Best Clarifying Shampoo for Curly Hair: Top Picks & Tips
Curly hair can be a beautiful statement of individuality, but it also requires special care to keep those spirals, waves, and coils looking their best. From styling products to environmental pollutants, residue can quickly build up on curly hair, leading to dull, lifeless curls. That’s where clarifying shampoos come into play. If you’re wondering how to choose the best clarifying shampoo for curly hair, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll dive deep into clarifying shampoos that can cleanse your curly locks without stripping away the moisture your curls crave.
What is a Clarifying Shampoo and Why Do Curly Hair Types Need It?
A clarifying shampoo is essentially a deep cleanser for your scalp and hair. It removes product buildup, excess oils, hard water minerals, and environmental residues that accumulate over time. For curly hair, this type of shampoo is crucial, as curly textures often require heavier products like creams, gels, and oils to maintain moisture and definition. Over time, these products can accumulate on the hair shaft, leaving curls looking limp, greasy, or weighed down.
Curly hair types are naturally more porous, which means they absorb more product and environmental debris than straight hair. That’s why a clarifying shampoo is a must-have in any curly hair routine—it refreshes the hair and scalp, allowing your curls to bounce back to life.
Is a Clarifying Shampoo Good for Curly Hair?
The short answer is, yes, a clarifying shampoo is great for curly hair—when used correctly. Since curly hair tends to be drier than other textures, using a clarifying shampoo too often can strip away natural oils, leaving your curls feeling brittle and dry. The key is to balance between regular shampoos and clarifying treatments. For most people with curly hair, using a clarifying shampoo once or twice a month is enough to keep curls fresh without drying them out.
Top 5 Clarifying Shampoos for Curly Hair
When it comes to choosing the best clarifying shampoo for curly hair, there are a few things to consider: Is it sulfate-free? Does it contain moisturizing ingredients? Does it effectively remove buildup? Below, we’ve gathered some of the best clarifying shampoos to help you clarify and rejuvenate your curls.
1. Ouidad Water Works Clarifying Shampoo
Best for: Product buildup
This shampoo is designed specifically for curly hair, making it a top choice for anyone looking to remove stubborn product buildup without drying out their curls. Ouidad’s Water Works shampoo uses a gentle blend of fruit acids to cleanse and refresh your curls, leaving them soft and bouncy.
Why it’s great:
- Sulfate-free formula
- Contains orange peel extract for a refreshing scent
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Non-drying
2. Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo
Best for: Hydration
Moroccanoil’s clarifying shampoo not only removes impurities but also infuses hair with nourishing argan oil and avocado oil to keep curls moisturized. It’s an excellent choice for curly girls who need a clarifying shampoo that won’t leave their hair feeling stripped.
Why it’s great:
- Rich in antioxidants and vitamins
- Deep cleansing action
- Suitable for all hair types
- Leaves curls soft and shiny
3. Kinky Curly Come Clean Natural Moisturizing Shampoo
Best for: Natural hair
Kinky Curly’s Come Clean Shampoo is one of the best options for curly and natural hair types. It effectively removes dirt and buildup while retaining the natural moisture balance of your curls. It’s sulfate-free and full of natural botanical extracts, making it gentle but powerful.
Why it’s great:
- Cleanses without harsh chemicals
- Contains sea kelp and mandarin orange extract
- Ideal for kinky, coily, and curly hair
- No synthetic fragrances
4. ACURE Curiously Clarifying Shampoo
Best for: Drugstore option
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly clarifying shampoo, ACURE delivers excellent results at a fraction of the price of higher-end brands. This shampoo is made with lemongrass and argan oil, providing a deep clean without stripping your curls of moisture.
Why it’s great:
- Affordable and effective
- Sulfate-free
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Safe for color-treated hair
5. DevaCurl Buildup Buster Micellar Water Cleansing Serum
Best for: Gentle cleansing
DevaCurl’s Buildup Buster uses micellar water technology to gently remove buildup from curly hair without stripping away moisture. It’s perfect for curly girls who need a lightweight yet effective cleanser that will leave their curls feeling refreshed, soft, and hydrated.
Why it’s great:
- Innovative micellar water formula
- Suitable for all curl types
- Free of sulfates, parabens, and silicones
- Maintains hair’s moisture balance
How Often Should You Use a Clarifying Shampoo on Curly Hair?
The key to successfully using a clarifying shampoo on curly hair lies in moderation. Overuse can lead to dryness, frizz, and damage. In most cases, using a clarifying shampoo once every 4 to 6 weeks is ideal for curly hair. If you use a lot of styling products or have hard water, you might benefit from clarifying more frequently—just be sure to follow up with a deep conditioning treatment to replenish moisture.
What Can You Use to Clarify Your Curly Hair?
If you’re in a pinch and don’t have access to a clarifying shampoo, there are a few DIY options you can try at home. One popular method is to use apple cider vinegar. Simply mix one part apple cider vinegar with two parts water and apply it to your hair after shampooing. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly. This natural remedy helps to remove buildup and restore your hair’s natural pH balance.
Another option is a baking soda rinse. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with water and apply it to your hair, massaging it into the scalp before rinsing. Baking soda can help to remove excess oils and product buildup, but be cautious as it can be drying.
The Importance of Following Up with Conditioner
After using a clarifying shampoo, it’s crucial to follow up with a rich, moisturizing conditioner. Clarifying shampoos do an excellent job of removing buildup, but they can also leave your hair feeling a bit dry. By following up with a conditioner designed for curly hair, you help restore hydration, improve elasticity, and protect your curls from frizz.
Some of the best conditioners to pair with clarifying shampoos include SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner, As I Am Leave-In Conditioner, and Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Shea Curl Defining Conditioner. These products not only replenish moisture but also enhance curl definition, ensuring your curls look their best after clarifying.
| Product | Best For | Key Ingredients | Sulfate-Free | Price Range | Size Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ouidad Water Works Clarifying Shampoo | Product buildup removal | Fruit acids, Orange peel extract | Yes | $$ | 8.5 oz |
| Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo | Hydration & Deep Cleansing | Argan oil, Avocado oil | Yes | $$$ | 8.5 oz, 16.9 oz |
| Kinky Curly Come Clean Shampoo | Natural hair & Moisture balance | Sea kelp, Mandarin orange extract | Yes | $$ | 8 oz |
| ACURE Curiously Clarifying Shampoo | Budget-friendly deep cleaning | Lemongrass, Argan oil | Yes | $ | 12 oz |
| DevaCurl Buildup Buster Cleansing Serum | Gentle cleansing with hydration | Micellar water | Yes | $$$ | 8 oz, 32 oz |
Finding the Best Clarifying Shampoo for Curly Hair
Maintaining healthy, bouncy curls requires the right balance of moisture and cleansing. A clarifying shampoo is a vital tool in any curly hair regimen, ensuring that buildup doesn’t weigh down your curls or make them look dull. Whether you opt for a drugstore clarifying shampoo or a high-end option, the key is finding a product that suits your curl type and hair needs.
At agoodshampoo.com, we believe that taking care of your curls should be a joyful experience. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing expert advice on the best shampoos and conditioners that help you achieve your healthiest hair yet. Check out our blog for more in-depth reviews and recommendations on how to care for your curly hair.
