A clarifying shampoo is a deep-cleansing shampoo designed to remove buildup of oils, styling products, minerals from hard water, and other residues from the hair and scalp. It acts like a "reset button," restoring hair to its natural, clean state by cutting through impurities more effectively than regular shampoos

. Unlike everyday shampoos, which gently cleanse hair and scalp, clarifying shampoos contain stronger surfactants (cleaning agents) that provide a more intense cleanse. This makes them ideal for occasional use rather than daily washing, typically recommended every 3 to 5 washes depending on hair condition

. Clarifying shampoos are beneficial for people who experience oily hair, dullness, or buildup from hair products, hard water minerals, chlorine, or environmental pollutants. They can also help rebalance the scalp, remove dead skin cells, and prepare hair for chemical treatments like coloring or perming

. Because of their stronger cleansing action, clarifying shampoos can be more stripping and drying than regular shampoos, so they should be used sparingly and followed by conditioning treatments to maintain hair health

. In summary, a clarifying shampoo is a powerful, deep cleanser used periodically to detox hair and scalp by removing excess oils, product residue, and impurities that regular shampoos may not fully eliminate