Ever wished you could hit a “reset” button on your hair color? Maybe that vibrant red you loved is now looking a little faded, or perhaps that experimental purple just isn’t working out anymore. It’s a common hair dilemma: how do you safely and effectively remove unwanted color without stripping your hair completely dry?
Choosing the right clarifying shampoo to get rid of color can feel like navigating a maze. You want something strong enough to lift the pigment, but gentle enough not to leave your hair feeling like straw. The fear of making your hair brittle or damaging it further is a real concern for many. It’s a balancing act, and the wrong choice can lead to disappointing results.
But what if you could confidently pick a shampoo that tackles unwanted color while keeping your hair healthy and happy? This post is your guide to understanding what makes a clarifying shampoo effective for color removal. We’ll break down the key ingredients to look for, what to avoid, and how to use them for the best results. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge to make a smart choice and say goodbye to that color you no longer want.
Our Top 5 Clarifying Shampoo To Get Rid Of Color Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Clarifying Shampoo To Get Rid Of Color Detailed Reviews
1. Keracolor Fade Effect Color Fading Shampoo
Rating: 9.3/10
Tired of your vibrant semi-permanent hair color fading too quickly? Or maybe you’re ready for a change and want to gently lighten your current shade? The Keracolor Fade Effect Color Fading Shampoo is designed to help you manage your hair color’s intensity. This shampoo is made in the USA and comes in a generous 9.75 fl. oz. bottle, giving you plenty of product to work with.
What We Like:
- Effectively and gently fades semi-permanent hair color.
- Helps you transition to a new color or lighten your current shade.
- Comes in a large, 9.75 fl. oz. size for good value.
- Made in the USA, so you know where it comes from.
- It’s easy to use – just like regular shampoo!
What Could Be Improved:
- May require multiple washes to achieve significant fading for very dark or intense colors.
- Some users might prefer a stronger scent.
This shampoo offers a user-friendly way to control your hair color’s vibrancy. It’s a helpful tool for anyone looking to manage their semi-permanent dye.
2. Malibu C. Un-Do-Goo Shampoo (1 Packet) – Clarifying Shampoo to Remove Product Build Up + Resins from Hair – Shine Restoring
Rating: 8.6/10
Are you tired of dull, lifeless hair that feels weighed down? The Malibu C. Un-Do-Goo Shampoo (1 Packet) is here to rescue your strands! This powerful clarifying shampoo is designed to tackle stubborn product buildup and those sticky resins that styling products leave behind. It’s like a deep clean for your hair, bringing back its natural shine, softness, and making it much easier to manage from the very roots.
What We Like:
- It’s a favorite pH-balanced shampoo that really gets rid of product gunk.
- This shampoo is sulfate-free and packed with good-for-you vegan ingredients like magnesium and limonene.
- It helps your hair grow better and keeps it healthy.
- This clarifying shampoo is safe for color-treated hair, so your color won’t fade.
- It’s super easy to use, just apply to wet hair and rinse.
- Malibu C. is a brand that cares about being vegan, eco-friendly, and cruelty-free.
What Could Be Improved:
- It comes in a single packet, so if you have long hair, you might need more than one.
- To get the best results, you need to buy their other wellness remedies and conditioner separately.
This shampoo is a game-changer for anyone wanting to refresh their hair. Give your hair the detox it deserves with this amazing product.
3. Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two
Rating: 9.3/10
Tired of dull, heavy hair? Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two is your solution! This clarifying shampoo gives your hair a deep clean, washing away all the gunk that weighs it down. It’s especially great for anyone with oily hair, but it works wonders for all hair types. Get ready for hair that feels refreshed and looks amazing!
What We Like:
- It has a super fresh, lemony scent that makes washing your hair feel like a treat.
- This shampoo really gets rid of all the leftover styling products and gunk that make your hair look dull.
- It’s fantastic for oily hair, leaving it feeling clean and light.
- Even though it’s a strong cleaner, it’s safe for colored hair, so your color stays vibrant.
- Your hair will feel squeaky-clean, look shiny, and have more bounce and body after using it.
- It thoroughly cleans styling products from your hair’s surface.
What Could Be Improved:
- Because it’s a clarifying shampoo, it can sometimes be a little drying for very dry or curly hair if used too often.
- Some users might find the price point a bit higher compared to everyday shampoos.
Overall, Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two is a powerful tool for achieving truly clean, vibrant hair. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone looking to reset their hair and get rid of stubborn buildup.
4. Paul Mitchell Shampoo Three
Rating: 9.2/10
Dive into refreshed, revitalized hair with Paul Mitchell Shampoo Three. This clarifying shampoo is a game-changer, especially for those who love to swim. It powerfully cleanses your hair, getting rid of all the gunk that builds up and makes your hair feel heavy and look dull. Plus, it’s amazing at tackling that stubborn “chlorine green” tint that swimming can leave behind. This shampoo works for all hair types, giving your strands a much-needed boost of strength.
What We Like:
- It’s a superhero at removing chlorine buildup, especially that annoying “chlorine green” color.
- It washes away all the yucky impurities and dullness that can make hair look lifeless.
- Your hair will feel stronger and healthier after using it.
- It works wonders for all hair types, making it super versatile.
- Swimmers will especially love how it protects and cleanses their hair.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users find the scent to be a little strong.
- It’s a clarifying shampoo, so it might be a bit drying if used too often on very dry hair.
If you’re looking for clean, strong, and vibrant hair, this shampoo is definitely worth trying. It’s your go-to for combating swimmer’s hair and general buildup.
5. Odele Clarifying Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Rating: 8.6/10
Tired of dull hair that feels weighed down? The Odele Clarifying Sulfate-Free Shampoo is your weekly reset button for hair that looks and feels amazing. This shampoo deeply cleans your hair, getting rid of all the gunk that builds up from styling products and even hard water. It’s like a deep clean for your scalp and strands, leaving them fresh and revitalized without stripping them dry.
What We Like:
- It powerfully removes product buildup and impurities, making your hair feel lighter.
- It’s safe for color-treated hair, protecting your vibrant color.
- This shampoo works wonderfully for all hair types and textures.
- The scent is a natural, gender-neutral blend of oakmoss, ylang ylang, and cucumber.
- It’s dermatologist-tested and free from harsh sulfates, formaldehyde, phthalates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances.
- The formula is vegan and cruelty-free, giving you peace of mind.
- Odele offers clean, high-performance hair care that’s accessible to everyone.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might prefer a thicker shampoo consistency.
- Availability might be limited in certain local stores.
If you’re looking for a shampoo that truly cleans without being harsh, Odele Clarifying Shampoo is a fantastic option. It’s a great way to give your hair a weekly refresh and keep it looking its best.
Your Guide to Clarifying Shampoo for Color Removal
So, you’ve experimented with hair color, and now you want to go back to your natural shade or try something new. A clarifying shampoo is your secret weapon! This guide helps you pick the best one to gently yet effectively remove unwanted color.
What to Look For: Key Features
When you’re shopping for a clarifying shampoo to ditch hair dye, keep these important features in mind.
- Deep Cleansing Power: The shampoo must be strong enough to break down and wash away artificial color molecules.
- Gentle Formula: While it’s powerful, it shouldn’t strip your hair of all its natural oils. Look for ingredients that moisturize.
- Sulfate-Free Options: Sulfates can be harsh and dry out your hair. Many good clarifying shampoos avoid them.
- pH Balanced: A balanced pH helps protect your hair cuticles.
- Color-Safe for Unwanted Tones: Some shampoos are designed to remove specific colors. Check the label.
Important Ingredients to Consider
The ingredients in your clarifying shampoo make a big difference. Here’s what to look for.
- Activated Charcoal: This is a powerhouse ingredient. It absorbs impurities and color residue.
- Baking Soda: A natural cleanser that helps lift color. Use it sparingly as it can be drying.
- Vinegar (Apple Cider or White): These acids help to open the hair cuticle, allowing color to be released.
- Citric Acid: Found in fruits, it’s a natural chelator that helps remove mineral buildup and color.
- Moisturizing Agents: Look for things like glycerin, aloe vera, or natural oils (coconut, argan) to keep hair from getting too dry.
What Makes a Shampoo Great (or Not So Great)?
Certain things can boost a shampoo’s performance, while others might make it less effective or even harmful.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Natural Ingredients: Shampoos with more natural cleansing and moisturizing agents often perform better and are gentler.
- Good Reviews: Real users can tell you if a shampoo works. Look for positive feedback on color removal.
- Clear Instructions: A product that tells you exactly how to use it for color removal is a plus.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Harsh Chemicals: Ingredients like strong sulfates can damage your hair.
- Overly Drying Formulas: If a shampoo leaves your hair feeling brittle, it’s not a good choice.
- Lack of Moisturizing Ingredients: Color removal can be drying. A shampoo needs to balance this.
User Experience and When to Use It
How a clarifying shampoo feels and when you use it matters.
User Experience:
Most clarifying shampoos create a good lather. They might smell clean and fresh. After rinsing, your hair should feel lighter and cleaner. It’s important to follow up with a deep conditioner because clarifying shampoos can be drying.
When to Use It:
- After a Failed Dye Job: This is the most common reason. You can use it to fade or remove unwanted color.
- Before Re-Dyeing: If you want to dye your hair a lighter color, a clarifying shampoo helps remove old color, making the new color more vibrant.
- To Remove Product Buildup: Sometimes, styling products can make hair look dull. Clarifying shampoo cleans this away.
- To Lighten Henna or Semi-Permanent Dyes: These colors can be stubborn, and clarifying shampoo helps fade them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can clarifying shampoo completely remove permanent hair dye?
A: It can lighten permanent dye significantly, but it might not remove it completely in one wash. Multiple washes may be needed.
Q: How often should I use a clarifying shampoo for color removal?
A: Use it only when needed for color removal. Overusing it can dry out your hair. Once or twice a week is usually enough, depending on the dye.
Q: Will clarifying shampoo damage my hair?
A: It can be drying. Always follow up with a good conditioner or hair mask to restore moisture.
Q: Can I use clarifying shampoo on colored hair to keep the color?
A: No. Clarifying shampoos are designed to strip color, so they will fade your current hair color.
Q: What’s the difference between clarifying shampoo and regular shampoo?
A: Clarifying shampoos are stronger and clean deeper to remove buildup and color. Regular shampoos are for daily cleaning.
Q: How long should I leave clarifying shampoo on my hair?
A: Usually, you lather it up and rinse it out immediately or leave it on for a minute or two, as directed on the bottle.
Q: Can I use clarifying shampoo if I have a sensitive scalp?
A: Be cautious. Some clarifying shampoos can be strong. Look for formulas with fewer harsh chemicals or do a patch test first.
Q: How do I prepare my hair before using clarifying shampoo for color removal?
A: Your hair should be dry or slightly damp. Some people find it works better on dry hair.
Q: What should I do after using clarifying shampoo?
A: Always use a deep conditioner or hair mask. This helps to rehydrate and replenish your hair.
Q: Are there natural alternatives to clarifying shampoo for color removal?
A: Yes, like baking soda and vitamin C treatments, but clarifying shampoos are often more effective and easier to use.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!