Image/ Juergen Teller
You've been hydrating, slathering on serums and SPF but have those dry, dull strands seen better days? If the hot summer sun and getting into the holiday spirit has had a bit of a go at your hair and scalp then it might be time for a deep clean and a detox.
This is where we find ourselves reaching for a purifying shampoo - a gentle cleanse that everyone needs in their wash day rotation. Its primary function is to cleanse and remove impurities such as excess oils, light product buildup, and environmental pollutants while maintaining the hair's moisture balance.
Clarifying or Purifying? What's the difference?
Despite what you may think, clarifying shampoo and purifying shampoo are not the same. Think of clarifying shampoo as your intense friend, the party animal, but the one who has your back no matter what. In contrast, purifying shampoo is your green smoothy-drinking friend who spends the weekend at a yoga studio contemplating life.
Clarifying shampoo uses stronger surfactants to remove everything: oils, heavy product buildup, chlorine, and even hard water minerals. It's like a "reset button" for your hair.
While purifying shampoo is more of a gentle detox formulated for regular use. It cleans thoroughly but focuses more on balancing the scalp microbiome by removing light oils, dirt, and pollutants - without stripping the hair. It often contains milder surfactants and soothing or antimicrobial ingredients.
The Benefits of Purifying Shampoo
Mild Detox: Cleanses thoroughly without over-drying, making it suitable for more frequent use than clarifying shampoos.
Scalp Care: Often includes ingredients like tea tree oil, salicylic acid, or botanical extracts to soothe and refresh the scalp.
Balance: Designed to keep the hair and scalp clean without stripping natural oils.
Who needs one?
If your scalp is on the oily side, a purifying shampoo will help regulate excess sebum production.
For city folk, adding a purifying shampoo to your regimen will help remove city scum and pollution from your hair. They're also great if you use minimal styling products but still want a deep cleanse.
Sensitive hair types rejoice: purifying shampoo is a great option for those who find clarifying shampoos too harsh.
