Decide whether this wash is a reset
Look for a change from what’s normal for you: a film you can see or feel, less lather wash after wash with the same technique, hair that stops responding to your usual styler, or residue after several leave-in layers. These signs are a reason to try a reset. They don’t tell you what’s wrong with your hair or scalp, and they don’t prove one ingredient caused the change.
If your main concern is scalp pain, sores, itching that won’t stop, sudden shedding or another ongoing symptom, don’t clarify instead of getting it checked by a professional.
Pick a clarifier by its directions and color limits
Clarifying shampoos have different use schedules. PATTERN suggests its Cleansing Shampoo every third wash or so. Curlsmith says every fourth to fifth wash. Malibu C’s FAQ suggests once or twice monthly while its directions also say as needed. OLAPLEX says weekly or as needed and gives a one-to-two-week FAQ range. Those are maker instructions, not a universal ranking.
Rule products out before you think about brand or type. Malibu C says Un-Do-Goo is not color-safe. OLAPLEX says to wait at least two weeks after permanent color and two weeks after a smoothing treatment. If a product doesn’t suit your hair right now, skip it for that wash.
Use it instead of your regular shampoo
Wet your hair and apply the clarifier exactly as directed. For Curlsmith, that means applying to the scalp, massaging through buildup, rinsing until clear, and repeating before conditioner. For OLAPLEX Nº.4C, rub it between your hands, apply to wet hair, lather and rinse well. Don’t use one method for every bottle.
Use the clarifier instead of your regular shampoo unless its maker says a second shampoo can follow. PATTERN says Hydration Shampoo may follow its Cleansing Shampoo if you like; that’s an option for that product, not a rule for clarifying.
Follow with one conditioning step
After rinsing out the clarifier, use one rinse-out conditioner or one mask, where and for as long as its directions say. Don’t use both out of habit. The aim is a simple reset wash, not making up for a strong-sounding shampoo with every conditioner on the shelf.
Leave-in and styler stay optional after you rinse. If you want to know whether the reset fixed a coated feel or a styler that stopped working, keep what you leave in simple so you can tell.
See if it helped before you clarify again
Compare the result with your usual wash. Did the lather come back, the film change, or your usual styler work differently? If nothing changed, don’t clarify more often just because another product suggests a schedule. Look again at your technique, your water and the optional layers you use.
If the reset helped, go back to your regular shampoo and watch for the same signs to return. Clarify again within your product’s directions and when you see the need. Note how much you used too: a clarifier you use now and then costs you differently from a shampoo you use every wash.
Check the label on your bottle
Compare ingredient lists here, then check the bottle you received if you need to avoid a particular ingredient. Formulas can change or differ by country. An ingredient filter cannot tell you how strongly a shampoo will cleanse or whether it will irritate your skin.
Questions before your next wash
What if I am still unsure what to change?
Keep the steps that work, change one thing at a time and follow your product’s directions. A guide can’t tell you what’s causing a scalp or hair problem.
Updated · The sources for this guide are on our Sources page. Report a changed detail.