The general recommendation for using clarifying shampoo is about once or twice a month for most people. This frequency helps remove product buildup, excess oils, and impurities without stripping the hair of essential natural oils

. However, the ideal frequency depends on your hair type, lifestyle, and exposure to factors like hard water or chlorine:

• If you use many styling products or have hard water, you might need to clarify weekly

• Swimmers exposed to chlorine daily may also benefit from weekly use to prevent discoloration

• For oily hair or frequent product use, clarifying once every 1–2 weeks can be appropriate

• For dry or damaged hair, less frequent use-about once every 2–4 weeks-is better to avoid drying out the hair

• Curly hair experts suggest using clarifying shampoo every 4–5 washes to reset curls without over-cleansing

Overusing clarifying shampoo can lead to dryness, brittleness, and scalp imbalance, so moderation is key

. Signs you may need to clarify include greasy or weighed-down hair, dullness, difficulty styling, or reduced effectiveness of hair products

. In summary, start with once or twice a month and adjust based on your hair’s response and lifestyle factors, avoiding excessive use to maintain healthy hair and scalp.