When And How To Clarify Your Hair

You know it’s time to clarify your hair when it feels greasy, dirty and heavy. Whether relaxed, colour-treated or natural, product tends to build-up on our hair. Product builds up on our hair especially when applying conditioners, oils, mousses or gels continuously. Simple shampooing won’t cut it. This is when you need to bring in the big guns…Clarifying.

What is clarifying anyway?

Clarifying is the process of removing product build-up and dirt by stripping it down using clarifying shampoos or DIY home remedies. It’s like a deep clean of sorts.

There are 4 ways to clarify your hair:

Clarifying Shampoo

Beauty brands have formulated clarifying shampoos for specific purpose of lifting product build-up,making your hair squeaky clean. Look for shampoos with words like ‘’Clarifying’’ or ‘’Deep Clean’’ on them.

Apple Cider Vinegar

If you can’t access clarifying shampoo,Apple Cider Vinegar(ACV) will do the trick. After washing your hair with shampoo and rinsing,pour 1 tablespoon of ACV into a glass and add 500ml of cold water. Pour  this mixture into a spray bottle and spray your hair with it, while massaging it into your hair and scalp. Wear a shower cap, let sit for 15 minutes and rinse thoroughly. Ta-da! Product build-up gone in an instant.

Baking Soda + Vinegar

This method is also as easy as 1,2 and rinse. In a glass, place a tablespoon of baking soda and 2 tablespoons of vinegar(can be white of Apple Cider Vinegar) and stir. Apply this mixture into your clean hair and rinse out after a few minutes. Take that, product build up!

Bentonite Clay

This magical  clay mask has the power to remove product build up on the hair and scalp. It has the ability to draw out dirt and toxins while leaving the hair conditioned and frizz-free.Double points! Add a half a cup of bentonite clay into a plastic bowl/basin. Add in 1 tablespoon of sweet almond oil, coconut oil castor oil and coconut oil. Add in 6 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar and 3 tablespoons of water. Mix altogether and apply this mask on your hair, raking it through with your fingers. Let sit for 20 minutes and rinse. Proceed to apply conditioner and style as usual.

Clarifying has never been easier!

Need tips on conditioning? Check out How To Deep Condition African Hair.