Relaxed hair requires special care and maintenance to keep it healthy and looking its best. One essential product to include in your hair care routine is a clarifying shampoo. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of clarifying shampoos, how often to use them, and our top 7 picks for the best clarifying shampoos for relaxed hair.
HIGHLIGHTS
- The importance of using clarifying shampoos for relaxed hair
- How often to use a clarifying shampoo
- Top 7 best clarifying shampoos for relaxed hair

WHAT IS A CLARIFYING SHAMPOO?
A clarifying shampoo is a deep-cleansing shampoo designed to remove product build-up, dirt, and excess oils from your hair and scalp. Unlike regular shampoos, clarifying shampoos contain powerful cleansing agents that can effectively remove stubborn residues left behind by styling products, hard water minerals, and even chlorine.
WHY USE A CLARIFYING SHAMPOO?
Using a clarifying shampoo is essential for maintaining healthy hair, particularly for those with relaxed hair. The chemicals used in relaxers can leave hair prone to dryness and breakage, making it crucial to keep the scalp and hair clean and free of build-up. A clarifying shampoo helps to:
- Remove product build-up, which can weigh hair down and lead to dullness
- Prevent scalp irritation and dandruff caused by excess oil and dirt
- Restore natural shine and bounce to your hair
- Improve the effectiveness of your other hair care products by allowing them to penetrate the hair shaft more easily
HOW OFTEN SHOULD A CLARIFYING SHAMPOO BE USED?
The frequency with which you should use a clarifying shampoo depends on your hair type, lifestyle, and the amount of product build-up you experience. Generally, for those with relaxed hair, using a clarifying shampoo once every 2 to 4 weeks is recommended.
However, if you use a lot of styling products or have particularly oily hair, you may need to use a clarifying shampoo more often. Always follow up with a deep conditioner or hair mask to replenish moisture after using a clarifying shampoo to avoid hair loss.
MY TOP 7 CLARIFYING SHAMPOOS
Product Name | Main Benefits | Price Range |
---|---|---|
1. ORS Olive Oil Creamy Aloe Shampoo | Moisturizing, gentle cleansing | $ |
2. Pattern Clarifying Shampoo | Effective build-up removal, suitable for all hair types | $$ |
3. Camille Rose Sweet Ginger Cleansing Rinse | Natural ingredients, gentle cleansing | $$ |
4. Texture ID Curl Clarifying Shampoo | Curl-friendly, removes hard water minerals | $ |
5. Ion Hard Water Shampoo | Addresses hard water build-up, color-safe | $$ |
6. My Black Is Beautiful Clarifying Shampoo | Sulfate-free, gentle cleansing | $$ |
7. Not Your Mothers Matcha Green Tea & Wild Apple Blossom Nutrient Rich Shampoo | Nutrient-rich, gentle formula | $ |
- ORS Olive Oil Creamy Aloe Shampoo: This moisturizing shampoo is infused with aloe and olive oil extracts, making it an excellent choice for relaxed hair. It gently cleanses the hair while adding much-needed hydration.
- Pattern Clarifying Shampoo: Created by Tracee Ellis Ross, this clarifying shampoo effectively removes build-up without stripping the hair of its natural oils. It’s suitable for all hair types and textures.
- Camille Rose Sweet Ginger Cleansing Rinse: This sulfate-free shampoo features a blend of natural ingredients, including ginger and castor oil, to gently cleanse the hair while promoting scalp health.
- Texture ID Curl Clarifying Shampoo: Designed for curly and coily hair, this clarifying shampoo is perfect for those with relaxed hair who want to maintain their curl pattern. It effectively removes hard water minerals and product build-up without causing dryness.
- Ion Hard Water Shampoo: Formulated specifically to address the challenges posed by hard water, this shampoo effectively removes mineral deposits while being gentle on color-treated hair. It also helps to restore shine and manageability to relaxed hair.
- My Black Is Beautiful Clarifying Shampoo: This sulfate-free clarifying shampoo provides a gentle yet effective cleansing experience, making it ideal for relaxed hair. It helps to remove build-up and impurities without causing excessive dryness.
- Not Your Mothers Matcha Green Tea & Wild Apple Blossom Nutrient Rich Shampoo: Enriched with antioxidants from matcha green tea and wild apple blossom, this nutrient-rich shampoo provides a gentle cleanse that nourishes the hair while removing build-up.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Clarifying shampoos are essential for maintaining healthy relaxed hair, as they effectively remove product build-up, dirt, and excess oils.
- Generally, use a clarifying shampoo once every 2 to 4 weeks, depending on your hair type, lifestyle, and the amount of product build-up you experience.
- Our top 7 picks for the best clarifying shampoos for relaxed hair cater to different needs, from gentle cleansing to addressing hard water build-up.
- Always follow up with a deep conditioner or hair mask to replenish moisture after using a clarifying shampoo.