If you have color-treated or damaged hair, finding the right shampoo can be tricky. While you want to keep your hair clean and fresh, harsh shampoos can strip away color and moisture, leaving your hair feeling dry and brittle. This is where clarifying shampoos come in.
Designed to deeply cleanse your hair and remove buildup, clarifying shampoos can help refresh your locks without damaging your color or compromising your hair’s health—if you choose the right one.
In this article, we’ll explore the best clarifying shampoos for color-treated and damaged hair. We’ll cover why clarifying shampoo is important, how to use it without harming your color, and highlight some of the top products available for maintaining both vibrant color and hair health.
- What is Clarifying Shampoo?
- Why Use Clarifying Shampoo for Color-Treated or Damaged Hair?
- How Often Should You Use Clarifying Shampoo on Color-Treated or Damaged Hair?
- The Best Clarifying Shampoos for Color-Treated and Damaged Hair
- How to Choose the Right Clarifying Shampoo for Your Hair Type
- Clarifying Shampoos and Hair Color: What You Need to Know
- Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Clarifying Shampoo
- Can You DIY a Clarifying Shampoo at Home?
- Top Tips for Keeping Your Color-Treated Hair Vibrant After Clarifying
- Conclusion
What is Clarifying Shampoo?
Before we dive into the best products, let’s talk about what clarifying shampoo actually is. Unlike regular shampoos, clarifying shampoos are formulated to remove stubborn buildup from your hair.
This buildup can come from styling products, environmental pollutants, hard water minerals, and even the natural oils your scalp produces. Over time, these impurities can weigh your hair down, make it look dull, and even prevent your regular shampoo and conditioner from working effectively.
Clarifying shampoos are made with stronger cleansing agents that work to “reset” your hair by stripping away the gunk that accumulates over time. The result? Hair that feels light, clean, and refreshed.
Why Use Clarifying Shampoo for Color-Treated or Damaged Hair?
If you color your hair, you know how hard it can be to maintain that fresh-from-the-salon look. One of the biggest challenges is avoiding the dreaded fade or dryness that can result from using the wrong shampoo. Similarly, if your hair is already damaged—whether from heat styling, bleaching, or environmental factors—you’ll want to avoid anything that could make things worse.
Using clarifying shampoo on color-treated or damaged hair requires some care. The key is to choose a clarifying shampoo that’s gentle enough not to strip your hair of its natural oils or fade your color, but strong enough to remove buildup. When used properly, clarifying shampoo can actually help you maintain your color by allowing your hair to better absorb conditioning treatments and toners.
How Often Should You Use Clarifying Shampoo on Color-Treated or Damaged Hair?
This is a big one. While clarifying shampoos are great for getting rid of product buildup, they can be drying if used too often, especially on color-treated or damaged hair. As a rule of thumb, you should use clarifying shampoo no more than once a week, or even just once a month if your hair is particularly dry or fragile.
It’s all about balance—using clarifying shampoo occasionally can help your hair look and feel fresher, but overdoing it can strip away essential oils and nutrients that your hair needs to stay healthy.
The Best Clarifying Shampoos for Color-Treated and Damaged Hair
Now, let’s get into the real reason you’re here. Here are the best clarifying shampoos that will remove buildup without damaging your hair or causing your color to fade.
1. Pureology Purify Shampoo
Pureology is a brand that specializes in products for color-treated hair, so it’s no surprise that their Purify Shampoo is one of the best clarifying options out there for maintaining your color while still getting that deep clean. Formulated with zero sulfates, this shampoo uses natural ingredients like tea tree oil, witch hazel, and baking soda to gently cleanse the hair and scalp. Plus, it’s 100% vegan, which is a huge bonus if you’re looking for more eco-friendly hair care options.
Why it’s great for color-treated hair: It removes buildup without harsh sulfates, which can strip away your color.
How to use: Use this shampoo once a week to remove buildup and keep your hair vibrant and fresh.
2. Malibu C Hard Water Wellness Shampoo
If you live in an area with hard water, you know the struggle: mineral deposits from the water can leave your hair feeling weighed down, dull, and even discolored. Malibu C Hard Water Wellness Shampoo is formulated specifically to combat the effects of hard water, making it a great clarifying shampoo for color-treated or damaged hair. It’s also free of harsh chemicals, so it won’t fade your color or dry out your hair.
Why it’s great for color-treated hair: The gentle, sulfate-free formula prevents mineral buildup without damaging your color.
How to use: Pair with Malibu C’s Hard Water Wellness Conditioner for the best results. Use it weekly or bi-weekly, depending on how much buildup you experience.
3. Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo
Moroccanoil is known for its luxurious, hydrating products, and their Clarifying Shampoo is no exception. Infused with argan oil and avocado oil, this clarifying shampoo not only removes buildup but also nourishes and hydrates your hair, leaving it soft and manageable. It’s gentle enough for color-treated hair and helps improve elasticity, making it a perfect choice for damaged locks.
Why it’s great for color-treated hair: Hydrating oils in the formula protect your color while deep-cleaning your hair.
How to use: Use it once a week, focusing on the scalp to remove product buildup, and follow up with a deep conditioner to restore moisture.
4. R+Co Television Perfect Hair Shampoo
R+Co Television Perfect Hair Shampoo is formulated to gently remove product buildup and impurities without stripping your hair of moisture or color. This shampoo uses coconut oil to hydrate and detoxify your hair, and it has a lightweight feel that won’t weigh down even fine hair. It’s ideal for anyone who uses a lot of styling products or deals with environmental buildup.
Why it’s great for color-treated hair: Its formula is designed to preserve hair color while still giving you a deep clean.
How to use: Use once or twice a month to refresh your hair and scalp, then follow with a moisturizing conditioner.
5. Kenra Clarifying Shampoo
If you have both color-treated and damaged hair, the Kenra Clarifying Shampoo is a top contender. This shampoo is particularly good at removing dulling deposits from hard water, chlorine, and styling products. While it’s powerful enough to deep clean, it’s gentle on your color and leaves hair looking bright and shiny. Kenra is a trusted brand in the salon world, and this clarifying shampoo is a favorite for keeping color-treated hair vibrant.
Why it’s great for color-treated hair: It clarifies without fading color and leaves hair shiny and refreshed.
How to use: Use it once a week or after swimming to get rid of chlorine and hard water deposits.
6. Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two
Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two is another excellent clarifying shampoo for oily, color-treated hair. It’s formulated to remove excess oil and product buildup while maintaining your hair’s natural moisture balance. If your scalp gets greasy or your hair feels weighed down, this shampoo can help refresh it without stripping your color or causing damage.
Why it’s great for color-treated hair: It balances oil production without being too harsh, so it’s a great option for oily scalps and color-treated hair.
How to use: Use once a week to keep your hair fresh and clean, focusing on the roots to control oil buildup.
7. SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo
If you’re dealing with damaged hair and need something gentle yet effective, SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo is a fantastic option. This clarifying shampoo is made with natural ingredients like apple cider vinegar and shea butter, which work together to remove impurities and product buildup without drying out your hair. It’s also great for strengthening and promoting hair growth, making it a win for damaged hair.
Why it’s great for damaged hair: Castor oil and shea butter nourish and strengthen damaged strands while cleansing the scalp.
How to use: Use once a week to remove buildup and strengthen your hair, following up with a deep conditioner for extra hydration.
8. Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Triple Detox Shampoo
Living Proof’s Perfect Hair Day Triple Detox Shampoo is formulated to remove buildup from product, pollution, and hard water, making it a great option for color-treated hair that needs a deep cleanse. This shampoo is sulfate-free, so it won’t strip away your color, and it includes activated charcoal to help detoxify your scalp and hair.
Why it’s great for color-treated hair: It’s gentle enough for colored hair and targets buildup from multiple sources, keeping your color looking fresh.
How to use: Use once a week or as needed when you feel your hair is weighed down with buildup.
9. Redken Clean Maniac Hair Cleansing Cream
For color-treated hair that needs a good cleanse without fading, the Redken Clean Maniac Hair Cleansing Cream is a top choice. This sulfate-free clarifying shampoo removes product buildup and leaves hair feeling clean and light. It’s gentle enough to use regularly, even on color-treated hair, and its lightweight formula won’t leave any residue behind.
Why it’s great for color-treated hair: The sulfate-free formula makes it perfect for maintaining vibrant color while removing buildup.
How to use: Use once or twice a week for a deep clean, following with a nourishing conditioner.
10. Klorane Anti-Pollution Detox Shampoo with Aquatic Mint
If your hair is exposed to environmental pollutants, the Klorane Anti-Pollution Detox Shampoo is a fantastic option. This clarifying shampoo contains aquatic mint, which helps detoxify and refresh the scalp while removing pollutants and buildup from the hair. It’s also gentle enough for color-treated hair, so you don’t have to worry about fading.
Why it’s great for color-treated hair: The gentle, sulfate-free formula detoxifies and protects your hair from environmental damage without fading your color.
How to use: Use once a week to detoxify and refresh your scalp and hair, following with a hydrating conditioner.
How to Choose the Right Clarifying Shampoo for Your Hair Type
When it comes to choosing the right clarifying shampoo, it’s essential to consider your specific hair type and its unique needs. Different hair types can react differently to clarifying shampoos, so picking the right formula is key to keeping your hair healthy, vibrant, and manageable.
For Oily Hair:
If you have oily hair, clarifying shampoo can be a lifesaver. Excess oil and sebum can make your hair look greasy, weighed down, and lifeless. The right clarifying shampoo for oily hair should balance the scalp’s oil production without leaving it too dry or irritated.
- Recommended Product: Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two is an excellent choice for those with oily scalps. It effectively removes oil buildup and leaves your scalp feeling refreshed and your hair light.
For Dry or Damaged Hair:
Dry or damaged hair is more fragile and prone to breakage. If you have color-treated or bleached hair, you’ll want a clarifying shampoo that removes impurities without stripping your hair of moisture. Look for sulfate-free formulas that include nourishing ingredients like oils or butters to replenish hydration.
- Recommended Product: SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo is a fantastic option for dry, damaged, or chemically processed hair. It cleanses while keeping your hair nourished and healthy.
For Fine Hair:
If you have fine hair, using a heavy shampoo can weigh your strands down, leaving them flat and dull. Choose a lightweight clarifying shampoo that removes buildup without adding unnecessary heaviness to your hair.
- Recommended Product: Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Triple Detox Shampoo is a great option for fine hair, as its lightweight formula won’t weigh down your locks while still delivering a thorough clean.
Clarifying Shampoos and Hair Color: What You Need to Know
If you’ve invested time and money in coloring your hair, it’s natural to want to protect your color as much as possible. A common concern is whether clarifying shampoos will strip away your hair color, especially if you’ve dyed your hair recently.
Will Clarifying Shampoo Fade My Hair Color?
Clarifying shampoos are formulated to remove buildup and impurities, which means they can sometimes strip color if used too frequently. However, the key is to find a sulfate-free clarifying shampoo that’s designed specifically for color-treated hair. These formulas are gentler and won’t strip your color as aggressively as traditional clarifying shampoos.
To protect your color, use clarifying shampoos sparingly. Once a week or even once every two weeks is usually enough to keep your hair fresh and clean without fading your color.
Pro Tip: If you’re using a clarifying shampoo before reapplying color (for example, if you’re refreshing your hair with a toner or gloss), the clarifying shampoo can help prep your hair by removing product buildup, which will allow the color to penetrate more evenly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Clarifying Shampoo
While clarifying shampoo can work wonders for refreshing your hair and removing buildup, there are a few common mistakes people make when using it. Avoid these pitfalls to get the best results:
- Using It Too Frequently: Clarifying shampoo is more powerful than regular shampoo, and overusing it can dry out your hair, especially if it’s color-treated or damaged. Stick to using it once a week or less, depending on your hair’s needs.
- Skipping Conditioner: After using a clarifying shampoo, your hair can feel squeaky clean but also a bit dry. Always follow up with a deep conditioner to replenish moisture and prevent your hair from becoming brittle.
- Not Rinsing Thoroughly: Because clarifying shampoos are designed to remove impurities, they need to be rinsed out thoroughly. Leaving any product behind can cause irritation or buildup, negating the benefits of the shampoo.
- Using It Right After Coloring: If you’ve just dyed your hair, avoid using clarifying shampoo for a few weeks. Your hair needs time to absorb and settle into the color, and a clarifying shampoo might lift the fresh pigment prematurely.
Can You DIY a Clarifying Shampoo at Home?
While it’s always best to use a professionally formulated clarifying shampoo for optimal results, you can also try a simple DIY clarifying treatment at home if you’re in a pinch. Here’s an easy recipe:
DIY Apple Cider Vinegar Clarifying Rinse
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a natural way to remove product buildup and restore the pH balance of your scalp. Here’s how to create a DIY clarifying rinse:
Ingredients:
- 1 part apple cider vinegar
- 3 parts water
- A few drops of essential oil (optional, for fragrance)
Instructions:
- Mix the apple cider vinegar and water in a bottle.
- After shampooing your hair, pour the mixture over your scalp and hair, massaging it in gently.
- Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
- Follow with a moisturizing conditioner.
The ACV rinse works as a natural clarifier and is a great option for those who want to refresh their hair in between uses of clarifying shampoo.
Top Tips for Keeping Your Color-Treated Hair Vibrant After Clarifying
Clarifying shampoo can help remove buildup, but you also want to make sure your color stays vibrant. Here are some expert tips for maintaining color-treated hair while using clarifying shampoo:
- Use a Color-Safe Shampoo in Between: On the days you’re not using clarifying shampoo, switch to a gentle, color-safe shampoo that’s designed to protect your hue.
- Opt for a Color Depositing Conditioner: If your hair tends to fade quickly, a color-depositing conditioner can help extend the life of your color while keeping your hair hydrated.
- Try a Hair Gloss: A gloss treatment every few weeks can help refresh your color and keep it looking shiny and healthy.
- Limit Heat Styling: Excessive heat can cause your color to fade faster, so try to limit the use of hot tools or always use a heat protectant before styling.
Conclusion
Finding the right clarifying shampoo for your color-treated and damaged hair doesn’t have to be difficult. The key is choosing a product that effectively removes buildup without compromising your color or causing additional damage. Whether you’re battling hard water, environmental pollutants, or product buildup, the clarifying shampoos listed above can help you reset your hair and leave it looking fresh, vibrant, and healthy.
Remember, the best results come from using clarifying shampoo occasionally, so be mindful of how often you use it. With the right clarifying shampoo in your routine, your color-treated and damaged hair can thrive, feeling lighter, cleaner, and more refreshed after each wash.
