Dreaming of a fresh start with your hair color, but your current shade is stubbornly clinging on? You’re not alone! Many of us have been there, staring in the mirror wishing for a faster way to fade out that vibrant pink or that deep, dark brown. The struggle is real when you want to experiment with a new look, but the old color won’t budge.
Choosing the right clarifying shampoo can feel like navigating a maze. You want something effective enough to help fade your color without completely stripping your hair and leaving it dry and damaged. It’s a tricky balance, and the sheer number of products out there can be overwhelming. You might worry about picking one that’s too harsh or not strong enough to do the job.
But what if there was a simpler way? In this post, we’ll break down exactly what to look for in a clarifying shampoo that’s designed to help fade hair color. We’ll explore the key ingredients that make a difference and give you the confidence to pick a product that works wonders. Get ready to learn how to gently and effectively fade your current color, paving the way for your next amazing hair transformation!
Our Top 5 Clarifying Shampoo To Fade Hair Color Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Clarifying Shampoo To Fade Hair Color Detailed Reviews
1. Keracolor Fade Effect Color Fading Shampoo
Rating: 9.2/10
Tired of your vibrant semi-permanent hair color fading too fast, or maybe you’re ready for a change? The Keracolor Fade Effect Color Fading Shampoo is here to help. This shampoo is designed to gently wash out semi-permanent hair color, giving you more control over your look. It comes in a generous 9.75 fl. oz. bottle and is proudly made in the USA.
What We Like:
- Effectively fades semi-permanent hair color without harsh chemicals.
- Helps you transition to a new hair color or refresh your current shade.
- The large 9.75 fl. oz. size means it will last a while.
- Made right here in the USA, supporting local manufacturing.
- It’s easy to use, just like a regular shampoo.
What Could Be Improved:
- May require multiple washes to achieve significant color reduction.
- Results can vary depending on the original hair color intensity and type.
This shampoo offers a simple way to manage your colored hair. It gives you the power to adjust your style when you’re ready.
2. oVertone Haircare The Fader Clarifying Shampoo – pH-Balanced Deep Cleansing Shampoo for All Hair Types – Fast Color Fading Formula with Intense Hydration – Sulfate-Free
Rating: 8.6/10
Ready to switch up your hair color or go back to your natural shade? The oVertone Haircare The Fader Clarifying Shampoo is your secret weapon! This shampoo is designed to gently fade out semi-permanent hair dye. It also works to remove any buildup from styling products. It’s made for all hair types and keeps your hair hydrated while it cleans.
What We Like:
- It fades hair color gently, so it doesn’t damage your hair.
- It cleans your hair and scalp without stripping away natural moisture.
- The formula is vegan, cruelty-free, and doesn’t have sulfates, parabens, or ammonia.
- It’s easy to use – just apply, wait a minute, and rinse.
- It supports scalp health and helps hair grow strong and healthy.
- oVertone uses ethically sourced ingredients and cares about the environment.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “fast color fading” might be a bit different for everyone, depending on how much dye is in your hair.
- The 8 oz size might run out quickly if you use it often.
Overall, this shampoo is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to manage semi-permanent hair color. It cleans well, hydrates, and is kind to your hair and the planet.
3. L’Oreal Paris Clarify Sulfate Free Shampoo with Antioxidants
Rating: 9.3/10
The L’Oreal Paris EverPure Clarify Sulfate Free Shampoo is a powerful yet gentle solution for anyone dealing with hard water or styling product buildup. It’s designed to cleanse your hair without stripping away its natural moisture or fading your beautiful color. This shampoo is a great choice for all hair types, especially those with color-treated hair.
What We Like:
- It protects hair color from fading. The shampoo removes residue, and the conditioner locks in moisture. This keeps your color bright and healthy. It works for all hair types, even color-treated hair.
- It delivers twice the moisture. The shampoo and conditioner use a special technology with Vitamin C and Glycine. This removes buildup and adds lots of moisture. It’s better than regular shampoos that don’t condition.
- It makes your hair look its brightest and strongest. The clarifying shampoo and restoring conditioner create a rich lather. You can even use it with the EverPure Bond Repair Shampoo and Conditioner on different wash days.
- It’s a vegan shampoo. The EverPure products are made with respect for your hair. They don’t have sulfates, parabens, DMDM hydantoin, added phthalates, dyes, or gluten. They always care for your color and use science to make them great.
What Could Be Improved:
- The bottle size is 6.8 Fl Oz, which might be a bit small for some users if they wash their hair frequently.
- While it’s great for clarifying, some users with very fine hair might find it slightly heavy if not rinsed thoroughly.
Overall, this shampoo offers a fantastic way to refresh your hair and maintain vibrant color. It’s a solid choice for anyone seeking a gentle yet effective clarifying treatment.
4. Nexxus Clean and Pure Clarifying Shampoo With ProteinFusion
Rating: 9.4/10
Revitalize your locks with Nexxus Clean and Pure Clarifying Shampoo. This shampoo is designed to gently clean your hair while leaving it feeling nourished and pure. It’s part of the Clean & Pure hair care system and uses ProteinFusion, a special mix of elastin protein and marine minerals. This blend helps make your hair smooth and well-nourished.
What We Like:
- This clarifying shampoo gently cleanses your hair, making it feel nourished and purified.
- It’s a hydrating shampoo with ProteinFusion, which includes elastin protein and marine minerals for smooth hair.
- It helps detox your hair by replenishing nutrients and restoring its natural shine, movement, and moisture.
- The formula is free of silicones, dyes, and parabens, making it safe for dull, dry, or damaged hair.
- It contains the Nexxus H4 Complex that helps heal damage and restores strength, elasticity, shine, and moisture.
- This shampoo detoxifies hair and locks in moisture in one simple step.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the scent to be a bit strong.
- While it’s great for clarifying, it might be too stripping for those with very dry or color-treated hair if used too often.
This Nexxus shampoo offers a fantastic way to give your hair a fresh start. It works well with other products in the Clean and Pure collection for a complete hair care routine.
5. Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two
Rating: 9.1/10
Get ready for incredibly clean hair with Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two! This clarifying shampoo is a powerhouse for tackling buildup. It works great for all hair types, but it’s a real game-changer for oily hair. You’ll love how it leaves your hair feeling fresh and looking amazing.
What We Like:
- The lemony fresh scent makes washing your hair a treat.
- It deeply cleans your hair and gets rid of all that yucky buildup.
- It’s fantastic for anyone with oily hair.
- This shampoo is safe for color-treated hair.
- Your hair will feel super clean, look shiny, and have lots of bounce.
- It washes away all the styling products you use.
What Could Be Improved:
- For very dry or damaged hair, it might be a bit too clarifying and could leave hair feeling stripped if not followed by a good conditioner.
- The price point is a little higher than some drugstore shampoos.
Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two offers a truly deep clean that revitalizes your locks. If you struggle with oiliness or product residue, this shampoo is definitely worth trying.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Clarifying Shampoo to Fade Hair Color
So, you’ve decided to fade your hair color. Maybe you want to try a new shade, or perhaps you’re ready to go back to your natural look. Whatever the reason, a clarifying shampoo can be a helpful tool. This guide will help you choose the best one for your needs.
What to Look For: Key Features
When you’re shopping for a clarifying shampoo to fade hair color, keep these important features in mind:
- Deep Cleansing Power: The main job of this shampoo is to remove build-up. Look for formulas that are known for their strong cleansing abilities. This means they can effectively lift away artificial color molecules from your hair strands.
- Color-Safe Ingredients (for fading): While the goal is to fade color, you don’t want a shampoo that strips your hair completely or damages it. Some clarifying shampoos contain ingredients that help lift color without being overly harsh.
- Moisturizing Properties: Fading hair color can sometimes leave your hair feeling dry. Look for shampoos that also contain moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera or natural oils. This helps keep your hair soft and healthy.
- Sulfate-Free Options: Sulfates are strong cleaning agents that can be drying. While some clarifying shampoos do contain sulfates for maximum power, many people prefer sulfate-free options to be gentler on their hair, especially if they have color-treated hair already.
- pH Balanced Formula: A shampoo with a balanced pH is better for your hair and scalp. It helps maintain your hair’s natural moisture and prevents damage.
Important Materials: What’s Inside Matters
The ingredients in your clarifying shampoo play a big role in how well it works and how it affects your hair.
- Surfactants: These are the cleaning agents. Common ones include Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES). They are very effective at removing dirt and oil, and also color. However, they can be harsh.
- Natural Extracts: Ingredients like tea tree oil, peppermint, or rosemary can add extra cleansing power and a refreshing feel.
- Moisturizers: Glycerin, panthenol (Vitamin B5), and natural oils like coconut oil or argan oil help to hydrate your hair.
- Chelating Agents: These can help remove mineral build-up from hard water, which can sometimes affect how hair color fades.
Factors Affecting Quality: What Makes a Shampoo Great (or Not So Great)
Several things can make a clarifying shampoo work better or worse for fading hair color.
- Formulation Strength: A stronger formula will generally fade color more effectively. However, stronger formulas can also be more drying. You need to find a balance.
- Ingredient Quality: High-quality ingredients will provide better results and be gentler on your hair. For example, natural extracts are often preferred over synthetic ones.
- Brand Reputation: Established brands often have well-tested formulas. Reading reviews from other users can give you a good idea of a product’s effectiveness.
- Your Hair Type: Fine hair might be more sensitive to strong formulas than thick, coarse hair. Consider your hair’s natural texture and condition.
User Experience and Use Cases: How to Use It and When
Clarifying shampoos are not for everyday use. They are powerful cleansers.
- When to Use:
- Fading Box Dyes: If you’ve used a permanent or semi-permanent box dye and want to speed up the fading process, a clarifying shampoo is your friend.
- Removing Product Build-Up: Over time, styling products can leave a residue on your hair. Clarifying shampoo cleans this out, which can also help faded color look more even.
- Before a New Color Application: If you’re going from a dark color to a much lighter one, a clarifying shampoo can help lift some of the old color, making the new color take better.
- How to Use:
- Wet your hair thoroughly.
- Apply a small amount of shampoo. You don’t need a lot because it’s concentrated.
- Lather and massage into your scalp and hair. Focus on the areas with the most color.
- Let it sit for a few minutes. This gives the shampoo time to work on the color.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Follow with a deep conditioner. This is crucial to rehydrate your hair after the strong cleanse.
- Frequency: Use only once or twice a week, or even less often, depending on how quickly your hair fades and how dry it gets. Overuse can lead to dryness and damage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Will clarifying shampoo remove all my hair color?
A: It can significantly fade artificial hair color, but it might not remove it completely, especially darker or more permanent dyes. It works best on semi-permanent colors or to speed up the fading of permanent ones.
Q: Can I use clarifying shampoo on natural hair color?
A: Clarifying shampoo is primarily for removing artificial color. It will not lighten or remove your natural hair color.
Q: How often should I use clarifying shampoo to fade my hair color?
A: Start by using it once a week. See how your hair reacts. If it’s not getting dry, you might use it twice a week. If it gets dry, use it less often.
Q: What should I do after using clarifying shampoo?
A: Always follow up with a good conditioner or a deep conditioning hair mask. Clarifying shampoo can strip moisture, so you need to replenish it.
Q: Is clarifying shampoo bad for my hair?
A: When used too often, it can be drying. However, used correctly and followed by conditioning, it’s a safe tool for fading color.
Q: Can clarifying shampoo help with brassy tones?
A: Yes, it can help lift some of the artificial pigment that causes brassy tones. However, for specific brassiness correction, a purple shampoo might be more effective.
Q: How long does it take for clarifying shampoo to fade hair color?
A: Results vary. You might see some fading after one use, but it often takes several washes over a week or two to achieve a noticeable difference.
Q: Can I use clarifying shampoo if I have highlights?
A: Yes, but be cautious. It can fade the colored parts of your highlights. Use it less often and always condition well afterward.
Q: Does clarifying shampoo smell good?
A: Many clarifying shampoos have a fresh, clean scent. Some have herbal or minty aromas. It depends on the brand and its ingredients.
Q: Where can I buy clarifying shampoo for fading hair color?
A: You can find them at most drugstores, beauty supply stores, and online retailers like Amazon.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.