Every Gal Needs A Clarifying Shampoo Once In A While

Let's face it----sometimes your hair (scalp, too) has a lot of gunk in it. And your favorite shampoo just can't remove the entire build-up. That's why you need a clarifying shampoo every once in a while.

What exactly is hair gunk and how do we get it? If you use styling products, like gel, mousse, hairspray, pomade, and are exposed to hard water minerals, chlorine, and even some medications, this stubborn build-up is known as hair gunk. It can take away hair's glossiness and leave behind greasies or even dry, itching scalp with dandruff and limp locks. And even over-use of your favorite shampoos and conditioners can cause the build-up.

A clarifying shampoo can remove the build-up and bring back the shine to your crowning mane. Yes, many of these shampoos contain harsher ingredients that are powerful enough to remove the gunk. But you should not over-use a clarifying shampoo, because too much of it can strip your mane of its natural oils and leave you with brittle locks.

So, once every 2 weeks with a clarifying shampoo is good enough to get rid of the build-up and excess sebum clogging your scalp pores.

Here are 3 clarifying shampoos that attack hair build-up:

1. Suave Daily Clarifying Shampoo ($1.79, 22.5 oz., at drugstores).

2. Back to Basics Citrus Sage Clarifying Shampoo ($9.96, at drugstores).

3. Frederic Fekkai Apple Cider Clarifying Shampoo ($23, at Neiman Marcus).