best clarifying shampoo to remove color

Exercise Daily – If you’ve had a hair color disaster and want to get rid of that ugly shade, there’s good news.  The best clarifying shampoo to remove color can save you! It is one of the best ways to remove the color from your hair, and the key is choosing the correct one.

Cleaning your hair with a gentle touch, clarifying shampoos remove excess oil from the scalp. They also remove style products and color pigments from your hair. As a consequence, your hair will be soft and your scalp will be clean after use. 

Each time you wash your hair, the color of your hair fades a little more. Different clarifying shampoos are available from a number of different manufacturers on the market today. Listed below are the top clarifying shampoos for removing hair color!

Before you spend your money on a clarifying shampoo, keep in mind to follow up with a nice conditioner or mask. The majority of clarifying shampoos include Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or Sodium Laureth Sulfate. These components may cause the hair to become dry.

How to Remove Hair Color Using a Clarifying Shampoo?

Hair color can be removed with a clarifying shampoo in the same way that it can be removed with a normal shampoo. However, the following suggestions might help you get the most out of your shampoo’s color-removing abilities.

best clarifying shampoo to remove color

Massage Thoroughly

Take a little amount of shampoo and massage it between your hands until it lathers. Now, massage it into your damp scalp and down the lengths of your hair to distribute the product.

Let it Sit for Few Minutes

Allow the best clarifying shampoo to remove color to sit for at least two to five minutes. This will allow the cleaning agents to dissolve the color pigments that have become stuck between the cuticles and skin. 

Focus the Middle and Bottom Layers

Pay attention to the middle and bottom layers of your hair. This is because these tresses have a tendency to retain more color than the top layers.

Rinse

Use lukewarm water to rinse the shampoo out.

Use Conditioner

If you want your hair to stay moisturized, a deep conditioner or a leave-in conditioner are both good options.

How to Select the Most Appropriate Clarifying Shampoo for Color Removal?

Read on to learn about some of the things you should consider when purchasing a clarifying shampoo.

Formulas for anti-residue protection

Because this is the primary function of a clarifying shampoo, be certain that it thoroughly cleanses away all residues from your scalp and hair, leaving it squeaky clean after use. 

The greater the strength of the anti-residue component, the more effective it is in removing color pigments.

Ingredients

When selecting a clarifying shampoo, pay special attention to the list of components on the label. Sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium Laureth sulfate are two of the components included in clarifying shampoo, among other things. 

best clarifying shampoo to remove color

Clearing agents are cleaning chemicals that offer your clarifying shampoo the ability to fade colors. They also aid in removing debris and filth from your hair.

Nourishment

Color-treated hair needs particular attention. So, when you are attempting to remove the color from your hair, be sure that the shampoo does not take away the natural oils and nutrients from your scalp. 

Make sure to choose the best clarifying shampoo to remove color. It should nourish and strengthen your strands while also removing color from your hair.

Also read: Best Dry Shampoo for Oily Hair – Top 10 Reviewed

8 Best Clarifying Shampoos to Choose From

Shampoos that clarify the hair are one of the safest and most gentle methods of lightening or eliminating hair color. Always remember to condition your hair with a high-quality conditioner to keep your tresses looking healthy and shiny. 

Neutrogena The Anti-Residue Formula (Best Residue)best clarifying shampoo to remove color

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The non-irritating formulation Neutrogena can be used on a weekly basis. The Anti-Residue Shampoo thoroughly cleanses the scalp and hair shaft, removing grease, oil accumulation, and other residues. 

The product contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate, which removes color from your hair. However, glycerin, which acts as a humectant, prevents moisture loss and keeps your hair smooth and moisturized after washing. 

It also helps to increase the volume of hair and provide bounce to dull hair.

Pros

  • Suitable for all hair types
  • Artificial dye-free
  • Gentle formula
  • Non-irritating
  • Artificial colorant-free

Cons

  • Causes hair fall
  • Unpleasant smell

Matrix Biolage Normalizing Clean Reset Shampoo (Best Refreshing)

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Cleansing the hair with lemongrass extract, the Matrix Biolage Normalizing Clean Reset Shampoo is a revitalizing treatment. It removes color and chemical buildups from the hair. 

The cleansing agents sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate work together to gently lighten the hair color. The addition of sage extract helps to impart shine to the tresses. This deep cleaning treatment has antibacterial and antiseptic characteristics. 

The antibacterial and antiseptic characteristics may help to decrease oil production and scalp acne in the long term. It aids in the promotion of healthy hair growth.

Pros

  • Suitable for all hair types
  • Lathers well
  • Paraben-free
  • Refreshing fragrance
  • Antiseptic

Cons

  • Dries out the hair

Nexxus Clean & Pure Nourishing Detox Shampoo (Best Nourishing Clarifying Shampoo)

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The lightweight Nexxus Clean & Pure Nourishing Detox Shampoo has an innovative Protein Fusion combination of elastin protein and marine minerals. This combination helps to rebond the hair shaft and makes it the best clarifying shampoo to remove color.

This shampoo hydrates and smoothes the hair, leaving it feeling silky and smooth. It is formulated with substances such as hydrolyzed wheat protein, hydrolyzed keratin, and coconut oil. All these together help to restore critical nutrients to the hair and scalp. 

Additionally, it locks in moisture to help dry, damaged hair regain its gloss and bounce.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Paraben-free 
  • Silicone-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Nourishing shampoo 

Cons

  • Strong fragrance

OUAI Detox Shampoo (Best Detox)

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Its powerful composition includes apple cider vinegar and chelating agents. They effectively remove stubborn color pigments as well as excess oil, debris, flakes, hard water buildup, and product buildup. Hence, leaving your hair clean and healthy. 

It has a special infusion of keratin to help strengthen hair strands. This helps maintain smooth, lustrous, and frizz-free hair all day long. Moreover, it is infused with notes of bergamot, cedarwood, lychee, and white musk that will leave you with a long-lasting fresh sensation. 

This high-foaming shampoo nourishes and conditions the hair in only a few minutes.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Nourishes and conditions hair
  • For all hair types
  • Sulfate and paraben-free
  • Formaldehyde-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Triclosan-free
  • Gluten-free

Cons

  • Not suitable for thin hair

Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar (Best Budget)

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The first ingredient in this scalp-soothing, farm-fresh-inspired shampoo is oat. It is combined with apple cider vinegar to cleanse the scalp and bring great shine and volume to dull hair. It is, therefore, the best clarifying shampoo to remove color.

This shampoo, infused with apple cider vinegar, thoroughly cleanses and strengthens the luster of hair from root to tip. It’s devoid of sulfates, dyes, and parabens, and it’s suitable for all hair types, including color-treated hair.

Aveeno hair care products are formulated with nourishing elements that work together to soothe your scalp and nourish your strands. This results in gorgeous hair from roots to tips.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Volumizing
  • Adds shine and luster

Cons

  • Dries out hair

Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo (Best for All Hair Types)

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You have fine, straight hair, right? This is an excellent choice for you. Have you been blessed with thick curls? Yes, this is still a fantastic alternative. This recipe is suitable for all hair types and textures. 

It not only clarifies the hair but also provides a significant amount of moisturizing argan and avocado oils and strengthening keratin. Oh, and it’s also safe for those with colored hair.

Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo removes the buildup that occurs on a daily basis and causes hair to become lifeless, limp, and dull. The advanced product is color-safe, keratin-enriched, and packed with plant extracts such as lavender, chamomile, and jojoba for revitalizing effect. 

It also includes nourishing argan and avocado oils, which aid in the restoration of a weightless, healthy balance to the hair and scalp. Moreover, it has a high concentration of antioxidants, vitamins, and vital fatty acids that makes it the best clarifying shampoo to remove color.

Pros

  • Safe for color-treated hair
  • Moisturizes and hydrates
  • Works for all hair types
  • Strengthening

Cons

  • Expensive

Redken Detox Hair Clarifying Shampoo (Amazon Choice)

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If you live in a city, you should keep this in your shower. It aids in the removal of not just product build-up, but also pollution residue and minerals present in hard water. It may alter the structure and color of the hair. 

Furthermore, the solution is pH balanced, which helps to maintain hair looking and feeling healthy and shiny. The innovative blend of AHA Fruit Acid + Cleansing Complex removes product buildup from the hair, refreshes it, and leaves it bright and healthy.

Pros

  • Adds plenty of shine
  • Clarifying and chelating benefits

Cons

  • May strip color

SheaMoisture Residue Remover Sulfate-Free Clarifying Shampoo

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This deep cleaning shampoo is an excellent choice for those who have curly or dry hair types. It is also a good choice for women who want to remove hair color. With tea tree oil, flaxseed oil, and borage seed oil, it is gentle on your hair. 

It also removes filth, grime, and color from your hair all at the same time. Aside from the absence of silicone, sulfates, and phthalates in this shampoo’s formulation, it also contains no mineral oil. This is what makes it the best clarifying shampoo to remove color.

Pros

  • Good for people with curly or dry hair
  • Helps keep your hair nourished
  • Works well to brighten hair color

Cons

  • It smells wonderful
  • Ineffective for oily hair

Things to Know About Clarifying Shampoo

Having covered the fundamentals, let’s move on to some of the things you should be aware of prior to using a clarifying shampoo to remove your hair color.

Takes Multiple Washes to Remove Color

It will take numerous shampooing sessions to thoroughly remove the hair color from the hair fibers. Clarifying shampoo does not contain very powerful chemicals or ammonia. Therefore, you should not expect it to completely eliminate all of the colors in a single wash. 

Some Clarifying Shampoos are Harsh Depending on their Ingredients

Some clarifying shampoos are harsher than others, while some are more gentle than others. There are many different types of surfactants available from sulfates to natural cleansers. 

Therefore, you’ll be able to locate clarifying shampoos that include a number of different components. So, you should choose wisely!

Your Hair May Dry Out 

When you use clarifying shampoo on a regular basis, your hair may get drier. Every time you use the shampoo, it effectively wipes away the moisture from your hair, along with the hair color. You should read the label of the best clarifying shampoo to remove color for nourishing ingredients.

best clarifying shampoo to remove color

If you use clarifying shampoo more than twice a week, or if you use it regularly over a lengthy period of time, your hair may be in desperate need of moisture.

Not Suitable For Damaged Hair

If you have damaged hair, the clarifying shampoo color removal procedure is not the greatest option for you to try. Damaged hair often needs moisture, if your hair is already damaged, using a clarifying shampoo on it can exacerbate the problem.

Immediate Removal Gives Better Results

If you are unhappy with your new hair color, attempt fading hair dye as soon as possible using a clarifying shampoo. When you have a hair coloring service, your hair’s cuticles will be partly open for the first three days thereafter. 

It is at this moment that a clarifying shampoo will be the most efficient in eliminating your hair color.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will clarifying shampoo lighten dyed hair?

It will not lighten your hair in the same way as a complete head of bleach would. However, it will assist you in getting rid of any dark hair color that has accumulated in your hair. Make sure you go cautiously and carefully follow all directions.

Will clarifying shampoo take color out?

An anti-dandruff or clarifying shampoo will gradually extract hair dye from your hair and fade it. Moreover, it does so without causing any harm to its natural texture and color. 

Those who wish to lighten their color a few shades or those who want to take a vacation from treating their hair would benefit from this treatment.

How long does it take for clarifying shampoo to fade hair dye?

It may take up to 5 washes with a clarifying shampoo to fully remove semi-permanent hair colors. However, it depends on the intensity of the dye and the kind and condition of your hair and scalp.

Does clarifying shampoo damage hair?

While using a clarifying shampoo to get rid of extra buildup might be beneficial, doing so in excess can have negative consequences. 

If you use this shampoo more than a couple of times a week, it may cause your hair to become dry and lifeless. It’s also possible to observe some flyaways and a lot of frizz.

Can Apple cider vinegar be used as a clarifying shampoo?

Because it only has one ingredient, this is one of the simplest DIY clarifying shampoos to make. Because of its acidic nature, apple cider vinegar has a natural ability to thoroughly clean. 

Experts advise a ratio of three parts apple cider vinegar to one part warm water while preparing this combination. Shake vigorously to ensure proper mixing.

Conclusion

Shampoos that clarify the hair are one of the safest and most gentle methods of lightening or eliminating hair color. Always remember to condition your hair with a high-quality conditioner to keep your tresses looking healthy and shiny. 

We suggest the Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo if you want to see benefits quickly. In addition to providing volume to your hair, the anti-residue formula softly fades the color, making it one of the most effective clarifying shampoos to remove color.

Let us know your best clarifying shampoo to remove color in the comments section below.