Best overall
Ouidad Water Works Clarifying Shampoo
Pros Citrus extract cleans without stripping Cons Some people find it can be drying
This clarifying shampoo is packed with moisturizing ingredients to moisturize your curls. A blend of citrus extracts removes buildup without stripping hair.
Main ingredients: citrus extract
Size: 8.5 fl oz
Amazon rating: 4.6/5
Our experts say: “Ouidad Clarifying Shampoo is great for curls. Small amounts of natural botanical extracts are used to prevent excessive drying of the hair.” —Jerome Laudet, Celebrity Stylist and Owner of Jerome Laudet Salon
perfect for shine
davines sol shampoo
Pros Buckwheat extract gives shine to hair Cons Expensive
Davines shampoos are known for being gentle yet effective. This clarifying shampoo is no exception, thoroughly cleaning your hair without drying it out. The main ingredient is buckwheat extract, which is rich in mineral salts and proteins, cleanses and gives shine.
Main ingredient: buckwheat extract
Size: 8.45 fl oz
Amazon rating: 4.64/5
Our experts say: It can be used on all hair types and leaves your hair feeling cozy, clean and soft. ” —Jerome Laudet
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Perfect for smoothing
Nexus Clean and Pure Clarifying Shampoo
Pros Smoothes and nourishes hair Cons Some people find it dry
This gentle cleansing shampoo is made without silicones, dyes, or parabens, making it perfect for curls. It also contains elastin protein and marine minerals to smooth your hair.
Main ingredients: elastin protein, marine minerals
Size: 13.5 fl oz
Amazon rating: 4.4/5
Our experts say: “(This shampoo) feels like a spa day for your scalp. It gently removes build-up and the scalp scrub contains minerals that help exfoliate the scalp, leaving your scalp refreshed. Keep it clean.”
October Prime Day recommendations chosen by ELLE editorial staff
Perfect for exfoliating
Carl Smith Wash & Scrub Clarifying Detox Shampoo
Pros Exfoliates the scalp Cons Expensive
This shampoo is a heavy hitter. Deeply cleanses hair to remove build-up while leaving hair feeling light as air. It also contains ultra-fine exfoliants to keep your scalp looking fresh.
Main ingredients: apple cider vinegar, perlite
Size: 8 fl oz
Sephora Rating: 4.8/5
A Sephora reviewer says: I use a lot of creams and gels throughout the week so product can build up. CurlSmith Wash and Detox Purifying Shampoo and Scrub left my hair feeling light and my scalp clean and fresh. It also didn’t strip or dry my hair, which surprised me since most clarifying shampoos do that. ”
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Perfect for sensitive skin
Bread Beauty Supply Clear Wash: Detox Clarifying Shampoo
Pros: Deep cleansing without exfoliation Cons: Some people want more lather
If you have very sensitive skin, your scalp may feel itchy or irritated when using highly scented shampoos. This unscented shampoo prevents sensitivity while deeply cleansing with collagen-boosting ginger root, strengthening rosemary and eucalyptus, and bond-building amino acids.
Main ingredients: ginger, rosemary, eucalyptus, amino acids
Size: 10.4 fl oz
Sephora Rating: 4.6/5
A Sephora reviewer said: “Clear Wash makes my hair feel nice and clean without drying or flattening it, which is hard to find with shampoo. My wash days are so much better and so cute!”
Perfect for scalp health
Secred Clarifying Shampoo & Scalp Scrub
Pros Exfoliates and refreshes Cons Some people dislike the packaging
Leave it to Beyoncé to come up with the most beautiful purifying shampoo on the market. This shampoo is packed with exfoliants, niacinamide to promote scalp health, and clarifying tea tree oil.
Key Ingredients: Exfoliant, Fermented Purple Willow Bark, Tea Tree Oil
Size: 8 fl oz
Secred rating: 4.9/5
The editors of ELLE said: “I tend to be skeptical about the effectiveness of celebrity beauty brands. But we all know Beyoncé is no ordinary celebrity. My scalp and hair felt so clean after just one shampoo. ! I had to use Cécred’s moisturizing shampoo to restore moisture to my hair. This product works great on curly hair, so I always use it after I let my braids down.” —Daniel James, Digital beauty director
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Perfect for curly hair
Oai detox shampoo
Pros Exfoliates the scalp while removing build-up Cons Keratin can increase build-up in the hair
If your hair feels lackluster, use Ouai’s Clarifying Shampoo to restore shine and bounce. Chelating agents help remove heavy metals from the hair, and apple cider vinegar exfoliates the scalp and removes built-up residue. Keratin smooths frizz and flyaways.
Main ingredients: apple cider vinegar, keratin
Size: 10 fl oz
Amazon rating: 4.6/5
Our experts say: “Ouai Detox Shampoo uses apple cider vinegar to make your hair super clean (you can also use this on its own!). However, it has added keratin, which means you don’t have to use the product often. If you don’t use it, it’s great for keeping your hair looking and feeling strong, but if you want to get rid of all the buildup, you should avoid products with additional ingredients like this.” —Jerome Laudet
Perfect for weekly use
bumble and bumble sunday shampoo
Pros Stimulates scalp and cleanses Cons Expensive
“Sunday” is the most appropriate name for this shampoo. It feels like resetting your hair on a Sunday morning. Rosemary and ginseng stimulate and purify the scalp, and sage is a natural clarifying agent.
Main ingredients: rosemary, ginseng, sage
Size: 8.5 fl oz
Amazon rating: 4.6/5
Amazon reviewer says: “This shampoo has made a huge difference to my hair. My hairdresser recommended this product to me because I noticed a lot of buildup when using various styling products. My hair has gotten better every week. I don’t feel any stickiness or buildup on my scalp since using this.
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Ideal for oily scalp
Dove Scalp + Hair Therapy Density Boost Clarifying Shampoo
Advantages: Dissolves oil with zinc Disadvantages: Some people find that it does not lather well
If you suffer from an oily scalp, this shampoo is the perfect solution. Formulated with zinc, it helps dissolve excess oil from your scalp without stripping your hair.
Main ingredients: zinc, vitamin B3
Size: 9.25 fl oz
Amazon rating: 4.4/5
Our experts say, “Dove Scalp + Hair Therapy gently cleanses hair and contains ingredients such as vitamin B3, vitamin E, zinc, and peptides.” —Lacey Redway, Celebrity Hairstylist and Hair Ambassador
perfect for humidity
SheaMoisture Strengthening Repair Shampoo for Damaged Hair
Pros Gentle on curls and damaged hair Cons Some people may not like the smell
Shea butter, peppermint, and apple cider vinegar are blended in this deep cleansing shampoo to remove buildup and moisturize at the same time. Perfect for hair that needs a little more hydration.
Main ingredients: shea butter, peppermint, apple cider vinegar
Size: 13 fl oz
Ulta Rating: 4.4/5
Our experts say: “Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strength & Restore Shampoo is specifically designed with textured hair in mind. It is sulfate-free and provides the moisturized texture your hair needs.” — Lacey Redway
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best value
Tresemmé Cleanse & Replenish 3-in-1 Shampoo, Conditioner, Detangler
Pros Removes residue while adding moisture Cons Some people may not like the 3-in-1 format
If you immediately balk at the idea of a 3-in-1 shampoo, it’s understandable. Not only is this a recommendation from Redway, but it’s packed with ingredients to help keep your curls bouncy and remove excess product. Vitamin C and green tea nourish your hair, while amino acids and ceramides strengthen it. Use your favorite conditioner, especially if your curls are dry.
Main ingredients: vitamin C, green tea, ceramide, amino acids
Size: 28 fl oz
Walmart Rating: 4.6/5
Our experts say: “(This formula) is good for removing stubborn or built-up grease.” — Lacey Redway
Perfect for extreme build-ups
DevaCurl Build-Up Buster Gentle Clarifying Cleanser
Pros: Good for curls Cons: Some people find it drying
This shampoo’s purifying complex is specially formulated with all curl patterns in mind. As it is a cleansing serum, it is very gentle on the hair and scalp.
Main ingredient: celery seed extract
Size: 8.5 fl oz
Amazon rating: 4.5/5
Amazon reviewer says: Once I tried this purifier, my curls came back. ”
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What does clarifying shampoo do and what are its benefits?
If you’ve ever felt like you needed a deeper cleanse than regular shampoo, a purifying shampoo can come in handy. “A clarifying shampoo is meant to cleanse your hair more thoroughly than a regular shampoo, and is primarily used to remove product residue and oil from the scalp,” says Laudette. He explains that clarifying shampoos help with buildup that comes from products, heavy hair masks, or oil that can clog the scalp’s pores.
What should people with curly hair look for in a cooling shampoo?
In one word, it’s “humidity.” “If you have curly hair, you should always keep hydration in mind,” says Redway. “Most clarifying shampoos tend to dry out curly hair. Look for ones that are specifically for curls, as they may have other moisturizing ingredients in their ingredients. Use them minimally and Only if necessary, no more than once or twice a month.”
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Is there anything people with curly hair should avoid when using cleansing shampoo?
Laudette and Redway agree that the worst thing anyone with curly hair can do is use too many clarifying shampoos. “Clarifying shampoos strip away moisture, so be sure to limit their use based on the amount of product you use on your hair and how much your hair can handle,” says Laudette.
meet an expert
Lacey Redway is a celebrity hairstylist and brand ambassador.
Jerome Laudette is a celebrity stylist and owner of Jerome Laudette Salon.
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Why trust ELLE Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com personally tests the latest and most innovative products, interviews countless experts, and scrutinizes the items our customers love. We are committed to introducing the best products in different categories. In this article, ELLE Beauty Editor Katie Bellone interviews celebrity hairstylists to find out the best cleansing shampoos for curly hair.
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Katie Bellone is ELLE’s beauty editor. Previously, she held the same position at Who What Wear, where she rose from deputy beauty editor. She has written for publications such as The Cut, Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping, and Mashable. Her interests include fragrance, vintage shopping, hot yoga, food, travel, music, books, and experimenting with creating all NYT Cooking recipes. She’s on a never-ending quest to find the perfect shade of red lipstick.
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