Every so often, the scalp can get heavy. When hair feels limp and roots feel weighed down, the solution may seem obvious: another shampoo and thick conditioning is in order. However, what happens when you finish blow-drying to realize that no progress has been made? In fact, the situation has probably worsened. This is because your scalp may have build-up, and rather than adding more product, it needs to be cleansed. This is where clarifying shampoos come in. Sounds simple, yet a few questions circulate around this topic. What is a clarifying shampoo and what step is it in a hair-washing routine?
Keep reading to learn how to use a clarifying shampoo.
What is a clarifying shampoo
To begin, what is a clarifying shampoo? It's a thorough shampoo designed to give your scalp a reset. Itchiness, irritation, flakes, and redness are all signs that there is a build-up of product in your hair. You might also notice your hair getting greasy quicker than usual. Product build-up in the hair is almost inevitable after a stretch of time. It may occur more regularly if you’re using silicone-based products, as these don’t tend to rinse out easily. The way to rid of this build-up is to give your scalp and roots a deeper clean than usual using a clarifying shampoo.
Another sign of build-up is dull, dry strands. This is because your natural sebum is being blocked from providing shine and moisture to the hair. The ideal clarifying shampoo to use is one which will not only purify the scalp, but will also clear up any flakes and restore hydration to the scalp and strands of hair.
For example, Ameliorate's Clarifying Shampoo contains Prebiotics, Lactitol and Xylitol, combined with the unique LaH6 Skin Hydration Complex to soothe and exfoliate the scalp. Meanwhile, conditioning actives help to maintain the hair's volume and shine. It gently cleanses, protects and replenishes natural moisture in the hair and relieves any itchiness and irritation.
Once you know how to use a clarifying shampoo, your scalp should not only feel more comfortable. Your hair will regain that healthy-looking gloss with strands that are soft and silky to touch.
How often to use a clarifying shampoo
The next big question is how often you should use a clarifying shampoo. Some clarifying shampoos should only be used once or twice a week, however, Ameliorate's Clarifying Shampoo is suitable to use every day. Gently massage the shampoo into the scalp with the tips of the fingers. Once it has turned into a lather, rinse it away thoroughly until the water runs clear. Make sure there's no leftover residue!
When using a clarifying shampoo, it's important to follow up with a conditioner to seal the moisture into the strands and prevent tangles. However, make sure to use the conditioner only on the ends. Smothering it onto the roots will only un-do all of the clarifying your shampoo has just achieved.
Ameliorate's Smoothing Conditioner is a particularly good choice of follow up from a clarifying shampoo as it smooths the surface of the hair shaft without weighing it down. It's suitable for all hair types and is also gentle enough to be used daily.
What is pH balanced shampoo?
The final thing to take note of when picking out a clarifying regimen is whether or not you are using a pH-balanced shampoo. According to the Minnesota School of Cosmetology, "when the hair is at the proper pH level, the cuticles are tightly closed, giving hair a healthy, smooth feel and a shiny appearance." As we dye, bleach, style, and wash our hair, we affect it's pH levels. Some clarifying shampoos often have a high pH for a deeper cleanse, however, this makes our hair temporarily turn alkaline.
When our hair is temporarily alkaline, our cuticles open. Friction between the fibers can occur, causing dry frizz and color to fade much faster. That's why it is important to use a mild, pH balanced shampoo.
pH-balanced shampoos ensure that the cuticle stays closed which in turn prevents moisture loss, tames frizz and provides you with a longer-lasting color. It also prevents the scalp from producing too much oil after you shampoo, meaning more time between washes. As Ameliorate's careful formula results in both a clarifying and pH-balanced shampoo, it rebalances the scalp's natural protective barrier while it cleanses and nourishes.
Once your scalp has been reset and freed from that nasty build-up of oil and product, you may notice a significant difference in how your roots and hair feel. The scalp is a part of our body that we often overlook but requires just as much attention and care as anywhere else. Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp, so now that you have a clarifying step in your routine, why not practice an entire scalp-focused regimen every now and again? Take a look at our guide on how to massage your scalp to stimulate hair growth and relieve stress.
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