There is a lot of confusion about the difference: clarifying shampoo vs regular shampoo. Some people think that they are the same thing, while others believe that clarifying shampoo is specifically for removing product build-up.
In reality, both types of shampoo have their unique benefits and purposes. In this article, resTORbio will be going over clarifying shampoo and explaining why it is so important to have one in your beauty regimen.
A clarifying shampoo is different from a regular shampoo in that it removes:
- Impurities
- Water hardening
- Product buildup
- Silicone for styling products
- Chemical deposits in hair color
- Fungus bacteria
All sorts of toxic chemicals build up on your curly hair and scalp over time.
On the other hand, a regular shampoo has mild cleaning agents that focus more on moisturizing and shining hair than making it clean.
Hair can feel irritated by product buildup and toxin buildup. Your scalp's pH levels change from alkaline to mildly acidic, which can cause problems such as itchiness, fungus, and dandruff.
However, I do not recommend you throw out your regular shampoo.
You can alternate between them, but it is best to use a clarifying shampoo at least once per week to refresh your color-treated hair and cleanse your scalp.
Clarifying Shampoo Vs Regular Shampoo
Shampoos are a modern convenience, as commercials promote that healthy hair is a beautiful one.
However, this is not true.
Shampoos that are not made from natural ingredients can cause hair damage. To provide lather, they contain low-quality ingredients such as Sulfates or Sodium.
Sulfates can be harmful to your hair, scalp, and skin.
Sulfates can be found in household cleaning products. They strip your color-treated hair of the acid mantle and dry it out.
This is why your hair gets greasy faster if you wash it more often.
Don't let shampoo commercials fool you.
These products are made to keep you from washing your hair as often as possible.
Instead, you should wash the hair less often and ensure that it is a complete detox (without the use of sulfates).
Clarifying shampoos don't contain sulfates. Sulfate-free instead uses chelating agents, which don't scrub the hair as much as sulfates.
The chelating agent works by dissolving grease, dirt, and product buildup. It can then become water-soluble, making it easy to rinse off with pure water.
Let's recap:
This is the difference between regular shampoo and clarifying shampoo.
- Regular shampoos use detergents such as sulfates to clean the hair and scalp, removing natural oils.
- Clarifying shampoos have a unique formula that attracts dirt and dissolves it, then flushes them away with water.
Is Clarifying Shampoo Good for Hair?
Your hair may need a deep clean every once in a while.
It's just like your skin; it needs an exfoliating cleanse to remove all the makeup that won't come off with daily cleansers.
The hair will look healthier if you get rid of the gunk. This will make the hair absorb moisture more effectively. It will make hair styling products work more effectively.
It can be a monthly refresh or a monthly treatment of your locks.
Clarifying shampoos can be a great way to describe your skin.
1. Get Rid of Hard Water Feposits
If your area has hard water, your scalp may be clogged with calcium and magnesium buildup.
Although it is difficult to see, it is possible to tell if your scalp has problems by looking at it.
It can also make your hair less flexible and more brittle over time.
It can cause scalp calcification in some cases, leading to hair loss.
Chelating shampoos are a special kind of clarifying shampoo that uses chelating agents and antioxidants to neutralize hard water minerals.
These products are designed to demineralize hair and scalp.
Chelating agents break down all types of minerals to remove them.
2. Boost Hair Volume
It can be difficult to get volume out of hair that is very straight or fine.
Your hair type may not be the problem. This could be due to residue buildup making it greasy or weighing it down.
A deep shampoo is all you need to give the hair a boost.
The volume will naturally occur if your hair is thin and light.
Clarifying shampoos remove all greasiness and make your hair soft and shiny. They also revitalize the hair, giving it bounce and lift.
3. Blonde Hair: Avoid Brassy Tones
Clarifying shampoos can be used to remove brassy tones and brighten blondes.
The hair of a bleached blonde is porous and can absorb yellow tones from the surrounding environment.
It could be caused by mineral deposits, pollution, styling sprays, creams, or other reasons.
Purple shampoos can be a lifesaver for blondes with brassy or green pool hair. However, it is impossible to absorb them effectively if your hair can absorb them.
Blue and purple shampoos don't work as well as they should because of excessive buildup.
Instead, the dirt layers act as barriers and prevent the treatments from entirely absorbing.
It would help if you had a shampoo to prep your hair and cut through the junk so your other hair products can work better.
You won't need to use a violet shampoo in most cases. The clarifying process will eliminate all the oxidizing elements that make your blonde hair look brassy.
4. Preparation for Hair Color
Clarifying the hair before you apply color can help to absorb the color pigments more effectively and faster.
Why?
Color molecules can easily seep into the hair cortex if the surface is free of color-blocking agents like oils, calcium, and dirt.
5. As a Pre-Masque Step
Before applying facial masks, exfoliating is an important step.
It removes all dead skin cells.
This same principle applies to shampoos used before applying a hair masque. Your masque's moisturizing agents won't need to battle through gunk if you have clean hair.
It will make your hair silky soft.
It's also a great ritual that you can do once or twice per month.
6. To Restart Your Hair Regimen
There will be days when the hair is not cooperating. There are times when it behaves well.
This could be due to hair toxins being too heavy.
Deep cleanse your body to reset it and get back to square one.
7. How to Style The Hair Easier
Unruly hair is frustrating enough. It's annoying and frustrating when you have to spend extra time getting ready in the morning.
A quick detox can immediately help you tame your strands.
It will also have a better grip and bounce over the next few days.
Your styling products may be performing 10X better.
How do you know if your hair needs a clarifying shampoo?
These benefits sound incredible.
What Are The Signs That You Should Look For?
Here are some cues to look out for.
1. Even After Washing, Your Hair Still Feels Dirty
Regular shampoos can be used to cut through dirt and oils.
However, it cannot eliminate bacteria, toxins, or buildup.
Sometimes, your hair can still feel oily and dirty even after shampooing.
This is a sign that the hair is dirty and in dire need of deep cleansing.
2. Your Locks Are Limp
If your locks become limp and can't hold volume, it signifies that something is wrong.
Many hair types can accumulate product residues and will eventually fall apart.
There is no miracle conditioner or masque if your scalp is clogged with hair roots irritants.
Clarifying shampoos remove all traces of dead skin cells, stale oil, dirt, and other impurities to clear the hair follicles.
The shampoo also helps to remove congested skin, which promotes follicular activity.
3. Your Hair Looks Dull and Lifeless
It doesn't matter how expensive your conditioner is; it won't work if your hair looks dull.
To reset, use a clarifying shampoo. It also normalizes the natural oils (sebum) on your scalp.
Too much sebum can make the hair look greasy, even if it isn't.
4. Your Treasures Can't Hold a Style
If the hair has too many things, it will not hold on to a style long.
Because oils, dirt, and other substances would cause it to weigh down.
They would also keep styling sprays off the hair, allowing it to remain natural.
5. After Swimming
Deep cleansers are a must if you are an avid swimmer. These will get rid of chlorine and other chemicals in your hair. This prevents the hair from drying out and causing more damage.
6. Dry Shampoos: Have You Used a Lot of Dry Shampoos?
You should schedule a monthly cleaning if you are using a lot of dry shampoos. This will help eliminate residues.
Don't rush when you use deep cleansers.
It would help if you took your time to ensure it does the job right.
Begin at your roots, as this is where buildup tends to be the most severe. Next, work the suds along your hairline. You don't need to use regular shampoo when using it. Rinse it off and follow up with a conditioner or hair mask to restore moisture.
Want to choose the best shampoo and conditioner, read our article.
What Makes A Good Clarifying Shampoo?
These are the questions to ask before you decide on the best clarifying shampoo:
- Are you a hairdresser?
- You have just had a treatment with keratin
- Are your hair is too fragile or damaged?
Why?
You want to avoid removing any color or keratin treatments due to the intense nature of these cleansers.
Clarifying shampoo before applying these treatments is highly recommended, but hairstylists do not recommend it after.
FAQs
What Clarifying Shampoo Is Needed?
If you're a frequent washer, swimmer, have oily hair, or need to refresh your scalp, this shampoo is an excellent addition to your hair care regimen. We recommend clarifying shampoos being used between one and four times per month to revive the hair and make it look fresh. However, this is not for everyone.
What Frequency Should You Use Clarifying Shampoos?
How often should you clarify? Clarify once a month for the average person. If you have hard water or use many hair styling products, you might need to explain weekly. Avoid clarifying products too often as they can strip hair of essential oils that help keep it healthy.
Does Clarifying Shampoo Make Your Hair Fall Out?
Clarifying differ from regular shampoos in that they are designed to remove dirt and gunk, not condition the hair. You can ensure that it will not fall out by prioritizing your scalp's health.
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Conclusion
No doubt, clarifying shampoo and regular shampoo have their benefits, but it's essential to be aware of their differences. If you're looking for a product that can do more than give you clean hair, then look for a product that is specifically intended for removing build-up. These types of products can prove to be more helpful to the overall quality of your hair, giving you the results that you are looking for. Have you tried clarifying shampoo? Let me know in the comments!
