Flaky Scalp? You Need to Know About These Clarifying Shampoos

Size: 300ml

I'm yet to meet anyone who hasn't fallen in love with this clarifying shampoo from cool-girl haircare brand, Ouai. I've used this for years and can't see myself getting rid of it from my routine anytime soon. The gentle formula is enriched with apple cider vinegar to remove dead skin cells and hydrolyzed keratin to help add a glossy effect to the hair. It works to remove excess oil, product build-up and hard water deposits, and is suitable for all hair types.

My review: I particularly love the Ouai Detox Shampoo as it smells incredible and transforms into a rich lather when applied to the hair. I feel like it provides a much more luxurious experience than other clarifying shampoos do, which is why I will repurchase it again and again.

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Size: 250ml

Next up is this option from Beauty Pie. This shampoo is also suitable for all hair types and features a cleansing formula of apple cider vinegar, activated charcoal, moringa seed peptides and amino acids. Not only does it remove excess oil from the hair, but it also smooths the hair cuticle for added shine.

Editor review: "When my hair is feeling greasy or I've used a lot of product like dry shampoo, this detoxing shampoo helps to hit reset by clarifying the scalp and lengths, leaving them feeling lightweight, glossy and 'swishable'. I use it as a weekly reset to leave my hair feeling clean but never stripped," says beauty editor, Eleanor Vousden.

Size: 236ml

Living Proof products always deliver, and the team is a fan of the brand's clarifying shampoo. Designed to gently detoxify the hair, it contains activated charcoal to absorb any excess oil.

Editor review: "In my opinion, no 'everything shower' is complete without using a clarifying shampoo. My preferred choice is Living Proof's Clarifying Detox Shampoo. It uses oil-absorbing charcoal powder to expertly reduce buildup and deodorise the scalp. It lathers extremely well and I never find it leaving my hair squeaky like some other products do," says SEO Writer, Ava Gilchrist.

Size: 250ml

If you want a clarifying shampoo that you can use daily, then say hello to this particular product from Philip Kingsley. The formula has been designed to gently cleanse the hair, remove build-up and soothe the scalp. If you suffer from dryness or irritation, I highly recommend giving this a go.

My review: I can get quite an itchy scalp, especially when I haven't washed my hair in a while, and when that happens, this is the shampoo I reach for. I will say that this is a much more gentle formula than others in this roundup, so if you want a really deep cleanse, then this might not be for you, but it is great at removing build-up on a daily basis.

Size: 355ml

This shampoo comes recommended to me from junior fashion editor, Imani-Nia Francis-Tsolaki, who says it's a great clarifying option for curly and coily hair types. It works to deeply cleanse the hair without stripping it of any natural oils. It contains hydrolyzed oat protein (a natural humectant) and henna to strengthen and add shine.

Size: 680ml

This Tresemmé shampoo is great value for money, as you get a 680ml bottle for just £7. Designed to purify and cleanse both your scalp and hair, the replenishing formula features amino acids and ceramides to leave your ends feeling strong after each use.

Editor review: "I’ve only used clarifying shampoos a handful of times in the past, but this one does a great job of cleansing the hair without completely drying it out, as long as I follow up with a rich moisturising mask to keep things balanced," says junior branded content editor, Humaa Hussain.

Size: 250ml

From Bumble and Bumble comes the Sunday Shampoo, a dreamy formula of ginseng, rosemary and sage that works to cleanse the hair and remove product residue and excess oil.

Editor review: "For someone who washes their hair religiously every day, you may think I don’t need to reach for the clarifying shampoo. I have fine hair in a bob haircut and despise the feeling of any buildup or residue at my roots or face-framing tendrils, and I find that if I wash my hair every day, it helps keep it in the best condition—I want my hair to feel airy and light all day long! Sometimes when I travel, washing it as frequently isn't possible, so opting for a clarifying shampoo once I have touched down at my destination, or after perhaps a long day at the pool on a sun lounger, is key for my routine. The Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo gets my hair squeaky clean and fresh, just how I like it. It comes in a handy travel size, too," says fashion editor, Sophie Watson.

Size: 250ml

Designed with oily and combination scalps in mind, this clarifying shampoo works to leave hair feeling fresh, light and bouncy. The formula cleanses the roots, while baobab oil nourishes the ends to leave you with silky soft locks.

Editor review: "I'm a big fan of this clarifying shampoo and use it once a week to help refresh my hair. Not only is the formula great, but the packaging looks super chic in my shower," says managing editor, Poppy Nash.

Size: 100ml

This is a great all-rounder formula which works particularly well for those with dry or sensitive scalps. The key ingredient is lactic acid, a chemical exfoliant which not only breaks down and removes dead skin, but also boosts hydration.

Editor review: "I have a sensitive scalp and find that a lot of clarifying shampoos can be slightly too harsh and drying. This one keeps my scalp feeling soothed and balanced, while still working well to remove dead skin and product residue. I also appreciate that it doesn't just focus on the scalp—my hair itself feels super soft and shiny after washing" says freelance beauty editor, Grace Day.