If You Have Oily Roots, This Is What Might Be Missing From Your Routine

Variety

Not everyone will love the same formula, so we curated a list with products fit for different hair types, scalp types, and hair goals so you can find the perfect fit.

Clean ingredients

Our collection leans toward clean and natural products, as we believe what you use on your skin and hair should be safe without compromising quality.

Affordability & accessibility

We know shampoo can get expensive, so we collected options at a variety of price points without suggesting products we don't recommend ingredient-wise.

Testing & testimonials

We tested many of these products first-hand to deliver accurate, honest reviews. When that wasn't possible, we relied on verified customer testimonials.

Best overall: Ouai Detox Shampoo

Apple cider vinegar is the workhorse in this formula, as it deeply cleanses the scalp and even leads to shiny, soft hair (it brings your hair's pH levels back down and seals the cuticle shut). ACV can also help with dandruff: The acidity makes it a less favorable environment for the yeast to thrive, which can help itchy flakes subside. Massage into your scalp, let it sit for a few minutes, and rinse with cold water for the shiniest of strands. 

What our tester says:

I know this product is adored online, but it's worth the hype in real life, too. I tested this formula after I neglected to wash my hair for a week (hey, things happen) and it immediately restored the shine, leaving my strands and scalp clear of gels, oils, and dry shampoo that had built up over the previous seven days. It's slightly drying (as most clarifying shampoos are) so super dry and damaged hair may not love the results. The formula is super concentrated, so a tiny bit goes a long way. Be sure to add water to your hands to get the formula foamy before applying.

Best gentle: Act+Acre Cold Processed Hair Cleanse

If typical clarifying shampoos are just too harsh for your strands, this formula will stand out amongst the rest. Rather than an ultra-sudsy foam, this creamy formula ever-so-gently removes buildup and oil from the scalp and strands, without disturbing the moisture barrier. It sounds too good to be true, but this clarifying shampoo really does help restore moisture in the hair.

What our tester says:

I call upon this shampoo whenever my hair feels dry but simultaneously dirty. It never (and I mean never) dries out my hair or scalp but I always notice an improvement in the look and feel of my hair. It's not quite strong enough to cut through intense buildup from products like harsh gels and sticky hairspray, but it's great to have on hand as your go-to, especially if you have a sensitive scalp or damaged strands.

Best color-safe: Colorproof Clear It Up Shampoo

It's generally best practice to skip clarifying shampoos when you have non-permanent hair color as many formulas can strip off a gloss or lighten a rich color tone. If this sounds like your hair situation, then opt for this color-safe formula. Colorproof is known for helping hair lovers protect their salon color and extend the life of it—this product is no different.

What reviewers say:

Reviewers of this product rave about the fresh and clean feeling it leaves behind and its ability to deeply cleanse sweat and dirt. Keep this product in mind if you have a gloss or semi-permanent dye job. Trust, it'll clear out buildup without stripping your hues.

Best for curls: Pattern Cleansing Shampoo

Anyone with curls or coils probably knows that clarifying shampoo can be a risky product to use, given that it may steal moisture from already dry textured hair. Luckily, this formula falls right in the middle: Natural cleansing agents help to lift light buildup and balance the scalp while powerhouse hydrators like coconut oil and safflower oil preserve the moisture simultaneously.

What reviewers say:

Some reviewers note that this formula doesn't get rid of stubborn buildup, which makes sense given that it has to keep moisture preserved in curls. It's not for those with super oily hair, but could be a game-changer for anyone with curly hair looking for a deeper clean.

Best for dry hair: dpHue Apple Cider Vinegar Soothing Shampoo

Lo and behold, another ACV number. Although, this one is arguably gentler than a twice-a-week confection: It's jam-packed with soothing ingredients (think lavender, aloe, and ginseng root extract) that nourish the follicles while you scrub. 

What reviewers say:

Reviewers with sensitive scalps and dry strands report more moisture and clear roots after using this wash. Many people report that it is gentler than other popular formulas.

Best splurge: Orbie The Cleanse Clarifying Shampoo

Sure, the words volcanic ash may raise a few brows, but this ingredient is actually great for congested hair. It's been used for centuries to cleanse and purify, and it works similarly to activated charcoal—it's able to gently draw out impurities in the scalp and provide a natural lift at the roots. Plus, the product lends quite the fun, foamy application: It has the whipped texture of a mousse yet works into a lather when mixed with water. 

What reviewers say:

One of the common statements made by reviewers is how effective the formula is—some even mention being able to go days without washing unlike before. Some people report slight dryness after using, so pair this shampoo with a moisture-replenishing hair mask if your strands are already on the dry side.

Best budget: Monday Haircare Clarify Shampoo

If you want to explore clarifying shampoos without breaking the bank, this one is a good start. It's a truly deep cleanse but does contain nourishing ingredients like vitamin E and coconut oil as well, helping to restore softness. This one is great for those with tons of oil or buildup looking for a fresh start, or trying to extend time between washes. Plus, you can find it at drugstores like Target and CVS.

What reviewers say:

Reviewers of this product lean into the effectiveness of this formula, occasionally noting some dryness. Many people report their hair feeling squeaky clean and staying clean for a few days between washes.

Best for volume: Olaplex No.4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo

This one is a crowd-pleaser, especially for folks who crave more volume from the root. The formula is far from stripping, but effectively gets rid of buildup and regulates oil production. The unique addition of Olaplex's patented bond-building ingredient blend Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleat ensures even damaged strands are being fed nourishment and protected during the wash.

What our tester says:

I'm obsessed with this formula because it makes my hair color pop. That's an often underrated use of many clarifying shampoos, partly because not every formula delivers on that front, but this shampoo is truly a color-enhancer. I do find myself reaching for it more often than the other products, but that's not necessarily a con for everyone—it just means it's a bit gentler than other options, so you can use it more frequently.

Best for odor: amika Reset Clarifying Gel Shampoo

If your hair holds onto odor, you need this clarifying shampoo. The unique formula includes clay and charcoal to cleanse the hair of unwanted smells you may absorb when walking past a cloud of smoke, spending time in a locker room, etc.

What reviewers say:

Many reviewers praise the unique gel-like formula and note that it stands out amongst other products due to the light, refreshing feel. It's not the best for color-treated hair, especially with semi-permanent color treatments like glosses.

Best for hard water: Living Proof Perfect hair Day Triple Detox Shampoo

Hard water can be, well, hard on your hair. If your strands have built up a rough texture but you spot no buildup, or know you haven't been using many styling products, it could be due to water pollutants—which this formula can help with. The anionic polymer helps to remove buildup, without stripping the hair. Gentle surfactants give it that freshly cleansed feel while soothing ingredients like glycerin protect the scalp.

What our tester says:

This one is unique because it's quite hydrating for a clarifying shampoo, but I still noticed a difference in the amount of buildup on my stands. It doesn't lather up like a super bubbly shampoo, so pick another product if you're married to that sensorial experience.

Best for weekly use: hOURS Day 7 Shampoo

For those who want to feel their scalp tingle, this one is a holy grail. The formula contains hydrators like coconut oil and vitamin E to protect the strands from drying out while the strong cleansing blend keeps your scalp clear as day. Unique additions like pea protein an avocado oil contribute to the soft, shiny look you'll get post-cleanse.

What our tester says:

I've never tried a product from hOURS that I didn't love, and this clarifying shampoo is just another example of the exceptional quality the brand delivers. My hair never feels dry after using this, but I notice it easily washes away even stubborn product residue. Plus, the gentle peppermint oil feels and smells divine.

Best for damaged hair: K18 Peptide Prep Clarifying Detox Shampoo

If you've been a regular bleach or hot tool user, then your strands are probably pretty damaged. Many stylists will suggest even using a pre-shampoo oil treatment before going in with a clarifying shampoo, but you should also look for formulas like this one from K18 with protective properties so you can scrape out the buildup without stealing strength from your hair. This formula contains salicylic acid which is great to slough off dead skin from the scalp, too.

What reviewers say:

This is one of those formulas that's super powerful but should be used every once in a while. Some reviewers note of a dry scalp post-use, so skip this one if you're super sensitive to actives like salicylic acid.

Best for oily hair: Bumble and bumble Sunday Clarifying Shampoo

This one is great for those who are looking to extend their time between washes, or just prone to super greasy roots. The natural clarifying agents work effectively to break up any buildup that could be causing your hair to become oily within a day.

What reviewers say:

This formula is great for stubborn oil, but not the best for color-treated hair with semi-permanent color. If you want to preserve artificial color on your strands, opt for a different color-safe option.

Best for thin hair: JVN Embody Voluminizing Shampoo

Fine hair types are often susceptible to flat roots, especially when there's product and oil buildup sticking around. If that's the case, this is the perfect product to add to your routine as it's simultaneously cleansing and adding volume to lifeless strands. The addition of caffeine even encourages stimulation on the scalp, which is ideal for activating hair growth.

What reviewers say:

Customers report cleaner, more voluminous hair after using this product. Based on the reviews this formula seems to be gentler than many competing products, making it a great pick for sensitive scalps.

Best for shine: Davines SOLU Shampoo

This one is great for anyone who wants to freshen up their stands without the chance of drying them out. The formula is rich in buckwheat protein which helps to nourish and protect the strands. After using this product, your strands are sure to shine, without feeling brittle. It's on the gentler side, so keep that in mind if you're looking to clear out product residue from hard gels or hairsprays.

What our tester says:

This one is a personal favorite because it gets the job done without a harsh finish. Most clarifying shampoos require a hair mask after because they rob your strands of so much moisture, but I use this product with a simple conditioner and my hair never feels dehydrated. Plus, the shine is undeniable.