Let’s begin by clarifying what is “low porosity hair”. Is your hair low porosity? Hair porosity refers to your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. If you have low porosity hair, your hair cuticles lie flat and tight around the hair shaft, which means that products are not easily able enter your hair’s shaft. Because of that, there is a chance that you experienced product build up. Product build up is a common issue with low porosity hair, especially if you use a lot of styling products such as curl defining mousses or gels for your hairstyles. When product build up is not removed, it can result to your curls looking dull and weighed down over time. It can also lead to dry hair and breakage because of the coating of products clogging your hair shaft. This is where a clarifying shampoo for low porosity hair does its magic.
Is clarifying shampoo good for low porosity hair?
Absolutely! Using a clarifying shampoo helps to remove product buildup, allowing the hair to finally breathe and absorb the moisture you need. A Clarifying shampoo is a deep-cleansing shampoo that removes product buildup, excess oil, and dirt from your hair and scalp. They are perfect if you often have an itchy scalp with product residue and will help to thoroughly cleanse your scalp and your curls.
How often should I clarify my low porosity hair?
Although clarifying shampoos are beneficial for low porosity hair, they should not replace your regular shampoo. Using them too frequently can lead to over-drying, which can cause its own set of hair issues.
Unlike regular shampoos, clarifying shampoos are designed to be used occasionally depending on your wash routine to give your hair and scalp a deep clean. For example:
- If you have been using a lot more styling products than usual and your coils are coated with heavy products, it might be a good idea to use a clarifying shampoo.
- Similarly when you have been slacking on your washing schedule and feel that your hair and a scalp need a deep cleanse.
- When your hair and scalp feel dryer than usual: If your hair still feels dry after using deep conditioners and moisturizing products, it might be because of product build up. Using a clarifying shampoo will get rid of the buildup on your hair and scalp.
Which type of clarifying shampoo is best for low porosity hair?
Here is what you should look for in a clarifying shampoo for low porosity hair:
- Avoid shampoos with heavy silicones and waxes. These ingredients are known to coat the hair shaft, exacerbating the issue of product buildup.
- Choose a sulfate-free clarifying shampoo that specifies to gently yet effectively remove product buildup without stripping your hair of its natural oils.
This our recommendation for the top clarifying shampoos that are best gently cleanse your scalp and revitalize your hair:
1. Ideal to remove product build up : Aunt Jackie’s Power Wash Intense Moisture Clarifying Shampoo (11$)
This sulfate-free shampoo will effectively remove build-up if you have used oily hair care and waxy products. Infused with Aloe Vera and Apple Cider Vinegar, it will deeply cleanse and keep the hydration in your hair.
- Perfect for: Curls coated with styling products
- Customer Review: “I tried out a sample of this from my sister and fell in love with it! I usually shampoo my hair twice, which leaves my hair a bit dry even if I do let the conditioner sit first. Not with this magic bottle! My hair is so soft now. Even when it dries!”
2. The Pre-Shampoo to revive your scalp: Taliah Waajid Stimulating Herbal Cleanser (7$)
This shampoo will help you to stop itching and provide a cool, minty scent to stimulate your scalp while leaving it clean and refreshed. It’s a cleanser advised to use as a pre shampoo to completely remove build up and product from your hair. You can follow up using a moisturizing shampoo and your favorite conditioner.
- Perfect for: Itchy scalp and minor irritations.
- Customer Review: “The first time I got this I didn’t realize it was a pre-poo and so I was bummed at first. But i hate returning stuff so i gave it a shot. Glad i did, it cleanses my hair without stripping it well. I use it on my sons hair also. We both get itchy scalps and this helps with that. Our hair doesn’t feel dry after using it”
- “I have used this product for over 10 years and it has definitely been my go to for cleansing my hair especially after intense yard work.”
3. The most gentle clarifying shampoo for low porosity hair: As I am Curl Clarity Shampoo (9$)
With coconut and fruit extract, the as I am curl clarity shampoo will gently remove dirt oil and outside impurities from your hair. This shampoo will leave your hair moisturized making it easier to detangle. Its ingredients make it very gentle on low porosity hair as it won’t be as harsh as other clarifying options.
- Perfect for: Low Porosity Hair easily prone to dryness, not for hair types in needed of the deepest cleansing.
- Customer Review:” So after using the curly girl method since lockdown I wondered why my hair just never felt clean through co-washing. After much research I realised that I needed a clarifying shampoo once every 3/4 weeks to remove build up. I bought this and it was amazing!”
- “I’ve never used clarifying shampoo before, and this is a new staple of mine. My hair gets so dry a few days after wash day despite using a lot of products, oils etc and since using this 5 days ago my low porosity hair had remained soft and moisturized.”
4. Post protective styling: Curls Hair Under There Detox Tea Cleansing Shampoo (13$)
The Hair under there detox shampoo will work wonders on hair that has been covered and protected for a long time in a protective hairstyle. This cooling shampoo will get rid hair build up from weeks of protective style. You can use this clarifying shampoo in your protective style as well whether it’s a weave or braids.
- Perfect for: Hair that has been in a protective style. Suitable for low and high porosity hair.
- Customer Review: “I have sisterlocs and get those little clumps of dirt caught sometimes. Not all shampoo gets them out. I decided to try this since it’s created for hair just coming out of a protective style. My locs are CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN and my scalp was SINGING!”
5. Natural with organic ingredients: Alikay Naturals Moisturizing Black Soap Shampoo (14$)
Alikay Naturals clarifying shampoo is made of raw black soap which heals damaged hair from deep within the follicles. The applicator makes it very easy to reach the scalp to remove all product build up. This is truly a natural shampoo without mystery ingredients on the label. Perfect for those who want to know all about what they use on their hair!
- Perfect for: Who want to use a natural shampoo with organic ingredients. Clarifying shampoo for curly hair and moisturizing.
- Customer Review: “I use this after a protective style or silk press or whenever needed to really clean my scalp. I love that it doesn’t dry out my hair but still gets the job done.”
- “Leaves hair soft. I used to only cow ash my 4c hair. I decided to try this organic hair shampoo to help clean/remove the build up on my hair. I was soooo surprised! It did not dry out my 4c hair. I definitely recommend this shampoo for ALL hair types”
6. Treats and prevents dandruff: Eden Body Works Peppermint Tea Tree Clarifying Shampoo (10$)
We love a shampoo that stimulate our senses! This clarifying shampoo has therapeutic tingling properties and will you ease your scalp issues including dandruff. If you experience product build up from oil and dirt, it will clarify your scalp to ensure hair growth. It can also soothe irritation caused by dryness.
- Perfect for: Hair experiencing dandruff and dry scalp.
- Customer Review: “My hair feels so clean after clarifying with the peppermint tea tree shampoo. The tingling mint sensation feels SO good on the scalp. Doesn’t dry out my hair and really helps sooth itchy scalp”.
- “I love how this shampoo is clarifying yet it does not strip the hair of its natural properties. As a person with low porosity hair this product does everything I need to do. It cleans my scalp, but keeps my strands moisturized. The smell is also nice and gives me a spa like feeling.”
7. For moisture benefits: Camille Rose Clean Rinse clarifying Shampoo for low porosity hair (14$)
This clarifying but hydrating shampoo will not strip your scalp to leave it dry. The combination of honey and peppermint oil will soften your hair and exfoliate your scalp to deliver ultimate cleansing and moisture benefits.
- Perfect for: Hair that can easily become dry from clarifying shampoos.
- Customer Review: “I had been traveling and skipped a weekly wash so I had two weeks of creams, butters, gels, dirt, sweat , etc… I could not wait to get home and use this clarifying shampoo for the first time Your hair does not get hard but you need a nice conditioner to re- texturize and see your clean curls pop again.”
Does clarifying shampoo for low porosity hair cause dryness?
While these clarifying shampoos are fantastic for low porosity hair, remember to use them only when needed. Since clarifying shampoos are designed to provide a deep cleanse although some have moisturizing properties, excessive use can strip your hair of necessary oils, leading to dryness. Generally, it is recommended to use these products periodically when a lot of styling products have been used or out of a protective style. How often to use is still depending on the product buildup and your hair needs.
Ultimately, understanding your hair’s porosity and providing it with the care it needs will help you to take care of your hair’s health. Buying right clarifying shampoo for low porosity hair is perfect to remove product buildup therefore to restore shine and promote healthy, vibrant curls.
