Healthy Haircare 101: When to Clarify and Why?

[candygirl2319]

I'm always hesitant to use the clarifying shampoo on my 5 year old. It seems that no matter what shampoo I use, even the all natural ones, her hair comes out squeaky clean. To me, squeaky clean means stripped, but I could be wrong. I only do one lather on her head. I use the Kinky Curly Come Clean shampoo on her hair, and it squeaks. I use it on my 8 year old and it doesn't squeak unless I do more than one lather. I'm beginning to think that the Come Clean shampoo clarifies.

[awilson1986]

Thank for this video. I don't use clarifying in my hair regimen, but I'm thinking about doing it. I exercise 5 to 6 times a week and of course I do a lot of sweating, but I'm not a product junkie or use many products. Do you think I should clarify my hair?

[felic1983]

Okay I have a question.When I clarify my hair do I follow up with normal hair conditioner or do I do the deep condition treatment?please help me out

[mawalls2001]

Thanks, that helped explain a lot, especially the car analogy. I'm pretty heavy handed with my product, but had thought that my shampoo was enough since it has sulfates in it, but now I know better.

[JustThisGirl1]

@LovandlifeJM To each her own... I've been using my $2 bottle of suave clarifying shampoo for going on 4 years now with no problems whatsoever :) It's a common misconception that products need to be expensive to be good quality, whereas I believe the effectiveness of a product has a lot more to do with how you use it than how much it costs. I see no reason to invest big bucks in a product designed to strip my hair and leave it dry.... in fact cheap products do that very well :P

[LovandlifeJM]

@JustThisGirl1 Right that's true about not needing to invest in higher products but higher quality (regardless of price) is important and the fact is cheap products usually contain cheap ingredients which dont provide the best nutrients and nourishment for hair. Silicones, sulfates, petrolium, parabans, etc are all really low quality. You should look that up. That's not to say they will make all your hair fall out if you use em but doesnt mean they are the best to be used on hair either.

[LovandlifeJM]

@JustThisGirl1 Actually, silicone IS designed to strip the hair which in turn leads to dryness. That's why shampoos are designed to be followed with conditioner use. Shampoo takes something away from the hair (dirt, oils) and conditioners add something back to the hair (moisture, etc) BUT sulfate isnt the only way to get hair clean and is more harsh than products that dont contain sulfates.

[whatoyou]

my hair is so dry,what kind of shampoo will you recommend?

[nazbeauty]

@whatoyou Use a sulfate-free hydrating shampoo. Try Enjoy's Hydrating, Pureology Hydrate, Biolage Ultra-Hydrating, or Moroccan Oil shampoo and conditioner. Also do a hot oil treatment every 2 weeks with olive oil or coconut oil (I mix the two of them together). You can also do a deep treatment every now and then in place of conditioner. I recommend Enjoy's Hair Mask or Moroccan Oil's Intense Hydrating Mask. Follow with a leave-in conditioner/oil when you get out of the shower. Hope this helps :]

[whatoyou]

@nazbeauty Thank you ,very helpful.

Just checked your channel. keep up the good work.!

[nazbeauty]

@whatoyou Btw, the Biolage Ultra-Hydrating Shampoo isn't sulfate-free, but I heard it is a really good shampoo and conditioner for dry hair.

[stupidbrain1]

i thought u and chinablk were the same youtube person!!!! omg

[puffyangelgurl09]

when using the clarifying shampoo....after this do i use my regular condioner or what? I understand you do it once a month to clean the hair but i dont understand do i clarify then go about washing and shampooing my hair regularly or just go straight for the condtioner? Please i need help.

[smo0chi3]

when's your next video?

[idontfuckretards]

what's the difference between salon shampoo (kerastase, schwarzkopz, bedhead) and drugstore shampoo (like pantene, herbal essence) ??? thank you guys!!

[glenpab84]

Hi just stopping by to see how you are doing because you have not done videos in a while. I hope everything is good with you and that you have not left us. You are the first person i subbed to and you have educated me on how to take care of my hair. You are a real inspiration to me so thank you and take care!! STAY BLESSED!!

[LilJuelzIII]

I use Quantum's Clarifying Shampoo (Sally's BSS) when my scalp was dry, tight and itchy....even after doing my weekly shampooing. After using the clarifying shampoo and deep conditioned w/ a moisturizing conditioner, my scalp said "thank you!! thank you!! why'd you take so long?!!" my scalp felt soooo much better....light and airy. I used to do this a long time ago (the chelating thing) and had gotten away from it. This is a part of my monthly hair regimen, now and forever!!!

[JustThisGirl1]

@LilJuelzIII wow! I love success stories! Great going :)

[trinirina]

whats funny is that i didnt even realize what clarifying was now i know thanks for the video!! especially for me because i do use a lot of scalp treatments because my hair always tend to be too dry.

[JustThisGirl1]

@trinirina you're welcome :)

[Genese242]

does it make sense to clarify and then still do a deep conditioner?

[JustThisGirl1]

@Genese242 sure. The clarifying is to clean your scalp and roots and the deep conditioner is to treat the length and ends of your hair. Go for it!

[sparklez07]

Would it be ok to use the Isoplus neutralizing shampoo (orange kind that comes in a bottle w/ blue writing) as a clarifier or would it be too harsh? I don't want to buy another shampoo if I can use what I already have on hand.

[JustThisGirl1]

@sparklez07 I wouldn't use a neutralizing shampoo as a clarifier. There are cheap ones (ex. suave for $1) that serve the purpose of clarifying your hair. Neutralizing shampoo is formulated for a different purpose, so you may not get the effects you desired for clarifying in the first place.

[hairlista86]

I like the car wash versus rain analogy.  definitely "clarifies" the point :)

[JustThisGirl1]

@hairlista86 Haha, glad you liked the analogy :) They always help me :)

[Blushnprincess]

Sorryyyy another question how long after a texturizer/ relaxer is it safe to clarify?

[JustThisGirl1]

@Blushnprincess You can clarify safely anytime after a relaxer. In fact, it's a good idea to clarify to remove any chemical deposits left behind by the relaxer process. As a habit, I tend to wait about a week after my relaxer, though, before I do any washing of any type.

[Blushnprincess]

Thank u for reply back!!! I'm sorry I have another question LOL .. Do u think it's ok to texturize/ relax hair with a leave in conditioner that's been in ur hair for like 3-4 days? Or even dying ur hair cuz I plan to use the same or similar techniques that u did in ur video b4 I texturize so idk if it's ok to have leave in cond. In the hair b4 chemical treatments.

[JustThisGirl1]

@Blushnprincess I wouldn't do it. Sometimes I coat the length my hair with conditioner or oil a few hours before a relaxer, but I wouldn't go in for any chemical treatment with 3-4 day old product on my hair. If you're going to use conditioner, make sure it stays on the length and ends of your hair (not scalp or roots, or it will interfere with the relaxer chemicals) and apply it fresh, the day of the relaxer, don't let it sit around.

[dancerqt12]

Have you ever steam rolled your hair to achieve heatless curls? If you ever buy steam rollers could you please do a video? Thanx

[JustThisGirl1]

I haven't tried steam rollers, but they wouldn't be exactly heatless anyway. They would be more gentle than hot rollers, though. I've heard some people rave about them but I always thought they'd make my hair poofy and frizzy. Let us know if you ever try them!

[j80edwards]

Thanks for the response. I clarified in the beginning with baking soda and DC at the end. My hair loved it!

[JustThisGirl1]

That's great. Baking soda is a great cleanser, but don't use it too much. It can be drying over time and it is more abrasive than you think. If it works for you keep it around, but use in moderation so you don't cause damage :)

[Blushnprincess]

Hey girl I have a question about products containing sodium hydroxide, isn't that really bad for your hair? I know relaxers are made with that but I believe if I'm not mistaken that the neutrogena triple moisture contains that too if it does I think it's the last ingredient on it but either way isn't it bad? Especially to use as a daily leave in?

[JustThisGirl1]

Well, sodium hydroxide in small quantities isn't bad-- they include that to maintain the pH balance of products. In relaxers, sodium hydroxide is very concentrated and thus dangerous. I cannot deny that relaxers have harmful effects, which is why I try to relax only 4 times per year. Until I'm ready to cut them out completely, I will always try to minimize my use! Your leave-in is probably fine :)

[omthomas]

Thanks for your response, I don't think I've seen your flat-ironing video, don't see how I missed it, but Im gone go check it out

[j80edwards]

Thanks for the video, very timely. I was actually just beginning my research on this. At what point do you clarify if it is on a deep conditioning day, before the deep conditioner or after (if you deep condition on dry hair)?

[JustThisGirl1]

Short answer: it doesn't matter. Long answer: Clarifying (or any shampoo) shampoos should only be used on your scalp and roots whereas (deep) conditioners are concentrated on the length and ends of your hair. So, in theory, even if you DC on dry hair, you could clarify right after and it shouldn't affect the results. However, in practice, I would usually reserve DCing until AFTER shampooing on clarifying days, just so I can really build back up the moisture by making conditioner the last step.

[MonkMonk74]

Thank you for posting this video. There are many ppl. who don't know the importance of clarifing. You are very well spoken. You broke it down to terms that everyone SHOULD be able to understand.

[JustThisGirl1]

Thank you very much. I do try to make my videos user-friendly for whomever stumbles across them :)

[slyur244]

Thank you i never knew how often to clarify. Love your vids,

[JustThisGirl1]

Thanks! Yes, clarifying shouldn't be overdone or it can really damage your hair. I'm glad you got something out of the video :)

[MissKittyKatCW]

I love your videos as well. You explain things so that everyone will be able to understand. I know that I am learning a lot from you.

[JustThisGirl1]

Awesome! Thanks for the feedback, and please let me know if there is anything specific you'd like to learn! I'm definitely an instructor who likes to honor requests :)

[vPolkaDottv]

i learned a lot from this, thank you! i love your vids

[JustThisGirl1]

Thank you, dear. I'm so glad to hear people say they learned something. That is my main objective :)

[sheebaby]

LOL I love your car analogy!

[JustThisGirl1]

Haha, thanks. I tried to explain it from the scientific view as well as the practical view point. A little something for everybody ;)

[GucciGyrl1229]

Hey! This Saturday JCPenny is having a sale on their products. The liters will be 2 for $17.99. The styling products will be on sale teg 12th and 13th for 50% off AND there is a coupon in the circular!! I am definately going to try your HG shampoo because I am still searching for a good one. Thanks for the vid :)

[JustThisGirl1]

Thanks for the heads up on the sale! I always snag my Phyto Organics shampoo and conditioner combo during these sales, so I don't feel so bad spending a lot on quality products. But, even without the sale, these products have been totally worth their weight in gold to me. The only shampoo and conditioner combo to induce a noticeable change in the health and texture of my hair after repeated use. I love the stuff!

[micarae]

Great explanation on how layering too many products can cause unhealthy buildup. Minimal is definitely best.

[JustThisGirl1]

So true... "less is more" is my philosophy when it comes to hair products. Why spend so much time perfecting the health and texture of your hair only to slather on a million products and cover all that up? Nope... I love my hair as naked as can be.. that is, with as few products as possible :)

[omthomas]

Thanks for the vid, hey how often do you flat-iron and trim? You should do a vid on trimming.

[JustThisGirl1]

I flat iron very rarely... like 2 or 3 times per year when I don't have time to rollerset but want to achieve a sleek, straight look quickly. I have a video on "flat ironing the healthy way" if you want to see my technique, and learn why I like to minimize direct heat. As far as trimming, I get a trim by my stylist about 1 to 2 times per year. I have never trimmed my own hair, hence my inability to provide a tutorial :) Sorry about that!

[HipHopcheerleader]

Thanks dear. I Love Love Love your videos. I like that you break things down in a scientic approach where ever possible. Looking at things from that perspective, keeps me objective. It helps me with my expectations of products and practices.

Keep them coming : - ))

[JustThisGirl1]

Thank for the feedback, girl! Love your feedback and positive vibes. I agree, the science never lies :) When I try out products, it helps to have this knowledge about how things are "supposed" to work from a scientific standpoint, so that I don't get caught up in the pretty packaging and pleasant fragrances :) I hope I don't get too geeky for you all!! Please check me if I do, lol!

[HipHopcheerleader]

You can not be too geeky for me. Bill Gates is one of the Geekiest Caucasian brothers on the globe, smart smart smart, and rich to boot. I love how he gives some of his money to needful causes .(Off topic...oops).

I can absorb your content, and not be put off by lame opinions (maybe b/c I usually agree with you lol) You shoot the factuals. I am always open to that.

Thanks and please keep doin' what you do lady. You helped save my hair, with that moisturize/seal 101 video.

[SexyToria]

What are your thoughts about co-washing?

[JustThisGirl1]

Love it in the summer, since I wash several times per week. At least 1/2 of my summer washes are usually cowashes. In the winter I only wash about 1 time per week, so in that case I need to cleanse my scalp with a mild shampoo. So it's not quite a cowash, but I use the least bit of shampoo as I can get away with. If it weren't for the need to keep my scalp and roots clean, I would never use shampoo again if I didn't have to :)

[SexyToria]

I sure wish I saw this vid before I went out and bought a $12 bottle of Regis Salon Clarifying shampoo!! Smh! :(

Thx for the info! ;-)

[JustThisGirl1]

Haha, well I'm sure this shampoo will work just as well. My only point was that in my opinion, cheap and expensive clarifying shampoos all do the same thing. I'd rather spend my big bucks on a good bottle of conditioner than a shampoo any day! Shampoo is meant to do its job and get rinsed out. No worries, though... when this runs out go out and get your $1 bottle of suave! haha

[CHAQUI11]

I had that one it hade my hair tooooo hard had to change to organic root stimulator creamy aloe

[JustThisGirl1]

With any type of clarifying shampoo, you have to be careful only to apply it on your scalp and roots because that is the main area to be cleansed. Never apply the shampoo all over your hair, as that will definitely strip it of all the oils and moisture and cause it to be hard and brittle. Please refer to my video called "wash, condition and detangle" for the safe and healthy way to shampoo your hair :) Good luck!

[princesspenny103]

Thanks for the info. I was wondering where to get the Phyto Organics. I Love your hair and videos.

[JustThisGirl1]

Thanks, girl! Yes, the whole phyto organics line is at JC Penney salons, and I'm not sure if it is sold anywhere else!