lifestyle factors like exercise frequency, climate, and even the water hardness in your area. Now, let's explore some of the top clarifying shampoos specifically chosen for curly hair.

• 1
  Best Overall

  PHYTO Phytosquam Purifying Maintenance Shampoo

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For the number of products curly hair beauties have to use, the build-up is an inevitable con. But not with PHYTO Phytosquam Purifying Maintenance Shampoo. Most suited for oily hair, this shampoo thoroughly cleanses your scalp, removes dandruff, and eradicates residue. Moreover, regularly using this shampoo prevents further residue from staying on your scalp. Take a pearl-sized amount on your palm, dilute it with a little water, and gently lather it on your scalp with circular motions. It soothes the scalp, reduces excess sebum production, and exfoliates the scalp.

2

OUIDAD Water Works Clarifying Shampoo

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Reduce buildup and irritation with OUIDAD's clarifying shampoo. Made with a simple formulation, it effectively exfoliates the scalp and eliminates impurities. Not just that, regularly using the shampoo treats dandruff, eliminates dandruff-causing bacteria, and improves hair texture. Once it cleanses the scalp, it eradicates frizz and dryness. Gently massage it into your scalp to ensure it fully gets absorbed.

3

Best Overall

Bounce Curl Enzyme Gentle Clarifying Shampoo

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This clarifying shampoo is adored by those with curly hair because of its use of high-quality organic ingredients. Infused with gentle pomegranate and pumpkin enzymes, it delicately cleanses curls. It is also enriched with rosemary, black seed oil, biotin, and other strengthening elements that strengthen hair follicles, tame flyaways, and add volume to the hair, making your tresses look luscious. The presence of citrus fruit oil imparts a refreshing citrus scent and leaves hair soft and moisturized without weighing it down. The other botanical extracts in this cleanser create texture, removing residue and oils while preserving essential moisture. Furthermore, it is ideal for individuals craving some extra volume. The shampoo is suitable for all types of curls, be it wavy, curly, or kinky, and suitable for thin, medium, or dry & damaged hair. Particularly it is beneficial for those with thick or damaged hair with product build-up.

4

Best Budget-friendly

Paul Mitchell ShampooTwo

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Paul Mitchell, a trusted brand in professional hair care, has been a favorite among hairstylists and beauty enthusiasts for years. Their clarifying shampoo two has a refreshing lemon scent and deeply cleanses the hair by removing buildups. For most people, two rinses are enough unless you have a lot of product buildup. It's especially effective for oily hair and leaves it squeaky clean without any greasy residue. Still, it doesn't dry out your hair or strip its moisture. You can also use a lightweight conditioner in case of chemically treated hair to seal in the moisture. Additionally, the product is free from harsh chemicals, making it suitable for various hair types.

5

Best for Greasy Scalp

Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Shampoo

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This Aveeno shampoo is all about oats, which have saponins, a natural cleansing ingredient found in plants that work great on greasiness (1). Another star ingredient is apple cider vinegar which gives additional volume and shine making even the dullest hair dazzle.  Apart from both these natural cleansing agents, this clarifying shampoo gives a further deep cleanse with its sulfate-free surfactants. When our haircare experts tested the product, what they loved the most about it was its clear gel formulation that lathered well without disturbing the scalp's natural pH balance. This shampoo has natural farm-fresh ingredients that soothe your scalp, and nourish while cleansing. Plus, it's safe for all hair types and colored hair because it doesn't contain harmful chemicals like dyes and parabens.

6

Best for Color-treated Hair

OUAI Detox Shampoo

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OUAI is famous for its luxurious hair care that doesn't contain any harsh chemicals like parabens or sulfates. This special cleansing shampoo does more than just cleanse your hair. It uses special chelating agents to remove heavy metals, minerals, and chlorine found in hard water, which can make your hair color fade. Plus, it has apple cider vinegar that gently removes flakes, residues, and buildup, leaving your hair shiny and fresh. It also contains hydrolyzed keratin to keep your hair moisturized. In a nutshell, this shampoo is like a spa day for your hair, detoxifying, deeply cleansing, and nourishing all at once. The best part is you can use them regularly once or twice a week as the product claims. Additionally, it has a rich velvety rose fragrance with a touch of white musk, bergamot, and lychee, that feels heavenly.

7

Avalon Organics Clarifying Lemon Shampoo

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This shampoo brand isn't just cruelty-free and vegan, it is packed with all-natural ingredients like lemon essential oils, quinoa, aloe, and vitamin E, that kick dullness. Lemon and aloe are great ingredients to curb dandruff and scalp buildup. These humble ingredients also bring back your hair's natural shine and brightness. Plus, the formulation is super gentle, cleansing away excess oils and buildup without any harsh chemicals like sulfates or parabens. It gives an amazing and luxurious feel to the scalp. The incredible lemon scent can freshen you up and awaken your senses. The clean formula of this clarifying shampoo for curls makes this one a great choice for a refreshing, and gentle hair cleansing.

8

Best for All Hair Types

SheaMoisture Residue Remover Shampoo

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This clarifying shampoo from SheaMoisture is a game-changer for all hair types. It is packed with refreshing essential oils and nourishing fatty acids, that gently clean your hair while giving your scalp some nourishment. The star ingredient is tea tree oil which is famous for its germ-fighting ability. Its gentle formulation with fatty acids makes sure it hydrates and promotes hair health, leaving your mane silky smooth. In addition, it is packed with borage seed oil that replenishes dry scalp, treats dandruff and stimulates the growth of new hair. After testing this hair product, we found that it suits all hair types.

9

Best Vegan

As I Am Curl Clarity Shampoo

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As I Am Curl Clarity Shampoo is specially designed to add natural shine and vibrancy to your curls. It frees your scalp from build-up without drying it out. The shampoo makes combing easier and detangling curls a breeze. It is packed with the goodness of coconut, amla, and tangerine all of which are not only natural cleansers but also nourish your hair. They gently remove dirt, and sebum, without robbing your scalp or hair of their natural moisture, ensuring your curls thrive. The product is also completely free from parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. Thus it gives a deep cleanse by making your curls happy.

10

EDEN BodyWorks Peppermint Tea Tree Clarifying Shampoo

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This peppermint and tea tree oil-based clarifying shampoo is your ticket to super clean curls and a happy scalp. These potent essential oils fight against dirt, residues, and itchy scalp. Whether you have curls, wavy, or straight strands – this shampoo works wonders for all hair types. Plus, it has a pH-balancing formula that boosts hair growth without causing harm to the scalp. The shampoo is perfect for scalp issues like excessive flakes and tingling sensation. Also, just one wash is enough to see the results. It comes with a mild peppermint scent and goes well along with the conditioner from the same range.

11

Best Luxury Fragrance

Kristin Ess Hair Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo

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When your curls are in need of a fresh start, reach for this adorable little pink bottle from Kristin Ess. It is packed with powerful yet gentle surfactants that work great as a clarifying shampoo. It gets rid of mineral deposits, excess oils, product buildup, and even those stubborn silicones that accumulate over time. Thus it leaves a clean and well-conditioned scalp which is key to maintaining healthy curls. Apart from deep cleansing, the product also claims to make your hair moisturized, full, and incredibly shiny from the roots to the tips. In addition, it has a luxurious scent that combines pink pepper, apple, blonde tobacco, white cedar wood +palo santo, and gardenia that will make you fall head over heels in love with this shampoo.

12

Best Gluten-free

Olaplex Nº.4C Bond Maintenance® Clarifying Shampoo

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Olaplex's clarifying shampoo is a fantastic product to tame unruly curls. This incredible shampoo is perfect for 4c-type hair and low-porosity locks. It works like magic in bringing back shine, softness, and volume. Plus, it keeps your hair color vibrant and your scalp squeaky clean, enhancing the effects of your hair care regimen. The best part is it's sulfate-free, and won't damage or dry out your hair. It also has a pH-balancing formula that strengthens hair cuticles and prevents hair breakage. This shampoo claims to suck out hard water minerals, excess oil, and product residues leaving your hair voluminous and soft. Moreover, there are no artificial fragrances, making it an apt choice for people with sensitive scalps.

13

Best for Low-porosity Curls

Ouidad The Curl Experts Water Works Clarifying Shampoo

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Ouidad Water Works clarifying shampoo is another product that is made just for curly hair, especially for low-porosity curls. It tackles chlorine and hard water deposits to revive your locks. It is perfect for colored hair, as it softens coarse hair strands, adds shine, and tames unruly hair. The shampoo is packed with natural fruit extracts, like lemon, grapes, and orange, plus other botanical extracts that help with proper moisture balance and strengthen hair. It claims to clear build-up with these potent fruit extracts without drying your hair out. Our tests indicate that this shampoo can be used twice a week for optimal results.

14

Best Gentle Formula

Twist by Ouidad Hit Reset Light Clarifying Shampoo

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Twist by Ouidad is one of the best clarifying shampoos for curly hair. This clarifying shampoo contains mild surfactants that effectively cleanse without damaging hair’s natural lipid barrier. The product is also infused with aloe vera and jojoba oil, which work together to remove stubborn build-up, tame frizz, and keep your hair hydrated without making it heavy. It's a perfect balancing shampoo for your hair. The product is known to be free from harsh ingredients. However, just use it moderately to enjoy its benefits without overdoing it.

15

K18 PEPTIDE PREP™ Detox Shampoo

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K18’s Peptide Prep detox shampoo is specially designed for bleached and chemically treated hair. The brand claims to gently but effectively wipe out 99% of product buildup, 95% of sebum, and 76% of copper, leaving your hair detoxified and refreshed. Plus, it's super gentle with a neutral pH, ensuring it cleanses your scalp without stripping away its natural oils. The formulation is also perfect for low-porosity hair. After testing, our hair care experts found that this shampoo works wonders on coarse hair, making it noticeably softer. It also reduces hair follicle damage caused by frequent styling. Plus, its delightful floral fragrance enhances your bathing experience, leaving you feeling refreshed.

16

Kristin Ess The One Signature Shampoo

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This Kristin Ess signature shampoo is a gentle clarifying shampoo that cleanses your hair deeply while keeping it moisturized and shiny.  What sets the brand apart is the Zip-Up Technology, a special formulation that heals split ends and strengthens weak areas, shielding hair from damage and color fading. This salon-quality shampoo claims to balance oily hair and nourish damaged and dry strands. Plus, it comes with a delightful pear, ambrette seeds, magnolia, night violet, orris butter, white amber, and new Caledonia sandalwood scent. If you prefer a lighter fragrance, Kristin Ess offers the extra gentle or fragrance-free option.

17

Curlsmith Wash & Scrub Detox Shampoo

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The ‘Wash & Scrub’ detox shampoo from Curlsmith is quite suitable for all hair types. This exfoliating potion is formulated gently and effectively with tiny microbeads. This easily washes away dirt, dead skin cells, and product buildup without leaving any residues. It also encourages hair growth by letting follicles breathe. The fine scrub particles present in the formula often reach the roots and give a deep clean. It is enriched with natural ingredients like apple cider vinegar, ginger root extracts, mallow flowers, dragon fruit extract, and radish root. This formulation is inspired by generations of homemade hair remedies to melt away dirt and scalp buildups and stimulate hair growth. It is also free from harmful chemicals like sulfates, and phthalates. Plus, it's 100% vegan, and cruelty-free.

Sulfate-free shampoos are usually the go-to for curly hair, but there are moments when you need deep cleansing clarifying shampoos with surfactants. Most of our recommendations are gentle on curls and won't damage your scalp. Here are some tips on how to choose and use the best clarifying shampoos for curly hair. 

How to Choose:

Moisturizing Ingredients: Most clarifying shampoos have sulfates, so find ones with added hydrating ingredients like shea butter or coconut oil to counter the dryness. 
Speaking of ingredients that counter the effect of allergies, our contributor Gwenda Harmon, an Expert Hairdresser & Curly Hair Specialist, shares, “Zinc Pyrithione can aid in clarifying shampoos in protecting the sensitive scalp from dandruff. It is anti-inflammatory and can help minimize the symptoms of itchy or irritated scalp.” Choose the ingredients as per your scalp type and you are good to go!

Actives: To offer additional treatment, clarifying shampoos may also contain special active ingredients. For example, exfoliants like salicylic acid or tea tree oil fight fungus and bacteria. Some also have charcoal to remove grease and impurities. Just ensure that you are not allergic to essential oils or any of the natural ingredients on the list. 

Cleaning Surfactants: Some clarifying shampoo contains strong cleaning ingredients like ammonium-sodium lauryl sulfate, providing a thorough cleanse. Some shampoos use milder ingredients like cetyl fatty alcohols, chlorides, or bromides, leaving your hair softer. Choose them according to your needs. 

Quantity: Most of the time, you won't be using clarifying shampoos on a regular basis. Thus go for smaller quantities and make wiser purchases.

After selecting the right curly hair product, follow these steps for a perfect wash. 

Step 1: Start at the scalp, and work the shampoo through your curls. Don't worry if it doesn't foam a lot, as it's normal.

Step 2: Apply clarifying shampoo mainly to your roots where buildup happens. Massage gently with fingertips, not nails.

Step 3: Rinse thoroughly – this is super important.

Step 4: Always follow up with a deep conditioner which helps with detangling the curls. You can also use a wide-tooth comb or shower brush to detangle while the conditioner works its magic.

Double Wash: For really dirty or oily hair, do a double wash. Rinse the first application, reapply the shampoo, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse and condition. You can also go for a leave-in conditioner instead of a rinse-out conditioner.

Our contributor Gwenda Harmon, says, “Use clarifying products every eight weeks. If you apply too many commercial products to curly hair, you can use the shampoo every month.”

After Swimming: Whether it's a pool or the beach, chlorine and sand need to go, and clarifying shampoos work great in kicking them out.

After Styling: If your style involves lots of products, clarifying shampoo clears out the buildup, leaving your curls refreshed

Contributor: Gwenda Harmon, Hair Dresser & Curly Hair Specialist - Click for blog