10 Best Chelating Shampoo 2026 in the United States

Malibu C Hard Water Wellness Shampoo is designed specifically for people dealing with hard water effects like mineral buildup and dryness. It contains chelating ingredients such as citric acid and is free from sulfates, which makes it gentle and less likely to strip natural oils from your hair. The shampoo also includes provitamin B5 and flax protein, which help moisturize and protect hair, making it a good choice for dry, damaged, or color-treated hair. Since it’s sulfate-free and vegan, it’s a healthier option for those who want eco-friendly hair care without harsh chemicals. This shampoo works best when used regularly but not daily, as overuse of clarifying shampoos can sometimes dry out hair.

A drawback might be that it's primarily targeted at dry hair types, so those with oily hair might need to consider if it fits their needs. Also, using it alone may not fully solve hard water buildup—pairing it with Malibu C’s other products like the Hard Water Remedy and Conditioner is recommended for a complete care routine. The orange scent adds a fresh, pleasant touch without being overpowering. This shampoo is an excellent choice for anyone needing to gently remove hard water minerals and buildup while keeping hair hydrated and healthy, especially if your hair is dry or chemically treated.

The Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two is a clarifying shampoo designed to remove buildup and leave hair feeling clean and refreshed. One of its standout features is the use of chelating agents, which help to remove mineral buildup from hard water, making this a strong choice for those with such issues. It is particularly effective for oily hair types, but is also suitable for all hair types, making it versatile for household use. The product has a sharp, crisp lemon scent that many will find energizing, though it may be a bit strong for those sensitive to fragrances. Additionally, it's a color-safe formula which is advantageous for those who dye their hair.

While the product is excellent for deep cleaning, frequent use may not be suitable for those with dry hair as it could potentially strip away natural oils. The large 33.8 fl. oz. bottle offers good value for money. This shampoo does not explicitly state whether it is sulfate-free, which might be a consideration for someone looking to avoid sulfates. This is an effective clarifying shampoo for removing buildup and is particularly beneficial for people with oily hair or those dealing with hard water deposits. Users with dry hair or sensitivities to strong scents may want to look at their usage frequency or consider other options.

The Redken Detox Hair Cleansing Cream is a clarifying shampoo designed for all hair types, making it a versatile option if you want to remove buildup from styling products, hard water minerals, and environmental pollution. It contains chelating agents like alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and fruit acids that help remove minerals such as copper, iron, magnesium, and calcium, which can dull your hair over time. This shampoo is sulfate-free, which means it cleanses without harsh stripping, helping protect color-treated hair while strengthening the hair cuticle and adding shine.

It is suitable for frequent use if you need a deep cleanse to refresh your hair, but because it's a clarifying product, daily use might be too drying for some. The cream formula makes application easy and gentle, with a pleasant scent featuring lemon and sugar cane. While it works well for oily or product-heavy hair, those with very dry or sensitive scalps should use it cautiously.

Pairing it with a conditioner is recommended to maintain moisture. This shampoo is a good choice for anyone looking to deeply cleanse and detox their hair, especially if you live in an area with hard water or use lots of styling products.