Find anything you save across the site in your account
Find anything you save across the site in your account Small Plastic Bottles With Lids
By Lottie Winter , Denise Primbet and Humeara Mohamed
A good clarifying shampoo is a must-have weapon that'll fight against our beloved dry shampoos, hair oils, mousses and hair sprays. Which, as necessary as they are, can leave a dulling build-up if you don't cleanse your hair properly after use. Styling products aside, you should also invest in a clarifying formula if you exercise a lot (think of the sweat!) or swim (chlorine deposits are not your friends).
Employed once a month or once a week – depending on your hair's needs – a clarifying shampoo acts like your favourite cleanser, removing every trace of product build-up and excess oil. Clarifying shampoo gets deep into your roots and works all the way along the hair shaft – lifting every speck of dirt, grime and product residue on its way. And, given its mighty cleansing power, a reliable clarifying shampoo can take on even the most stubborn and adhesive styling products that build up over time. Perfect for when your usual favourite shampoo just won't cut it.
Don't get us wrong, we're still very much on board with regular shampoo. For day-to-day cleansing, finding one suited to your hair type and texture can make a huge difference to the health and appearance of your hair and scalp. Especially given the options now are more specific and targeted – you can pick up solutions catered solely toward textured or fine strands, and there are even ones made to soothe itchy scalps. But variety is the spice of life, right?
Below, we've put together a comprehensive guide on the best clarifying shampoos on the market, from budget-friendly options to premium buys that hairdressers swear by. We've also included new launches and our personal favourites, so there's definitely one that will fit your preference and hair concerns.
The GLAMOUR team has collectively reviewed hundreds of clarifying shampoos from a variety of brands. When it comes to testing, we keep in mind various hair types and textures, assessing each formula on things like efficacy, value for money, ingredients and packaging. In the rare instance where we can't personally test something, we make sure to consult our little black book of experts, as well as consumer reviews, to bring you a truthful and informed review nonetheless. Read more about how we test here.
“Think of your skincare routine and apply that order to your hair care,” says Ana McCormack. “We need to cleanse and moisturise.” Clarifying shampoos, then, are your cleansers in this scenario. They reveal a fresh canvas for you to add styling products and treatments.
“Clarifying shampoos are usually more concentrated than regular ones and feature higher pH levels, making them more effective at cleansing the hair,” explains Katy Grimshaw. “While both types of shampoo aim to clean your hair and scalp, clarifying shampoo is stronger and much more effective. The deep cleanse of a clarifier is specifically designed to get rid of residue, dead skin cell build-up and excess oils. They're also great for removing product build-up before colouring hair. It’s often recommended to use a clarifying shampoo if you use a lot of hair products, suffer from an oily scalp or hair, have very hard water or if you're a swimmer with a greenish tint from chlorine buildup. ”
Stephen Buller adds: “Using a clarifying shampoo will ultimately lead to healthy, shiny hair and help to boost volume.” With this in mind, you can expect to notice less breakage, brighter colour, and your scalp won't get as oily as quickly.
That being said, it's not exactly the best idea to deep-clean your hair with a clarifying shampoo every time you wash. Clarifying shampoos have harsher ingredients, which, if used too regularly, can dry hair and scalps out.
“This is a product that means business. So, use it wisely and have a conversation with your stylist first,” muses Stephen. “Generally, I wouldn’t recommend using a clarifying shampoo regularly – you should introduce it alongside your current hair care routine. I would recommend two-three times a month, alongside your regular shampoo. If you overuse a clarifying shampoo it can dry out the scalp and irritate it further. So go easy!”
Ana likes to pick “sulphate-free and naturally derived ingredients” as they're “both kind to your hair and the environment," but Jack Merrick-Thirlway says sulphates can be helpful – they're lathering cleansing agents that remove build-up.
“If you have dry or colour-treated hair, prioritise a gentler clarifying shampoo – look for formulas with hydrating ingredients like aloe vera or glycerin. If you have oily hair, you can opt for a more traditional clarifying shampoo with sulphates for a stronger clean,” he explains.
Ultimately, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Stephen says you should pick whichever ingredients are “suitable for you”.
Katy recommends looking for exfoliating ingredients like salicylic acid, which can help to control sebum production. “Some clarifying shampoos can dry out your scalp and cause cells to produce more oil though, so watch out for that,” she adds.
Looking for more hair products? Head this way for the best shampoos for all hair types and over here for conditioners to pair with them. We’ve also got hair masks, purple shampoos, soothing shampoos for sensitive scalps, the best shampoos for curly hair and the best shampoos for greasy hair. For more beauty and wellness content from Glamour UK Commerce Contributor Humeara Mohamed, follow her on Instagram @humeara and TikTok @humearaa.
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn how we test.
Bottle sizes: 300ml (featured), 89ml, or 946ml Scent: Ouai's ‘Melrose Place’ scent, with a blend of bergamot, lychee, white musk and champagne Sulphate-free? Yes Cruelty-free? Yes Key ingredients: Apple cider vinegar, tamarind seed extract Customer review: “Love the way it makes my scalp and hair feel – it's not harsh or too stripping. Smells amazing and really helps with controlling my oily scalp.”
Why we love it: Designed to be a gentle formula that cleanses hair without stripping away moisture, this clarifying shampoo transforms into a rich lather upon contact with water to help remove impurities, excess oil, product build-up and hard water deposits. It's suitable for all hair types, and Ouai recommends this for anyone struggling with oiliness, dullness or flaking. The bottle is fully recyclable too, and we love that a little goes a long way.
Save more while shopping for the best clarifying shampoos using these LookFantastic discount codes.
Bottle size: 230.7ml Scent: Essential oils add notes of jasmine, bergamot and sandalwood Sulphate-free? No Cruelty-free? Yes Key ingredients: Matcha green tea, panthenol, aloe vera Customer review: “This is the only cleansing shampoo I will ever use in my daughter’s hair. I tried countless other brands, and every single one of them dried my daughter’s hair out. Pattern’s cleansing shampoo is the only one that completely removes tough build-up while leaving her hair soft and moisturised.”
Why we love it: This deep-cleansing shampoo is made specifically for hair types 3 and 4. It features antioxidant-rich matcha green tea, which protects tresses against pollutants and excess impurities, while other ingredients such as aloe vera and panthenol help clarify the scalp and strands without stripping the hair of natural oils. Use this to create a fresh canvas, bringing your curls and scalp back to basics.
K18 Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo
Bottle sizes: 250ml (featured), 930ml Scent: Clean and citrussy Sulphate-free? Yes Cruelty-free? Yes Key ingredients: Patented ‘K18Peptide', salicylic acid, activated charcoal Customer review: “This is the best shampoo! Seriously! My fifth bottle. Does not irritate my scalp. It lasts long, it smells very neutral and perfectly cleans my scalp.”
Why we love it: Want more vibrant colour and nourished strands? Say no more. Engineered for less frequent, heavy-duty washing, this colour-safe shampoo is made with the brand's patented ‘K18Peptide’ to help reduce protein loss and leave your hair softer and healthier. It's ideal for bleach-damaged strands that need a little lovin'.
Check out these Amazon discount codes to save when you shop for the best clarifying shampoos.
Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo
Bottle size: 250ml Scent: Subtle, fresh Sulphate-free? Yes Cruelty-free? Yes Key ingredients: Vitamin B5, amino acids Customer review: “The absolute best clarifying shampoo!! The first time I used it I double shampooed I couldn’t believe how much volume and my natural “beachie wave” came back.”
Why we love it: This once-weekly shampoo uses an advanced broad-spectrum clarifying system to remove impurities such as hard water minerals, chlorine, heavy metals and product buildup, which is perfect for those who live in London! This formula even improves hair health by repairing broken bonds, leaving hair feeling soft and silky. Even Kim K is a fan!
Check out these Amazon discount codes to save when you shop for the best clarifying shampoos.
dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Soothing Shampoo
Bottle size: 250ml Scent: Soft, light, clean, fresh Sulphate-free? Yes Cruelty-free? Yes Key ingredients: Artisanal crafted apple cider vinegar from George Paul Vinegary Customer review: “Love this for my psoriasis scalp. Really soothing, hair feels clean and looks really shiny when I wash with this.”
Why we love it: If you’re prone to a dry, sensitive scalp, then this is the product for you. Fuelled by the soothing effects of apple cider vinegar, this pH-balanced shampoo exfoliates the scalp and seals the hair's cuticle, making your hair appear shinier and healthier. But don't worry about a funky, vinegary smell – this formula will leave you smelling baby-fresh. Oh, and whilst you should always ask a doctor for advice on skin conditions, a quick read of some reviews and it's clear to see that some find this soothing even on dermatitis and psoriasis-prone scalps.
Check out these Cult Beauty discount codes to save when you shop for the best clarifying shampoos.
Adwoa Beauty Blue Tansy Clarifying Gel Shampoo
Why we love it: With a luscious, velvety-smooth texture that melts into your scalp and transforms into an effortless lather, this formula removes dirt and oils to create the perfect environment for later products and styling. It doesn't strip strands – instead, it maintains your hair's moisture levels, reduces breakage, hydrates, and nourishes. It's also clear that this shampoo is made with multiple hair textures in mind; it provides added ‘slip’ for better detangling, which is a game-changer for curly hair types.
Glamour-approved: “I made my friend try this because I wanted to see how it would play with her 3A curls. She's obsessed. Her hair looks more defined and she can go longer between wash days. She says she'll definitely repurchase, which is high praise indeed from someone in our industry!” – Humeara Mohamed, GLAMOUR Commerce Contributor
Save whilst you spree with our Sephora discount codes.
Aveda Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo
Bottle sizes: 250ml (featured), 50ml, 1l Scent: Minty and energising Sulphate-free? No Cruelty-free? Yes Key ingredients: Rosemary, spearmint, peppermint, white vinegar Customer review: “Leaves my hair feeling clean and I love the minty scent. It wakes me up and I also find it really soothing if I’m a bit headachey. Recommend.”
Why we love it: This weightless yet deeply nourishing shampoo is 96% naturally derived, treating scalps to an invigorating injection of rosemary, spearmint, peppermint and white vinegar. Ideal for washing away dirt, excess oils and product build-up, it calls on little micelles to gently lift residue without stripping away moisture or disrupting your scalp's biome. The formula itself is incredibly lightweight and “thin” – perfect for fine hair types as it won't weigh strands down.
Save more while shopping for the best clarifying shampoos using these LookFantastic discount codes.
Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Triple Detox Shampoo
Bottle Size: 160ml Scent: Citrus and green tea with notes of sparkling yuzu and grapefruit Sulphate-free? Yes Cruelty-free? Yes Key ingredients: Magnetic polymer, activated charcoal Customer review: “I use this once a week in between my other shampoo routine. It's absolutely amazing – my hair and scalp instantly feel so clean and revitalised. Once styled, my hair is super manageable and shiny. Would highly recommend to anyone looking to give their hair an extra clean and detox.”
Why we love it: Infused with witch hazel, this gentle, sulphate-free shampoo works to free your hair from lingering product residue, pollution and hard water build-up. It moisturises both your hair and scalp, while charcoal powder helps absorb excess oil. You can tailor your usage according to how bad your hard water is, and the formula itself is completely oil-free. We also love its snazzy magnetic polymers, which actively attract product buildup to pull it away from the scalp. If you need a shampoo that will keep your hair cleaner for longer, this will serve you well.
Check out these Amazon discount codes to save when you shop for the best clarifying shampoos.
Bottle Size: 250ml Scent: Mint and citrus, spa-like Sulphate-free? Yes Cruelty-free? Yes Key ingredients: Sea buckthorn oil, hydrogenated castor oil Customer review: “I have to say, I love this shampoo. I was torn between this and a couple of others for my terrible flaky scalp, so decided to go with this for the great ingredients. I love that it contains natural oils which are great for the scalp and I'm so happy I chose it. I have problems with hair loss and when using this with a scalp serum, I see a big improvement in my hair not dropping out so much. It smells gorgeous too I will definitely continue buying this one.”
Why we love it: Restore your scalp to its former glory using this clarifying shampoo infused with sea buckthorn oil and hydrogenated castor oil. If your scalp is itchy, this will soothe it by invigorating, exfoliating and cooling your skin. It works by gently shifting dead skin cells and stimulating hair follicles with little beads to promote healthy growth, and it comes packaged in a widely recyclable material. Tick, tick and tick!
Check out these Cult Beauty discount codes to save when you shop for the best clarifying shampoos.
Redken Retail Amino-Mint Scalp Shampoo
Bottle Size: 300ml Scent: Minty Sulphate-free? No Cruelty-free? It depends on which country you're in Key ingredients: Peppermint, salicylic acid, menthol Customer review: “Redken Amino Mint Scalp Cleansing Shampoo has been a game-changer for my greasy hair and oily scalp. From the first use, I noticed a significant difference—my scalp felt thoroughly cleansed and refreshed without any dryness. The minty sensation is invigorating, and it leaves my hair feeling light and clean for days. It's now a staple in my hair care routine, and I couldn't be happier with the results. Highly recommend it to anyone struggling with oily hair!”
Why we love it: Infused with peppermint extract, this shampoo contains an amino acid ‘strength complex’ that fortifies hair and promotes moisture retention. It's ideal for treating oily scalps, as it balances the pH of your head whilst it cleanses dirt and product build-up, all without irritating sensitive skin.
Save more while shopping for the best clarifying shampoos using these Amazon discount codes.
Aveeno Haircare Clarify and Shine+ Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo
Bottle Size: 300ml Scent: Subtle apple scent Sulphate-free? Yes Cruelty-free? “AVEENO® doesn't conduct animal testing of our cosmetic products anywhere in the world, except in the rare situation where governments or laws require it” Key ingredients: Apple cider vinegar, colloidal oat Customer review: “Been buying this for about 2/3 months now and my hair is so great. I have a massive build-up of box dye in my hair and it’s definitely helped to remove some of that build up. I get compliments all the time of how shiny my hair is now which is all down to this shampoo.”
Why we love it: Gentle enough for daily use, this affordable shampoo is clinically proven to help relieve itchy, dry scalps and reduce flakes without stripping hair of its natural oils. It leaves hair with a natural, glossy shine after just a single wash, and it's made for all hair types.
Enjoy extra savings when you shop for the best clarifying shampoos using these Boots discount codes.
Redken Hair Cleansing Cream Shampoo
Bottle Size: 250ml Scent: Citrussy Sulphate-free? No Cruelty-free? It depends on which country you're in Key ingredients: AHA fruit acid, vitamin C, vitamin B5 Customer review: “I love this. Makes my hair and scalp feel extra clean, especially if I’ve used dry shampoo or had lots of product in there.”
Why we love it: Using 2% AHA fruit acids to strengthen the hair's cuticle, this specialised shampoo helps remove copper, iron, hard water minerals and styling product build-up. The silicone-free formula is colour-safe, and it's suitable for all hair types and textures.
Save more while shopping for the best clarifying shampoos using these Amazon discount codes.
L'Oréal Professionnel Serié Expert Scalp Advanced Anti-Oiliness Dermo-Purifier Shampoo
Bottle Size: 300ml Scent: Refreshing breeze Sulphate-free? No Cruelty-free? L'Oréal states they do not test on animals. However, according to Conscious Bunny, they do agree on and pay for third parties to test their products on animals. Key ingredients: AHA, salicylic acid Customer review: “This has a nice clean scent that isn't too overpowering, it lathers really well and I can definitely see a reduction in how quickly my hair gets oily. My only negative is the way my hair feels before I condition it and put in leave-in treatments – my roots feel so oil-free that they kind of stick to my fingers, not in a sticky gooey way, but there's just no slip to them at all, so my fingers don't glide through my hair like they normally would. That being said, once my hair is dried I don't notice any difference – it's just an odd texture when wet.”
Why we love it: Ideal for oily hair types, this innovative formula is infused with a 3% water-soluble AHA, which helps buff away dead skin cells on the scalp’s surface and removes excess oil from your hair, leaving it softer than ever. By purifying the scalp, it allows new cells to generate. It's also formulated in collaboration with a team of hair experts. Think: scalp specialists, balayage maestros and colour wizards.
Save more while shopping for the best clarifying shampoos using these LookFantastic discount codes.
Maria Nila Purifying Cleanse Shampoo
Bottle Size: 350ml Scent: Apricot, peach and musk Sulphate-free? Yes Cruelty-free? Yes Key ingredients: AHA, peppermint, aloe vera Customer review: “Wow! Smells very good and the hair, especially the scalp, feels so fresh afterwards. I use about every three weeks! Will buy again for suuuure.”
Why we love it: Entering the UK beauty sphere with a bang, this Swedish brand knows a thing or two about serving great hair. We're simply obsessed with this vegan formula, which creates a clean canvas for styling and other treatments. The packaging is CO2 compensated, and the brand is certified B-Corp, which means they're verified by B Lab to meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. It's clear that their commitment to the planet is far beyond performative.
Glamour-approved: “There are few things that my husband steals from my beauty stash, and this is one of them – it's *that* good. As we speak, there's a nigh empty bottle standing upside-down in our shower that neither of us wants to throw away, in the hopes that we can squeeze out just a little bit more. Oh, and the nostalgic scent lingers for days.” – Humeara Mohamed, GLAMOUR Commerce Contributor
Save both your scalp and your money when shopping for clarifying shampoos with our Selfridges discount codes.
L’Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Metal Detox Anti-Metal Cleansing Cream Shampoo
Bottle Size: 300ml Scent: Fresh citrus and musk Sulphate-free? Yes Cruelty-free? L'Oréal states they do not test on animals. However, according to Conscious Bunny, they do agree on and pay for third parties to test their products on animals. Key ingredients: Glicoamine Customer review: “Lovely fresh smell, great lather. Hair feels really clean. Helped to even out colour and remove imbalance from purple shampoo.”
Why we love it: Did you know that your water might be showering you with excess levels of copper and other metals? Your hair absorbs these metals, resulting in breakage and premature colour-fading. Enter: Metal Detox, which features glicoamine – a molecule small enough to neutralise metals inside the hair fibre – leaving your hair refreshed, clean and seriously shiny.
Save more while shopping for the best clarifying shampoos using these Amazon discount codes.
Bottle sizes: 300ml (featured), 1l Scent: Citrus Sulphate-free? No Cruelty-free? Yes Key ingredients: Keratin, guajava extract, evening primrose oil Customer review: “Lovely shampoo. Some clarifying shampoos are drying but this wasn’t and it smelt lovely.”
Why we love it: Formulated for swimmers and people who live in hard water areas, this salon-quality shampoo is enriched with amino acids, aloe and antioxidant vitamin E. It removes build-up from the likes of chlorine and pollutants whilst tackling dryness by healing and rehydrating damaged strands. Expect shinier, bouncier, healthier-looking hair.
Save more while shopping for the best clarifying shampoos using these LookFantastic discount codes.
Tea Tree Purifying & Balancing Shampoo
Bottle sizes: 400ml (featured), 250ml Scent: Tea tree Sulphate-free? No Cruelty-free? Yes Key ingredients: Community fair trade tea tree oil Customer review: “The very best shampoo for greasy hair.”
Why we love it: Created with 100% vegan proteins and housed in 100% recycled plastic, this affordable plant-based shampoo cleanses oily hair with ease. Plus, it's made with organically grown tea tree oil from Kenya and 93% natural ingredients. It's perfect for sensitive scalps and it balances excess oils without stripping moisture.
Dr Organic Organic Aloe Vera Shampoo
Bottle size: 265ml Scent: Aloe vera Sulphate-free? No Cruelty-free? Yes Key ingredients: Aloe vera Customer review: “A lovely shampoo no scalp irritation at all. I have used it for over a year and recommended many times."
Why we love it: Who doesn't love aloe vera? After all, it has incredible soothing and calming properties that hydrate and restore your skin and give your hair a refreshed, radiant look. Plus, look how affordable this shampoo is. It's vegan too! *chef's kiss*
Make sure to check out our Amazon discount codes.
Bumble and bumble Sunday Shampoo
Bottle size: 250ml Scent: Invigorating and herby Sulphate-free? No Cruelty-free? Yes Key ingredients: Ginseng, rosemary, sage Customer review: “Absolutely the best shampoo you will ever buy! It is what it says, a ‘Sunday Wash’. I use it once a week and my hair feels like I have just walked out of the salon 💇♀️”
Why we love it: This once-weekly formula encourages shiny, fuller-looking locks, clean hair and a healthy scalp, thanks to an invigorating blend of ginseng, rosemary and sage. It's ideal for use on fine and medium hair to remove any build-up and excess oils that otherwise leave your lengths looking lifeless.
Save more while shopping for the best clarifying shampoos using these LookFantastic discount codes.
Bottle size: 250ml (featured), 100ml Scent: Not heavily scented. Medicinal. Sulphate-free? Yes Cruelty-free? Yes Key ingredients: Dandelion root extract, glycerin Customer review: “I've been suffering from seborrheic dermatitis for a very long time and have tried so many shampoos and none of them have helped to keep the condition under control. I have been using this shampoo for 6 months and the results are amazing! My scalp is not dry or itchy and the flakes have disappeared.”
Why we love it: Tired of dandruff and flakiness? Say no more. This detoxifying formula is rich in dandelion root extract, which helps boost your strands’ strength from the inside out while also improving your overall scalp health. It works by fighting microbial attacks and establishing a healthy scalp environment without causing irritation.
Check out these Amazon discount codes to save when you shop for the best clarifying shampoos.
Beauty Pie Super Healthy Hair Detox Shampoo
Bottle size: 250ml Scent: Apple Sulphate-free? Yes Cruelty-free? Yes Key ingredients: Apple cider vinegar, charcoal, peptides, amino acids Customer review: “This is the stuff! For all of the styling products, hair colour, pomade and city life abuse that happens to our hair. This will take it out. You’ll feel squeaky clean. You’ll come back in with your conditioner and know that your scalp is clean, and all of the products you’ve put on your hair have come off. It’s starting new.” –
Why we love it: This salon-strength, deep cleaning formula works as a weekly reboot for your hair by smoothing the cuticle, drawing out oils and toxins and protecting your hair from environmental stress. Made with apple cider vinegar, activated charcoal and a flurry of peptides and amino acids, reach for this if you're in an active love affair with hair sprays, oils, mousses and gels.
Paul Mitchell Clarifying Shampoo Two
Bottle sizes: 300ml (featured), 1l, 500ml Scent: Fresh, clean Sulphate-free? No Cruelty-free? Yes Key ingredients: Chamomile, henna, rosemary, aloe vera, jojoba Customer review: “Loved the smell and it lathered really well to leave sqeaky clean hair.”
Why we love it: Everyone deserves hair full of body and shine. Thankfully, this daily shampoo can help deliver that, even on dull and chemically treated tresses. Made with wheat-derived conditioners and extracts of chamomile, henna and rosemary, plus aloe vera and jojoba, it helps to minimise oil production and bring hair back from the brink.
Empty Cream Jars Save more while shopping for the best clarifying shampoos using these LookFantastic discount codes.