How to Clarify Hair? DIY & Store-Bought Options
I’m not going to lie, when I first heard about clarifying your hair a few years ago I was confused. I mean, I’m washing my hair twice a week, isn’t that enough? Apparently not.
After a long Google search and at least 5 Youtube videos, I came to the conclusion that clarifying really IS an important part of taking proper care of my hair.
Build up in hair: is that a thing?
I always had a halo frizz and blamed it on humidity, lack of moisture, and hundreds of other things. I had to wash my hair every other day and we all know that it takes up to 3 days to air dry our curls without a blow dryer.
Little that I knew that my scalp was dying to be clarified.
You might ask if build-up in hair is really a thing. Yes, it is. Build-up can cause hair loss, oiliness, frizz. It also weighs your hair down and doesn’t let moisture reach your hair shaft.
It’s important to unclog your pores once in a while if you care about your hair health.
What is hair clarifying?
Clarifying means removing product build-up from your hair. We are using lots of different hair products on a daily basis: conditioner, masks, deep conditioner, hairspray, hair gel, hair mousse… The list goes on and on.
The scalp is a part of our skin and, hey, we gently exfoliate your face once in a while, so why don’t do the same for your scalp?
You can clarify your hair with specially designed shampoos or you can try a plethora of DIY home remedies. A clean scalp is a must if you want to grow out your hair and keep it healthy!
Why does my hair feel waxy after washing?
You are probably overwashing your hair.
Natural oils are important for a healthy scalp and if you are washing your hair every day it means that you wash off not only grease and dirt but also natural oils.
Another reason might be that you are using water which is too hot. Always use lukewarm water when you are washing your hair. Remember that it’s best to rinse your hair with cold water as it closes the hair cuticles.
And, of course, your hair might need clarifying. If your hair looks dull and dry, these might be the signs to get rid of the build-up in hair
How to get rid of build-up in hair? DIY clarifying shampoo ideas
The best thing about clarifying is that you don’t need to buy fancy products. There are a variety of DIY home remedies that helps to get rid of that nasty build-up
#1 Apple cider vinegar
ACV is anti-inflammatory, clarifying, detangling, and boosts hair shine! This recipe is super simple.
- 5 parts of water
- 1 part of ACV
- A spray bottle
Mix it well and spray your scalp thoroughly with this mixture. Let it sit for 10 minutes and then rinse it with lukewarm water. You can add a lightweight conditioner afterward.
NOTE: ACV has to be diluted well so it wouldn’t burn your scalp. Be conscious and don’t use too much ACV.
#2 ACV & baking soda
Baking soda might sound like a possible disaster to your hair health but don’t need to worry! It has lots of benefits.
- 2 tbsp of soda
- Half cup of warm water
- 2 tbsp of shampoo
Dilute shampoo in water, then add 2 tbsp of baking soda. Stir it well. Rub the mixture gently into your scalp but be aware that soda is abrasive and can hurt your scalp if you rub it vigorously. Let it sit for a few minutes (up to 5) and rinse it well with cold or lukewarm water.
NOTE: If you buy something through SubjectCurl links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely love.
Gentle clarifying shampoo
If you are not in the mood for making your DIY clarifying treatment at home, you can buy gentle but effective clarifying shampoo online or at the store!
Be aware that this type of shampoo can contain sulfates in order to remove product build-up but always check the label and be sure that it doesn’t contain silicones or drying alcohols.
Using clarifying treatments or shampoo too often might do harm to your hair. Be sure not to use it every time. How often should you clarify? Well, it widely depends on the products that you are using, your lifestyle, and how dry your hair is. I only use clarifying shampoo once a month.
#1 EDEN BodyWorks Papaya Castor Scalp Cleanser
Beautiful hair starts from a clean and healthy scalp. Eden has a wide variety of CGM-friendly products but this one is a real star.
This cleanser nourishes, moisturizes, and cleanses the scalp without drying it out. It doesn’t contain silicones, harsh sulfates, or other harmful ingredients.
Absolutely worth the purchase as it is perfect for curls, coils, and even straight hair! I recommend using a conditioner afterward.
#2 Bounce Curl Enzyme Gentle Clarifying Shampoo
Not the cheapest option but it has great benefits: strengthens, moisturizes, and clarifies hair without weighing it down.
Bounce Curl Clarifying shampoo has a great lather and I feel like it is very effective as my scalp feels squeaky clean afterward. A little goes a long way so the price is quite reasonable.
#3 Kinky Curly Come Clean Shampoo
You can find this one in the nearest store! Short (but great) ingredients list. Helps to tame frizz and effectively removes any build-up.
Come Clean doesn’t contain protein so it is a great option if you have protein-sensitive hair.
Cruelty-free. Black-owned brand.
How to clarify hair: The bottom line
This is your sign to start clarifying your hair. As I mentioned before, healthy hair starts from the healthy scalp so removing any product build-up is extremely important. Let your scalp breathe!
