Collection: Clarifying Shampoo

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best clarifying shampoo in NZ?
For a reliable, salon-quality option, Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two is a great all-rounder for everyday oil and product buildup, while Paul Mitchell Shampoo Three is the better pick if you're dealing with chlorine, hard-water minerals or swim regularly. Both are colour safe, professional-grade formulas trusted by salons across New Zealand.

Do clarifying shampoos remove hair colour?
They can help fade unwanted colour buildup and clear away dulling residue, which is why they're often used to refresh colour-treated hair between salon visits. However, a clarifying shampoo isn't designed to strip permanent colour the way a dedicated colour remover would, it simply cleanses more thoroughly than a daily shampoo.

Can I use clarifying shampoo daily?
No. A clarifying shampoo isn't meant for daily use. Because it cleanses more thoroughly than a regular shampoo, using it every day can strip away natural oils and leave hair feeling dry or brittle. It's best used as an occasional treatment, then followed with your normal shampoo and conditioner routine.

How often should I use clarifying shampoo?
Most hair experts recommend using it once a week or once a fortnight, depending on your hair type. Oily hair, heavy product users and frequent swimmers often do well with weekly use, while dry or colour-treated hair usually only needs it every two to three weeks.

Is there a sulfate-free clarifying shampoo option?
Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two Paul Mitchell Shampoo Three or Lust Haircare Deep Cleansing shampoo use sulfate-based cleansers as part of what makes them effective deep-cleansers, so they aren't marketed as sulfate-free. If a sulfate-free formula is important to you, you can filter for that certification within our Clarifying Shampoo collection to see the gentler alternatives we stock.