Best Clarifying Shampoos of 2025

Charlotte Powell Avatar
Charlotte Powell
Last Updated: 10 Feb 2025

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Clarifying shampoos are specially formulated to remove build-up from hair caused by styling products, hard water, and pollutants. These shampoos contain ingredients that deeply cleanse the scalp and hair, leaving them feeling refreshed and revitalised. Clarifying shampoos are particularly useful for people who use a lot of hair products and find that their hair becomes weighed down or greasy. They can also be helpful for those who live in areas with hard water, which can lead to mineral build-up on the hair. Overall, clarifying shampoos are a great addition to any hair care routine, helping to keep hair healthy, shiny and full of life.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Paul Mitchell Clarifying Shampoo 300ml Cover #TOP 1
Paul Mitchell Clarifying Shampoo 300ml
ftb score rating icon 9.9
OUAI Detox Travel Size Shampoo for Build Up Cover #TOP 2
OUAI Detox Travel Size Shampoo for Build Up
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Head & Shoulders Clarifying Shampoo for Greasy Hair Cover #TOP 3
Head & Shoulders Clarifying Shampoo for Greasy Hair
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Clarifying Shampoos

#TOP 1

Paul Mitchell Clarifying Shampoo 300ml

882132
300 ml (Pack of 1)
Paul Mitchell Clarifying Shampoo 300ml Cover
Paul Mitchell Clarifying Shampoo Two 300ml

The Paul Mitchell Shampoo comes in a convenient 300 ml size, ideal for regular use. With compact package dimensions of 4.88 cm in length and width, and 21.59 cm in height, it fits easily in your shower or bathroom cabinet. Originating from the United States, this shampoo offers a quality that many users appreciate. Its formulation is designed to effectively clarify the hair, helping you achieve a fresh and clean scalp, which is essential for maintaining healthy hair.

What We Like
Compact size for easy storage
Quality formulation from the USA
Effective hair clarifying properties
Convenient 300 ml packaging

OUAI Detox Travel Size Shampoo for Build Up

Ouai
OUAI002
89 ml (Pack of 1)
OUAI Detox Travel Size Shampoo for Build Up Cover
OUAI Detox Shampoo Travel Size - Clarifying Shampoo for Build Up, Dirt, Oil, Product and Hard Water - Apple Cider Vinegar & Keratin for Clean, Refreshed Hair - Sulfate-Free Hair Care - 89ml

The OUAI Detox Shampoo is designed to tackle product build-up, dirt, and oil, leaving your hair feeling refreshed. With apple cider vinegar, this shampoo gently exfoliates your scalp, which can alleviate itchiness and restore your hair's volume and shine. Its chelating agents effectively remove hard water minerals and chlorine, helping to prevent colour fading. Perfect for use once or twice a week, this shampoo makes it easy for you to maintain clean, healthy hair without compromising on quality.

What We Like
Sulfate-free formula
Removes hard water build-up
Exfoliates itchy scalp
Restores hair volume and shine

Head & Shoulders Clarifying Shampoo for Greasy Hair

111616326
White
300 ml (Pack of 1)
Head & Shoulders Clarifying Shampoo for Greasy Hair Cover
Head & Shoulders Clarifying Shampoo For Greasy Hair Anti-Dandruff, 300ml

This Head & Shoulders Clarifying Shampoo effectively cleanses your scalp and hair, providing deep pore cleansing for up to 72 hours of dandruff protection. It targets the root causes of dandruff and helps you achieve up to 100% flake-free hair with regular use. Infused with citrus, this shampoo controls oil, leaving your hair purified and revitalised. Additionally, it is silicone-free and pH balanced, ensuring a gentle yet effective cleanse that is also boosted with antioxidants for added care.

What We Like
Deep cleansing action
Long-lasting dandruff protection
Oil control with citrus
Silicone-free formula
Suitable for regular use

Aveeno Clarify and Shine Shampoo 300ml

Shampoo 300 ml
300 ml (Pack of 1)
Aveeno Clarify and Shine Shampoo 300ml Cover
Aveeno Clarify and Shine Apple Cider Vinegar Scalp Soothing Shampoo for all Hair Types 300ml

Aveeno Shampoo is designed for all hair types, providing a deep cleanse that you can enjoy daily. Its gentle formula is particularly beneficial for those with sensitive or dry scalps, ensuring that your hair feels fresh without irritation. If you're struggling with an itchy scalp, this shampoo is clinically proven to relieve discomfort, making your hair care routine more pleasant. Additionally, it's free from SLS/SLES sulfates, so you can feel good about what you're putting on your hair.

What We Like
Gentle for daily use
Relieves itchy scalp
Deep cleansing formula
Suitable for sensitive scalps
Sulfate-free

Olaplex No. 4C Clarifying Shampoo for All Hair Types

Olaplex 4C
250 ml (Pack of 1)
Olaplex No. 4C Clarifying Shampoo for All Hair Types Cover
Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo, Deep Cleans, Softens, Restores Shine, & Clarity, For All Hair Types Experiencing Product Buildup or Excess Oil, 250ml

The Olaplex No. 4C Shampoo offers a revolutionary approach to hair care. With its Broad-Spectrum Clarifying System, it effectively removes product buildup, excess oil, and impurities, giving your hair a fresh start. The unique formula also tackles hard water minerals and pollutants, ensuring your hair remains clean and vibrant. Additionally, the OLAPLEX Bond Building Technology helps to maintain strong hair bonds while cleansing, so you can enjoy healthier hair without compromising hydration.

What We Like
Deep cleanses hair effectively
Removes product buildup easily
Maintains strong hair bonds
Sulfate-free and pH balanced
Suitable for all hair types
#TOP 6

Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo for Purified Hair

7290013627728
No Color
250 ml (Pack of 1)
Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo for Purified Hair Cover
Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo, 250 ml

The Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo is designed to enhance your hair care routine. It is free from sulfates, phosphates, and parabens, making it a gentle choice for your locks. The formula includes essential oils that effectively remove product build-up, chlorine, and environmental impurities, ensuring your hair remains fresh and clean. After use, you'll notice your hair feels soft, smooth, and purified, which enhances its overall health. Additionally, this shampoo is colour-safe, so you can enjoy vibrant hues without worry.

What We Like
Free from harsh chemicals
Removes build-up and impurities
Leaves hair soft and smooth
Colour-safe formula
#TOP 7

Knight & Wilson Detox Cleanser Shampoo 1000ml

KW-DC-1000
White
1 l (Pack of 1)
Knight & Wilson Detox Cleanser Shampoo 1000ml Cover
Knight & Wilson Salon Professional Detox Cleanser Salon Shampoo 1000ml. Lightweight Clarifying Shampoo that removes all product build up. Purifies with Vitamin B5.

The Knight & Wilson Detox Shampoo is a lightweight, clarifying shampoo that effectively eliminates product build-up and impurities, including chlorine from swimming pools. You'll find that it instantly revitalises dull, lifeless hair, leaving it looking purified and refreshed. The menthol in the formula stimulates your scalp, enhancing your overall hair health. Additionally, enriched with Vitamin B5, it moisturises and strengthens your hair while restoring its natural shine, making it an excellent choice for preparing your hair for colour treatments.

What We Like
Removes product build-up
Revitalises dull hair
Stimulates the scalp
Moisturises and strengthens hair

Joico K-PAK Clarifying Shampoo for Blonde Hair

JOICO-477116
300 ml (Pack of 1)
Joico K-PAK Clarifying Shampoo for Blonde Hair Cover
Joico K-PAK Clarifying Shampoo - 300 ml

The Joico K-PAK Shampoo is designed specifically to enhance and maintain the shine of blonde hair. It effectively removes chlorine and product buildup, ensuring your hair feels fresh and clean. If you live in an area with hard water, this shampoo is ideal as it tackles mineral deposits that can dull your locks. By using this clarifying shampoo, you can keep your blonde hair looking golden and glowing, making it a valuable addition to your hair care routine.

What We Like
Preserves shine of blonde hair
Removes chlorine and buildup
Ideal for hard water areas
Keeps hair golden and glowing

Paul Mitchell Clarifying Shampoo for Deep Cleaning

700116
multicoloured
300 ml (Pack of 1)
Paul Mitchell Clarifying Shampoo for Deep Cleaning Cover
Paul Mitchell Clarifying Shampoo Three 300ml

The Paul Mitchell Clarifying Shampoo is designed to effectively remove chlorine and impurities from your hair. Using this shampoo before deep conditioning treatments can significantly enhance the penetration and performance of the conditioners. It acts as a deep cleansing solution that washes away chlorine, iron, minerals, and various impurities, ensuring your hair is left clean and fresh. This is particularly useful for swimmers or anyone frequently exposed to chlorinated water, helping to maintain healthy hair.

What We Like
Removes chlorine effectively
Enhances deep conditioning performance
Cleanses impurities thoroughly
Suitable for swimmers

ATTITUDE Clarifying Hair Shampoo with Lemon Leaves

11092
Multicolored
473 ml (Pack of 1)
ATTITUDE Clarifying Hair Shampoo with Lemon Leaves Cover
ATTITUDE Clarifying Hair Shampoo, EWG Verified, Restores Shine, Naturally Derived Ingredients, Vegan and Plant Based, Lemon Leaves and White Tea, 473 mL

The ATTITUDE Clarifying Shampoo is designed to give your hair a radiant shine while being gentle on the environment. With EWG verified ingredients, you can trust that it contains clean and transparent formulations. This shampoo is made with 97.9% naturally sourced ingredients, including invigorating lemon leaves extract, which provides antioxidant benefits. Additionally, it is enriched with watercress and Indian cress, both known for their high mineral and vitamin content, helping to nourish and revitalise your hair effectively.

What We Like
Natural ingredients for healthy hair
EWG verified for safety
Dermatologically tested
Vegan and cruelty-free
Restores shine and vitality
Buying Guide Image
Editor's Notes

During our clarifying shampoo research, we found 306 clarifying shampoo products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 131,869 customer reviews through our big data system to write the clarifying shampoos list. We found that most customers choose clarifying shampoos with an average price of £14.36.

The clarifying shampoos are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of clarifying shampoos, including Paul Mitchell, Ouai, Head & Shoulders, Aveeno, OLAPLEX.

Written by
Charlotte Powell Avatar

Charlotte Powell is a dermatologist and a licensed cosmetologist from Westminster, London. However, she was first a cosmetologist from London Beauty Training School. According to Charlotte, she needed better insight into the human skin, hence the dermatology degree. Long before she acquired her degree, she wrote and edited articles, eBooks, and editorials for companies and websites. Charlotte combines her skill and knowledge in providing DIY Beauty tips amongst other fashion related topics.