These Clarifying Shampoos Get Curls Back on Their A-Game (2025)

Although “wash-and-go” might sound simple, anyone with curls knows that cleansing is an art form that’s hard to perfect. Washing with the best clarifying shampoo for curly hair is an essential first step of crafting your routine, because curls can only flourish when they’re free of product buildup, excess oil, and supported by a healthy, flake-free scalp.

But clarifying shampoos are designed to be powerful, which is why it can be challenging to find the right formula for your unique texture—too harsh, and you strip away the moisture curls crave. Too light, and stubborn product residue, oil, and impurities linger. That’s why we tapped a handful of trusted hairstylists to recommend clarifying shampoos they always keep on deck, from oil cleansers to exfoliators and scalp rinses for every curl type and texture. Whether you have wavy hair, more defined spirals, or tightly wound coils, these expert picks will get your strands squeaky clean without compromising moisture or vibrancy.

Our Top Picks

• Best Clarifying Shampoo for Curly Hair Overall: Ouidad Water Works Clarifying Shampoo, $24
• Best for Type 2 Curls: Rizos Curls Apple Cider Vinegar Scalp & Hair Rinse, $22
• Best for Type 3 Curls: Pattern Beauty Cleansing Shampoo, $21
• Best for Type 4 Curls: Oribe Cleansing Crème for Moisture & Control, $49
• Best for Flakes: Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo, $42
• Best for Buildup: Ouai Detox Shampoo, $32
• Best Exfoliating: Curlsmith Wash & Scrub Clarifying Detox Shampoo, $28
• Best for Shine: Evolvh Ultrashine Moisture Shampoo, $26

Infused with powerhouse ingredients like apple cider vinegar, charcoal, and aloe vera, these game-changing clarifying shampoos for curly hair are designed to refresh and revive your curls while keeping them soft, shiny, and ready for styling.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are clarifying shampoos good for curly hair?
• When should you not use clarifying shampoo?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Clarifying Shampoo for Curly Hair Overall: Ouidad Water Works Clarifying Shampoo

Why we love it: Ouidad Water Works Clarifying Shampoo is a true hero for all curl types, balancing powerful cleansing with nourishing care—and a favorite of New York, NY-based hairstylist Takisha Sturdivant-Drew, who praises its ability to bust through buildup without stripping curls of essential moisture. Powered by alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) from citrus extracts like lemon and grapefruit, it deeply cleanses while boosting softness, shine, and hydration. As a chelating shampoo, it’s especially effective for those dealing with hard water, removing mineral deposits, chlorine, and stubborn residue. Whether you have loose waves or tight coils, this shampoo refreshes your scalp and strands, leaving your curls bouncy, vibrant, and thriving.

How to use: Apply the shampoo directly to the scalp and massage in circular motions to ensure a thorough cleanse. For best results, rinse with lukewarm water to avoid drying out hair and always follow with a hydrating conditioner to maintain your curl’s moisture balance.

Key ingredients: AHAs derived from lemon, orange extract, apple extract, panthenol | Frequency of use: once per week | Sulfate-free: no

Best for Type 2 Curls: Rizos Curls Apple Cider Vinegar Scalp & Hair Rinse

Why we love it: This refreshing rinse is a gentle yet effective clarifier that’s perfect for Type 2 hair, which often sits in the delicate balance between waves and curls. Rizos Curls Apple Cider Vinegar Scalp & Hair Rinse removes buildup without stripping moisture, resulting in waves that are soft, shiny, and full of movement. Made with certified organic apple cider vinegar, niacinamide, and black tea kombucha, it deeply cleanses while balancing pH levels and promoting scalp health. It’s also fragrance-free, making it a standout for those sensitive to strong scents.

How to use: Use the nozzle to target your scalp directly, massaging the product in with your fingertips for maximum clarifying benefits.

Key ingredients: apple cider vinegar, black tea kombucha, niacinamide | Frequency of use: once per week | Sulfate-free: yes

Best for Type 3 Curls: Pattern Cleansing Shampoo

Why we love it: Perfect for type 3 curls, Pattern’s Cleansing Shampoo strikes the ideal balance between deeply cleansing and maintaining moisture. "It's a gentle yet effective cleanser that lifts impurities while nourishing curls with a blend of hydrating ingredients, perfect for maintaining curl health," says Cherin Choi, a hairstylist in Los Angeles, CA. With antioxidant-rich matcha green tea to strengthen strands, aloe vera to soothe and hydrate, and panthenol to boost softness, it works to revive the scalp and remove buildup without stripping away essential oils.

How to use: Work it into your scalp with your fingertips to break up buildup, adding small amounts of water to help it emulsify and glide through your strands. Follow up with a hydrating conditioner to lock in moisture and enhance curl definition.

Key ingredients: matcha, aloe vera, panthenol, castor oil | Frequency of use: once every two weeks | Sulfate-free: free of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES)

Best for Type 4 Curls: Oribe Cleansing Crème for Moisture & Control

Why we love it: Consider this luxurious cleanser the crème de la crème for type 4 curls, offering a deeply hydrating, non-foaming formula that gently cleanses without stripping moisture. Packed with purifying oils and fruit extracts, Oribe Cleansing Crème for Moisture & Control removes dirt, oil, and buildup while leaving coils nourished, detangled, and frizz-free, which hairstylist and Brown Beauty Summit founder Ytene Damtew says she swears by. It's packed with watermelon, lychee, and edelweiss flower, which help protect strands from oxidative stress and environmental damage. Plus, the refreshing water mint essence soothes the scalp and adds a burst of aromatherapy, bringing a spa-like vibe to wash day.

How to use: For an extra luxurious experience, massage the formula into your scalp and strands and let it sit for one to two minutes before rinsing. Follow with a rich conditioner to lock in moisture and enhance definition.

Key ingredients: Oribe Signature Complex, coconut oil, artichoke leaf extract, lemon and orange blossom extracts | Frequency of use: once a week | Sulfate-free: yes

Best for Flakes: Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo

Why we love it: Get ready to elevate your scalp care routine with this Best of Beauty Award-winning (and editor-loved) scalp exfoliator. Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo gently exfoliates to lift away flakes and buildup, leaving your scalp balanced, refreshed, and hydrated; its dissolvable, charcoal-based granules also absorb excess oil while minimizing congestion along the scalp and on top of hair follicles, according to Brendan Camp, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based at MDCS Dermatology in New York City. He also appreciates its blend of moisturizing coconut oil and an anti-inflammatory complex that actually cools the scalp. With its airy, mousse-like texture and minty-vanilla scent, it transforms wash day into spa-level rejuvenation.

Tester feedback: Take taking your time lathering this formula to get the best results (and to enjoy its minty-fresh scent). "I spend a full minute massaging the shampoo into my scalp before rinsing and following up with a moisturizing hair mask," says commerce editor Sarah Han. “My scalp has never felt cleaner, and I've been noticing a lot less flakiness.”

Key ingredients: binchotan charcoal, coconut oil, tea tree oil, peppermint oil | Frequency of use: once a week | Sulfate-free: yes

Best for Buildup: Ouai Detox Shampoo

Why we love it: Dealing with pesky buildup and lifeless curls? Ouai Detox Shampoo delivers a powerful cleanse that gets straight to the root of the problem; it’s a must-have for clearing away layers of styling products, oil, and even hard water deposits. The silicone-free formula "combines chelating agents with apple cider vinegar to help remove product and dead skin build-up,” Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, previously told Allure. Plus, its signature Melrose Place scent—a velvety blend of rose, bergamot, lychee, and white musk—makes every wash feel indulgent. The result? Refreshed strands and a scalp that feels light, clean, and ready to shine.

How to use: Lather up once a week to tackle buildup without over-cleansing. Pair it with a hydrating conditioner to maintain moisture and lock in softness.

Key ingredients: apple cider vinegar, hydrolyzed keratin, chelating agents | Frequency of use: once or twice a week | Sulfate-free: free of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES)

Best Exfoliating: Curlsmith Wash & Scrub Clarifying Detox Shampoo

Why we love it: This detoxifying shampoo is the ultimate reset for your scalp. Packed with micro-fine exfoliating particles, Curlsmith Wash & Scrub Clarifying Detox Shampoo gently buffs away buildup and excess oils that can weigh down your curls, leaving your scalp feeling light and refreshed. Apple cider vinegar works to break down lingering residue, while probiotics and botanicals like mallow flower and radish root help restore balance and calm irritation. If your hair’s been feeling a little dull or lifeless, consider this your go-to for bringing it back to life.

How to use: Use every 4 to 5 washes to reset your curls and exfoliate your scalp. Massage it thoroughly but gently to melt buildup, then follow with a moisturizing conditioner to lock in hydration.

Key ingredients: micro-exfoliating particles, apple cider vinegar, probiotics, mallow flower | Frequency of use: once a week | Sulfate-free: yes

Best for Shine: Evolvh Ultrashine Moisture Shampoo

Why we love it: For curls craving luster, Evolvh Ultrashine Moisture Shampoo is the go-to for glossy, healthy hair. This sulfate-free formula gently cleanses without stripping moisture, infusing your strands with reparative antioxidants, amino acids, and fatty acids to strengthen and smooth. “When it comes to curly hair, it’s important to avoid overly harsh clarifying shampoos that dry out the hair, but you also need a proper cleanse to prevent buildup and irritation," says hairstylist and curl expert Sophie Rose. "This shampoo strikes the perfect balance—it’s natural, luxurious, and incredibly effective.” The result? Amplified shine from root to tip, with hair that feels just as good as it looks.

How to use: Wash, rinse, and follow with a nourishing conditioner.

Key ingredients: amino and fatty acids, reparative antioxidants | Frequency of use: once a week | Sulfate-free: free of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES)

Best for Color-Treated Hair: K18 Detox Shampoo Peptide Prep

Why we love it: K18 Detox Shampoo Peptide Prep is a lifesaver for those who rely on color treatments but still want a deep clean. This formula is pH-optimized to preserve your shade while removing product buildup, excess oils, and hard water metals like copper — all without stripping essential moisture. The brand's proprietary peptide adds an extra layer of protection, helping to reduce protein loss and maintain strength. It’s like giving your strands a fresh start, leaving them perfectly prepped for styling and treatments. Pro tip: Rinse with cool water to seal the cuticle and enhance shine.

Tester feedback: “It certainly gets the job done,” says Allure contributor Kirbie Johnson. "My hair wasn't left feeling too ‘squeaky’ or difficult to run my fingers through either."

Key ingredients: activated charcoal, salicylic acid, K18PEPTIDE™ | Frequency of use: once per week | Sulfate-free: no

Best for Damaged Hair: Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo

Why we love it: Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo has earned its cult-favorite status for a reason. Designed with signature bond-repair technology, this Best of Beauty Award-winning formula doesn’t just cleanse—it actively works to rebuild damaged hair from the inside out. Its unique ability to remove buildup while simultaneously repairing and strengthening bonds leaves curls clean and resilient, says Choi. What truly sets it apart is its ability to strengthen and hydrate without weighing hair down, making it a top pick for finer curls dealing with breakage, heat damage, or the aftermath of coloring. The result? Luscious, thriving strands that look and feel healthier with every wash.

Tester feedback: "My ultra-long, red hair is usually the first and last thing everyone notices about me, so hair health is the top priority of my beauty routine," says Allure's associate director of social media Kassidy Silva. "I reach for the Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo to keep it shiny, soft, and strong."

Key ingredients: bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate | Frequency of use: once per week | Sulfate-free: yes

Best for Sensitive Scalp: Bread Beauty Supply Clear-Wash Detox Clarifying Shampoo

Why we love it: This gentle clarifier from Bread Beauty Supply is a scalp savior for folks with sensitive skin who are looking for a reset without harshness. Fragrance-free and packed with scalp-nurturing botanicals, the Clear-Wash Detox Clarifying Shampoo gently removes buildup while soothing irritation and promoting circulation for healthier hair growth. Its clarifying power is perfectly balanced with replenishing ingredients, ensuring you get the deep clean you need without that overly squeaky, stripped feeling. Whether you’re coming out of a protective style or washing off weeks of styling products, this shampoo has your back (and your scalp).

Tester feedback: “When it comes to my hair, my scalp can get very oily due to my psoriasis treatments, so cleansing my scalp is a must,” says former associate manager of special projects Talia Gutierrez. “On wash day, I use Bread Beauty Clear Wash: Detox Clarifying Shampoo in two rounds—letting it sit for seven to 10 minutes each—to thoroughly clean my scalp.”

Key ingredients: ginger root, rosemary + eucalyptus, Pro-Dew amino acids | Frequency of use: once per week | Sulfate-free: free of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES)

Best for Dry Scalp: Amika Reset Pink Charcoal Scalp Cleansing Oil

Why we love it: Press reset with this oil-to-foam pre-wash that’s a game changer for scalp care, delivering a thorough detox to remove dirt, oil, and toxins. Powered by pink clay and charcoal, Amika Reset Pink Charcoal Scalp Cleansing Oil gently absorbs impurities while soothing with a refreshing menthol tingle that takes wash day to luxurious new heights. Designed for all hair types, it’s especially perfect for dry shampoo devotees and anyone battling buildup or an itchy scalp. Best of all, it cleanses without disrupting your scalp's natural moisture, leaving it balanced, hydrated, and ready for styling.

How to use: Use on dry, unwashed hair before stepping into the shower. Massage into your roots in sections and let sit for a few minutes before adding water to transform the formula into a gentle lather.

Key ingredients: charcoal and pink clay, cooling menthol, sunflower oil, Indian cress stem extract | Frequency of use: once per week | Sulfate-free: free of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES)

Best for Oily Scalp: Monday Haircare Clarify Shampoo

Why we love it: Monday Haircare’s Clarify Shampoo strikes the perfect balance between a deep cleanse and lightweight hydration, making it ideal for hair prone to excess oil. Packed with grapefruit extract to purify and ceramides to shield against environmental stressors, this Best of Beauty Award winner leaves your scalp refreshed and your hair soft without drying it out. Celebrity hairstylist Ted Gibson praises it for its gentle yet effective formula, noting, “It doesn’t strip all essential natural oils out of the hair, which is so important to maintain the natural curl.”

How to use: For an even deeper clean, pair it with a scalp massager to gently massage into your roots and stimulate the scalp for better circulation, promoting healthy hair growth.

Key ingredients: grapefruit extract, ceramides, coconut oil | Frequency of use: once or twice per week | Sulfate-free: free of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES)

Frequently Asked Questions

Are clarifying shampoos good for curly hair?

Clarifying shampoos can work wonders for curly hair when used thoughtfully. Properly cleansing the scalp to prevent buildup, which can otherwise lead to irritation and disrupt the hair growth cycle. However, "with curly hair, you want to be careful with clarifying shampoos because they can dry out your hair and remove natural oils that are good for your hair,” says Rose.

The key, she says, is to listen to your hair's needs—using a clarifying shampoo occasionally, when your curls feel weighed down or your scalp needs a reset, can help refresh your curls while maintaining their natural bounce and hydration.

When should you not use clarifying shampoo?

Clarifying shampoos are not always the right choice, especially if your hair is already dry or damaged. However, with the right formula, they can still be part of a healthy hair routine. Skip harsh cleansers if you have thicker, curly, or coily hair, as these can strip the strands of natural moisture, says Gibson. Instead, he recommends looking for mild or gentle clarifying shampoos that are sulfate-free and enriched with hydrating ingredients like coconut oil, ceramides, or aloe to help maintain your hair's moisture balance. Rose also stresses the importance of preserving natural oils, recommending the occasional use of a clarifying shampoo to keep buildup in check.

Meet the Experts

• Takisha Sturdivant-Drew, a Brooklyn-based hairstylist
• Cherin Choi, an LA-based hairstylist
• Brendan Camp, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based at MDCS Dermatology in New York City
• Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City
• Sophie Rose, an LA-based hairstylist
• Ted Gibson, an LA-based hairstylist

How we test and review products

We always enlist a range of testers for our makeup vertical, but hair-care products and tools are another story. While there are certainly products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind. Many are created in order to address a concern (dandruff, breakage, brittleness) or to work most effectively for a specific hair type (4C curls, wavy hair, gray hair). You wouldn't want to pick up a purple shampoo that’s only been reviewed by someone with, say, auburn hair, or a diffuser that’s never been tested by anyone with curls—right?

For our review of the best clarifying shampoos for curly hair, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and dermatologists to find the most hydrating, strand-softening formulas out there. Testers considered performance across four primary categories: efficacy, texture and experience, fragrance, and packaging. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

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