For swimmers specifically, as well as those with oily scalps or who don't wash their hair often, Alzarez recommends using a clarifying shampoo regularly, though all people should limit their use of it to "at most, once a week." Dr. Friese agrees, advising that people who merely have oily hair use it "about every third wash to help remove oily buildup on the scalp." For those who have naturally dry hair, meanwhile, Alvarez suggests only using it as needed. What to Look For in Clarifying Shampoo If you’re introducing a clarifying shampoo into your routine, experts recommend proceeding with caution because they can be harsh on your hair. While searching, we kept the following in mind: We spoke to hairstylists, trichologists and dermatologists about what to consider when shopping for a clarifying shampoo and how to determine which option is best for your scalp and hair type. We also compiled expert-recommended and highly rated clarifying shampoos to consider using. That being said, it's not exactly the best idea to deep-clean your hair with a clarifying shampoo every time you wash it (since clarifying shampoos have harsher ingredients, which, if used too regularly can dry hair and scalps out), a once-over every so often deep-cleanse could just be the answer to peak hair health.

Not only does overusing a clarifying shampoo affect your hair strands, but it also affects your scalp. You can cause your scalp to become dry, disrupt its microbiome and cause your hair to become brittle as a result, according to Caspara. Meet our experts

Clarifying shampoo is formulated to cleanse the hair and scalp of buildup and impurities," explains Gretchen Friese, a certified BosleyMD trichologist. Trichologists, by the way, are medical experts that specialize in hair and scalp health. Friese adds, that clarifying shampoos are "often used by people who are infrequent washers, swimmers, have problems with oily hair, or simply want to refresh their scalp." Some clarifying shampoos are more powerful than others and most are only designed to be used once a week. Make sure you don't overuse them, as this could strip the scalp of moisture and stimulate even more oil production. Health Wellness All Health Meal Kit Delivery Gluten-Free Meal Kit Delivery KN95 Masks N95 Masks Disposable Face Masks Air Purifiers Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents Natural Deodorants Period Underwear Keratin-treated hair: You may want to be cautious of using a clarifying shampoo since it can diminish the longevity of the treatment, says Kalanawi.

Looking for more hair products? Head this way for the best shampoos for all hair types and over here for conditioners to pair with them. We’ve also got hair masks, purple shampoo, soothing shampoo for sensitive scalps, the best shampoo for curly hair and the best shampoo for greasy hair. Office Home & Kitchen All Office Office Chairs Standing Desks Desk Organizers Seat Cushions Under Desk Ellipticals To avoid using harsh cleansers, consider a clarifying shampoo that can remove buildup without compromising your scalp and hair health, according to our experts. For a gentle cleanser, opt for ingredients like apple cider vinegar because it helps reset your scalp’s pH level, says Caspara. Another gentle cleanser that removes oil and buildup is sodium cocoyl isethionate, which is derived from coconut oil, because it cleans without causing irritation, according to Caspara.Afsennah Kalanawi is a certified trichologist, and founder of her own hair care brand focused on custom hair oils. Courtney Foster is a licensed cosmetologist, certified associate trichologist and owner of Courtney Foster Beauty in New York. Since clarifying shampoos remove oils from your hair, it’s important to look for moisturizing ingredients to prevent any dryness. Some hydrating ingredients to look for include glycerin, argan oil, jojoba oil, aloe vera, honey and shea butter, according to our experts. Christina Colizza is a former editor at Select and has been a product reviewer since 2018. She covers a range of self care and skin care topics like shampoos, eyebrow serums and more. Bianca Alvarez is an associate reporter and has been covering beauty, including scalp sunscreens, epilators and skin care routines. For this piece, she interviewed experts and researched clarifying shampoos on the market that were in line with expert guidance.