My clarifying shampoo gave soft, light hair after a reset wash, needing minimal extra product surprisingly.

2025-09-13 Shampoo reviews Categroy：Women's Views：16

My clarifying shampoo reset wash worked wonders! After a double cleanse and light conditioner, my hair felt incredibly soft and light, surprisingly manageable despite skipping deep treatment. A worthwhile splurge.

This is a review from Amazon.com about product:

Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo, 8.5 Fl. Oz.

My Reset Wash Success with Clarifying Shampoo

I splurged on this for myself. It’s been a while since I used a clarifying shampoo and I desperately needed a reset wash.

Since it’s been so long since I clarified last (I normally use a clarifying shampoo once a month) I did a double wash and followed up with a moisturizing conditioner (Maui Moisture Hydrate & Heal). Since I plan on doing an olaplex treatment tomorrow I only added some leave in conditioner (Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate + Repair Multi-Action Leave-In) and let it air dry.

While my curls are a little frizzy from the lack of products that I normally add, my hair is still so soft and light feeling. I know clarifying shampoos usually need to be followed up with some deep conditioning but I’m shocked at how nice my hair is after the first wash.

The scent is light and clean. It’s not a scent profile that I particularly love but it’s very pleasant. The amount you get for the price is meh, but I also understand you’re paying for a high end product and since you only need to clarify once every few weeks this should last me a long time!

Shampoo Basics & Tips

Understanding Clarifying Shampoos and Reset Washes

A clarifying shampoo is a deep-cleansing formula designed to remove stubborn buildup from hair that regular shampoos can't eliminate. This buildup includes residues from styling products (gels, mousses, hairsprays), hard water minerals, chlorine from swimming, and even excess oils and silicones from conditioners or treatments. Unlike daily shampoos, clarifying shampoos often contain stronger surfactants like sulfates (e.g., Sodium Laureth Sulfate) for a thorough cleanse.

What is a Reset Wash?

A reset wash (as mentioned in the review: "desperately needed a reset wash") refers to using a clarifying shampoo specifically to strip away all accumulated buildup, essentially "resetting" the hair to its clean, natural state. This is crucial when hair feels limp, greasy quickly, looks dull, or products stop working effectively. The reviewer hadn't clarified in a long time, making this reset essential.

Why Follow Clarifying with Deep Conditioning?

Clarifying shampoos are very effective but can be drying because they remove *all* residues, including some natural oils that protect the hair shaft. That's why deep conditioning is highly recommended after clarifying. The reviewer was "shocked" her hair felt "so soft and light" even though she only used a regular moisturizing conditioner (Maui Moisture) and a leave-in (Shea Moisture), skipping a dedicated deep conditioner. This highlights the effectiveness of the clarifying shampoo in restoring hair manageability but also suggests her hair might have benefited even more from a deep mask.

The Double Wash Technique

The reviewer performed a double wash. This technique is common with clarifying shampoos, especially after a long period without clarifying or for very heavy buildup. The first wash breaks down and lifts the surface layer of grime and oils. The second wash allows the shampoo to work more effectively on the hair itself and remove any residue loosened by the first wash, ensuring a deeper clean.

Clarifying Frequency: Less is More

The reviewer mentions clarifying "once a month" normally. This is a common and generally safe frequency for most people. Over-clarifying (e.g., weekly) can strip hair excessively, leading to dryness, breakage, and scalp irritation. Factors influencing frequency include hair type (oily hair may need it slightly more often), product usage (heavy stylists need it more), water hardness, and activity level (swimmers). Listen to your hair – if it feels weighed down or products don't work, it might be time.

Sulfate-Free Clarifying Options

While many traditional clarifying shampoos contain sulfates for maximum cleansing power, there are sulfate-free clarifying options available. These often rely on alternative surfactants like Decyl Glucoside or Coco-Glucoside combined with chelating agents (like EDTA or Citric Acid) to remove minerals. They might be gentler but could require more product or slightly longer application time for heavy buildup compared to sulfate formulas.

Clarifying for Curly Hair

The reviewer has curly hair ("my curls are a little frizzy"). Curly hair is often drier and more prone to damage. While clarifying is still important to remove buildup that can cause curls to look limp or feel crunchy, curly-haired individuals should be extra mindful of following up with intense moisture (deep conditioners, leave-ins, oils) and potentially using gentler sulfate-free clarifiers or apple cider vinegar rinses to avoid excessive dryness.

Value Proposition of Clarifying Shampoos

The reviewer notes the amount for the price is "meh" but recognizes you pay for a "high end product" and that because you "only need to clarify once every few weeks this should last me a long time!" This highlights a key point: Clarifying shampoos offer value through longevity. A bottle used only monthly or every 6 weeks lasts significantly longer than a daily shampoo, making the higher price per ounce more justifiable.

Managing Frizz After Clarifying

The reviewer experienced "a little frizz" due to the "lack of products" normally added. This is common after clarifying, especially for curly or wavy hair. Removing all product residue leaves the hair cuticle very clean but also more open and prone to absorbing humidity, causing frizz. Restoring moisture (conditioner, leave-in) and using anti-humectants or light oils/sealants after clarifying is key to managing this frizz, as the reviewer did with her leave-in conditioner.