13 Clarifying Shampoos That Will Properly De-Gunk Your Hair

If you’ve heard a lot about peptides, specifically in skin care, you’ll know how effective the ingredient is at replenishing and repairing what’s lost to renew. The same goes for the powerhouse ingredient in hair. Think of this shampoo as a nourishing serum; the Peptide Prep shampoo by K18 is a reparative, moisturizing shampoo that eliminates build-up via salicylic acid and strengthens weak strands with peptides.

Size: 8.5 oz

Sephora rating: 4.7/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “On wash days, nothing gives my hair a fresh start like the K18 Detox Shampoo. I used to use it in tandem with the K18 hair mask post-bleach job, but now that my hair is fresh and healthy, I cannot skip the detoxing step, even if I don’t go in with the treatment. It completely removes all build-up and oil from my head, even on days when I use a ton of gel and oils for a slicked-back bun. 10/10, no other shampoo compares.” —Tatjana Freund, Hearst fashion & luxury commerce editor

Don’t let the runny consistency fool you. Carol’s Daughter’s Wash Day Delight cuts your shampoo time in half with a water-to-foam formula that transforms into a rich lather and deeply cleanses stubborn dirt and build-up. The nozzle applicator gets deep into braids and twists to keep your protective styles fresh and your scalp clean as a whistle.

Size: 16.9 fl oz

Amazon star rating: 4.5/5

An ELLE editor says: “Every time I have knotless braids in, I reach for this shampoo because few products cleanse the weeks-worth of oil and leave-in conditioner built up on my braids like this gem. It pours onto your hair like water—so be careful and apply a little as you go—but lathers to a foam that washes away every trace of dirt to leave your day, well, delightful.”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor

Girl + Hair, formulated by Dr. Camille Howard Verovic, understands the importance of keeping your scalp clean and clear regardless of your hairstyle. Thanks to the nozzle tip, you can directly apply the nourishing formula—which has apple cider vinegar to break down build-up and gunk—to get to the root of all your hair woes.

Size: 10.1 fl oz

Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “I used this product after taking down my box braids. I love how the nozzle tip allowed me to apply the formula directly to my scalp. It broke up build up easily and left my scalp feeling clean and refreshed. It’s great to have an affordable product that works!”—Danielle James, ELLE.com digital beauty director

If you’re new to the clarifying shampoo world, the OUAI Detox shampoo is excellent for beginners. It’s gentle enough to be used up to twice a week, but it still has intense clarifying ingredients like apple cider vinegar to clean your scalp and strands.

Size: 10 fl oz

Amazon star rating: 4.6/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “I’ve tried other detox shampoos & have been disappointed, but OUAI really cleans your hair & has a nice scent!! I will recommend it to family & friends for sure!!”

For fine hair that lacks density, this clarifying shampoo allows the scalp to get the maximum nutrients and air needed to grow your hair. After just a few washes, you’ll notice that your hair will start looking fluffier, more voluminous, and longer over time.

Size: 33.8 oz

Ulta star rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer said: “I do not style my hair; I just brush it and let it air dry. Since using Nioxin, my hair has looked amazing. I have received more compliments about my hair in the last few weeks than I have in my entire life. I started with the mini size and just purchased the full size. Definitely worth it!”

Oily hair is most prone to becoming itchy and irritated, so this shampoo was specifically designed to reset the scalp without stripping out healthy oils. Formulated with detoxifying pink grapefruit, oily hair can finally feel refreshed.

Size: 12 fl oz

Amazon star rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “Cleans my oily hair after two washings. It leaves my hair fresh and clean but not at all dry. It’s awesome!”

This line by Tia Mowry uses apple cider vinegar and Hemi15, a science-backed ingredient (hemisqualene) that helps penetrate your hair for cleansing and hydration.

Size: 13 fl oz

4u by Tia rating: 4.7/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “I love this product. When it first launched, I used it once a month for two months straight to reset my hair from all the creams and oils that can cause build-up over time. I noticed my hair felt cleaner and my leave-in products and serums worked better. Moreso, the Hemi15 helps strengthen and moisturize your hair while providing protection from humidity and controlling frizz. It’s affordable and works well—I highly recommend it!”—Danielle James

Hair that hasn’t been clarified can often look weighed down and dull. This apple cider vinegar-infused shampoo gives such a thorough cleanse that you’ll be left with voluminous, shiny hair.

Size: 12 fl oz

Amazon star rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “Removes excess scalp oil and leaves my hair silky clean. Excellent product for a fair price.”

Somewhere between a scrub and a shampoo, this product contains some exfoliating beads that remove build-up trapped on the scalp and strands. All the benefits of a scrub, with the comfort of a familiar shampoo.

Size: 8.45 fl oz

Amazon star rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “I’m using it once a week and it helps to reduce the oils. Amazing product.”

This clarifying shampoo from Bumble and Bumble is perfect for those days when you have a little more time to devote to your beauty routine. It uses ginseng root extract, rosemary leaf extract, and sage leaf extract to cleanse and stimulate the scalp. Keep in mind that this product is not meant to be used on color-treated hair.

Size: 8 fl oz

Sephora star rating: 4.7/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer said: “I’ve been using this shampoo for a while now & it leaves my hair so soft & shiny. It also gives some volume to my hair, very manageable. My hair feels so clean & I don’t feel like I have a film on my hair.”

This clarifying shampoo from Living Proof is a great choice for all hair types. Activated charcoal absorbs excess oils, and a patented molecule helps to keep your hair cleaner long after you wash it.

Size: 5.4 fl oz

Amazon star rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “This product really works. I have platinum blonde hair and hard water. Those two things do not mix well, making my blonde look dirty. Also, my hair felt extra thick and not in a good way. Someone recommended I try some hard water shampoo; this one was on a list I read about. After the first use, my hair was so much softer and the blonde was really shining through again. After the second use, I felt just like my old self again with my hair.”

Clarifying shampoos, like clarifying face toners, can often leave your hair feeling stripped and dry. However, this formula from Moroccanoil contains various nourishing and strengthening ingredients to help keep the hair hydrated during and after the deep cleanse, including argan oil, lavender, rosemary, chamomile, and jojoba extracts, keratin, and panthenol.

Size: 8.5 fl oz

Amazon star rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “I have always been a fan of Moroccan oil products, and this shampoo is no exception. It does a great job of getting rid of all of the buildup of grease and products in my hair after a week of not washing and leaves it feeling clean and hydrated.”

If you’re looking to deep-cleanse your hair and simultaneously deposit a ton of nourishing ingredients into it, this shampoo from Briogeo is for you. The brand describes it as a “juice cleanse for your hair” so you can replenish its nutrients while getting rid of all the impurities. Plus, it’s safe to use on color-treated, keratin-treated, chemically-treated, and relaxed hair.

Size: 12.5 oz

Sephora star rating: 4/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer said: “LOVE this shampoo! I have dry, colored hair and this shampoo does such a nice job of moisturizing. It doesn’t weigh my hair down and it smells AMAZING!”