I’ve never really understood the point behind ‘clarifying’ your hair, in other words – clearing and cleansing the hair of all the conditioners, hair oils and sprays you use on a daily basis. However, when my hair started to look quite limp and lifeless back in November, I did a quick Google search for review products that would help put the shine and ‘life’ (as cliche as that sounds) back into the hair follicles.
If you think about it, the amount of products I use on my hair (no matter how much they claim to be light and weightless) totals up to quite a vast amount on a daily basis, so it’s no wonder hair can start to look a bit tired. Every day, I shampoo and condition my hair, apply a heat protecting serum, spritz some leave in conditioner on it and occasionally some ‘shine spray’. Although they all claim to be hard at work making my hair glossy, the product build up after a few weeks means that ‘greasy’ or ‘limp’ is perhaps a better word. So, in order to put the oomph back into my hair, I trialed several products, which I have reviewed and they all had varying results.
Nioxin Cleanser Shampoo & Scalp Revitaliser
Best for dry, dehydrated hair.
Originally Nioxin used to cater for those who suffered with hair loss, but they have recently brought out several products which gives hair a thicker, fuller and more moisturized appearance by removing follicle clogging sebum (the oil our hair produces naturally). They have used their wealth of knowledge in hair care for those who suffer from hair loss, to provide a fantastic ‘hair boosting’ range of products, which I personally feel aren’t recommended enough. A quick Google search told me that Nioxin aren’t reviewed very much on the blogging market, however I really think they would go down a treat.
After using the shampoo, followed by the scalp revitaliser daily for a week, I already started to notice a real difference in the volume and overall appearance of my hair, which was full of life, far more glossy and hydrated. Instead of flat roots, my hair looked far more awake and refreshed (if you can describe hair like that) which was really positive. I wouldn’t say that my hair was thicker than usual after using the products, however my hair did feel much stronger and healthier than it had in weeks. I think you are supposed to use these weekly, rather than daily (which I will do from now on) to remove any residue from product build up, so I would definitely recommend them for a hair boost if you are suffering from limp, dry or dehydrated hair. Nioxin.co.uk
Paul Mitchell Clarifying Shampoo Two
Best for removing oil and prolonging time in between washes.
I am a huge fan of Paul Mitchell and love their extensive range of products to suit all hair worries and woes. In the past I have used his ‘colour care’ products, which are really effective in prolonging your hair’s vibrancy after having highlights – so, I thought I would give the Clarifying duo a go. Not only do they claim to rinse out any residue and increase the glossiness of your hair, but they also minimize oil production, so that you find yourself washing your hair less frequently (and in turn, using less product, resulting in less build up).
I trialed the product over a period of three weeks, using it every other day rather than daily, to see if my hair could survive between washes. The first week was a little hit and miss, as I didn’t see any real difference in my hair and I started to feel a bit disappointed in the product’s claims, however after the second week, it was clear that my hair was slowly improving it’s time in between washes (and at one point, I even went for days without shampooing my hair – and it still looked great). Although it might not seem that fantastic for someone whose hair is naturally rarely oily, and who only needs to wash their hair once a week, this is coming from someone whose hair is greasy in the evening, having just washed it in the morning. My hair was a little more volumised and did look much glossier, however the main selling point for me with this product was the oil removal – as it is a nice feeling to not have to wash your hair everyday, and this product granted this for me. Paul Mitchell.
Green People Clarifying Vitamin Shampoo
Best for a hair boost.
I have only just started to trial this product (following in my ‘January Detox’ lead) however I am already starting to see a real difference. The shampoo itself is much heavier when applying to your hair, yet doesn’t feel weighty after rinsing it out. With organic ingredients, it is probably best for those who suffer from a dry, sensitive scalp, which tends to flake or dry out if you use harsh fragranced products, however I personally love the overall effect and would recommend it to anyone looking for a hair detox.
It smells fresh, zesty and clean – and cleanses your hair thoroughly. I found this was probably the best out of the lot for injecting a bit of life back into hair, as it gave the roots extra volume and added shine which I hadn’t experienced so much with the other products. You are supposed to use it weekly, however I have got into the habit of using it whenever I feel my hair needs a quick ‘freshen up’ – as it is great for a quick wash before a night out. Green People.
Evolve Organic Beauty Shampoo
Best for deep cleansing.
Not only does this product smell utterly amazing (with coconut extracts) but it really does give hair a ‘clean, refreshed’ feeling from the first use (not sure if this is the scent, or the product!). This is a detox shampoo that is ideal for daily use (unlike the others which clarify weekly), as it is much lighter on your hair and cleanses thoroughly but gently. It claims to have colour protecting qualities, however I think it’s main selling point is its ‘deep clean’ feeling after rinsing. It gives hair a less weighty, heavy feel, after removing all of the unwanted oil and product build up. FeelUnique.
K-PAK Clarify Shampoo
Best for keen swimmers.
This has quite a generic shampoo scent, which isn’t off putting but I was hoping for something a little more exciting as it is a brand I’ve never tried before. The product prides itself on removing chlorine and build up, whilst conditioning, softening and smoothing the hair follicles. Although I haven’t been swimming in A LONG time (I loved swimming, whatever happened?), I did read a few reviews online which all stated that the horrid chlorine smell (and the crispiness it gives to your hair afterwards), completely went away after using this. They also said that it is perfect for keen swimmers who colour their hair (or highlight it) and want to prolong it, or who want to maintain healthy, hydrated hair – even with regular chlorine exposure. I probably wouldn’t buy this product again, simply because I prefer some of the others, however if you are a water lover, then this might be the ideal solution for maintaining healthy locks – and enjoying the pool (without having to wear one of those silly hats!). The product can be viewed in further detail, here.
Macadamia Moisturizing Rinse
Best for glossy locks.
And last but certainly not least – my favourite product out of the lot, the Macadamia Rinse. It’s technically not a clarifying product, however it provides glossy, healthy and shiny looking hair and completely transforms even the limpest of locks. For dry, dehydrated or colour treated hair (like mine), it works wonders – even if you use it just weekly. You simply apply the rinse to wet hair after conditioning, wait 60 seconds and rinse. It does feel a little oily upon application, but this texture rinses out and you are left with soft, smooth hair that instantly appears in much better condition. The rinse is currently on sale (£9.44) and is worth every penny in my opinion. You only need a fifty pence piece sized helping of the rinse to cover your entire head (and I have a lot of hair, so you might need even less) and it is most effective when put through the roots, to the tips of your hair. You can purchase this product here.