Sometimes you just need a fresh start. Kristin Ess Hair Clarifying Shampoo removes mineral deposits, product buildup, excess oils and even silicones that can build up over time. Use this Kristin Ess shampoo when you need a deep clean.
How to:
1. Depending on the thickness of your hair, squeeze a dime to a quarter-sized amount into your palm.
2. Apply to wet hair, massaging into the scalp to create a rich lather for a deep clean. Add more shampoo, if desired.
3. Rinse thoroughly and repeat if necessary.
Tip: Always follow a clarifying shampoo with a super moisturizing conditioner or mask.
This Kristin Ess shampoo contains Zip-Up Technology, our proprietary strengthening complex designed to "zip-up" split ends while targeting weak areas of the hair, smoothing the appearance of damaged cuticles and helping to protect hair from environmental stressors and color fade, all while providing a deep clean.
cruelty-free | vegan
Kristin Ess shampoo is free of parabens, phthalates, silicones, gluten + drying alcohols
Please note that ingredient lists may change any time a product is updated. Always check the packaging to get the most accurate list of ingredients in each product.
Scent: Sandalwood, Apple
Hair Type: Oily
Health Facts: Vegan, Silicone-Free, Contains Castor Oil, Paraben-Free, Phthalate-Free
Estimated ship dimensions: 2.02 inches length x 2.09 inches width x 6.64 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 0.77 pounds
Return details
This item can be returned to any Target store or Target.com.
This item must be returned within 90 days of the date it was purchased in store, delivered to the guest, delivered by a Shipt shopper, or picked up by the guest.
A: Hey,
Great question! Yes, the Kristin Ess Hair Clarifying Shampoo removes mineral deposits, product buildup, excess oils and even silicones that can build up over time. For real-time answers to all your beauty questions, use the “Chat with a Virtual Beauty Consultant” button on any beauty product page.
submitted byTarget Beauty Consulting - 2 years ago
Brand expert
A: Hello! Thank you for your question! Yes, the Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo removes mineral deposits from hard water or chlorine, product buildup, excess oils and even silicones that can build up over time. We do reccomend to always follow clarifying shampoo with a super moisturizing hair mask like the Kristin Ess Hair Reconstructive Moisture Mask. Hope this helps!
submitted byManufacturer - 2 years ago
Brand expert
Q: Should you use this before your hair gloss? My hair needs both.
submitted by kmartin - 2 years ago
A: Great question! If your hair is dirty, oily, or has excess product, use this shampoo before you apply the gloss. For real-time answers to all your beauty questions, use the “Chat with a Virtual Beauty Consultant” button on any beauty product page.
submitted byTarget Beauty Consulting - 2 years ago
Brand expert
A: Hello! Thank you for your question! Yes, if your hair needs a refresh you can use the Kristin Ess Hair Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo before using the Signature Hair Gloss. We recommend to use the Clarifying Shampoo first to remove mineral deposits, product buildup, excess oils + even silicones that build up over time in the hair before using the Signature Hair Gloss to instantly boost vibrancy + shine. Hope this helps!
submitted byManufacturer - 2 years ago
Brand expert
Q: Is this shampoo cruelty free?
submitted by Lily - 2 years ago
A: Hello! Thank you for your question! All of the Kristin Ess Hair products including the Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo are cruelty-free as well as free of parabens and phthalates. Hope this helps!
submitted byManufacturer - 2 years ago
Brand expert
A: Hey Lily,
Great question! The Kristin Ess Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo is cruelty-free and vegan! For all your future beauty questions, get real-time answers using the “Chat with a Virtual Beauty Consultant” button, found on every product page.
submitted byTarget Beauty Consulting - 2 years ago
Brand expert
Q: Is this product fragrance free?
submitted by Lila - 3 years ago
A: Hey Lila,
Great question! Unfortunately, the Kristen Ess Deep Clean Clarifying shampoo has fragrance. The Scent: Sandalwood, Pear, & Magnolia. For real-time answers to all your beauty questions, use the “Chat with a Virtual Beauty Consultant” button on any beauty product page.
submitted byTarget Beauty Consulting - 3 years ago
Brand expert
A: Hello! Thank you for your question! The Kristin Ess Hair Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo is not fragrance free. If you have fragrance sensitivity you could try our fragrance free line that includes wet care and styling products. Hope this helps!
submitted byManufacturer - 2 years ago
Brand expert
Q: is this good for hair that is frizzy? my hair is also super oily at the roots and dry/frizzy and the ends, I need help! is it okay to use this, do you have any other advice?
submitted by Sunshine - 4 years ago
A: Hey Sunshine,
The Kristin Ess Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo is good for an occasional detox, not recommended for daily use. Always follow a clarifying shampoo with a super moisturizing conditioner or mask like the Kristin Ess Strand Strengthening Reconstructive Hair Repair Mask. For daily use, I recommend the Kristin Ess The One Signature Shampoo for you.
For real-time answers to all your beauty questions, use the “Chat with a Virtual Beauty Consultant” button on any beauty product page.
submitted byTarget Beauty Consulting - 4 years ago
Brand expert
A: If you have oily roots and dry ends you most likely have some product buildup and this will be a great shampoo to use 1 a week or whenever it starts to get oily. I have the same issue. Try to not put conditioner on top or use too much product in your roots!
submitted byCgriff - 2 years ago
Q: is it safe for color treated hair?
submitted by boosmama - 8 months ago
A: Hey,
Great question! The Kristin Ess Deep Clarifying Shampoo does not have a color safe claim. We recommend to check out the Kristin Ess The One Signature Shampoo for a great option! It's lightly clarifying and color safe! For real-time answers to all your beauty questions, use the “Chat with a Virtual Beauty Consultant” button on any beauty product page.
submitted byTarget Beauty Consulting - 8 months ago
Brand expert
Q: Can be combined with collagen shampoo for dry hair?
submitted by Oily scalp dry hair - 11 months ago
A: Great question! Yes, you can use a collagen shampoo after Kristin Ess Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo, but you should use the clarifying shampoo only when needed to avoid stripping your hair of essential moisture and oils. For real-time answers to all your beauty questions, use the “Chat with a Virtual Beauty Consultant” button on any beauty product page. https://www.target.com/c/beauty/-/N-55r1x
submitted byTarget Beauty Consulting - 11 months ago
Brand expert
Q: Can 11 year old girl use it for greasy hair?
submitted by lily - 1 year ago
A: Yes, our Kristin Ess Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo is safe to use on children aged 5 years and older and works effectively for oily hair when used as directed. However, if your child has a known skin sensitivity or allergy, we recommend checking the ingredient list first. Discontinue use and consult a doctor if any irritation occurs. We always recommend avoiding contact with the eyes.
submitted byKristin Ess Hair - 9 months ago
Brand expert
Q: What is the best conditioner to use after clarifying my hair? My hair gets very tangled after shampooing.
submitted by Jeannie - 1 year ago
A: Hey Jeannie,
Great question! We recommend to follow up with the Kristin Ess Hair Extra Gentle Conditioner and the Kristin Ess Hair Reconstructive Moisturizing Repair Mask for a complete routine. For all your future beauty questions, get real-time answers using the “Chat with a Virtual Beauty Consultant” button, found on every product page.
submitted byTarget Beauty Consulting - 1 year ago
Brand expert
Q: Is this good to get chlorine out of hair?
submitted by Rachrn - 1 year ago
A: Great question! The Kristin Ess Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo contains ingredients like sulfates and EDTA that help dissolve chlorine and mineral buildup. For all your future beauty questions, get real-time answers using the “Chat with a Virtual Beauty Consultant” button, found on every product page.
This clarifying shampoo has garnered mixed feedback from guests, with many praising its ability to deeply cleanse hair and remove buildup without stripping moisture. Guests appreciate the pleasant scent and effective lather, making it a great choice for those with oily hair or product buildup. However, some guests have reported issues with the packaging and strong fragrance. Overall, it is recommended for those seeking a refreshing hair wash experience.
Summary created by AI from text of reviews reflecting recent feedback provided across different star ratings (includes incentivized reviews)
4.5
4.5 out of 5 stars
4842 star ratings
4.5 out of 5 stars with 4842 reviews
effectiveness
3.6 out of 5
effectiveness: 3.61 out of 5
quality
3.5 out of 5
quality: 3.52 out of 5
value
3.5 out of 5
value: 3.47 out of 5
60% would recommend
321 recommendations
1 out of 5 stars
21 August, 2026Verified purchase
(no review title)
The new bottle is awful, cheap plastic.
quality
1.0 out of 5
quality: 1 out of 5
Did you find this review helpful?
1 out of 5 stars
20 August, 2026
Instant regret, smell is overwhelming
Gave me a headache as soon as I took one sniff. If you’re smell sensitive HARD PASS
Fajita
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5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommendWould recommend
17 July, 2026Verified purchase
Just what i needed
I purchased this shampoo after a hair stylist who cut my hair told me that she could see and feel my hair had hard water build up. I was worried about all the reviews stating people losing there hair so I was a little worried but I’ve only use this shampoo once a week since ive started and have had no issues with hair loss and my hair has been so soft and feels so healthy. I personally love the smell and am so happy i took a chance!
ForeverMrsAshe
effectiveness
5.0 out of 5
effectiveness: 5 out of 5
quality
5.0 out of 5
quality: 5 out of 5
value
5.0 out of 5
value: 5 out of 5
2 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommendWould recommend
16 July, 2026Verified purchase
Love the effective cleaning power!
From the first time I used it, I was so impressed. It lathers well without using an exorbitant amount and I felt like shampoo did its job. My hair felt clean after this but not stripped like straw. I am so happy I decided to go with it. I’m really stating to not believe in salon products anymore. Love my olaplex though that stuff is gold 😊
furbabymom
effectiveness
5.0 out of 5
effectiveness: 5 out of 5
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5.0 out of 5
quality: 5 out of 5
value
5.0 out of 5
value: 5 out of 5
Did you find this review helpful?
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommendWould recommend
11 July, 2026
fantastic!
I was recommended this because I was having issues with excess oil in my heavy, dark coarse hair. Because it's summer, and im constantly outside sweating, going to the pool, working at a restaurant, and all sorts of different parts of life, I needed something that helped my scalp feel clean and light again. It did just the thing! A double wash with a silicon scalp brush and a heavy protein hair conditioner after made all the difference.
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5.0 out of 5
effectiveness: 5 out of 5
quality
5.0 out of 5
quality: 5 out of 5
value
5.0 out of 5
value: 5 out of 5
2 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommendWould not recommend
11 July, 2026Verified purchase
Dry scaly patches on scalp
This shampoo trigger seborhic dermatitis. DO NOT USE IF YOU ARE PRONE TO DRY SKIN or have eczema.
Sadpuppymom
effectiveness
1.0 out of 5
effectiveness: 1 out of 5
quality
1.0 out of 5
quality: 1 out of 5
value
1.0 out of 5
value: 1 out of 5
1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommendWould not recommend
28 June, 2026Verified purchase
Strong, offputting scent
Smells like a hamster's cage! I wish I could give it less than 1 star.
Branders
effectiveness
1.0 out of 5
effectiveness: 1 out of 5
quality
1.0 out of 5
quality: 1 out of 5
value
1.0 out of 5
value: 1 out of 5
2 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommendWould not recommend
13 June, 2026Verified purchase
HAIR FELL OUT/DONT BUY
This was not good. I kept wondering why all my hair was falling out and then found out it was this - just like the other reviews. DO NOT BUY. PLEASE. I lost a LOT of hair (clumps just falling out) and worried about when/if it will come back. Really concerning..
Ash
2 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
5 out of 5 stars
12 June, 2026Verified purchase
(no review title)
Shampoo leaves hair feeling clean and is easy to use. Easily suds
Sunny
effectiveness
5.0 out of 5
effectiveness: 5 out of 5
quality
5.0 out of 5
quality: 5 out of 5
value
3.0 out of 5
value: 3 out of 5
Did you find this review helpful?
5 out of 5 stars
11 June, 2026Verified purchase
Great!
I wasnt sure about trying it due to some bad reviews, but it left my hear feeling super clean and shinny (followed with moisturizer). I like it so far
Valeria
effectiveness
5.0 out of 5
effectiveness: 5 out of 5
quality
5.0 out of 5
quality: 5 out of 5
value
4.0 out of 5
value: 4 out of 5
Did you find this review helpful?
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommendWould recommend
9 June, 2026Verified purchase
best clarifying shampoo!
The best clarifying shampoo. Thoroughly cleans even when my scalp is at it's oiliest. Your hair (especially the ends) will most likely need a little extra conditioning after using the shampoo.
Lisa
effectiveness
5.0 out of 5
effectiveness: 5 out of 5
quality
5.0 out of 5
quality: 5 out of 5
value
5.0 out of 5
value: 5 out of 5
Did you find this review helpful?
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommendWould not recommend
7 June, 2026Verified purchase
Great and affordable
I'm a big fan of this clarifying shampoo! I was a little alarmed by how dry my hair felt after the first time I used it, but with a deep conditioner after it's awesome! I use it 2-3 times a month.
MGJ
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1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommendWould not recommend
31 May, 2026Verified purchase
(no review title)
This product smells awful!
Jennifer
effectiveness
1.0 out of 5
effectiveness: 1 out of 5
quality
1.0 out of 5
quality: 1 out of 5
value
1.0 out of 5
value: 1 out of 5
1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
4 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommendWould recommend
28 May, 2026Verified purchase
clean head
I really like this shampoo and the way it makes my hair act once it dries. It’s really thinned out since getting older and over 40. This shampoo has helped some but I also had to really scrub my scalp with a massage brush after it was dry and still saw dry flakes falling out so shampoo alone won’t get everything.
mom20072019
effectiveness
4.0 out of 5
effectiveness: 4 out of 5
quality
5.0 out of 5
quality: 5 out of 5
value
4.0 out of 5
value: 4 out of 5
Did you find this review helpful?
5 out of 5 stars
26 May, 2026
originally posted on kristinesshair.com
Amazing shampoo for general cleansing and conditioning
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I loved testing this shampoo and it gave a nice, deep cleansing wash. I like the feel of my hair after using it and it isn't too pricey to continue buying it. I recommend it for a general purpose shampoo.
SamirL
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5 out of 5 stars
23 May, 2026
originally posted on kristinesshair.com
Best for Oily scalp people
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Scent so freshly. Hair feels light and cleanse. Value chipper, affordable than I thought. Good shine boots. Oily scalp or heavy products users.
queenieN
4 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommendWould not recommend
22 May, 2026Verified purchase
Marked up Herbal Essence
Guys this is marked up herbal essence. Nothing about this bottle makes up for the price. But if you like paying more for herbal essence, to each their own.
Meli
effectiveness
3.0 out of 5
effectiveness: 3 out of 5
quality
3.0 out of 5
quality: 3 out of 5
value
1.0 out of 5
value: 1 out of 5
3 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommendWould recommend
18 May, 2026
Great product
This is excellent. My hair literally squeaked because it was so clean. I think it even helped get rid of some buildup on my scalp. it's been helping my hair feel less greasy, too.
Enska
effectiveness
5.0 out of 5
effectiveness: 5 out of 5
quality
5.0 out of 5
quality: 5 out of 5
value
4.0 out of 5
value: 4 out of 5
Did you find this review helpful?
5 out of 5 stars
6 May, 2026Verified purchase
(no review title)
Works well to remove chlorine and other build up
EricaL
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2 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommendWould not recommend
