Clarifying Vs. Purifying Shampoo: Differences & How to Choose

What Are Clarifying Shampoos and How Do They Work?

Clarifying shampoos are deep cleansing hair products designed to remove buildup, excess oils, and impurities from the hair and scalp. Unlike regular shampoos focused on general cleansing, clarifying shampoos provide a more thorough clean to refresh and revitalize hair.

Clarifying shampoos contain higher concentrations of surfactants, which are cleansing agents that help break down and remove buildup. Common surfactants found in clarifying shampoos include:

• Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
• Ammonium lauryl sulfate
• Sodium laureth sulfate

These anionic surfactants are highly effective at trapping and rinsing away oils, dirt, product residue, hard water minerals, and environmental pollutants that can accumulate on hair over time.

How Clarifying Shampoos Work

Clarifying shampoos work by utilizing the micelle formation abilities of surfactants. Micelles are tiny spherical particles formed when surfactant molecules cluster together in water.

The hydrophobic (water-repelling) tails of the surfactant molecules orient inwards, creating a non-polar core that can entrap oil-based impurities like sebum, silicones, and waxes. Meanwhile, the hydrophilic (water-attracting) heads face outwards, allowing the micelles to remain dispersed in the water-based shampoo solution.

When you lather up with a clarifying shampoo, the micelles bind to and encapsulate buildup on your hair and scalp. As you rinse, the micelles get washed away, taking the trapped impurities with them and leaving hair refreshed.

In addition to surfactants, some clarifying shampoos may contain other ingredients that aid cleansing, such as:

• Chelating agents to remove mineral deposits
• Mild acids like citric acid to adjust pH
• Essential oils for fragrance and scalp stimulation

The deep cleansing action of clarifying shampoos helps remove barriers that can dull hair, weigh it down, and prevent moisture from properly absorbing. However, their potency means they should only be used occasionally to avoid drying out hair and scalp.

What Are Purifying Shampoos and How Do They Differ From Clarifying Shampoos?

Purifying shampoos are similar to clarifying shampoos in that they are formulated to remove buildup and impurities from hair. However, they tend to be gentler and less stripping than traditional clarifying shampoos.

While clarifying shampoos rely heavily on harsh surfactants, purifying shampoos often use milder surfactants combined with other cleansing ingredients derived from natural sources like:

• Plant oils and extracts
• Fruit acids
• Clays
• Activated charcoal

These natural cleansers work to absorb and flush out excess oils, product residue, hard water minerals, and environmental pollutants in a more gentle manner than the heavy-duty surfactants in clarifying shampoos.

Some key differences between purifying and clarifying shampoos include:

Surfactant Types

• Clarifying shampoos use high concentrations of stripping anionic surfactants like SLS
• Purifying shampoos use gentler anionic surfactants and/or non-ionic surfactants derived from natural sources

Cleansing Strength

• Clarifying shampoos provide a very deep, thorough cleanse to remove heavy buildup
• Purifying shampoos offer a moderate cleanse suitable for light to medium buildup

Effect on Hair

• Clarifying shampoos can leave hair feeling dry and stripped if overused
• Purifying shampoos are less likely to cause dryness and damage

Frequency of Use

• Clarifying shampoos should only be used occasionally, around 1-2 times per month
• Purifying shampoos are gentle enough for more frequent use, up to weekly

So in essence, purifying shampoos aim to provide a happy medium – cleansing hair of impurities without being as harsh and stripping as a full clarifying treatment.

What Are the Main Differences Between Clarifying and Purifying Shampoos?

To summarize the key differences between clarifying and purifying shampoos:

The choice between a clarifying or purifying shampoo will depend on:

• The level and type of buildup on your hair
• Your hair’s condition and tolerance for harsher cleansers
• How often you need or want to clarify your hair

Those with significant, heavy product use or environmental exposure may need the extra strength of a clarifying shampoo every few weeks. Those with lighter buildup can likely get by with a purifying shampoo used more regularly.

When Should You Use a Clarifying Shampoo?

Clarifying shampoos are best used periodically to give hair a deep reset and thorough cleansing. Some key times when using a clarifying shampoo can be beneficial include:

After Heavy Product Use
If you’ve been using a lot of heavy styling products like pomades, waxes, gels or creams, a clarifying shampoo can help remove stubborn buildup that regular shampoo can’t fully cleanse.

Before a Keratin or Smoothing Treatment
Hair needs to be completely free of products and oils for keratin and smoothing treatments to work properly. Using a clarifying shampoo 1-2 days prior helps prepare hair.

After Swimming in Chlorinated/Salted Water
Chlorine and salt water can leave behind mineral and chemical buildup that dulls hair. Clarifying removes this residue.

To Boost Volume and Bounce
Buildup weighs hair down over time. Clarifying shampoo provides a fresh start to restore body and movement.

If Hair Feels Grungy or Looks Dull
When hair starts to look and feel dirty, limp and lackluster even after shampooing, it’s a sign buildup is present that needs clarifying.

Every 4-6 Weeks
As a general guideline, most can benefit from using a clarifying shampoo around once per month or every 4-6 weeks as routine maintenance.

However, it’s important not to over-clarify, as this can lead to dryness, damage, and an overly-stripped scalp that overcompensates by producing more oil. Those with dry, damaged or color-treated hair may want to clarify even less frequently.

When Should You Use a Purifying Shampoo?

While not as heavy-duty as a full clarifying treatment, purifying shampoos can be used more regularly to help maintain hair’s cleanliness between clarifying sessions. Good times to use a purifying shampoo include:

Weekly or Bi-Weekly
For those who tend to experience faster buildup from styling products, dry shampoo, hard water, etc., using a purifying shampoo weekly or every other week can help keep hair fresh.

After Workouts or Sweating
Sweat can mix with oils, dirt and product residue, leading to buildup. A purifying shampoo helps flush this out.

When Hair Feels Weighed Down
If hair is starting to feel a bit heavy or greasy but doesn’t necessarily need a full clarifying cleanse, a purifying shampoo can provide a nice reset.

Between Clarifying Sessions
Using a purifying shampoo in between monthly clarifying treatments can help extend that “just clarified” clean feeling.

For Those with Dry or Damaged Hair
The gentler formulas of purifying shampoos make them a good option for those with excessively dry, brittle or chemically-treated hair that can’t handle clarifying too often.

The key benefit of purifying shampoos is their ability to be used more frequently than harsher clarifying versions to help control light to moderate buildup without causing dryness or damage.

How Do You Properly Use Clarifying and Purifying Shampoos for Best Results?

While the application process is similar to using a regular shampoo, there are some tips for getting the most out of clarifying and purifying shampoos:

Using a Clarifying Shampoo

1. Start with Dry Hair
   Apply the clarifying shampoo to dry hair before getting it wet. This allows the surfactants to start breaking down oils and buildup right away.
2. Gently Massage Scalp
   Once hair is wet, use your fingertips to gently massage the shampoo into your scalp in circular motions. Avoid vigorous scrubbing.
3. Let it Sit for 2-3 Minutes
   Allow the shampoo to remain on your hair for 2-3 minutes before rinsing to give it time to properly dissolve buildup.
4. Rinse Thoroughly
   Rinse with cool water until it runs completely clear to ensure all shampoo and dissolved impurities are washed away.
5. Always Follow with Conditioner
   Clarifying shampoos can be very drying, so always follow up with a rich, moisturizing conditioner or hair mask to replenish moisture.

Using a Purifying Shampoo

1. Wet Hair First
   Unlike clarifying shampoos, purifying shampoos work best applied to already wet hair.
2. Focus on Scalp Area
   Concentrate the shampoo at the scalp area and massage in with fingertips using gentle circular motions.
3. Let it Sit for 1 Minute
   Allow the purifying shampoo to sit for around 1 minute before rinsing to dissolve buildup.
4. Rinse Thoroughly
   Rinse thoroughly until all shampoo is washed away.
5. Condition as Needed
   While not as drying, following with a conditioner is still recommended, especially for those with dry or damaged hair.

In general, clarifying shampoos require a bit more time and attention to allow their surfactants to fully penetrate and dissolve buildup. Purifying shampoos can be used more quickly but still benefit from a short dwell time.

How Do You Choose the Right Clarifying or Purifying Shampoo for Your Hair?

With so many clarifying and purifying shampoo options on the market, it can be tricky to determine which is best for your specific hair type and needs. Here are some factors to consider:

Hair Type and Texture

• Coarse, thick or very curly hair types may need stronger clarifying formulas
• Fine, thin or straight hair may be better off with gentler purifying options

Hair Condition

• Those with extremely dry, brittle or chemically-treated hair should avoid frequent clarifying
• Purifying shampoos are a better option for compromised hair

Level of Buildup

• Heavy buildup from waxes, silicones, hard water, etc. requires a potent clarifying shampoo
• Light, infrequent buildup can likely be handled with a purifying shampoo

Scalp Condition

• Those with conditions like dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis may need medicated options
• Sensitive or easily-irritated scalps should avoid harsh surfactants

Color-Treated Hair

• Look for color-safe clarifying and purifying shampoos to prevent premature fading
• Avoid formulas with high concentrations of sulfates if you have color-treated hair

Natural vs Synthetic Formulas

• Those looking for natural, plant-based options may prefer purifying shampoos
• Clarifying shampoos tend to contain more synthetic surfactants

Fragrance Preferences

• Clarifying shampoos often have a more clinical or herbal scent
• Purifying shampoos may have fruitier, more natural aromas

By evaluating your hair’s characteristics, the level of clarifying needed, ingredient preferences and scent priorities, you can narrow down the ideal clarifying or purifying shampoo for your needs.

It’s all about finding the right balance – a shampoo that provides sufficient cleansing of buildup without being overly harsh or stripping. With the proper product and application, clarifying and purifying shampoos can be an excellent way to refresh hair and keep it looking and feeling its best.