I find this clarifying shampoo effective for oily thick hair with fresh lemon scent.

2026-07-26 Shampoo reviews Categroy：Women's Views：20

This clarifying shampoo effectively cleans thick oily hair, prevents greasiness, and has a pleasant lemon scent. The large bottle lasts over a year. However, it isn't drastically better than drugstore options, making it a good but not holy-grail choice.Product Detail

My Honest Clarifying Shampoo Review for Oily Hair

This is a review from Amazon.com about product:

Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two, Clarifying Shampoo, Deep Cleanses + Removes Buildup, For All Hair Types, Especially Oily Hair

My Honest Clarifying Shampoo Review for Oily Hair

My husband prefers a clarifying shampoo, and for a while it seemed like all of the drugstore options vanished from the market.

After a certain point, we decided that sinking more time into the hunt for a drugstore replacement for what he had been using (since discontinued) wasn't worth it and gave this a shot.

It cleans thick hair well and helps him avoid greasiness even with an every-other-day shampoo routine. The light citrus fragrance is pleasant and unisex. The large bottle is convenient and will last him over a year (even with me dipping into it to clarify once a month or so).

Despite those positive qualities, it doesn't seem to do anything unique or special that he wasn't getting from a drugstore option. We like it, and will repurchase if we can't find similar performance in a more accessible price-point, but it isn't quite a "holy grail" tier product.

What Is a Clarifying Shampoo?

A clarifying shampoo is a deep-cleansing formula designed to remove product buildup, excess oil, sebum, and environmental impurities from the hair and scalp. Unlike regular shampoos, which focus on daily cleansing, clarifying shampoos use stronger surfactants (like sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate) to break down residues from styling products, hard water minerals, and natural oils. This makes them ideal for people with oily hair or those who use heavy gels, sprays, or waxes.

Why Choose This Paul Mitchell Clarifying Shampoo?

Paul Mitchell's clarifying shampoo is formulated for all hair types, especially oily hair. It features a crisp, energizing lemon scent derived from natural citrus extracts. The liquid formula lathers thoroughly to lift dirt and grease without leaving a greasy residue. Key benefits include:

What Customers Say (Based on 13,700 Ratings)

With a 4.5-star average from thousands of reviews, this shampoo earns praise for its cleaning power. Customers rate it highly for removing grease and restoring hair volume. Many appreciate that it doesn't leave hair feeling stripped or dry when used correctly (though some with very dry hair note it can be drying, which is common with clarifying formulas). The pleasant smell is a frequent positive highlight, and the large bottle is seen as a cost-effective choice for those who need frequent clarifying.

How to Use Clarifying Shampoo for Best Results

Clarifying shampoos are strong, so they should not be used every day unless you have very oily hair. An every-other-day or weekly schedule works well for most. For thick, oily hair, apply a quarter-sized amount, massage into the scalp, and let sit for 1-2 minutes before rinsing. Follow with a lightweight conditioner or a moisturizing treatment to maintain hair moisture. Many customers note that this shampoo prevents greasiness even with an every-other-day routine, and a monthly clarifying wash can keep hair from looking flat.

How Does It Compare to Drugstore Options?

Some users find that the performance is similar to less expensive drugstore clarifying shampoos. However, the consistent quality, trusted brand reputation, and long-lasting bottle size may justify the premium price for those who value reliability. If you are looking for a "holy grail" alternative, this might not be it, but it remains a solid choice for maintaining clean, non-greasy hair.

Ingredients and Safety

The formula includes water, sodium laureth sulfate, cocamidopropyl betaine, and glycerin, along with natural citric acid and fragrance. It is free of parabens and sulfates? Actually, it contains sulfates (SLES), which is typical for clarifying shampoos to achieve deep cleaning. Those with sensitive scalps may want to patch test first. The product is manufactured by John Paul Mitchell Systems, a brand known for professional salon-quality hair care.

Final Thoughts

Paul Mitchell Shampoo Three is a reliable clarifying shampoo for oily and thick hair. Its effective cleaning, fresh scent, and generous size make it a popular choice. While some customers consider it overpriced, the high rating and thousands of reviews indicate widespread satisfaction. For best results, use it in rotation with a moisturizing shampoo to balance oil removal and hydration.