Clarifying Conditioner vs. Conditioner: Which is Better?

Choosing the right conditioner can make all the difference in the health and appearance of your hair. You might have heard “clarifying conditioners”…but what are they? While both regular and clarifying conditioners serve the primary purpose of conditioning the hair, they do so in very different ways. In this blog, we’ll dive into the differences between clarifying conditioners and regular conditioners to help you determine which one is best suited for your hair care routine.

What is a Regular Conditioner?

Regular conditioners hydrate and nourish your hair. It is typically used after shampooing to replenish moisture and smooth the hair cuticle. Normal conditioners are formulated with a combination of ingredients designed to improve the texture and appearance of the hair strands and are typically gentle enough to be used daily. Ingredients may include:

• Emollients like oils or butters to help smooth the hair and add moisture.
• Humectants such as glycerin and aloe vera draw moisture from the air to keep hair hydrated.
• Proteins such as keratin or silk help to strengthen dry or chemically treated hair.

What is a Clarifying Conditioner?

Clarifying conditioner is a specialized product designed to remove buildup from hair products, minerals from hard water, or excess oil that may accumulate on the scalp and hair over time. It’s often used as a treatment for people who regularly use styling products like hairspray, gels, or dry shampoo.

Clarifying conditioners contain stronger cleansing agents than regular conditioners. They can help break down product buildup and even residue from swimming in chlorinated water. Some clarifying conditioners also have a slightly acidic formula to help restore the natural pH balance of the hair after cleansing. Clarifying conditioners should not be used every day though.

Key ingredients you might find in clarifying conditioners include:

• Chelating agents like EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) bind to metal ions from hard water and remove them from the hair.
• Stronger surfactants help to dissolve and strip away residues that can build up over time.
• Acidic components such as citric acid can help restore the hair’s natural shine.

Which One is Better for You?

So, which conditioner is better for your hair? It really depends on your hair type and your lifestyle. If you swim a lot or have a lot of buildup from styling products, you should find a suitable shampoo and clarifying conditioner to refresh and detoxify your hair. Use your clarifying conditioner up to two to three times a week. If your hair is generally healthy, hydrated, and doesn’t have much buildup, a regular conditioner is what you need to keep your hair moisturized, smooth, and shiny.

Conclusion

Both clarifying conditioners and regular conditioners play their unique roles in hair care. Understanding your hair’s needs is key to deciding which conditioner to use and when. For most people, regular conditioners are fine to use every day.  For some others, adding a clarifying conditioner can help keep hair clean and light. By using both types of conditioners strategically, you can achieve the best of both worlds.