Clarifying, purifying, detox: all three names appear on labels and they mean the same thing. Here is what this shampoo does, how it differs from the one you use every day and when it is worth using.
Short answer: A clarifying shampoo is a deep-cleansing shampoo: it removes the build-up of product, limescale and sebum that a daily shampoo leaves behind. It is also called a purifying or detox shampoo. It is not for every day: use it once or twice a week and do the other washes with your usual shampoo.
In short
- Clarifying, purifying and detox are different names for the same type of shampoo.
- It cleans more deeply than a daily shampoo: it is designed to remove build-up, not to be used at every wash.
- Usual frequency: once or twice a week.
How it differs from a regular shampoo
| Daily shampoo | Clarifying shampoo | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is for | Everyday dirt | Built-up product, limescale and sebum |
| Frequency | Every wash | Once or twice a week |
| Afterwards | Conditioner if you need it | Always conditioner, from mid-lengths to ends |
When you need it
- You use hairspray, dry shampoo or heat protectant several times a week.
- You live in a hard water area or go to the swimming pool.
- Your hair looks dull or the roots fall flat even when it is clean.
How to use it, step by step
- Wet your hair thoroughly. On soaked hair the shampoo spreads more easily and you need less of it.
- Apply it to the roots. Massage for one minute with your fingertips, not your nails.
- Let the lather run down the lengths and rinse. If you have a lot of build-up, do a second, shorter round.
- Conditioner from mid-lengths to ends for two to five minutes, then rinse.
What to look for in a natural clarifying shampoo
- Gentle cleansers. No SLS or SLES; the label usually lists glucosides such as Coco-Glucoside or Decyl Glucoside.
- Something that binds limescale if you live with hard water: chelating agents such as citric acid (Citric Acid), phytic acid (Phytic Acid) or sodium gluconate (Sodium Gluconate).
- No silicones. A shampoo that cleans deeply should not leave another layer behind.
- Suitable for coloured hair, if that applies to you, stated on the pack.
Signs you are using it too often
- The ends feel rough even though you use conditioner.
- Your scalp feels tight or itchy after washing.
- Your hair colour fades faster than usual.
If that happens, space it out to once a week or every ten days.
Which Nitiel product fits
RESET WASH is Nitiel’s clarifying shampoo. A gentle surfactant base, free from SLS and SLES, designed to be used twice a week without drying your hair out or altering your hair colour. The full guide is at detox shampoo: what it does and how often to use it.
Sources and references
- Hardness of Water. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Defines water hardness as the amount of dissolved calcium and magnesium and explains why soap lathers less.
- Hair Cosmetics: An Overview. M. F. R. Gavazzoni Dias, International Journal of Trichology (2015). Scientific review of surfactants, silicones, conditioners and protein hydrolysates in hair care.
Frequently asked questions
Does a clarifying shampoo dry out your hair?
It can if you use it daily or if the formula is very harsh. Used once or twice a week and followed by conditioner, it should not.
Can it be used on coloured hair?
Yes, if the formula says so. For the first two weeks after colouring, it is best to space it out to once a week.
How often should you use a clarifying shampoo?
Once or twice a week. If you use little styling product and your water is soft, once every ten to fifteen days is usually enough.
Does a clarifying shampoo remove limescale from hair?
Yes, especially if it contains chelating agents such as citric acid or phytic acid, which bind to calcium and magnesium so they rinse away.
Is it the same as an anti-dandruff shampoo?
No. A clarifying shampoo removes product build-up, limescale and sebum. Dandruff needs a specific shampoo; if it does not improve within a few weeks, see a dermatologist.