Curly hair can be a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it’s full of life and personality. But on the other hand, it can be frizzy, dry, and difficult to manage.

That’s why we’ve put together this article about clarifying shampoos. If you have curls, using clarifying shampoos once in a while can help get rid of built-up chemicals and product residue that can make your hair look dull and lifeless.

Clarifying shampoos can be a curly girl's best friend. Not only do they help get rid of frizz, but they also remove any unwanted chemicals that may be weighing your hair down.

We want to recommend some of our favorite clarifying shampoos for curly ladies. These products are designed to give you beautiful, healthy curls without all the fuss. So if you’re looking for a little extra shine and volume, these shampoos are definitely worth checking out!

We take the guesswork out of finding the best products. Each product was individually selected by our editors. Some may have been sent as samples for us to try out for ourselves and some we combed through thousands of reviews to find, but all opinions in this article are our own.

P.S. LindsaysReviews may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to buy something at no extra cost to you (that's how we stay in business and keep bringing you the best finds to save you time).

How We Pick The Best For You

Curly ladies have a unique set of needs when it comes to shampooing. Often times, regular shampoos can leave curls feeling dry and frizzy.

It's hard enough finding a shampoo that cleanses your scalp and hair without leaving it feeling dry and straw-like, but now you have to worry about finding a clarifying shampoo that won't strip away all of the natural oils from your curls?

We've got you covered. After reading through thousands of reviews from customers just like you, we've found the best clarifying shampoos specifically for the needs of curly hair ladies. These formulas will deep cleanse without drying out your curls and leave them soft, frizz free and full of personality.

Malibu C Un-Do-Goo

Malibu C Un-Do-Goo

Best Overall 

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Why It’s Our Top Pick

Do you find your hair looking dull and lifeless? Or is it difficult to style because of all the product build-up? If you're looking for a deep cleansing shampoo that will remove all the residue without stripping your hair of its natural moisture, then try Malibu C Un-Do-Goo.

This color-safe formula is a sulfate free clarifying shampoo and gentle enough to use once a week. It deeply cleanses your hair and scalp, removing all the accumulated dirt, oil and styling products. Your hair will feel lighter and more manageable after just one use.

Malibu C Un-Do-Goo also contains vital moisture-replenishing ingredients that leave your hair feeling soft, smooth and healthy. So you can say goodbye to dry, brittle hair! Try it today and see the difference for yourself.

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Enriched with moisture-boosting vitamins, Malibu C Un-Do-Goo Shampoo helps remove product buildup to restore your hair's maximum manageability. Sulfate free and gentle, it is a great alternative to harsh clarifiers. It instantly restores manageability and shine, and leaves your hair feeling softer and more manageable and is safe for color treated hair.

GIOVANNI Eco Chic 50:50 Balanced Hydrating Clarifying Shampoo

GIOVANNI Eco Chic 50:50 Balanced Hydrating Clarifying Shampoo

Best for Dry Curls 

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Why It’s Our Top Pick

Looking for a hydrating and clarifying shampoo that's gentle enough for everyday use? Look no further than GIOVANNI Eco Chic 50:50 Balanced Hydrating Clarifying Shampoo! Our unique formula contains a blend of vitamins, nutrients, and proteins to increase strength and vitality, while Aloe Vera, Rosemary, and other botanical extracts add moisture and manageability. Plus, it's designed to protect over-worked, over-processed, and color-treated hair while locking in color and shine. Your hair will be hydrated, moisturized, and perfectly pH balanced - what more could you ask for?

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If you're looking for a haircare brand that is gentle on your hair and scalp, look no further than Giovanni. Their products are designed to help restore the natural balance of your hair, infusing it with moisture and protection. salon quality, They use a number of organic ingredients in their formulas, and are Leaping Bunny Certified cruelty free. Giovanni products are also free of harsh chemicals and artificial dyes. Plus, they never test on animals! So if you're looking for a haircare brand that is gentle, effective, and cruelty free, Giovanni is a great option.

Cantu Sulfate-Free Cleansing Cream Shampoo with Shea Butter for Natural Hair

Cantu Sulfate-Free Cleansing Cream Shampoo with Shea Butter for Natural Hair

Best for the Budget

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Why It’s Our Top Pick

Want a clarifying shampoo that can gently cleanse your natural hair without stripping it of its moisture? Look no further than Cantu's Sulfate-Free Cleansing Cream Shampoo with Shea Butter! This award-winning formula is crafted with pure shea butter and essential oils, and it produces a rich lather that conditions as it cleanses. It's great for all hair types, including type 2 waves, type 3 curls, and type 4 coils. Plus, it helps reduce breakage and nourish your hair. To use, simply apply a quarter-sized amount to wet hair and work into a lather. Massage into the scalp, and rinse. Repeat as needed. Use it as part of your regular wash day routine alongside the Sulfate-Free Hydrating Cream Conditioner. Your hair will thank you!

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You should feel good about what you put on your hair and skin, which is why Cantu Sulfate-Free Cleansing Cream Shampoo is made with no harsh ingredients like mineral oil, sulfates, parabens, silicones, phthalates, paraffin, or propylene. In addition this clarifying shampoo is cruelty-free, which is why they never test on animals. You can use this sulfate-free shampoo with confidence knowing that you're not exposing yourself to harsh chemicals. Instead, it's formulated to give you the best clean possible without any of the negative side effects.

BIOLAGE Normalizing Clean Reset Shampoo | Intense Cleansing Treatment To Remove Buildup

BIOLAGE Normalizing Clean Reset Shampoo | Intense Cleansing Treatment To Remove Buildup

Best for Oily Scalp

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Why It’s Our Top Pick

Looking for an intense cleansing shampoo that won't dry out your hair? Look no further than BIOLAGE Normalizing Clean Reset Shampoo! Inspired by the refreshing lemongrass plant, this shampoo is perfect for all hair types and will deeply cleanse your hair without drying it out. So say goodbye to buildup and hello to healthy, beautiful hair!

All The Details

There's nothing quite like the feeling of freshly shampooed hair. But over time, even the best hair can start to feel weighed down by product build-up, impurities, and residue. If you're looking for a way to deeply cleanse your hair without drying it out or stripping away natural oils, then BIOLAGE Normalizing Clean Reset Shampoo is worth trying. This paraben-free, vegan shampoo is designed to gently remove build-up and impurities while still being gentle on color-treated and natural hair.

And because it's sulfate-free, it won't strip away your hair's natural moisture or leave it feeling dry and brittle. Plus, it works great on all hair types - whether you have straight, wavy, or curly hair - and it's even been known to help control oily scalp issues. So if you're ready to feel like you've got brand new hair, give BIOLAGE Normalizing Clean Reset Shampoo a try.

FAQs about Clarifying Shampoo for Curly Hair

Curls can be a challenge to manage, especially if you're not sure how to use a clarifying shampoo.

A lot of women with curly hair don't know when or how to use clarifying shampoos. This can lead to build-up on the scalp and frizzy unmanageable curls.

We've put together a list of the most commonly asked questions about clarifying shampoos for curly hair ladies. By answering these questions, you'll be able to clarify your curls and achieve bouncy, healthy tresses.

What does a clarifying shampoo do?

The best clarifying shampoo is designed to remove built-up residue on the scalp and hair.

Products like conditioners, hair oils, and styling aids can leave behind a film on the scalp and hair that can make it difficult for shampoo to cleanse the hair properly. A clarifying shampoo is formulated to break down this build-up, which can help prevent product buildup from occurring in the future. It can also help improve the overall appearance of dull or oily hair.

Is clarifying shampoo good for curly hair?

Clarifying shampoos are good for curly hair because they help remove product build-up, which can weigh curls down and make them look greasy.

Product build-up can happen when you use styling products on your hair everyday. The ingredients in these products can accumulate on the scalp and hair shaft, and over time this build-up will make your hair look greasy and weighed down. A clarifying shampoo is designed to remove this product build-up, leaving your curls light and bouncy.

How often should I clarify my curly hair?

Curly hair can be a bit more dry and prone to tangles, so you'll want to clarify it every week or two with a clarifying shampoo.

A clarifying shampoo is designed to remove build-up from the scalp and hair, such as product residue, sweat, and dirt. It's important to use a clarifying shampoo every few weeks (or even monthly if you have very curly hair) to avoid excess build-up that can cause your curls to look limp or greasy.

What should I look for in a clarifying shampoo for curly hair?

There are a few things to look for when choosing a clarifying shampoo for curly hair. First, it's important to find a shampoo that is free of sulfates and other harsh chemicals. Sulfates can be very drying and damaging to curly hair. 

Second, it's important to find a shampoo that contains ingredients like tea tree oil or rosemary oil, which help to clarify and detoxify the scalp and hair. Finally, it's important to find a shampoo that is pH balanced, as overly alkaline shampoos can be drying and damaging to curly hair.

Do I need to clarify my curly hair?

It depends on your hair type. If you have very curly hair, then you may need to clarify it regularly, especially if you use a lot of styling products. However, if you have moderately curly hair, you may only need to clarify it once or twice a month.

What is the best natural clarifying shampoo?

There is no best natural clarifying shampoo, as different people have different hair types and needs. However, a good natural clarifying shampoo should include ingredients like apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil, or lavender oil. These ingredients help to remove built-up products, oils, and other residue from the scalp and hair that can cause dullness and greasiness.

How do you get rid of shampoo build up?

Shampoo build up is a common problem, especially if you have curly hair. The best way to get rid of it is to shampoo your hair with a clarifying shampoo.

Clarifying shampoos are designed to remove all the build up from your hair, including the products you use and the natural oils that accumulate over time. If you don't have a clarifying shampoo, you can also make your own by mixing baking soda and water together.

Baking soda is a great clarifying agent because it's alkaline and it has powerful cleansing properties. It will help remove all the built-up gunk from your hair and scalp, leaving your hair clean and healthy-looking.

What is the best clarifying shampoo for your curly hair?


That answer depends on your specific needs and hair type.

Curly hair is prone to build-up because of its coil shape. This can weigh down your curls and make them appear greasy or dull. A clarifying shampoo will remove all the gunk from your scalp and strands, returning your hair to its natural state. If you have curly hair, we recommend using a clarifying shampoo at least once a month.

We hope this information has helped you choose the right clarifying shampoo for your needs.