From spraying dry shampoo in between washes to adding layers of nourishing oil at bedtime, our hair can quickly become weighed down with products – and the more lotions and potions we use, the less effective they become.
Hair care expert Nicole Petty explained: “Oil, serums and masks are necessary for the health and vibrancy of the hair, but if you never strip away and start fresh, you’ll end up layering products over the residue and conditioning agents can’t penetrate he strands.”
Here, Nicole explains how to “clarify” your hair, by removing stubborn dirt, oil and product build-up to help strengthen, promote growth, and reduce flaking in your crowning glory.
What you need
You may have noticed clarifying shampoos on the shelf but wondered what they provide.
“Essentially, they are a more powerful version of regular shampoo,” said Nicole.
“They are strong enough to rid hair of all sorts of dirt, grime, and product build-up from styling. Clarifying shampoo has the added benefit of adding additional volume to thin hair, as well as restoring its natural pH balance.”
How it works
Nicole explained: “To get the best results, make sure to apply multiple treatments and rinse very well in between each application. To guarantee volume isn’t lost in the hair, follow up with a deep conditioning treatment to restore your hair’s natural bounce and shine.
“There isn’t a set schedule for clarifying your hair, but the general rule is once a week if you typically incorporate a lot of products into your daily routine.”
More options
If you have a sensitive scalp, natural remedies could be a great idea.
Nicole said: “It’s vital for anyone with pre-existing skin conditions such as psoriasis or dandruff, or those who are prone to rashes, to check the haircare label. Stay on the lookout for clarifying shampoos with salicylic or glycolic acid as these compounds help to naturally exfoliate and soothe sensitive skin. Other options like micellular water or baking soda are also extremely good at lifting grease and other leftover product from your hair.”
Extra advice
“Be cautious with clarifying if you have naturally curly hair – many clarifying shampoos contain high amounts of surfactants and sulphates that can weaken strands, so always read the label, and look for more-natural, less-aggressive alternatives.
“And if you have recently dyed your hair, wait at least five days, as you may strip the colour if done too early.”
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