Questions About Clarifying Shampoos

[GingerSnapO]

My CO regimen isn't working as well as it used to, so I figured I might need to clarify. I just need to figure out what to buy first! Is there anything magical about a poo labeled as a clarifying shampoo, or will any shampoo really work? Do all clarifying shampoos contain SLS, or are there some with gentler things like SLES or other gentler detergents? If so, do the gentler ones work as well at getting rid of buildup?

[meowmeow]

A clarifying shampoo shouldn't have any conditioning agents in it since it's supposed to remove everything from your hair. Regular shampoos usually have some sort of conditioning agent to lubricate the strands to reduce the friction between them.

I don't know for sure if all clarifying shampoos have SLS specifically, but as long as it has no conditioning agents it's a clarifying shampoo (it should say so on the bottle). Gentler detergents generally don't work as well in removing buildup because what makes them gentle is that they don't clean as well (i.e. they leave more scalp oil behind). That being said, if you don't feel clean, you can always shampoo again.

In my opinion, I think a regular shampoo should be fine unless you're using heavy styling products.

[Panth]

Generally, the advice is either to buy a clarifying shampoo (it'll say on the label) or to chose a non-conditioning shampoo (look on the label and discount anything with 'cones in it, seeing as that's the sort of build-up you're trying to get rid of - non-conditioning shampoos are often clear instead of pearly) and then mix the non-conditioning shampoo with a bit of baking soda.

You may have to do two or even three washes with it, depending on how much build up you have. Also, don't worry - your hair may feel dry or not great after clarifying. That's 'cause it now has no sebum or conditioning agents in/on it whatsoever. Just do a CO wash afterwards, or maybe an oiling or a moisturising treatment, whatever you like. ^_^

[meowmeow]

To expand on Panth's post, other conditiong agents to look out for are guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride and Polyquaternium 7 and 10 (ref: http://thebeautybrains.com/2009/03/02/how-do-clarifying-shampoos-work/)

I would advise NOT mixing shampoo with baking soda. The PH of hair is naturally acidic and baking soda is alkaline, if hair becomes too alkaline the cuticles start to lift. Furthermore, baking soda is abrasive so I don't think it would be a good idea to add it in. :twocents:

That being said, just look for a shampoo that says "Clarifying" on it and you'll be good to go :).

[Carolyn]

I don't think an occasional use of an SLS shampoo is going to do any harm. The purpose is to remove gunk and build up. You wouldn't use it if you didn't have a problem. A clarifying shampoo is meant to strip the hair of all product build up and sebum. It's by nature harsh. Use a rich moisturizing conditioner after your clarifying shampoo to put the moisture back in.

[GourmetChica]

For a cheap option, Suave had a great clarifying shampoo, which has EDTA ( a chelating agent that helps remove mineral deposits from water).

[Darkhorse1]

I always use clarifying shampoos as I have an oily scalp and work with horses.

Pantene's clarifying was amazing, but has been discontinued. Herbal Essence's degunkify is much better than drama clean, but I haven't seen that anywhere. I found the HE line to be much gentler. Neutrogena is probably the best as it removes build up, but is gentle on hair.

Be careful though if you color your hair as it will strip a demi permanent color.

[elbow chic]

I like Suave's clarifying shampoo, too. And it's cheap.

[Roscata]

No any shampoo will not work to clarify. They put clarify on the label because it can actually remove buildup.

No all clarifying shampoos do not contain SLS. I use CURLS Pure Curls Clarifying Shampoo (http://www.curlmart.com/store/curls-pure-curls-clarifying-shampoo.html) and it is Glycerin Free, Organic, Paraben Free, Protein Free, Silicone Free and Sulfate Free.

The gentler sulfate-free clarifying shampoo I use removes all the buildup in my hair and it doesn't dry it out. I love it. :D

ETA: If you want to skip shampoo all the way and clarify your hair, you can: How to clarify with no poo (http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Go-No-Poo/)