8 Best Clarifying Shampoos for Natural Hair to Remove Buildup

April 2024 · 10 minute read
Best Clarifying Shampoos for Natural Hair The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation process

The importance of using the best clarifying shampoos for natural hair cannot be overstated. While well-formulated regular shampoos do a decent job of keeping our tresses clean, they can sometimes leave residue, oils, and build-up that can weigh down your hair and cause scalp issues. This is where a clarifying shampoo comes into play. 

Especially crucial for those with natural hair, these shampoos deep clean, removing excess dirt, oils, and product build-up, leaving your locks light, voluminous, and revitalized. But with so many options in the market, choosing the right one for your natural hair care routine can be challenging. 

So we went on a journey, trying on some and minutely analyzing real-time user feedback on the remainder of the most popular clarifying shampoos to present this exclusive guide; here are our recommendations to help you select the best natural clarifying shampoos that will work wonders for your hair. 

Scroll down to find out more!

Our top picks

8 Best Clarifying Shampoos for Natural Hair

Pamper your consistently dry hair with this luxurious, deeply moisturizing shampoo treatment. Infused with the goodness of coconut oil, shea butter, and extra virgin olive oil, it leaves your locks feeling exceptionally clean, velvety soft, and well-hydrated. To use, apply Oh So Clean! to wet hair, gently massaging it into a rich lather without excessive scrubbing. Delicately massage your scalp with your fingertips, ensuring the lather works its way through your strands. Rinse and repeat to eliminate any lingering impurities and residue. The best part? This formula is mild enough for frequent use.

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    Best for Scalp Health

    Nothing But Tea Tree Oil Clarifying Shampoo

    Nothing But Tea Tree Oil Clarifying Shampoo

    • Experience a refreshing hair transformation with Nothing But Tea Tree Oil Clarifying Shampoo for natural hair. This cleanser effectively rids your scalp and hair of build-up caused by tap water, dirt, oils, and styling products. Say goodbye to limp, lackluster locks as this shampoo provides a gentle deep cleansing, leaving your hair healthy, shiny, and easy to manage. In addition, it promotes a healthier scalp to support optimal hair growth.

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  • 3

    Best Gentle Formula

    OUIDAD Water Works Clarifying Shampoo

    OUIDAD Water Works Clarifying Shampoo

    • Bid adieu to unruly and dry hair with the hydrating formula of OUIDAD Water Works Clarifying Shampoo. Infused with extracts of lemon, grapefruit, orange, and botanical camellia, it deeply cleanses the hair and provides intense nourishment to curls to keep the hair healthy and resilient. This clarifying shampoo is a perfect choice for those looking for a clean and gentle formula that’s devoid of harsh chemicals like silicones, parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, and petroleum.

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  • 4

    Best Moisturizing

    SheaMoisture Residue Remover Shampoo

    SheaMoisture Residue Remover Shampoo

    • SheaMoisture's Tea Tree and Borage Seed Oil Residue Remover Shampoo is a multifunctional hair care product. It acts as a deep-cleansing, purifying, and nourishing shampoo suitable for both synthetic and natural hair. This gentle yet effective shampoo is designed to eliminate excess residue left by bonding glue after removing wigs or weaves. With the enriching benefits of tea tree oil, borage seed oil, and aloe vera, this shampoo also serves as a detox shampoo and a tea tree oil shampoo. It effortlessly removes residual build-up while preserving the hair's natural moisture.

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  • 5

    Best Anti-dandruff

    Kitsch Tea Tree & Mint Clarifying Bar Shampoo

    Kitsch Tea Tree & Mint Clarifying Bar Shampoo

    • The 2-in-1 Tea Tree Shampoo Bar by Kitsch is a good shampoo for natural hair. It’s infused with tea tree oil and mint that effectively removes hair product build-up, soothes scalp irritation, and combats dandruff. Gentle for regular use, this shampoo leaves hair clean and healthy, making it the perfect solution for itchy scalps. It's a vegan and cruelty-free choice, free from harsh chemicals. Plus, this eco-friendly bar can replace two bottles of liquid shampoo! This one offers a refreshing tea tree and mint scent and is especially suited for those with oily hair.

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  • 6

    Best Cruelty-free

    Malin + Goetz Peppermint Shampoo

    Malin + Goetz Peppermint Shampoo

    • This is the best-selling Peppermint Hair Shampoo by Malin+Goetz, known for its gentle and hydrating qualities. It effectively purifies and cleanses, making it suitable for all hair and scalp types. This daily-use shampoo provides the cleansing your hair needs without stripping or drying it. With natural peppermint extract and amino acid-based cleansing agents, this shampoo delivers effective purification and balance for hair, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a revitalized and refreshed scalp.

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  • 7

    Best Sulfate-free

    Love Hair Revitalizing Shampoo

    Love Hair Revitalizing Shampoo

    • This all-purpose shampoo for natural hair is crafted with plant-based ingredients, delivering a gentle cleansing formula that not only clarifies flaky scalp but also tames frizz and enhances the shine of your locks. It's like a detox for your tresses, effectively removing excess buildup and oils. Plus, it is an excellent choice for color-treated hair. With a balanced pH level of 4.75 to 5.75, it ensures optimal hydration and revitalizes your hair. The powerhouse of ingredients, including apple cider vinegar, quinoa protein, jojoba protein, aloe vera juice, virgin coconut oil, and pracaxi oil, nourishes your hair, making it a must-have for optimal natural hair health.

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  • 8

    Best for Colored Hair

    BLONDME All Blondes Detox Shampoo

    BLONDME All Blondes Detox Shampoo

    • This BLONDME Care shampoo is meticulously designed to uphold the brilliance of blonde hair — so it’s perfect for you if you have dyed your natural hair blonde! It is made possible through the brand’s groundbreaking 3D Bond Creation Technology. Embedded within every molecule is their innovative Dual Bond Technology, a game-changer in damage reduction across all levels. It not only safeguards existing bonds but actively fosters the formation of new ones, allowing you to continue this hair care routine in the comfort of your own home. In essence, this shampoo creates new 3-dimensional bonds, fortifies the hair structure, and empowers you to sustain these bonds with ease, ensuring your blonde mane remains truly iconic.

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    Let’s now understand the important factors to keep in mind while choosing the best clarifying shampoo for natural hair.

    How to Choose the Best Clarifying Shampoo for Natural Hair?

    Clarifying shampoo is an essential haircare product, especially for those who have natural hair. It deep cleanses the scalp, gets rid of residue build-up from other hair products, and leaves the hair clean, refreshed, and revitalized. However, it’s important to note that not all shampoos are created equal. Choosing the best clarifying shampoo for your hair type requires careful consideration. 

    1. Understand Your Hair Type

    First and foremost, you must identify your hair type to make an informed decision about the kind of clarifying shampoo that suits your natural hair. The range of natural hair types can vary from loose waves to tight curls, and each type requires different kinds of care and products. For example, if you have a curly hair type that tends to dry out, look for a clarifying shampoo that will provide intense hydration along with cleaning the scalp and hair.

    2. Check the Ingredients

    After you have understood your hair type, it’s time to look at the shampoo ingredients. For natural hair, avoid products that contain sulfates, as these chemicals can strip the hair of its natural oils leading to dryness and breakage. On the other hand, look for natural ingredients like aloe vera, tea tree oil, or jojoba oil which cleanse and hydrate the hair without causing harm. Also, ingredients like shea butter or glycerin can provide extra moisturizing properties, essential for hair that tends to be dry.

    3. Consider the pH Balance 

    When shopping for a clarifying shampoo for your natural hair, remember to consider the pH balance. An ideal shampoo should have a pH level close to that of human hair, which is slightly acidic (around 4.5-5.5). Such products help maintain the health of your hair and scalp by preserving their natural oils. They can also aid in preventing the hair cuticle from lifting, reducing frizz, and retaining moisture in your hair strands.

    4. Think About Your Hair’s Porosity

    Another important factor to consider while choosing the best clarifying shampoo for natural hair is its porosity. Hair porosity refers to your hair's ability to absorb and retain moisture. If you have high porosity hair, which tends to lose moisture easily, opt for a product with deep moisturizing properties. Alternatively, low-porosity hair doesn't absorb moisture easily, so you would need a product that helps open up your hair cuticles for better absorption.

    5. Consider Your Scalp Health

    Lastly, the health of your scalp plays a crucial role in your shampoo selection process. If you have a dry scalp, opt for a clarifying shampoo that not only cleanses but also moisturizes.

    Speaking of the uses of a clarifying shampoo, our contributor Dr. Hamdan Abdullah Hamed, a certified dermatologist, says, “A clarifying shampoo is used for flaky scalp because it can remove excess oil and dirt. It is one way to help remove dandruff and itchiness because it removes dead skin cells as well as cleans the pores without getting rid of the natural oils.”

    On the other hand, if you have an oily scalp, look for a product that thoroughly cleanses without leaving behind any residue. Remember, a healthy scalp contributes to healthier and shinier natural hair. Therefore, it’s vital to choose a product that promotes your overall scalp health.

    Contributor: Dr. Hamdan, Dermatologist - PowerYourCurls

    Conclusion

    The best clarifying shampoo for natural hair is one that effectively removes product buildup, excess oil, and impurities without stripping the hair of its natural moisture. A top-rated deep cleansing shampoo also provides nourishment and hydration to the hair while promoting its natural shine and volume. Aunt Jackie's Curls and Coils Oh So Clean Deep and Nothing But Tea Tree Oil Clarifying Shampoo are among our favorites from the list. Ultimately, the best clarifying shampoo is subjective and will depend on your hair type, needs, and personal preference. It is advisable to do a patch test or consult a hair professional before trying out a new product.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Alvira, the author is a budding journalist and a haircare expert. She pays detailed attention to ingredients and brands before suggesting a product. It is after careful consideration that she has enlisted the best clarifying shampoos for natural hair. 

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO

    With a keen eye for detail and a passion for hairstyling, Alvira is a certified Hair Expert who brings the latest tre More

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