How to Use Clarifying Shampoo & Scalp Scrub

Clarifying shampoo gives your scalp a deep reset. While regular shampoos focus on cleansing surface-level dirt, a clarifying formula is designed to break down stubborn residue that accumulates over time from styling products, environmental factors, minerals in hard water, and even your own sebum. If left unaddressed, this buildup can create an invisible barrier that prevents hydrating products and treatments from fully reaching the hair and scalp.

Cécred’s Clarifying Shampoo & Scalp Scrub is uniquely formulated to support not just a cleaner scalp, but a more functional one. By incorporating physical and chemical exfoliants, it helps to clean dead skin cells and support a healthy scalp. The mild physical exfoliation also stimulates circulation, which works to refresh and invigorate.

Rather than simply making your hair feel cleaner, a high-performing clarifier helps your entire routine work better. It ensures your hydrating shampoo, deep conditioners, and styling products are being absorbed effectively. When used intentionally, clarifying becomes more than a cleanse; it is a key step in maintaining scalp vitality and optimizing your hair’s response to everything that follows.

When to Reach for a Clarifying Shampoo

Not sure if it’s time for a deep cleanse? Your hair and scalp will usually tell you. Clarifying shampoos aren’t meant for everyday use, but they’re an essential part of any healthy hair routine—especially when buildup starts getting in the way of how your hair looks or feels. If you’re noticing any of the following signs, it may be time to clarify:

1. You use many styling products, such as gels, mousses, or hairsprays.

2. Your hair feels weighed down or greasy, even after regular washing.

3. You’re experiencing itchiness or buildup on your scalp.

4. You’re prepping for treatments like a deep conditioner or hair mask.

How to Use Clarifying Shampoo

Using a clarifying shampoo like Cécred’s is simple, but a few steps can make all the difference in getting the most benefits and achieving a truly clean and refreshed scalp.

1. Apply to Wet Hair and Scalp

   Start by wetting your hair thoroughly. Dispense a small amount of Cécred’s Clarifying Shampoo & Scalp Scrub directly onto your scalp using the nozzle and massage with your fingertips. The gentle exfoliants help remove buildup, while the cooling properties of tea tree provide an instant refreshing sensation.

2. Massage for a Deep Clean

   Take your time to work the shampoo through your scalp in circular motions. The exfoliants not only lift impurities but also improve circulation, supporting overall scalp health. Let the lather travel down your strands to cleanse your hair without needing to scrub the lengths aggressively.

3. Leave It On for 1–2 Minutes

   For maximum benefits, leave the shampoo on your scalp for 1–2 minutes. This allows the active ingredients, like organic purple willow bark and niacinamide, to work their magic by clarifying and purifying your scalp.

4. Rinse Thoroughly

   Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water to ensure all residue and exfoliants are washed away.

5. Follow Up with Hydration

   After clarifying, your hair is primed to soak in moisture and nutrients. Use Cécred’s Hydrating Shampoo for a double cleanse that will restore hydration in the hair.

How Often Should You Use Clarifying Shampoo?

How often you should use a clarifying shampoo depends on your hair type, styling habits, and lifestyle. Unlike daily shampoos, clarifying formulas give a deeper clean and usage should be determined by hair's needs to avoid over-drying the hair or disrupting your scalp’s natural balance.

1. Once a week: Ideal for those who use heavy styling products, sweat excessively, or have oily scalps.

2. Every 2–4 weeks: Best for those with dry hair to prevent over-stripping.

3. Before treatments: Use it to prep your hair for a deep conditioner or protein treatment, like Cécred’s Fermented Rice & Rose Protein Ritual.

Avoid using clarifying shampoo every day, as overuse can leave your hair feeling dry or brittle. However, if you have an active lifestyle, sweat frequently, or use a lot of styling products, you can incorporate it more regularly into your routine. Just be sure to always follow up with Cécred’s Hydrating Shampoo and Hydrating Conditioner to replenish moisture and maintain balance in your hair.

Do You Shampoo Again After Using Clarifying Shampoo?

With Cécred’s Clarifying Shampoo & Scalp Scrub, the Cécred double cleanse ritual becomes an essential part of your routine for optimal scalp health. Start with the Clarifying Shampoo & Scalp Scrub to exfoliate and remove buildup, ensuring your scalp is clean and refreshed. Follow up with the Hydrating Shampoo to gently cleanse and replenish moisture. Finally, complete your routine with a Hydrating Conditioner or Moisturizing Deep Conditioner if your hair needs a deeper treatment. 

Why Is Clarifying Shampoo Important for Scalp Health?

Your scalp is the foundation of healthy hair growth, and buildup can clog hair follicles, leading to issues like thinning or dull hair. Cécred’s Clarifying Shampoo & Scalp Scrub supports scalp health with its unique exfoliating formula, ensuring a clean, balanced environment for stronger, healthier hair.