Black Soap Pros
All natural
Affordable
Effective

Black Soap Cons
A bit drying on the hair
Scalp was oily the next day

Shampoo Pros
Affordable
Effective

Shampoo Cons
Can be drying to the hair
Usually has sulfates (unless labeled as sulfate free)


I've tried Raw African Black soap for my face and scalp. My face loves it (especially when I follow up with shea butter) but it may be too drying for my scalp and hair. It cleaned my scalp well but I think it may have done too good of a job. My scalp produced even more oil than usual as punishment, so I was back to square one.

I'll just stick to using sulfate-free shampoos. It may not necessarily be completely natural but it's what works better for my hair.

Price: $20
My Rating: 1 out of 5 stars

Product Description:

We have updated our formula for a better consistency while still giving you the gentle cleansing you want! Your hair is left feeling lightly conditioned after use, not dry. Formulated with Silk Amino Acids and Green Tea extract to help provide shine to the hair, while Vitamin B5 aids in moisturizing your curls. Yummy Coconut Scent and still Sulfate-Free formula!


Ingredients:

WATER/AQUA/EAU, DECYL GLUCOSIDE, COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE, GLYCERIN, SODIUM LAURYL GLUCOSE CARBOXYLATE, LAURYL GLUCOSIDE, HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, BRASSICA ABYSSINICA (ABYSSINIAN) OIL, CAMELLIA SINENSIS (GREEN TEA) LEAF EXTRACT, XANTHAN GUM, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, GUAR HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE, SILK AMINO ACIDS, PHENOXYETHANOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, TETRASODIUM EDTA, FRAGRANCE/PARFUM, BENZYL BENZOATE, CITRIC ACID.

 
Review:

This product is probably really effective, but just not on my scalp. The shampoo is very runny and hard to spread, so my scalp is not able to get clean even after a second application.
According to other reviews, the problem is common so this shampoo may not be appropriate for people who have dense hair, an oily scalp, and/or dandruff issues. This is because this cleanser will not be sufficient to get the scalp and hair clean.
On the plus side, the positive reviews have said that it works really well and fits into certain hair care regimens so it may just work out in the end.

Bottom Line:

This may be okay for fine-haired people looking for a very gentle cleanse, but if you regularly need a good cleansing, skip this product.

Vo5 Pros
Nice fruity smell
Cheap
Cleans my scalp in one application

Vo5 Cons
Extremely drying

Vo5 Shampoo was my go-to shampoo for a while during my transition to natural hair. As a broke college student it was affordable (sometimes as low as 50 cents on sale) and readily available in the CVS near the campus. At that time, I had no idea what "clarifying" meant and used it every week when I'd wash my hair.
As a clarifier, it works very well; almost too well. For the first time in my life I experienced what it was like to have dry scalp (my scalp is usually oily). I stopped using the shampoo regularly when I educated myself more on shampoo types. I saved it for the times when I really need a deep cleansing. It's effective and I love it, but now I know that I need to be careful.


Giovanni Pros
Great scalp cleanser
Feel-good tingle
Nice clean smell (minty)

Giovanni Cons
Affordable, but more expensive than Vo5
Can be drying to most hair types

I wouldn't consider Giovanni a clarifying shampoo, but some people consider it as such, especially if they have dry scalp. It cleans the scalp really well, but not sufficiently enough for me to consider it a clarifying shampoo for my scalp. However, as a regular shampoo, it does wonders. It's not too drying on my scalp and it feels good. It's definitely more expensive than Vo5, but affordable.

Bottom Line:

If I were judging on the ability to completely clarify the scalp, Vo5 wins. For a good regular cleansing, Giovanni wins.

Price: $6-$9
My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars


Product Description:

So good it tingles! Invigorating ingredients deliver unmatched clarity and rejuvenation for hair and scalp. You're left with something clean, pure, and incredibly stimulating...for hair and mind.

• Increases scalp circulation for a refreshed, renewed feel
• Strengthens hair with a three-organic-oil-blend to stimulate, condition and clarify
• Alleviates dry, flaking scalp with organic tea tree botanicals
• Zero sulfates 

Ingredients:

Aqua (purified water), *aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice, sodium cocoamphoacetate, lauryl glucoside, sodium cocoyl glutamate, sodium lauryl glucose carboxylate, dexyl glucoside, cocamidopropyl betaine, menthol, panthenol, potassium sorbate, citric acid, polysorbate 20, *melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) leaf oil, *eucalyptus globulus (eucalyptus) oil, *thymus vulgaris (thyme) extract, *urtica dioica (nettle) extract, *tussilago farfara (coltsfoot) flower extract, *salvia officinalis (sage) leaf extract, *rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract, *lavandula angustifolia (lavender) leaf extract, *equisetum arvense extract, *chamomilla recutita (matricaria) flower extract, *achillea millefolium extract, carthamus tinctorius (safflower) oil, phenoxcyethanol, mentha piperita (peppermint) oil.


Review:

This is a great sulfate-free cleanser to get the job done. Even though it doesn’t have any sulfates, surprisingly, it still lathers up. I like the tingle I feel on my scalp when I use it and it gets everything clean in only 2 applications. It spreads well but I personally dilute it a little to adjust it to my liking.

The smell is a bit strong (but it smells good to me) while you're washing your hair but it won't stay in the hair after you rinse the shampoo out.

This shampoo will not cure an oily scalp and/or dandruff condition but it is a good relief for me.
The only downside that I've also seen in reviews is that it can be just a little drying. As long as you use a good conditioner it shouldn't be too much of a problem unless you have a dry, sensitive scalp.

Bottom Line:

Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Shampoo is a good, affordable, sulfate-free cleanser but may not be suitable for those with dry scalp or hair issues.