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What is Clarifying?

It took me a long time to figure out that I need to clarify my hair every so often. But, what does that actually mean?

Clarifying is a deep cleanse of your hair and scalp. When you clarify, you're removing or stripping away dirt, oil and product buildup.

How do I know I need to clarify?

  • Your products aren't working the way they used to
  • Your hair feels weighed down
  • Your scalp is dry, itchy and/or flaky
  • Your hair is dull and filmy
How does buildup happen?
  • Gel, mousse, conditioner, and even shampoo gradually accumulate over time and leave buildup on your scalp
  • Hard water
  • Chlorine (hello, swimmers)
Benefits to clarifying
  • Hair is bouncy
  • Hair is easier to style
  • Hair grows faster
  • Hair is thicker
How often should I clarify?
Use a clarifying shampoo no more than once or twice a month - otherwise, you risk drying out your hair. You may need to clarify more often if you swim frequently. 

Always deep condition after clarifying.

If you feel you need to clarify often, you may be using too much product, or the wrong product altogether. 

Ways of clarifying
Clarifying Shampoos
  • Live Clean Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo
  • Ion Hard Water Shampoo
  • Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Threat Shampoo
  • Suave Daily ClarifCCying Shampoo
  • Bounce Curl Moisturizing Shampoo
Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Helps restore hair and scalp to its natural pH
  • Mix 1 part ACV to 4 parts water and use after cleaning (before conditioning)
  • Use in spray bottle, or dunk hair in a bowl. Squish up into the roots. Pour over your scalp and scrub. 
  • Rinse completely before conditioning. 
Lemon Juice
  • Helps with dandruff
  • Mix the juice from one lemon with 1/4 cup of water
  • Spray on hair or dunk hair in bowl after washing and before conditioning
  • Let sit 10 minutes before rinsing
Blog to follow
Check out https://curlycailin.ie/, or follow her on Instagram at @curlycailin.ie . I learned a lot about clarifying (and other curly know hows) from her. She is a wealth of information. 
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