Curly hair can be a beautiful asset, but it requires a lot of maintenance and care. One of the most important steps in a curly hair care routine is shampooing. However, not all shampoos are created equal, and curly hair requires a specific type of shampoo – a clarifying shampoo.
Clarifying shampoos are designed to remove buildup from the hair and scalp, which is especially important for curly hair that tends to be drier and more prone to buildup. However, not all clarifying shampoos are suitable for curly hair, as they can be too harsh and strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and frizz.
When looking for the best clarifying shampoo for curly hair, it’s important to pay attention to the ingredients. Look for shampoos that are sulfate-free and contain natural ingredients like tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar, or aloe vera. It’s also important to choose a shampoo that is pH-balanced, as curly hair tends to have a more acidic pH.
We spent hours researching and testing various clarifying shampoos for curly hair to find the best ones on the market. In the next section, we’ll share our top picks and what makes them stand out from the rest.
Best Clarifying Shampoos for Curly Hair
We understand that curly hair requires special care and attention, especially when it comes to choosing the right shampoo. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best clarifying shampoos for curly hair. These shampoos are specifically designed to remove buildup and impurities from your hair, leaving it clean, healthy, and full of bounce. So, whether you’re dealing with dryness, frizz, or just need a little extra TLC, we’ve got you covered. Below is our full list of the best clarifying shampoos for curly hair.
OUAI Detox Shampoo
If you’re looking for a clarifying shampoo that really works, you should definitely consider the OUAI Detox Shampoo. It’s a great choice for curly hair, as it effectively removes product buildup, dirt, and oil without stripping your hair of its natural oils.
Pros
- Leaves hair feeling super clean and refreshed
- Helps get rid of product buildup and hard water deposits
- Contains apple cider vinegar, which is great for your hair
Cons
- Can be a bit pricey compared to other clarifying shampoos
- May not be suitable for daily use, as it can be quite drying
- Some people may not like the scent
We’ve been using this shampoo for a while now, and we’ve been really impressed with the results. It lathers up nicely and rinses out easily, leaving our hair feeling squeaky clean. We’ve noticed that our hair looks and feels much healthier since we started using it, and we love the fact that it contains apple cider vinegar, which is known for its clarifying properties.
One thing to keep in mind is that this shampoo is quite potent, so you may not want to use it every day. We’ve found that using it once or twice a week is enough to keep our hair looking and feeling great. If you have very dry hair, you may want to follow up with a moisturizing conditioner after using this shampoo.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the OUAI Detox Shampoo to anyone looking for a high-quality clarifying shampoo for curly hair. It’s a bit on the pricey side, but we think it’s worth the investment if you want to keep your hair looking and feeling its best.
OUIDAD Water Works Clarifying Shampoo
We highly recommend OUIDAD Water Works Clarifying Shampoo for those with curly hair who want to remove product buildup and hard water residue.
Pros
- Removes hard water buildup
- Thoroughly cleanses hair
- Restores natural shine
Cons
- May strip natural oils if used too often
- Scent may not be appealing to everyone
- Price may be higher than other clarifying shampoos
We recently tried OUIDAD Water Works Clarifying Shampoo and were impressed with its ability to remove buildup and restore natural shine to our curly hair. The shampoo effectively cleansed our hair without leaving it feeling dry or stripped.
We also appreciated that it removed hard water buildup, which can be a common issue for those with curly hair. However, we do caution that using this shampoo too often may strip natural oils from the hair.
While the citrus scent may not be appealing to everyone, we found it refreshing and invigorating. The price point may be higher than other clarifying shampoos, but we believe the quality of the product justifies the cost.
Overall, we highly recommend OUIDAD Water Works Clarifying Shampoo for those with curly hair who want to effectively remove buildup and restore natural shine.
Carol’s Daughter Wash Day Delight Sulfate Free Clarifying Shampoo and Deep Conditioner Gift Set with Aloe and Micellar
If you’re looking for a sulfate-free clarifying shampoo and deep conditioner set that’s perfect for curly, natural, and textured hair, then Carol’s Daughter Wash Day Delight Sulfate Free Clarifying Shampoo and Deep Conditioner Gift Set with Aloe and Micellar is worth considering.
Pros
- The shampoo is made with Aloe and Micellar technology that transforms from a water to a gentle foam lather for a deep clean of hair and scalp without stripping to help cut down time on wash day. It’s best for curly, wavy, and coily hair.
- The conditioner is a unique jelly to cream formula that transforms from a thick jelly to a nourishing cream to moisturize hair from root to ends and detangle curls. It’s blended with Glycerin and Aloe for hair – sulfate-free, silicone-free, paraben-free, no artificial colors, and vegan formula.
- The set is perfect for coily, curly, and wavy hair types. It’s made with 98% naturally-derived ingredients that are unchanged from their natural state or have undergone processing yet still retain greater than 50 percent of their molecular structure from their original natural source.
Cons
- Some users may not like the Aloe Vera scent.
- The shampoo may leave hair feeling dry after the first wash.
- The bottles may not last long for those with long or thick hair.
We tried the Carol’s Daughter Wash Day Delight Sulfate Free Clarifying Shampoo and Deep Conditioner Gift Set with Aloe and Micellar, and we’re impressed with the results. The shampoo lathers well and cleanses the scalp without stripping the hair. It’s easy to apply with its pointed tip that targets the scalp. The conditioner has a nice slip that detangles the hair and leaves it feeling moisturized and soft. We also love that it’s a one-step process that saves time on wash day.
One thing to note is that the shampoo may leave hair feeling dry after the first wash. However, after using the conditioner, our hair felt soft and moisturized. Additionally, some users may not like the Aloe Vera scent, but it’s not overpowering.
Overall, if you’re looking for a sulfate-free clarifying shampoo and deep conditioner set that’s perfect for curly, natural, and textured hair, then Carol’s Daughter Wash Day Delight Sulfate Free Clarifying Shampoo and Deep Conditioner Gift Set with Aloe and Micellar is a great option.
Nothing But Clarifying Shampoo
We highly recommend Nothing But Clarifying Shampoo for anyone looking to rejuvenate their hair and get rid of build-up from styling products, chlorine, and the environment that weighs hair down.
Pros
- Gently deep cleans hair and scalp removing deep-seated contaminants, excess oils, build-up, and residue from hair and hair follicles.
- Honest ingredients with no petrolatum, mineral oil, sulfates, parabens, colorants, or phthalates.
- Recommended for all hair types, including oily hair, curly hair, African American, and biracial hair, and is safe for use on color-treated hair.
Cons
- The product is hard to get out of the bottle.
- The shampoo is average and doesn’t stand out from other clarifying shampoos.
- Some users may prefer a shampoo with a fragrance.
We used Nothing But Clarifying Shampoo and were impressed with how it left our hair feeling thoroughly cleansed without feeling stripped or dried out. The sulfate-free formula is gentle yet effective, making it suitable for all hair types. It’s especially great for curly hair, as it removes buildup without disrupting natural curls.
To use, simply apply to wet hair, lather, and rinse. For best results, follow with Nothing But’s moisturizing Cleansing Conditioner and Intense Healing Mask.
Overall, we highly recommend Nothing But Clarifying Shampoo for anyone looking for a gentle yet effective clarifying shampoo that will leave their hair feeling healthy and rejuvenated.
Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo
If you’re looking for a clarifying shampoo that’s perfect for curly hair, Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo is a great choice.
Pros
- Leaves hair feeling clean and refreshed
- Helps to reduce breakage and damage
- Suitable for all hair types
Cons
- Expensive
- May not lather as much as other shampoos
- Some users may not like the unscented formula
We recently tried Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo and were impressed with the results. Our hair felt clean and refreshed after using it, and we noticed a reduction in breakage and damage. We also appreciated that it’s suitable for all hair types, so you don’t have to worry about it being too harsh on your curls.
One downside is that it’s on the expensive side, but we think it’s worth the investment if you’re looking for a high-quality clarifying shampoo. Additionally, some users may not like the unscented formula, and it may not lather as much as other shampoos.
Overall, we highly recommend Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo for anyone looking for a clarifying shampoo that’s gentle on curly hair.
Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two
If you’re looking for a clarifying shampoo that removes buildup from your curly hair, then Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two is a great option.
Pros
- Leaves hair feeling weightless and soft
- Has a refreshing lemon scent
- Works well in removing product buildup
Cons
- A bit pricey compared to other clarifying shampoos
- May dry out hair if used too frequently
- Bottle design can be difficult to use when nearing the end of the product
We recently tried this shampoo and were impressed with the results. After using it, our hair felt weightless and soft, and the refreshing lemon scent was a nice touch. It also did a great job in removing product buildup from our hair.
However, the price point is a bit higher compared to other clarifying shampoos on the market, and if used too frequently, it can dry out your hair. Additionally, the bottle design can be a bit difficult to use when nearing the end of the product.
Overall, if you’re looking for a clarifying shampoo that works well in removing buildup from your curly hair, then Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two is definitely worth trying.
Kenra Clarifying Shampoo
If you’re looking for a clarifying shampoo that deep cleanses your hair without stripping it of its natural oils, Kenra Clarifying Shampoo is definitely worth trying.
Pros
- Restores hair’s natural radiance
- Removes dulling deposits & build-up
- Ideal for hard water and well water
Cons
- May not be suitable for daily use
- Scent may not be appealing to everyone
- Bottle design could be improved
We were impressed by how effectively this shampoo removed buildup and impurities from our curly hair, leaving it feeling clean and refreshed. The color-safe formula is gentle enough to use on all hair types, and it works particularly well on highlighted, bleached, or gray hair.
One thing to keep in mind is that this shampoo is quite powerful, so it’s best to use it once a week or as needed to avoid over-drying your hair. Additionally, some users may not love the honey scent, but we found it to be pleasant and not too overpowering.
Overall, if you’re looking for a clarifying shampoo that will leave your curly hair feeling soft, shiny, and healthy, Kenra Clarifying Shampoo is definitely worth a try.
GIOVANNI 50:50 Balanced Hydrating Clarifying Shampoo
If you’re looking for a daily use shampoo that can increase the strength and vitality of your normal to dry curly hair, GIOVANNI 50:50 Balanced Hydrating Clarifying Shampoo may be the right choice for you.
Pros
- Infuses hair with vitamins, nutrients, and proteins to increase strength and vitality
- Protects over-processed and color-treated hair while locking in color and shine
- Adds moisture and manageability while remaining gentle enough for everyday use
Cons
- A bit pricey compared to other clarifying shampoos
- Not suitable for oily hair
- May leave hair feeling a bit dry if used too frequently
We’ve tried GIOVANNI 50:50 Balanced Hydrating Clarifying Shampoo and we were impressed with its ability to cleanse our hair while leaving it feeling soft and moisturized. The shampoo contains a proprietary blend of vitamins, nutrients, and proteins that help increase the strength and vitality of our curly hair.
One of the things we love about this shampoo is that it’s color safe and designed to protect over-processed and color-treated hair while locking in color and shine. We also appreciate that it contains Aloe Vera, Rosemary, and other Botanical Extracts that add moisture and manageability to our hair while remaining gentle enough for everyday use.
However, we do find that this shampoo is a bit pricey compared to other clarifying shampoos on the market. It’s also not suitable for oily hair and may leave hair feeling a bit dry if used too frequently.
Overall, we think GIOVANNI 50:50 Balanced Hydrating Clarifying Shampoo is a great choice for those with normal to dry curly hair who are looking for a daily use shampoo that can increase the strength and vitality of their hair.
Bounce Curl Enzyme Gentle Clarifying Shampoo
If you’re looking for a gentle clarifying shampoo that won’t strip your hair of its natural oils, Bounce Curl Enzyme Gentle Clarifying Shampoo is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Gently removes build-up from oils or stylers without drying out your hair or stripping out natural oils.
- Botanical extracts add volume and texture to thin hair.
- Lightly moisturizes hair without weighing down curls.
Cons
- Some users may find the citrus scent too strong.
- May not be as effective on extremely oily hair.
- Expensive compared to other clarifying shampoos.
We were pleasantly surprised by how gentle yet effective this clarifying shampoo was. It left our hair feeling clean and refreshed without any dryness or stripping of natural oils. The addition of botanical extracts provided a noticeable boost in volume and texture, which is always a plus for curly hair.
One thing to note is that the scent of this shampoo is quite strong. While we enjoyed the revitalizing citrus aroma, some users may find it overwhelming. Additionally, those with extremely oily hair may not find this shampoo as effective as other clarifying options.
Overall, if you’re looking for a clarifying shampoo that won’t leave your hair feeling stripped and dry, Bounce Curl Enzyme Gentle Clarifying Shampoo is definitely worth trying out.
Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo
If you’re looking for a clarifying shampoo that’s gentle enough for curly hair, Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo might be a good option.
Pros
- Leaves hair feeling clean and refreshed
- Helps remove buildup without stripping hair of moisture
- Pleasant scent
Cons
- Expensive compared to other clarifying shampoos
- May not be suitable for those with very dry hair
- Bottle design can be difficult to use in the shower
We tried Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo and found that it did a good job of removing buildup from our curls without leaving them feeling dry or stripped. The shampoo has a pleasant scent and lathers well, which makes it easy to use.
One thing to keep in mind is that this shampoo is quite expensive compared to other clarifying shampoos on the market. Additionally, it may not be the best choice for those with very dry hair, as it can be a bit drying.
Overall, if you’re looking for a clarifying shampoo that’s gentle enough for curly hair and leaves your locks feeling clean and refreshed, Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo is worth considering. Just be prepared to pay a premium price for this luxury product.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best clarifying shampoo for curly hair, there are a few things to keep in mind. We want to make sure that the shampoo we choose is effective in removing buildup without stripping our hair of its natural oils. Here are some features to consider when making your selection:
Ingredients
Look for shampoos that are sulfate-free and contain natural ingredients. Sulfates can be harsh on curly hair, causing it to become dry and brittle. Natural ingredients like aloe vera, tea tree oil, and apple cider vinegar can help to soothe and nourish the scalp while removing buildup.
pH Balance
The pH balance of a shampoo is important because it can affect the health and appearance of your hair. Look for shampoos that have a pH level between 4.5 and 5.5. This range is considered to be optimal for curly hair because it helps to maintain the hair’s natural moisture balance.
Frequency of Use
Clarifying shampoos are designed to be used once a week or every other week. Using them too often can strip your hair of its natural oils, causing it to become dry and brittle. If you have particularly oily hair, you may be able to use a clarifying shampoo more frequently, but it’s important to pay attention to how your hair reacts.
Price
Clarifying shampoos can range in price from a few dollars to over $50. While price doesn’t always equate to quality, it’s important to find a product that fits within your budget. Keep in mind that you may need to use the shampoo more frequently than your regular shampoo, so it’s important to factor in the cost over time.
By considering these features, you can find the best clarifying shampoo for your curly hair. Remember to pay attention to how your hair reacts to the product and adjust your routine as necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best clarifying shampoo for natural curly hair?
When it comes to choosing a clarifying shampoo for natural curly hair, it is important to look for a product that is gentle yet effective. Some of our top picks include DevaCurl Buildup Buster, Ouidad Superfruit Renewal Clarifying Cream Shampoo, and Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo.
Does Bounce Curl Clarifying Shampoo work well for curly hair?
Bounce Curl Clarifying Shampoo is a great option for curly hair as it is formulated with natural ingredients and is free from harsh chemicals. It helps to remove buildup and restore the natural bounce and shine of your curls.
Can you recommend a clarifying shampoo for fine curly hair?
If you have fine curly hair, you may want to opt for a clarifying shampoo that is lightweight and won’t weigh your hair down. Some of our top recommendations include Kinky-Curly Come Clean Shampoo, Jessicurl Hair Cleansing Cream, and As I Am Curl Clarity Shampoo.
Where can I find the best clarifying shampoo for curly hair at Walmart?
Walmart offers a wide range of clarifying shampoos for curly hair. Some of our top picks include SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo, Not Your Mother’s Naturals Royal Honey & Kalahari Desert Melon Shampoo, and Maui Moisture Detoxifying + Volcanic Ash Shampoo.
Is clarifying shampoo good for curly hair even if it is oily?
Yes, clarifying shampoo is beneficial for curly hair even if it is oily. It helps to remove excess oil, dirt, and product buildup from your hair and scalp, leaving your curls feeling clean and refreshed.
What are the ingredients to look for in clarifying shampoo for colored curly hair?
When choosing a clarifying shampoo for colored curly hair, it is important to look for a product that is sulfate-free and contains gentle, natural ingredients. Some of our top picks include Innersense Organic Beauty Hairbath Clarifying Shampoo, AG Hair Care Renew Clarifying Shampoo, and Aveda Sun Care Hair and Body Cleanser.
