Clarifying is a process of deep cleaning the hair and scalp. It does not have to be difficult; rather, it is a simple process that calls for all natural ingredients. During this process, you use a clarifying shampoo or product to help remove dirt, product buildup, and other impurities on the hair and scalp. By breaking down all of this grime and buildup, you can assist the follicles with hair growth and encourage healthier hair.
What Is Clarifying Shampoo?
This is a specially designed shampoo that aids the removal of dirt and product buildup on the hair and scalp. To be clear, clarifying shampoo is not a substitute for regular shampoo. That means that you should not use this daily, or even weekly. In fact, you should only use a clarifying shampoo once a month. In extreme cases, you can use it once a week. The clarifying shampoo in this article should be used when you have excess oils and residue on the scalp.
It is very easy to develop product buildup on the hair and scalp, especially if you closely examine your hair care routine. Do you use moose, gel, hair spray, oils, masks, and more on your hair? What ingredients are in your hair care products? Over time, these things can build up on the scalp and negatively affect your hair. Chelating shampoos or hair clarifiers contain surfactants that remove impurities, cut grease, and residue left from hair products. Clarifying shampoos can also restore damaged hair from heat treatments, coloring, or perms.
How Do You Make Clarifying Shampoo?
If you take a look in your pantry or cupboards, you probably have the few simple ingredients required to make a clarifying shampoo. One of the ingredients, which has many uses outside the kitchen, is baking soda. When you dissolve baking soda in water, you have the perfect clarifying shampoo. It can effectively remove oils, product buildup, and soaps, leaving your hair and scalp clean and healthy.
The second ingredient, which you undoubtedly have if you have used our cleanses, is apple cider vinegar. This powerful product is a common ingredient in hair rinses because it works to regulate pH levels. Some anecdotal reports suggest that apple cider vinegar may also reduce dandruff, remove product buildup, and reduce split ends.
Homemade Clarifying Shampoo vs. Conventional Clarifying Shampoo
Essentially, a homemade clarifying shampoo and conventional clarifying shampoo serve the same purpose, which is to remove buildup from the hair and scalp. You can think of these shampoos as traditional shampoos on steroids. Homemade clarifying shampoo uses minimal ingredients and has the least amount of negative effects on the hair and scalp. Conventional clarifying shampoo can contain harsh, synthetic ingredients that dry out the hair and scalp of necessary oils, especially if you overuse it.
Homemade Clarifying Shampoo With Baking Soda
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (warm water helps baking soda dissolve more quickly)
- 3 drops essential oils of choice
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
Instructions:
- Pour the water into a small bowl and drop in the essential oils. Mix well.
- Add the baking soda to the water and stir with a spoon until the baking soda is completely dissolved.
How To Use:
- When your hair is wet, distribute the shampoo evenly across the hair and scalp. Allow it to sit for five to 10 minutes and then rinse with warm water.
- Follow up with a hair conditioner.
Homemade Clarifying Shampoo With Apple Cider Vinegar
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (with the “mother”)
- 1-2 cups warm water (use more for thicker and longer hair)
3 drops essential oils of choice
Instructions:
- Add all of the ingredients to a spray bottle, secure the lid, and shake well to combine.
How To Use:
- While your hair is wet, generously spray the mixture all over your hair and scalp. Use your hands to massage it into the scalp and hair strands.
- Allow it to sit for three to five minutes before rinsing with water. Follow up with a natural conditioner if you wish.
Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.
