Moisturizing Shampoo Vs Clarifying Shampoo-Which Should You Use??
Moisturizing VS Clarifying Shampoo-Why your Locs Need Both
If your locs ever feel dry one week and heavy the next, you’re not imagining things — your shampoo routine might be doing the most… or not enough. Healthy locs require both moisture and thorough cleansing. A moisturizing shampoo keeps your locs soft, flexible, and thriving, while a clarifying shampoo is the reset button that removes all the sweat, oil, and buildup life throws at your scalp. Mastering when to use each one is the real cheat code to strong, fresh, flourishing locs.
Why Moisture Matters for Locs
Locs naturally lose moisture faster than loose hair because the strands are compacted together, and the cuticle doesn’t hold hydration the same way. That is why moisturizing shampoo is foundational to exceptional looking locs.
A moisturizing shampoo helps your locs stay:
Soft and flexible instead of stiff
Less prone to breakage or snapping increasing length retention.
Easier to maintain without frizz or brittleness.
Healthy, shiny, and nourished
You’re not just washing your hair, you’re nourishing it. Every loc journey needs hydration to keep length retention strong, prevent thinning over time and promoting a natural luster.
When to Bring Out the Clarifying Shampoo
Now here’s where a lot of people mess up: moisturizing shampoo can’t fix buildup… and buildup will come for you. Oils, butters, gels, conditioners, sweat, and environmental debris love to hide inside locs. That’s where clarifying shampoo becomes your reset button.
You need a clarifying wash when:
Your locs feel heavy or coated
Your scalp is itchy, flaky, or has an odor
You’re sweating more (gym days, summer heat, outdoor activities)
Products aren’t absorbing like they used to
Your locs look dull instead of vibrant
Your locs feel brittle, dry and straw like
Clarifying doesn’t mean stripping every week. It just means giving your hair a clean slate when it needs it so buildup doesn’t get locked in—literally.
How to Balance Both (Without Stripping Your Locs)
Here’s the magic formula:
Moisturizing shampoo: every 1–3 weeks
Clarifying shampoo: once a month or as needed
Post-clarifying moisture: always follow with hydration (deep conditioning with natural oils, aloe water, or another moisturizing mist like Rosewater & Glycerin)
The way to tell which one your locs need is simple:
Feeling dry? → Moisturizing wash.
Feeling heavy or itchy, dull and nonabsorbent→ Clarifying wash.
Don’t over-wash, don’t over-strip, and don’t push wash day too far back. Locs respond best to consistency.
What to Look for in a Moisturizing Shampoo
Reach for formulas that nourish without slipping into buildup territory. Look for:
Aloe vera
Glycerin
Honey
Olive oil
Marshmallow root
Lightweight botanical extracts
Avoid heavy silicones or thick creams—they love hiding in locs. This includes parabens, lanolin, and mineral oil.
What to Look for in a Clarifying Shampoo
A good clarifier gets straight to the point. Depending on your preference, you can use sulfate-based or sulfate-free formulas. Look for:
Tea tree oil
Peppermint oil
Apple cider vinegar
Activated charcoal
Deep cleansing surfactants
The goal isn’t to strip your locs naked—it’s to remove buildup that blocks moisture from getting in.
Sample Routine for Any Loc Stage
Starter Locs:
Moisturizing shampoo every 2–3 weeks
Gentle clarifying only if scalp is struggling
6–12 Months:
Moisturize every 2 weeks
Clarify every 4–6 weeks
Mature Locs:
Moisturize every 1–3 weeks
Clarify monthly
Gym/Active Lifestyles:
Moisturize weekly
Clarify every 2–4 weeks depending on sweat + products
Minimal Product Users:
Moisturize every 2 weeks
Clarify every 6–8 weeks
Extreme build up & Low Porosity Hair
· Clarify following up with the moisturizing shampoo for 2 months before adopting a routine where you clarify less often.
If your locs are lacking softness and natural luster, then it may be time to consider re-evaluating your shampoo and wash routine. I’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback below.