When Natural Hair Needs Clarifying Shampoo

It is almost taboo in the natural hair community to shampoo our tresses let alone use a shampoo that contains sulphates. Immediate thoughts of dryness, dullness, and brittleness pop into our heads. Yet, as with most things in life, some things are good in moderation.
According to The Natural Hair Community, the purpose of clarifying shampoos "is to remove residue, product build-up and dirt from your hair strands." Most naturals use a moisturizing shampoo more often, yet The NHC says "moisturizing shampoos - relatively speaking - aren't as good at cleaning as clarifying shampoos."
Here are some instances when you should use a clarifying shampoo on natural hair:

To remove product build-up
Various oils will eventually build-up on your hair strands and cause your other products to be less effective. Your normal shampoo, which is likely a moisturizing shampoo, won't be able to consistently wash away product build-up.

you want to try a new set of products
For all the product junkies, this rule is just for you. NHC says, "In order to truly see how a new product will perform on your hair, it's best to clarify before you add a new product to your regimen. Otherwise, you may be applying the new product to hair that has old product in it already. This doesn't really provide you with an accurate assessment of your new product."

When your current products stop working
How many times have you said, "This products no longer works for my hair"? When your product stops working, don't toss or give it away quite yet. As stated earlier, your hair could be experiencing product build-up and clarifying could be the answer to your problems.

When you are a regular swimmer
Prior to swimming, wet your hair with water and apply a leave-in conditioner to provide a barrier between your hair and the chlorine. This step is critical because chlorine and other common chemicals contained in swimming pools can lead to unwanted dryness especially in color-treated hair. After completing your swim, use clarifying shampoo to mitigate any potential chlorine and other chemicals.

removing braids
Sometimes build up can be around the base of the braid after removing them due to moisture sprays and from dirt and dust that may be trapped within the braid. Clarifying helps remove that build up and give you a fresh start when going back into protective styling for wearing other styles.

Basic advice about clarifying shampoo
• If you don't currently have a good clarifying shampoo, consider adding it to your regimen. There are inexpensive ones such as Suave Natural Daily Clarifying and VO5 Kiwi Lime clarifying shampoos.
• Determine when and how often your hair needs clarifying. There are some set schedules in the natural hair community to follow, such as monthly or every six weeks; however, no one knows your hair like you do. Do what's best for you and your hair!
• A little goes a long way. It doesn't take much to clarify your hair. Keep in mind you are shampooing your scalp and not your hair. Click here for a tutorial.
• If you don't want to strip your hair totally, consider adding carrier oils such as olive or castor to your shampoo prior to using it. Just take a small bowl and mix 1 tablespoon of shampoo with 2 teaspoons of the oil of your choice. Toss any left overs.
• Lastly, don't beat yourself up if you have never clarified. You have to do what works best for your hair. Unlike other industries, there is not a "natural hair police," coming to get you if you don't clarify. At the end of the day, only you and God will know.

Do you clarify? How often? Have you did it in the past? What was your experience like? Leave us a comment here or via Facebook. Let's learn together!
Naturally, you glorify Him!