Professional clarifying shampoo that cleans deeply without compromising hair health
Olaplex No.4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo is a sulphate-free, pH-balanced clarifying shampoo designed to remove damaging build-up while maintaining hair strength, softness and colour clarity.
Unlike traditional clarifying shampoos that can leave hair dry or stripped, No.4C uses Olaplex’s patented bond-building technology to cleanse deeply without disrupting the hair’s internal structure. The result is hair that feels clean, light and refreshed — never squeaky or brittle.
Ideal for all hair types, this professional formula restores shine, improves colour vibrancy and prepares hair to receive treatments more effectively.
Why professionals recommend Olaplex No.4C
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Removes build-up from hard water minerals, chlorine, pollution and styling products
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Clarifies without stripping or drying the hair
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Enhances colour clarity, shine and brightness
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Leaves hair soft, manageable and refreshed
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Suitable for all hair types and textures, including coloured and blonde hair
How it works
Olaplex No.4C uses a broad-spectrum clarifying system combined with Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, Olaplex’s patented bond-building ingredient. This helps maintain hair strength while impurities are lifted away, making it ideal for regular use within a professional haircare routine.
Clarifying the hair allows conditioners and treatments to perform better — especially repair and bond-building products.
How to use
Apply to wet hair, focusing on the scalp and working through to the ends.
Lather well and leave on for up to 5 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly.
Use once weekly (or as needed) in place of your regular shampoo.
For best results, follow with Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner or Olaplex No.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask.
Suitable for
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All hair types and textures
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Hair affected by hard water or product build-up
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Dull, weighed-down or lifeless hair
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Coloured, blonde or chemically treated hair
Professional tip
If your hair isn’t responding to treatments or feels coated, a clarifying step like No.4C can make a noticeable difference. Clarifying regularly helps reset the hair and improves the effectiveness of repair and moisture routines.
Ingredients
Water (Aqua/Eau), Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Coco-Betaine, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Acrylates Copolymer, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocamidopropylamine Oxide, Sodium Methyl Oleoyl Taurate, Decyl Glucoside, Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate, Phenoxyethanol, Coco-Glucoside, Lauryl Glucoside, Chlorphenesin, Panthenol, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Polyquaternium-11, Benzoic Acid, Sodium PCA, Pentasodium Triphosphate, Sodium Lactate, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, PCA, Citric Acid, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Fragrance (Parfum), Citral, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene.
When Should I Use a Clarifying Shampoo? (Professional FAQ)
Q: What is a clarifying shampoo used for?
A: A clarifying shampoo is designed to remove build-up from hard water minerals, chlorine, pollution and styling products that regular shampoos may not fully remove. It helps reset the hair and scalp so treatments and conditioners can work more effectively.
Q: How often should I use a clarifying shampoo?
A: Most professionals recommend using a clarifying shampoo once weekly or every 1–2 weeks, depending on your hair type, water quality and product use. Over-clarifying can dry the hair, so balance is key.
Q: Who benefits most from using a clarifying shampoo?
A: Clarifying shampoos are especially helpful if:
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Hair feels coated, heavy or dull
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Products no longer seem to work
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You live in a hard water area
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You use styling products frequently
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Blonde or coloured hair looks flat or brassy
Q: Will a clarifying shampoo dry out my hair?
A: Traditional clarifying shampoos can be drying if overused. Professional formulas like Olaplex No.4C are designed to clarify without stripping, helping maintain softness and hair strength when used as directed.
Q: Can I use a clarifying shampoo on coloured or blonde hair?
A: Yes — when used correctly. A gentle, bond-supporting clarifying shampoo helps restore colour clarity and shine without compromising hair health. Always follow with a conditioner or treatment.
Q: Should I use a clarifying shampoo before treatments?
A: Yes. Clarifying before treatments can significantly improve results by removing build-up that blocks products from penetrating the hair properly.
Q: What should I use after a clarifying shampoo?
A: Professionals always follow with a conditioner or treatment, such as:
Q: How do I know if I need to clarify my hair?
A: If your hair feels dull, heavy, coated or isn’t responding to your usual products, it’s often a sign that a clarifying step is needed.
Q: I’m repairing damaged hair — should I still clarify?
A: Yes, but carefully. Clarifying occasionally helps remove build-up so repair products can work more effectively. Balance clarifying with strengthening and moisture-restoring care.
Clarifying isn’t about stripping hair — it’s about giving your products a clean foundation to work on.
Used correctly, a reset step can be the difference between hair that stays stuck — and hair that finally starts to improve.
👉 Want to go deeper?
Read Why Your Hair Isn’t Improving (Even with Salon Products)
or Repair vs Moisture: Why Hair Needs More Than Hydration.
Clarifying Shampoo vs Repair Shampoo: What’s the Difference?
| Concern |
Clarifying Shampoo |
Repair Shampoo |
| Main purpose |
Removes build-up & residue |
Strengthens damaged hair |
| Works on |
Surface of hair & scalp |
Inside the hair fibre |
| Best for |
Dull, coated, heavy hair |
Weak, breaking, damaged hair |
| Frequency |
Weekly or every 1–2 weeks |
Regular use |
| Example |
Olaplex No.4C |
Olaplex No.4 / SP Repair Shampoo |
| Use together? |
✅ Yes — reset first |
✅ Then repair |
