Some background that led me into this article: I’ve been writing about hair and beauty for over 10 years now, with the amount of shameless product plugs higher than ever, this article aims to get to the bottom of curly hair conditioning.

 I know firsthand how much love and care curly hair needs. From battling frizz to keeping curls hydrated, maintaining healthy curly hair can feel like a full-time job and often makes self-care harder than it should be. But there’s one crucial step that often gets overlooked in our routines – clarifying. And as many TikTok stylists profess, properly clarifying curly hair is a game-changer, and today, I’m diving deep into why it’s so important and how to do it right.


What Does “Clarifying” Even Mean?

I remember the first time I heard about clarifying via TikTok video (where else . What exactly does it mean? In short, clarifying is the process of deeply cleansing your hair and scalp to remove buildup from products, oils, dirt, and hard water minerals. For us curly-haired women, this step is essential because our hair tends to hold onto products more than straight hair does. Where gunk can fall straight out of straight hair, curly hair holds it like a nest.

Think about all the styling creams, gels, leave-ins, and oils we use to define and protect our curls. Over time, these products build up on the hair and scalp, leaving curls looking dull, weighed down, or even limp. By clarifying, I hit the reset button for my hair, giving it a fresh start and allowing my other products to work their magic again. I did this by clarifying it!

If you’re struggling to keep your curly hair maintained, try and use a decent-quality curly wig so you can give your natural hair a break from time to time.


Why Is Clarifying So Important for Curly Hair?

Curly hair thrives when it’s clean, moisturized, and free of buildup. Without regular clarifying, I’ve noticed my curls lose their bounce and definition. Have you ever felt like your favorite curl cream just isn’t working anymore? That’s likely due to product buildup. This buildup needs to be broken down and washed away.

Another reason I love clarifying is that is helps scalp health. A clean scalp is the foundation for healthy hair growth. When I neglect clarifying, my scalp feels itchy, and I notice flakes—not the vibe I’m going for (and sometimes it can smell not so fresh). By incorporating clarifying into my routine, I keep my curls happy, hydrated, and full of life.


How Do I Know It’s Time to Clarify My Curls?

This was one of my biggest questions when I started clarifying. How do I know when my hair needs it? For me, there are a few telltale signs. If my curls feel heavy, look dull, or aren’t holding their shape as well as usual, it’s time to clarify – which just means a huge clean.

Another clue is if my scalp feels greasy or itchy despite regular washing. Sometimes, I’ll notice my hair products stop performing the way they used to. These little signals are my hair’s way of saying, “Help me out!” And when I listen, my curls thank me by bouncing back to life.


What Products Should I Use to Clarify Curly Hair?

Choosing the right clarifying product is key. Not all clarifiers are created equal, and some can be too harsh for curly hair. I always look for sulfate-free clarifying shampoos that gently cleanse without stripping away my hair’s natural oils. I recommend a sulfate-free leave-in conditioner also. Ingredients like apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil, or activated charcoal are great for removing buildup while being kind to curls.

If I’m feeling extra DIY, I sometimes mix a little apple cider vinegar with water for a natural clarifying rinse. It’s affordable, effective, and leaves my hair feeling super clean. However, I always follow up with a deep conditioner to restore moisture—curly hair loves hydration!


How Often Should I Clarify My Curly Hair?

Frequency matters when it comes to clarifying. Overdoing it can dry out my curls, while underdoing it leaves them weighed down. Personally, I aim to clarify once every 4-6 weeks, but this depends on how often I use heavy styling products or live in areas with hard water.

For those who use minimal products or stick to lightweight formulas, clarifying less frequently might work. On the flip side, if you’re a gel-and-mousse enthusiast like me, you might need to clarify more often. It’s all about finding what works best for your unique curls.