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How and When To Use Clarifying Shampoos

  • Posted by Dina Capra

How often should you clarify? Can you use clarifying shampoos on colored hair? Here, we break down those questions and more to tell you everything you need to know about clarifying your hair.

How Often Should You Clarify?

The average person should clarify once or twice a month, but if you use a lot of hair styling products or have hard water, you may need to clarify weekly. Be careful not to overuse clarifying shampoos as they can strip the scalp of the essential oils that keep hair healthy. Stylists recommend using a clarifying shampoo before deep conditioning hair to remove buildup, which helps hair masks and treatments penetrate better. Swimmers who are in the pool daily may need to clarify more often to prevent the greenish tinge hair can take on due to chlorine exposure.

How Do You Clarify?

Shampooing with a clarifying formula is no different than washing with a daily shampoo, however there are a few things to consider…

  • Concentrate the shampoo on the top of head, where most of the buildup occurs.
  • Let the shampoo sit for a few minutes to break down styling product residue.
  • Rinse well and follow with a hydrating deep conditioner like Paul Mitchell® Super-Charged Treatment®.

Can You Use Clarifying Shampoos On Colored Hair?

Yes, using a color-safe formula like Paul Mitchell® Shampoo Two® can benefit color-treated hair but remember to never clarify during the first week of coloring hair as this can cause color to fade faster.

Which Clarifying Shampoo Should You Use?

Paul Mitchell® Clarifying Shampoos deeply cleanse and purify hair by removing excess oil and buildup for hair that’s fresh, clean and full of shine.

If you use hair styling products daily, Paul Mitchell® Shampoo Two® deep cleans hair and removes dulling buildup. It’s also good for oily hair since it helps to minimize oil production so hair becomes less oily over time.

If you’re a swimmer, Paul Mitchell® Shampoo Three® deep cleans hair and removes chlorine, iron and minerals that can give hair a greenish tint. It also washes away dulling buildup, strengthens strands and minimizes future buildup.

Learn more about Paul Mitchell® Clarifying Shampoos here.

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“Rinses clean and easily out. No need for conditioner for ridgeback/boxer. When he dries out he is super soft and smells awesome. Not heavily perfumed but clean aroma. Been using it for 6 years now — never had dry skin since using this product.”

-JeLO

“I have a Bichon/Shih Tzu and he gets at least one or two baths a week from just being a dirty dog and has never dried his skin out, I have used this for 7 years now and it always cleans the dog and never dries their skin, even with 5+ baths a month.”

- Dustin

“Have always used this brand, as my vet recommends it and uses it, and my cats seem to be happy with it. It suds up nicely so you know if you have rinsed them enough. It also does a good job of mildly lifting the dust and dirt without taking out too much of their natural oils.”

- Ematarese

“My tiny dogs have sensitive skin and get bathed frequently. Out of the many shampoos I have tried, this is the only one that doesn’t make them itch. I like it because it does a good job, rinses well and leaves their coats smooth and tangle free.”

- TechDiva

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