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Is having the heating on making your hair greasier? These are the best clarifying shampoos to tackle an oily scalp
By Holly Bullock &Charlotte Bitmead
Updated 4 months ago
All products on this page have been selected by the editorial team, however Stylist may make commission on some products purchased through affiliate links in this article
4 min read
Scalp feeling flaky and oily? It may sound contradictory, but this is a telltale sign of product build-up. Here’s how to reset your hair to factory settings…
Dry shampoo, leave-in conditioner, oil, cream, spray, gel… the list is endless, and if you’re using lots of different hair products on a regular basis, build-up can begin.
As the name suggests, build-up develops when hair products accumulate on the scalp, often leaving it flaky or with a noticeably waxy feel. If your shampoo isn’t cutting it and your hair doesn’t quite feel as clean as you’d like post-wash, this is a job for the clarifying stuff.
Specifically formulated with higher levels of surfactants (the compounds that help remove oil and dirt) to get rid of build-up, clarifying shampoo is more effective at deep-cleaning the hair and scalp than regular shampoo. Used between one and four times a month, it’s a supercharged cleanse to reset. Think of it like going through an all-spinning, all-foaming car wash rather than using a sponge and bucket on your driveway.
If bathroom-based self care is your thing but, like us, you haven’t had the chance to indulge in a lengthy routine for a while, then now is the perfect time to treat your scalp to a deep cleanse.
Here’s our pick of the best clarifying formulas for every type of hair…
13 best clarifying shampoos
Living Proof Clarifying Detox Shampoo
Banishing everything from product build-up to pollution to metals caused by hard water, this clarifying shampoo uses activated charcoal’s oil-absorbing powers to remove impurities without leaving hair feeling stripped or dry. Plus, the formula is designed not to disturb your colour.
Shop Living Proof Clarifying Detox Shampoo at Sephora UK, £31
Ouai Detox Shampoo
This formula uses old-school apple cider vinegar to banish build-up and pesky flakes. It doesn’t just take care of the scalp, but science-y hydrolysed keratin works to leave ends looking glossy and replenished with flyaways kept to a minimum. And we can’t not mention the luxurious scent blend of bergamot, rose and musk.
Hair by Sam McKnight Light Cleanse Hair and Scalp Shampoo
Find clarifying shampoos too harsh on your scalp? Hair legend Sam McKnight has created this gentle formula packed with mild surfactants (ie cleansing agents) to sweep away oil and product residue while being dermatologically tested to not upset the scalp area. Aquaxyl (a sugar-derived complex) is also in the mix to support scalp health and prevent water loss.
Shop Hair by Sam McKnight Light Cleanse Hair and Scalp Shampoo at Cult Beauty, £16
Arkive All Day Extra Shampoo
You can count on Arkive for two things: great-smelling products that deliver on their promise. This lightweight formula is ideal for oily and combination scalps and it promises to get rid of build-up and add excellent volume.
Davines SOLU Shampoo
This sustainable brand (which is developed from a lab running on exclusively clean energy) has a multitude of cult products, but its cleansing shampoo is a standout. Made to rinse away build-up gently yet thoroughly, it’s perfect for anyone whose delicate hair needs a light touch.
Act+Acre Cold Processed Cleanse Shampoo
If your hair can’t handle sulphates, this sulphate-free formula contains apple amino acids which work to combat build-up with less dryness than traditional clarifying shampoos – and added glycerin imparts serious hydration benefits.
Shop Act+Acre Cold Processed Cleanse Shampoo at Cult Beauty, £18
Ameliorate Clarifying Shampoo
This science-driven formula doesn’t just clear away build-up – it uses prebiotics to help soothe and treat the scalp underneath for fewer flakes and less dryness.
Pattern Cleansing Shampoo
Made for curly and textured hair, this rich lather will clear your scalp of product build-up. But it won’t leave it unnervingly squeaky like some formulas, thanks to moisturising panthenol (often used as a humectant in skincare). Bonus points for the jasmine, sandalwood and bergamot scent.
Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo
Some say this is the OG clarifying shampoo – and it has a cult fanbase for a reason. Ideal for oily hair, if you use it weekly, it’ll help keep your scalp under control and promote hair growth with added rosemary extract.
Malin + Goetz Peppermint Shampoo
If you like your shampoo to have oomph, this is a must-try. The peppermint extract is satisfyingly zingy and leaves your scalp slightly tingly – all while clearing it of excess oil and build up.
Kevin Murphy Maxi.Wash
Firstly, let’s acknowledge the genius of Kevin Murphy’s shampoo bottle design: the lid is at the bottom so as not to waste any product. And thank goodness, because this AHA-packed formula gently strips the scalp of unwanted build-up for a pleasingly thorough cleanse.
Bouclème Scalp Exfoliating Shampoo
If you’ve ever wished you could scrub your scalp clean, you can. This curl-specific shampoo contains exfoliating beads made from castor oil to gently slough away flakes and build-up without stripping away moisture.
K18 Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo
Designed to help the styling products you apply post-wash work more effectively, this shampoo contains salicylic acid to gently unclog hair follicles and leave your scalp feeling lighter.
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Images: courtesy of brands
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