Hair clarification: purify your hair with a natural and effective hair detox

Hair clarifying is a technique that involves opening the hair cuticles to cleanse the hair thoroughly and rid it of any build-up (pollution, various hair care products, etc.). It is, in a way, a ‘detox’ that can easily be carried out at home using various natural recipes. The aim of hair clarifying is to maintain a healthy scalp and to prevent hair loss, dandruff and other recurring problems.

During a hair clarifying treatment, the hair cuticles are opened thanks to the action of natural ingredients. These substances, such as clay or bicarbonate of soda, work deep down to remove impurities and residues from hair products that can build up over time. Clay, for example, absorbs excess sebum and purifies the hair, whilst bicarbonate of soda acts as a gentle cleansing agent. These natural ingredients can be combined with others, such as apple cider vinegar, which is known for balancing the scalp’s pH, thereby enhancing the beneficial effects of hair clarifying.

Hair clarification is a step you need to take at the beginning of your hair transition to allow your scalp to breathe and eliminate the remains of silicones and other chemical products so you can start again from a healthy base. The silicones found in conventional products form a barrier around our hair. This suffocates the hair and prevents natural care products from working effectively.

It's also a good idea to clarify your hair even after you've gone natural. With pollution and the different products we apply every day, our hair accumulates a lot of residue. A hair clarification should be applied when you notice any of these factors: greasy hair, dull hair, loss of volume, poorly defined curls, unusual dandruff or if your hair no longer reacts to the haircare treatments you are applying.

Whatever your hair type, you can purify your scalp and hair in complete safety. Hair clarification is a risk-free process. However, there are a few specific factors to take into account when adjusting your treatment:

• Textured hair: from curly to frizzy, benefits particularly from clarification because, being naturally drier, it requires daily moisturising. In addition, frequent use of nourishing products can weigh down curls over time, ruining their definition. They will also trap micro-particles of pollution or heavy metal residue on the scalp, creating a destabilising environment for the hair. Clarification is therefore essential to eliminate all the residue of product build-up, restoring curls' lightness and bounce.

• For oily scalpsClarifying is also recommended for oily scalps. By deeply cleansing the hair, it unclogs pores and eliminates excess sebum. Combined with a balancing shampoo, clarification helps regulate scalps that tend to become oily quickly.

• On coloured hair, clarification can cause the colour to bleed. Remember to apply a re-pigmenting treatment immediately afterwards. This will restore the intensity of the blonde, brown or red, and also boost shine.

• If you have a sensitive scalp, you can still clarify your hair, but you should avoid aggressive ingredients that could irritate it, like opting for gentler green clay, for example.

Here are the different clays to use, according to your needs, in your homemade hair clarification:

• White clay White clay is recommended for sensitive scalps, as it gently cleanses and purifies the scalp.

• Green clay or rhassoul For normal scalps or scalps that tend to get greasy again easily. They purify and cleanse the hair fibre more thoroughly.

You will need to apply an initial clarification when going natural. You can choose the method that suits you best. Once your hair transition is underway, here are a few recommendations for application frequency:

• For the clarifying shampoo method: we recommend spacing this out by at least 5 to 6 weeks.

• For the clarifying clay mask method: there's no perfect amount of times to use this. Just don't overdo it, and use it only when your hair needs it (dull, sticky/greasy hair that no longer responds to treatments, etc.). You can also do a hair clarification just before colouring with plant-based products. This will help the colour adhere to your hair better and last longer!

To look after your scalp, you can also use a purifying shampoo (this allows you to space out your hair clarifications). You can also make your own shampoo to gently detoxify and purify your scalp.

To find out more: Why and how to aply a hair treatment?

There are a number of techniques for clarifying your hair at home.

Although hair clarification is generally beneficial for removing residue and conditioning hair, it is important to consider some potential side effects:

1. Hair dryness: some clarifying products can remove excess sebum from the scalp, which can lead to excessive dryness of the hair and scalp. This can result in drier, brittle hair that is prone to frizz.

2. Scalp irritation: overly aggressive formulations or frequent use of clarifying products can irritate the scalp, causing itching, redness or a burning sensation. It's essential to use products suited to your scalp type and to reduce the frequency of clarification to avoid these irritations.

3. Loss of colour: clarifying products can sometimes remove residues from styling products, including hair colourings. This can lead to discolouration or a change in hair colour, especially if the hair has been chemically coloured. It is advisable to consult a professional before clarifying coloured hair to avoid any undesirable effects.

4. Skin sensitisation: some ingredients in clarifying products, such as sulphates, can cause skin sensitisation in some people, especially those with sensitive skin or those prone to allergies. It is preferable to test the product on a small area of skin before using it more widely.

By carefully following the instructions for use and choosing products tailored to your specific needs, you can minimise the risk of side effects and enjoy the benefits of hair clarification safely and effectively.

Hair clarification is an essential part of my hair routine today. It's a treatment that I have used to get great hair again and fully embrace what my hair is like naturally without using heating appliances or chemicals that hide the misery. On my Instagram account, I share lots of quick and easy recipes for looking after your skin and hair naturally, without any fuss.