Clarifying Hair Method
FOR OILY HAIR
Clarifying Hair Method
Clarifying Hair Method
Clarifying Hair Method
Clarifying Hair Method
Clarifying Hair Method

Clarifying Hair Method

PRE-WASH, NEW WASH DEEP AND PRIMER

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All Hair Types Dry Hair Oily Hair
3 Product Set

These three friends with benefits bring out the best in each other—and your hair.

The Clarifying Hair Method is a complete haircare system for oily hair that purifies, cleanses and protects with only gentle, naturally derived ingredients. 

  • Get a quick deep-clean with Pre-Wash, the first scalp-purifying rinse that uses prebiotic micellar technology to break down buildup and balance the microbiome.
  • Follow with New Wash Deep to cleanse, condition and refresh hair while balancing the scalp’s natural oils.
  • Finish with Primer, a moisture-infusing mist that shields hair from heat up to 450°F and UV rays and sets you up for even smoother styling.
Recommended Products

Pre-Wash

  • What is Pre-Wash?

    Pre-Wash is a scalp-purifying rinse that refreshes your hair and preps for wash day by removing unwanted product buildup, oil and dirt. Pre-Wash’s detergent-free micellar technology ensures effective and gentle cleansing, while prebiotics help balance moisture and improve the health of your scalp’s microbiome.

  • Who can use Pre-Wash?

    Every hair and scalp type can use Pre-Wash. It is perfect for those with excess oil, product buildup and scalp irritation. Pre-Wash also helps with the transition period if you have just switched to New Wash from traditional shampoo.

  • How do I use Pre-Wash?

    Section dry hair to ensure thorough application. Apply Pre-Wash to the scalp using the targeted applicator. Start at the roots and move along the parted sections, ensuring even coverage. Massage it into the scalp with the scalp brush or your fingertips. Allow it to remain on your scalp for 3-4 minutes. Wash your hair as you normally do with New Wash.

    Use solo, before New Wash or as the first step of the New Wash Method: Pre-Wash, New Wash and Primer.

  • How does Pre-Wash work?

    Pre-Wash’s detergent-free micellar technology gently and effectively cleanses while soothing the scalp with the prebiotics in its formula, derived from starmerella bombicola/brassica oil fermentation. Natural, upcycled betaine helps maintain optimal scalp moisture and transport water at a cellular level for long-lasting moisturization.

  • How does Pre-Wash help with the transition to New Wash?

    The transition period occurs when your scalp has been used to harsh, drying detergents. In response, it produces more oil to combat dryness, even though that’s not necessary with New Wash. This is where the prebiotics and micellar technology in Pre-Wash comes in: It helps balance the scalp’s microbiome more quickly and absorb excess oil before you wash with New Wash, which effectively helps prevent the transition period.

  • What does the texture of Pre-Wash feel/look like?

    Pre-Wash has a distinctive lightweight, thin, fluid consistency that effortlessly coats the scalp and hair strands, providing refreshment, moisture and nourishment without any greasy residue.

  • Can I use Pre-Wash if I have a dry scalp?

    Yes, you can use Pre-Wash if you have a dry scalp. The prebiotics in its formula will help balance your scalp microbiome, while betaine helps maintain optimal scalp moisture and transports water at a cellular level for long-lasting moisturization. The results: a healthy and nourished scalp!

  • Can I use Pre-Wash if I don’t have any scalp issues?

    Yes! Everyone can benefit from Pre-Wash, no matter the condition of their scalp. The scalp is constantly collecting dirt, oil, dead skin cells and product buildup that can impact follicle health. These factors can cause hair strands to become weakened and/or damaged. Pre-Wash’s unique technology refreshes your scalp for a better cleansing experience.

  • How often should I use Pre-Wash?

    You can use Pre-Wash with every wash or as needed to help remove excess oil, dirt and buildup caused by hair treatments or styling products.

  • Is Pre-Wash fragrance-free?

    Yes, Pre-Wash is fragrance-free, so it’s suitable even for the most sensitive scalps.

  • Is Pre-Wash vegan and cruelty-free?

    Yes, Pre-Wash is vegan and Leaping Bunny Certified. Leaping Bunny is the beauty industry’s most trusted cruelty-free certification.

  • Is Pre-Wash safe for color-treated hair?

    Yes, Pre-Wash’s detergent-free formula is safe for color-treated hair.

  • What is a scalp microbiome?

    The scalp microbiome is a community of microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, that live on the scalp. Like the skin microbiome, it provides the first line of defense against harmful pathogens, shielding the hair follicles and scalp from infection, toxins, irritation, hair damage and more. This results in a stronger scalp barrier and healthier hair. 

    In contrast, a disrupted and imbalanced scalp microbiome can result in irritation, dryness, damaged hair and sebum buildup and may even impede hair growth.

  • What are prebiotics?

    Prebiotics are ingredients that act as food for good bacteria on your scalp. In haircare products, they help keep the scalp’s natural balance of bacteria in check, which is essential for overall scalp health.

    • Balance the scalp’s bacteria: Prebiotics support the growth of beneficial bacteria, helping to maintain a healthy balance on the scalp. This can prevent issues like dandruff and irritation caused by harmful bacteria.
    • Soothe irritation: By promoting good bacteria, prebiotics help calm the scalp, reducing redness, itchiness and sensitivity.
    • Strengthen the scalp’s natural barrier: A balanced scalp is better at protecting itself from environmental stress and keeping moisture in, which prevents dryness and keeps the scalp healthy.

New Wash

  • Is New Wash a shampoo?

    New Wash is not a shampoo. It's a cleansing cream. Shampoos contain harsh detergents that strip your hair of its good, protective oils while they clean. New Wash cleans using essential oils and fatty alcohols—and zero detergents—while removing dirt, oil and buildup.

  • Is New Wash a conditioner?

    New Wash is not a conditioner. Conditioner does not clean the hair; it only replaces moisture after shampoo strips it. New Wash contains cleansing and conditioning ingredients.

  • Will New Wash clean my hair?

    Yes! New Wash cleans using essential oils and fatty alcohols, all of which are naturally derived and biodegradable.

  • How often should I wash my hair with New Wash?

    You can wash your hair daily or however often works for you. New Wash is so gentle that you no longer need to worry about stripping your color or drying out your strands. 

    When starting out with New Wash, we suggest sticking to your regular routine and finding your rhythm over time. Many people have found that they can go much longer between washes with New Wash.

  • How does New Wash work?

    New Wash cleans hair with a custom blend of essential oils and gentle, naturally derived saturated cleansers that also help balance your scalp's natural oil production.

  • Will New Wash work for my hair type?

    Yes! Check out the reviews—“life-changing” is a commonly used phrase by people with all different hair types. Take our quiz to find the best formula for you.

  • How long will it take for New Wash to work?

    New Wash benefits hair immediately, but all hair types are different so some scalps need to adjust and may experience oiliness or flakiness. This transition period is natural and more commonly experienced by people with oily or fine hair.

  • My hair is still feeling unclean after New Wash. what should I do?

    New Wash is different from detergent-based shampoos, and so is the way you use it. If your hair feels greasy or you have some buildup after using New Wash, there are two common reasons. 

    First, you might not be using enough New Wash. Apply the same amount of New Wash as you'd usually use for both shampoo and conditioner—enough to coat hair like you would for a conditioner or mask. Then work it in really, really well with the Massaging Scalp Brush. Add a bit of water to get a smooth, milky consistency; this will allow it to capture and bond to the dirt, buildup and excess oil.

    You also might not be rinsing it out thoroughly. New Wash bonds to impurities and requires extra rinsing to work it out. Massage it out with the Massaging Scalp Brush or your fingertips.

    Remember: It takes time to adjust to new habits and routines. You might experience a transition period during which your scalp overproduces oil, like it was trained to do by detergent-based shampoos. It hasn't yet acclimated to this new way of cleansing that leaves the healthy, protective oils to do their job.

    After about two or three washes, your scalp and oil production should regulate and thrive with your new healthy routine!

  • Are New Wash pouches recyclable?

    Yes, pouches are made with LLDPE (linear low-density polyethylene) and are fully recyclable under classification #1.

  • Will this clog my drain or harm my septic system?

    No, all Hairstory products are septic-safe and will not clog the drain.

Primer

  • What is Primer?

    Primer is a smoothing and moisturizing protection mist that infuses moisture, helps boost the efficacy of the next steps in your routine and primes hair for manageable styling. Rather than moisturizing hair through heavy and greasy emulsions, Primer is a weightless active mist with cutting-edge actives clinically proven to moisturize, detangle, smooth and protect hair from heat (up to 450°F) and external aggressors like humidity, pollution and UV rays.

  • Who can use Primer?

    Primer can be used on every hair type and texture.

  • What does the texture of Primer feel/look like?

    Primer is weightless and airy—imagine the texture as a delicate veil that effortlessly glides through your hair. As you spray it, you’ll feel a fine mist enveloping each strand, leaving behind a sensation of softness and hydration. Despite its lightweight nature, it offers substantial protection, forming a shield against heat damage up to 450°F. It’s not greasy or sticky; instead, it imparts a silky smoothness that helps detangle knots with ease. With each spritz, it infuses your hair with moisture, keeping it nourished and safeguarded against environmental stressors. 

  • How do I use Primer?

    Mist Primer over dry or damp hair. Use your fingers to distribute evenly, then style as usual.

    Use solo before styling or as the last step of the New Wash Method: Pre-Wash, New Wash and Primer.

  • Can I use Primer on dry hair?

    Yes, Primer can be applied to dry hair to moisturize, nourish, detangle and provide protection against heat up to 450°F from styling tools.

  • What is the technology behind Primer?

    Primer is formulated with high-efficiency ingredients to moisturize, nourish and protect your hair in one step. Capilipid protects hair from UV rays and heat damage (up to 450°F), improves hair strength and protects hair color. Lilac leaf culture provides antioxidant and anti-pollution protection, smooths hair scales, reinforces natural protection and restores natural shine. Natural, upcycled betaine helps maintain optimal moisture and transport water at a cellular level for long-lasting moisturization.

  • How often should I use Primer?

    Primer is suitable and safe for everyday usage. Feel free to use it as often as you want!

  • Is Primer fragrance-free?

    Yes, Primer is fragrance-free.

  • Is Primer vegan and cruelty-free?

    Yes, Primer is vegan and Leaping Bunny Certified. Leaping Bunny is the beauty industry’s most trusted cruelty-free certification.

  • Is Primer safe for color-treated hair?

    Yes, Primer is safe for color-treated hair.

  • Will Primer protect my hair from heat?

    Yes, Primer protects your hair from heat up to 450°F.

WE’RE LISTENING

Need help? Get product tips, personalized recommendations and more from our product specialists—however works best for you.

  • On our minds at all times: the health of your hair, your scalp and our planet. We developed New Wash as a detergent-free replacement for shampoo and conditioner that nourishes hair and uses less water. We also pioneered the use of refill pouches to reduce plastic waste and continue to lead the industry with sustainable practices and packaging.

  • Once upon a time (in 2015), we set out to create haircare that is smart, simple and sustainable. The key is naturally derived ingredients: Our revolutionary New Wash cleansing cream is formulated without the harsh, hair-stripping foams found in traditional shampoo, and our multitasking styling products further transform your strands and simplify your routine.

  • Gif of New Wash pouch being recycled

SUSTAINABLE

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