The Curl Reset You Are Missing

If your curls have been looking flat, weighed down, dry, or just not curling the way they ysed to, there is a good chance the problem is not your gel or your diffuser, it is buildup. One product almost nobody uses enough is clarifying shampoo. Curly hair especially needs this step because we layer so many products: creams, leave-ins, gels, oils, oils, mousses. Eventually, the buildup becomes a barrier that stops water from reaching your strands, which is why curls get dry even when you moisturize. A good clarifying shampoo removes that barrier so your hair can finally hydrate properly. And curl type benefits from a reset.

Image Via Umberto Gianni

Clarifying isn’t something you should do every wash day, it is powerful, and it will strip away natural oils if you overdo it. How often you clarify fully depends on your lifestyle, scalp, and how many products you use, but here is the general rule I always share:

If you are not active, and you have curly hair, clarifying once a month is more than enough. That gives your hair the reset it needs without drying it out. But if you are more active, aim for once every two weeks, because sweat and products weighs down curls much quicker.

Now that you now when to clarify, the next step is finding a formula that actually works for your curl pattern. Here’s what I recommend for each texture.

Medium Curls (3A-3C)

For medium curls, buildup from creams, gels, oils and mousses can make curls fall flat or look dull, so clarifying helps them bounce back with definition. These curls usually need something strong enough to remove heavy residue without stripping too much.

Best picks:

Redken Clarifying Shampoo– Stronger reset for heavy buildup

Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo– Clarifies efficiently, without drying curls.

Image Via New York Post

Tight Curls and Coils (4A-4C)

For tighter curls and coils, the focus is lifting buildup while protecting the natural moisture these textures rely on. Since coils are naturally drier and more fragile, over-clarifying can cause breakage, so gentler formulas are the safest choice.

Best Picks:

OUAI Detox Shampoo– effective but balanced, great for removing buildup without drying coils

Live Clean Apple Cider Clarifying Shampoo– gentle non-stripping cleanse.

Have you ever tried clarifying shampoo? Tell me in the comments, I’m curious how many people actually use one.