16 Best Clarifying Shampoos for Curly Hair and Natural Hair 2024
Now keep reading to find out how often you should clarify your hair, if clarifying shampoos are good for all curl types, and what to look for in the best clarifying shampoo for curly hair. Plus, you know, the best formulas with tester reviews, pros/cons, and more.
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1
Best Clarifying Shampoo Overall
Pattern Beauty Clarifying Shampoo
ProsReviewers love that the scent isn’t overwhelmingOur testers noted it left their curls shinyFilled with lightweight hydrators to help offset potential drynessConsSome testers didn’t find it clarifying enough for fine or oily curls
“When I’m not co-washing, I’m grabbing this,” says beauty editor-at-large Julee Wilson. “About twice a month, my curls need a deep-but-nourishing cleanse, and this aloe vera and matcha green tea-packed formulation does the trick,” she explains. It effectively removes product buildup while simultaneously sealing in lots of moisture with shea butter and coconut and sunflower seed oil, making it the ultimate reset wash for tighter hair textures that need the occasional clarifying rinse.
Key ingredients: Aloe, green tea, coconut oil, sunflower seed oil, shea butterSulfate free? Yes, but contains other strong surfactantsSize: 7.8 oz
Glowing customer review: “This is a great shampoo! It’s effective at clarifying and cleaning my oily scalp while having good ingredients. The smell is so nice yet not overpowering. I have 2c/3a hair and this shampoo doesn’t do anything to hinder my curl pattern. This is a staple for me!”
2
Best All-Natural Clarifying Shampoo for Curly Hair
Avalon Organics Clarifying Lemon Shampoo
ProsFree of harsh sulfatesUses natural essential oils to help wash away oils and buildupConsEssential oils can be irritating for sensitive scalps
Made with all-natural ingredients like lemon oil, aloe, and vitamin E, this organic shampoo is EWG-certified and ideal for anyone looking to dissolve product build-up and green-ify their curl routine in the process. And the fact that your shower will smell like a freakin’ lemonade stand in the process doesn’t hurt either.
Key ingredients: Aloe vera, orange peel oil, lemon peel oil, lime oilSulfate free? YesSize: 11 oz
Glowing customer review: “I have really hard water and have been struggling to find a shampoo that will remove the buildup without making my hair dry as straw, so far this is doing the job! Scent is light and pleasant, not overpowering and does not linger. Lathers well and rinses clean.”
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3
Best Clarifying Shampoo for Damaged Curls
Ouai Detox Shampoo
ProsAlso helps treat flaky, itchy scalpsConsMay not be stripping enough for extra-oily scalps
Love the spiky Y2K updos and slicked-back buns? Same, but not the gunk they leave behind the next day. Insert Ouai’s Detox Shampoo, loved by many Cosmo staffers with varying hair types, including commerce writer Sarah Maberry and her 3A curls. “I’ve noticed my hair feels far less greasy and weighed down when I use it in place of regular shampoo every three to four washes,” she explains. “The formula contains apple cider vinegar to help clarify excess oil and flakes, but you get all the benefits without having to pour straight up ACV on your head—been there, done that, and won’t be doing it again.”
Plus, if you’ve got damaged hair, it’s also spiked with some hydrolyzed keratin to repair and strengthen your hair for a smooth, shiny finish. After you wash, follow up with a deep-conditioning treatment, and you’ll be good to go.
Key ingredients: Apple cider vinegar, hydrolyzed keratinSulfate free? Yes, but contains other strong surfactantsSize: 3, 10, 32 oz
Glowing customer review: “Makes hair feel extremely clean. I bought this to help with dry scalp and dandruff but have continued to use weekly. Smells amazing and truly leaves hair and scalp feeling refreshed. Highly recommend.”
4
Best Clarifying Shampoo for Fine, Curly Hair
Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo
ProsDoesn’t strip fine curlsSuitable for color- and chemically treated hairConsTesters wish it came in a jumbo size bottle
Fine curls need a deep-clean every week or two to get rid of all the product and oils that weigh down your hair. This lightweight formula from Olaplex is legit genius, because it uses medium-weight sulfate-free surfactants to de-gunk your roots without totally stripping them either. Plus, it’s topped off with the O.G. Olaplex bonding technology, Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, which actually helps repair your broken bonds and strengthen your hair—an ideal addition for fine, fragile curls that are prone to breakage. Just make sure to limit your use to once a week max, because this stuff can be drying.
Key ingredients: Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, sulfate-free surfactantsSulfate free? Yes, but contains other strong surfactantsSize: 8.5 fl oz
Glowing customer review: “This is the best shampoo! It leaves your hair so soft and clean. The bottle is not very big, but you only need a quarter sized amount to shampoo your whole head and I have long hair. I’ve never had such soft hair from any other shampoo!”
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5
Best Clarifying Shampoo for Reset Washes
Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo
ProsBreaks down every type of product and mineral build-upConsUses SLS sulfates, which are too trying for regular use
This clarifying shampoo is filled with tons of sulfates (!) and absolutely zero silicones, making it perfect for your “reset” wash if you’re following the Curly Girl Method and need to strip the silicones from your curly or wavy hair. Take note, though: This formula is as clarifying as it gets, so if your curls are dry or damaged, limit this one to reset washes only.
Key ingredients: Sodium laureth sulfate, ginseng extractSulfate free? NoSize: 8.5 fl oz
Glowing customer review: “Okay, this is a GREAT shampoo if you have an oily scalp. I have curly hair and after not washing it for a few days, I get a bit oily. When I say you can hear the squeaky clean after washing with this I’m not kidding. The word clarifying isn’t in there for no reason! It’s an awesome shampoo.”
6
Best Drugstore Clarifying Shampoo for Curly Hair
Carol’s Daughter Wash Day Delight Water-to-Foam Sulfate Free Vegan Shampoo
ProsDissolves buildup with salicylic acidTesters with braids and locs *love* this formula and bottle designConsA few reviewers said it left their hair a little tangly
This nozzle-tip shampoo makes it v easy to get into your hair and apply the formula exactly where you want it (ahem, like when you’ve got braids in), then massage in with your fingers. It goes on like a typical gel shampoo, but as you work it onto your scalp, it turns into a foam with the most amazing lather. Don’t get it twisted, though: This lather doesn’t come from harsh sulfates. Instead, this breaks down buildup with exfoliating salicylic acid and helps hydrate a lil with aloe vera.
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, aloe veraSulfate free? NoSize: 16.9 fl oz
Glowing customer review: “My daughter has extremely thick, tangly, coarse, dry wavy-curly hair. This product is a miracle for her! It makes her hair so soft & easy to brush through.”
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7
Best Gentle Clarifying Shampoo for Curly Hair
Dove Scalp + Hair Therapy Sulfate Free Shampoo Density Boost Clarifying Shampoo
ProsLoaded with good-for-your-scalp ingredients, like niacinamide and lactic acidFree of harsh surfactantsReviewers loved the light scentConsMight not be strong enough to remove major buildup and oils
While, yes, this Dove clarifying shampoo does contain some strong surfactants to de-grease your roots, it’s surprisingly gentle and hella good for your scalp health. It uses niacinamide, a do-it-all ingredient you’ve probably slathered on your face before to help soothe your skin and curb oil production. But it also has a little hydrolyzed yeast protein to help strengthen your hair and encourage a strong skin barrier, plus a teeny tiny bit of lactic acid to help gently exfoliate flakes.
Key ingredients: Niacinamide, hydrolyzed yeast protein, zinc, lactic acidSulfate free? Yes, but contains other strong surfactantsSize: 9.25 fl oz
Glowing customer review: “Trust me, just try it! Best shampoo I’ve ever used and won’t go back. So nice to not have to wash my hair so darn often anymore. A lot of shampoos leave a film on the hair that then collects particles throughout the day, making it appear greasy. However, this shampoo does not do that. Cleans and clarifies without leaving my hair dry or brittle.”
8
Best Clarifying Shampoo for Oily, Curly Hair
Mizani Moisture Fusion Gentle Clarifying Shampoo
ProsReviewers loved how refreshed their hair felt without strippingConsA few testers said the fresh scent was a bit too strong
I am pro-sulfates. I know, I know! It’s wild! But for oily hair, it’s the only way to get rid of all of that buildup and start fresh, resulting in voluminous, springy curls. Once a month, I love giving my scalp a serious wash with this sulfate-spiked cleanser from Mizani. Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) breaks down oils, silicones, waxes, dry shampoo—you name it—while salicylic acid chemically exfoliates your scalp and charcoal buffs away flakes.
PSA: Don’t let the name fool you, because I wouldn’t say it’s necessarily “gentle.” So keep it to a minimum (once a month, max) and treat your ends with some TLC afterward with a deep conditioner.
Key ingredients: Charcoal, sulfates, salicylic acidSulfate free? NoSize: 16.9 fl oz
Glowing customer review: “I really liked this clarifying shampoo. It definitely removed build-up and oil from my scalp, without making my hair (curly 3b) feel extremely dry or brittle. Combined with the mask, it was a extremely satisfying process. Once after washing, I didn’t put any product on my hair, and my hair dried curly but with basically no frizz.”
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9
Best Budget Clarifying Shampoo for Curly Hair
Acure Curiously Clarifying Shampoo
ProsLeaves hair feeling softer, thanks to fruit and nut oilsLeast expensive formula on this list (!)No sulfates or strong surfactantsConsIsn’t strong enough to remove silicone build-up
I get it: You prob don’t think you need to clarify your curly hair, because you need all the damn moisture and oils you can get. But! Lemme sway you: Sudsing up with a gentle formula like this every few weeks can help break down scalp oils (the bad kind that weigh down your hair and make your curls look limp and undefined). I love this shampoo because 1) it’s less than $10, AKA less than my latte this morning, and 2) it’s filled with smoothing argan and avocado oils, too. FWIW, former deputy beauty director Chloe Metzger raved about it to me on many occasions, noting how well it cleansed her hair and helped define her type-3 curls.
Key ingredients: Argan oil, avocado oil, aloe veraSulfate free? YesSize: 8 fl oz
Glowing customer review: “This product stripped out all the gunk and it leaves my hair nicely conditioned, too, which I was not expecting. Looks better than it has in over a year.”
10
Best Clarifying Scalp Scrub for Curly Hair
Goop G.Tox Himalayan Salt Scalp Scrub Shampoo
ProsReviewers loved how well it removed flakes Great after taking down braids, according to testersConsHave to follow with deep conditioner to avoid dryness
“When I’m in need of a full reset, I give my scalp and hair some love with this G-Tox clarifying shampoo scrub and a quick hair mask,” says Maberry. “While the salt crystals do offer some physical exfoliation, it washes away easily and the texture is nowhere near as grainy as other scalp scrubs I’ve tried.” Although it’s fab for buffing away flakes and oil, keep in mind: This’ll get your scalp squeaky clean, so it can be a bit drying—so follow up with a nourishing deep conditioner (FWIW, Maberry’s fave is Amika Hydro Rush Intense Hair Mask).
Key ingredients: Himalayan pink salt, moringa oil, rosehip oilSulfate free? YesSize: 6.7 fl oz
Glowing customer review: “I bought this product for its ingredients. I have low porosity, 3b/c curly hair that is mixed with coarse and fine strands. Absolutely loved this scrub and would use once every two to three weeks. It lasts forever, so definitely worth it.”
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11
Best Clarifying Shampoo for Itchy Scalps
Eden BodyWorks Natural Shampoo in Peppermint Tea Tree
ProsCalms irritation with tea tree oilConsLeaves scalp feeling tingly (which some reviewers didn’t like)
As someone who has curly hair and a perpetually flaky, itchy scalp, I know firsthand how hard it can be to treat one without destroying the other. Which is why I love this clarifying shampoo, which uses tea tree oil and peppermint oil to help soothe itchiness, along with gentle surfactants to deeply clean your roots.
Key ingredients: Tea tree oil, peppermint oilSulfate free? YesSize: 8 fl oz
Glowing customer review: “You would expect a shampoo to take a week or two to work; that had been my personal expectation of this product. Surprisingly, this shampoo worked after just ONE SHAMPOO! The years of itching and flakiness stopped IMMEDIATELY after the very first wash and my hair felt so light, like I had no hair at all! (I have long hair.) Incredible!! I am really impressed!!”
12
Best Clarifying Shampoo for 4c Hair
Aunt Jackie’s Purify Me Moisturizing Co-Wash Cleanser
ProsHelp retain moisture with occlusive oilsConsSome reviewers say it’s still too drying for damaged hair
K, so like I said, there’s no such thing as a super-gentle clarifying shampoo, because inherently, they gotta strip a bit (including your curls) to do their job. BUT this sulfate-free clarifying shampoo is as moisturizing as it gets, thanks to its mix of shea butter and coconut, linseed, and avocado oils, making it the best deep-cleanser for 4c hair (or any type-4 hair).
Key ingredients: Hydrolyzed collagen, coconut oil, shea butter, avocado oil, linseed oilSulfate free? Yes, but contains other strong surfactantsSize: 12 fl oz
Glowing customer review: “This moisturizer cowash cleanser is the best so far. It kept my kinky coily natural hair moisturized and clean at the same time. Will keep ordering and will not dare to try another hair brand.”
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13
Best Sulfate-Free Curl Clarifying Shampoo
Camille Rose Sweet Ginger Cleansing Rinse
ProsReviewers say it leaves hair softer than most clarifiersConsVery mild clarifying powers
You know those days when your curls are feeling a little weighed-down, dull, or greasy, and you want a touch more cleansing power than usual? That’s when you reach for this sulfate-free shampoo, which has just enough surfactants to make your hair feel clean-clean (but not stripped), along with aniseed and castor oils to keep your moisture balance in check.
Key ingredients: Castor oil, ginger root oilSulfate free? Yes, but contains other strong surfactantsSize: 12 fl oz
Glowing customer review: “Everything I used stripped my hair and left it feeling like straw but this is a staple for bleached process hair. It made my 4c hair SO SO SOFT. It brought it back to life!”
14
Best Clarifying Shampoo for Dry, Curly Hair
Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo
ProsOffsets dryness with lightweight oilsConsContains a few botanical extracts that can be irritating for some scalps
If just thinking about the words “clarifying shampoo” makes you cringe, please allow this formula to change your mind. It’s definitely still clarifying—meaning it uses somewhat drying (but not overly so) surfactants to strip gunk and build-up—but it’ll also help strengthen and soften dry hair with a blend of argan oil, keratin, and jojoba-seed extract. Still, if you’ve got the driest, most damaged of hair, you’ll want to use this one every few weeks, max.
Key ingredients: Argan oil, keratin, jojoba extract, lavender extract, rosemary extractSulfate free? Yes, but contains other strong surfactantsSize: 8.5 fl oz
Glowing customer review: “I use this usually once every 2-3 weeks and it works so well. I have hard water so I like to use it to help give my hair a refresh every now and then. It also helps with any oil buildup I might have since I’m washing less frequently thanks to being home all the time lol. It’s really effective and makes my hair feel super light.”
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15
Best “Gentle” Curl Clarifying Shampoo
Twist By Ouidad Hit Reset Light Clarifying Shampoo
ProsBreaks down all types of product build-upConsSulfates may be too drying for type-4 hair
The MVP cleanser in this clarifying shampoo? Ammonium laureth sulfate—a slightly gentler, less-stripping sulfate that still suds, still gives you that super-clean scalp feeling, and still breaks down intense build-up…all without totally drying your curls out, thanks to a dose of aloe vera and jojoba oil.
Key ingredients: Ammonium laureth sulfate, aloe vera, jojoba oilSulfate free? Yes, but contains other strong surfactantsSize: 13 fl oz
Glowing customer review: “My natural hair is medium length, wavy/curly, slightly damaged, with thin strands but good volume. This shampoo cleans off build up from my styling products, keeps my my frizz under-control, and keeps my hair hydrated without weighing it down.”
16
Best Mid-Strength Clarifying Curl Shampoo
MopTop Detox Shampoo Citrus Medley
ProsUses stronger surfactants without being *too* dryingConsDoesn’t contain SLS, so won’t remove silicone build-up
This clarifying shampoo for curly hair is not only free of sulfates, but also free of dyes and insoluble silicones (i.e., silicones that build up on your hair). What it does have: coconut-based cleansers that help dissolve gunk and build-up, so your curls feel lighter and more voluminous. It also incorporates a slew of soothers, like allantoin and nettle extract, which are fab for calming an irritated scalp.
Key ingredients: Panthenol, allantoin, nettle extractSulfate free? Yes, but contains other strong surfactantsSize: 2, 8 fl oz
Glowing customer review: “I have fine, low porosity, low to medium density hair, so my hair gets buildup and gets weighed down super easily. My hair somehow was simultaneously greasy and dehydrated because it was blocked from absorbing moisture and everything was just sitting on the surface. This shampoo doesn’t have anything heavy in it as far as I can tell, and my hair was TRANSFORMED after using it. So so happy!”
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Is clarifying shampoo good for curly hair?
Technically, no; clarifying shampoo isn’t “good” for any hair type, but yes, it is necessary for curly hair from time to time. Clarifying shampoos are usually filled with harsh detergents called sulfates, which break down and strip the grease, oil, and residue from your strands, leaving them “reset” and refreshed—and also incredibly dry. It’s kinda like taking antibiotics: They’ll thankfully kill off the bad bacteria in your body…but also some of the good bacteria too. Very necessary at times, but not something you want to do daily.
A lot of styling products (think: leave-in conditioners, butters, hair gels, etc.) contain waxes or silicones that can only be removed from your hair strand with sulfate-filled shampoos. So even if you’re diligently co-washing your hair every few days—but you’re also using products prone to building up—you won’t be doing much to really clean your scalp and hair strands, which will eventually leave your curls lank, dried-out, and/or greasy over time.
How often should curly hair be clarified?
There’s no set rule on this—how often you clarify your hair depends on how your hair feels and which products you’re using, but in general, you can use a clarifying shampoo once a month on curly or natural hair (think: 3a curls to 4c hair). Just use it in place of your regular shampoo once or twice a month, max, then follow up with a deep conditioner to mitigate the dryness afterwards.
That said, there are exceptions: If you’re following the Curly Girl Method (CGM), which has you avoiding any products that contain silicones, waxes, and mineral oils—aka all the ingredients that lead to buildup—you shouldn’t really need to clarify monthly, unless your hair is ultra-fine and prone to oil. Instead, the Curly Girl Method says you should clarify just once at the very beginning of your CGM journey to “reset” your hair and create a clean, stripped-down foundation.
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What to look for in a clarifying shampoo for curly hair
Make the sulfates vs. no sulfates decision.
You have two choices when it comes to clarifying shampoos: formulas with sulfates, or formulas without sulfates (nope, not all clarifying formulas necessarily contain sulfates, especially if they’re created for curly hair). In general, if you’re using silicone-based products, or you’re not following the Curly Girl Method, you’d benefit from a sulfate-based clarifying shampoo to help “reset” your curls once a month. But if you’re living that silicone-free life, you can opt for a sulfate-free clarifier, which will be a bit less drying than a sulfate-filled formula.
Look for hydrating and moisturizing ingredients.
No matter what, a clarifying shampoo is going to dry out your curls to some extent. To help mitigate some of the effects, scan the ingredients list and looking for moisturizing oils (like jojoba, argan, coconut, castor) or butters (like shea and cocoa).
Why trust ‘Cosmopolitan’?
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan and has been writing about hair for six years, including hair-bonding treatments and hair-thickening products. She asked fellow writers their favorite clarifying shampoos for curly hair and went down a rabbit hole of TikTok reviews to compile this list.
Chloe Metzger was the deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan with nearly 10 years of experience researching, writing, and editing hair stories that range from salt sprays to curly hair gels. She’s an authority in all hair categories, but is an expert when it comes to curly hair, thanks to her own lifetime of working with her own 2b/3a curly hair. She regularly tests curly hair shampoos and clarifying formulas on her own hair, and worked with the industry’s top hairstylists and cosmetic chemists to assess new formulas and brands for this story.
Chloe Metzger is the deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan, overseeing the editorial content and growth strategy of the hair, makeup, and skin space on digital, while also obsessively writing about the best hair products for every hair type (curly girl here; whattup), and the skincare routines that really, truly work (follow her on Instagram to see behind-the-scenes pics of that magazine life). She brings nearly a decade of writing and editing expertise, and her work has appeared in Allure, Health, Fitness, Marie Claire, StyleCaster, and Parents. She also has an unhealthy adoration for Tom Hanks and would like to please meet him one day, if you could arrange that. Thanks.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you “have to try.” Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair ‘do every few months.
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