A clarifying shampoo that is honest about what it does

Hard water leaves a film on hair that ordinary shampoo does not shift. After a month it shows up as dullness at the roots and a stiff, coated feeling at the ends. A clarifying shampoo is the blunt tool for that problem.

One wash

The difference after the first use was obvious enough that we photographed it. Roots lifted, the coated feeling went, and a mask applied afterwards worked visibly better.

Ten weeks

Used once a week, as the bottle says, it stayed effective and did not dry out lengths. We also tried twice a week for a fortnight to see what would happen. Ends became rough and toner faded faster, so we went back to weekly.

The honest part

The label says, in plain words, not for daily use. It is a small thing, but most brands would rather you finished the bottle faster.