Pattern Beauty Clarifying Shampoo
Published By Laura Townsend
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Our Verdict
Pattern Beauty's Clarifying Shampoo delivers a solid, albeit pricey, cleanse for curly and coily hair. Its thick consistency easily distributes, effectively removing product buildup without excessive stripping. While a little goes a long way, the smaller bottle size combined with the higher price point makes it less value-driven compared to drugstore alternatives. The clarifying power is undeniable, making it a worthy purchase for those struggling with heavy product buildup or hard water. However, for regular clarifying or those on a budget, exploring cheaper options is recommended. Ultimately, Pattern's shampoo excels in performance but falls short on value. Buy it for a deep reset, but not for routine washes.
Audience Score
Pros
- Removes product buildup and excess oils effectively.
- Gentle enough for regular use without stripping natural moisture.
- Leaves hair feeling clean, refreshed, and lightweight.
- Formulated with ingredients like aloe vera and panthenol to soothe and hydrate the scalp.
- Suitable for all curl types and textures, including color-treated hair.
Cons
- Can be drying for some hair types, particularly fine or low porosity hair.
- The minty scent can be too strong or irritating for sensitive scalps.
- May not effectively remove heavy styling products or silicones.
- The price point is higher than average drugstore clarifying shampoos.
- Some users have reported increased frizz after use.
Comparison
The most similar products compared
| Audience Score | 87 Great! | 90 Excellent! | 88 Great! | 88 Great! |
| Price | $21 | $32 | $13 | $42 |
| Size | 7.8 oz/230.7 ml | 10 oz/300 ml | 12 oz/355 ml | 8 oz/236 ml |
| Good For Thinning Hair | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Good For Damage | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Volumizing | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Vegan | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Without Sulfates | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Without Parabens | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Increases Shine | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
Who Should Buy
This clarifying shampoo is ideal for individuals struggling with product buildup, dullness, and limp hair. If your hair feels heavy, greasy even after washing, or lacks shine, this shampoo can provide a deep cleanse to remove residue and restore vibrancy. Those living in areas with hard water will also benefit, as this shampoo can help combat mineral buildup that contributes to dryness and dullness. People who regularly use styling products like gels, mousses, and hairsprays will find this clarifying shampoo an essential part of their hair care routine. It's gentle enough for color-treated hair, ensuring your vibrant color stays intact while effectively removing buildup.
Who Should Not Buy
If you have extremely dry or damaged hair, this clarifying shampoo might be too stripping for your delicate strands. Individuals with sensitive scalps prone to irritation should also proceed with caution, as the deep cleansing action may exacerbate dryness or itching. If you wash your hair less than once a week, a clarifying shampoo might not be necessary for your routine. Those who prefer a heavily moisturizing or conditioning shampoo may find this product leaves their hair feeling less soft than desired. Consider a gentler, hydrating shampoo if these concerns apply to you.
Ingredients
This clarifying shampoo boasts a blend of gentle yet effective ingredients. Aloe vera leaf juice soothes the scalp and provides hydration, while apple cider vinegar helps balance pH levels and remove buildup. Inulin, a prebiotic fiber derived from chicory root, supports a healthy scalp microbiome. The formula is free of sulfates, silicones, parabens, and phthalates, making it suitable for sensitive scalps and color-treated hair. The addition of panthenol, a provitamin of B5, adds a boost of moisture and strengthens hair strands. The refreshing, lightly scented formula enhances the cleansing experience.
How to Use
Wet hair thoroughly and apply a generous amount of the clarifying shampoo, focusing on the scalp and roots. Gently massage the shampoo into your scalp using your fingertips, creating a rich lather. Work the lather through the lengths of your hair, ensuring all strands are coated. Rinse thoroughly with warm water until the water runs clear. Follow up with a moisturizing conditioner, especially if you have dry or damaged hair. For best results, use this clarifying shampoo once or twice a week, depending on your hair's needs. Avoid using it daily to prevent over-drying.
Scent
The clarifying shampoo features a light, refreshing scent that invigorates the senses without being overpowering. The fragrance is derived from a blend of natural essential oils, creating a pleasant aroma that lingers subtly after washing. The scent profile is clean and uplifting, contributing to a spa-like experience in the shower. The delicate fragrance won't clash with other hair products or perfumes, making it a versatile option for daily or weekly use. The natural scent is also a plus for those sensitive to strong artificial fragrances.
Lather
This clarifying shampoo creates a rich, luxurious lather that effectively cleanses the hair and scalp without stripping away essential moisture. The abundant lather helps distribute the shampoo evenly throughout the hair, ensuring complete coverage and removal of buildup. The gentle yet effective formula allows for easy rinsing, leaving hair feeling clean and refreshed. Despite its sulfate-free formulation, the shampoo lathers beautifully, providing a satisfying cleansing experience. The rich lather also helps to detangle hair, making the washing process smoother and more manageable.
Packaging
The clarifying shampoo is housed in a sleek, minimalist bottle with a convenient pump dispenser. The pump allows for easy dispensing of the product and helps control the amount used, preventing unnecessary waste. The bottle is made from recyclable materials, reflecting the brand's commitment to sustainability. The clear bottle allows you to easily see the remaining product, so you know when it's time to repurchase. The label clearly displays all necessary information, including ingredients, usage instructions, and brand details. The overall packaging is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Effectiveness
This clarifying shampoo effectively removes product buildup, hard water minerals, and excess oil, leaving hair feeling clean, refreshed, and revitalized. It restores shine and bounce to dull, lifeless hair, revealing its natural vibrancy. The gentle formula effectively cleanses without stripping essential moisture, preventing dryness and damage. It also helps to balance the scalp's pH, promoting a healthy environment for hair growth. Regular use of this clarifying shampoo can improve the overall health and appearance of your hair, making it more manageable and easier to style.