From The Straits Times    |

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You might have heard of clarifying shampoos, and wondered if you need it. Well, the answer is yes. Almost all of us should use one from time to time to remove build-up, hard water minerals, excess oil, grease and environmental pollutants. Here’s everything you need to know about clarifying shampoos, and the best one for your hair type.

 

How is it different from regular shampoo?

Think of clarifying shampoo as regular shampoo but on steroids. While normal shampoo cleanses your hair of oil and residue, clarifying shampoo takes it a step further and really gives your hair and scalp a deep cleanse, leaving your hair cleaner that it’s ever been. If you are the type to use styling products every day, then this is crucial as your regular shampoo might not be cleansing enough, causing the dreaded product buildup which leads to clogged hair follicles, dull hair, dandruff and even hair loss.

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How often should I use it?

This depends on your hair care and lifestyle habits. If you use hair sprays, dry shampoos and other styling products frequently, then you should use a good clarifying shampoo once a week. This also applies to all you mermaids who find yourself in chlorinated pools or the ocean frequently! If your hair tends to be drier, or are trying to maintain your unicorn hair colour, then limit your usage to no more than a couple of times month as clarifying formulas can the strip the hair of natural sebum and oils, which your scalp needs to maintain its moisture balance. We recommend following up with an intensive conditioning treatment or hair mask to restore moisture to your locks – clarified hair can be hard to manage after washing as it gets so squeaky clean!

 

ALSO READ: IS YOUR HAIRSTYLE AGING YOU? TAKE YOUR CUE FROM STARS LIKE REBECCA LIM AND RAINIE YANG WITH THESE 9 YOUTHFUL STYLES or TOP 10 SHAMPOOS FOR ASIAN HAIR TO SOLVE ALL HAIR AND SCALP ISSUES