Charcoal Purifying Shampoo

Activated charcoal isn't just trendy—it's scientifically proven to absorb and remove impurities through a unique molecular process that makes it exceptionally effective for deep cleansing.

The activation process creates exceptional absorption power. Regular charcoal becomes "activated" through heating to extremely high temperatures in the presence of gases. This process creates millions of tiny pores throughout the charcoal's structure, dramatically increasing its surface area. One gram of activated charcoal can have a surface area of 500-1500 square meters—equivalent to 2-6 tennis courts. This vast surface area, combined with the charcoal's molecular structure, creates powerful absorptive capacity.

The negative charge attracts impurities magnetically. Activated charcoal carries a negative electrical charge while most impurities—oils, toxins, pollutants, chemicals—carry a positive charge. When you massage the shampoo into wet hair, the negatively charged charcoal particles attract and bind to positively charged impurities like magnets. This isn't surface cleaning through mechanical action—it's molecular attraction that pulls impurities away from hair and scalp, trapping them so they rinse cleanly away.

The porous structure traps what it attracts. Once impurities bind to the charcoal's surface, they become trapped in the microscopic pores. This prevents them from redepositing on hair during rinsing. The charcoal essentially acts as a molecular sponge, absorbing excess oil, dissolving product residue, capturing pollution particles, lifting mineral deposits, and extracting impurities from follicle openings. The trapped impurities are then rinsed away along with the charcoal, leaving hair and scalp genuinely clean.

The gentle mechanism preserves hair health. Unlike harsh sulfates that strip everything indiscriminately, activated charcoal's selective absorption targets impurities while leaving essential moisture and natural protective oils largely intact. This is why hair can be deeply purified without the rough, stripped feeling that traditional clarifying shampoos create. The charcoal does its purifying work, then rinses away completely, leaving no residue.

Weekly Reset Protocol (Once Per Week)

Step 1: Pre-Wet Thoroughly

Saturate hair completely with lukewarm water for at least 30 seconds. Proper saturation is more important with purifying shampoo than regular shampoo—it helps the activated charcoal distribute evenly and work effectively throughout all hair.

Step 2: First Cleanse

Apply coin-sized amount (more for thick or long hair) to scalp. Gently massage into scalp using fingertips in circular motions for 60-90 seconds. The massage action helps the charcoal contact and absorb buildup while stimulating circulation. Work the lather gradually through mid-lengths to ends. You'll notice the lather might look slightly grey or dark—this is the charcoal working, absorbing impurities. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.

Step 3: Second Cleanse

Apply another coin-sized amount. This second wash allows deeper purification now that surface buildup has been removed. Massage scalp for another 60-90 seconds, then work through lengths. Leave on for 1-2 minutes to allow maximum purification. Rinse thoroughly until water runs completely clear—this ensures all charcoal and trapped impurities are removed.

Step 4: Follow with Conditioner or Mask

After purifying, hair is in optimal condition to absorb treatments. Apply FUL Charcoal Hair Mask for intensive conditioning, or use your regular conditioner. Products will penetrate more effectively on freshly purified hair.

The Result: Scalp feels refreshed, comfortable, balanced. Hair feels lighter, looks shinier, has more volume and movement. Your styling products work better because they can actually penetrate clean hair.

Intensive Detox (First Use or Heavy Buildup)

If you have significant buildup from months of product use, hard water exposure, or heavy styling, do an intensive detox:

• Use Charcoal Purifying Shampoo 2-3 times in first week
• Extend massage time to 2-3 minutes per wash
• Follow with intensive conditioning mask
• After initial detox, reduce to weekly maintenance

Maintenance Schedule

Standard Use: Once weekly for most people provides optimal balance—enough to prevent buildup without over-stripping.

Increase Frequency: Use 2x weekly if you use heavy styling products daily, swim frequently in chlorinated or salt water, live in high-pollution urban areas, or have very oily scalp.

Reduce Frequency: Use every 10-14 days if you have very dry hair or scalp, wash hair infrequently (1-2x weekly), or use minimal styling products.

Aqua, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Parfum, Phenoxyethanol, Charcoal Powder, Polyquaternium-10, Glycol Distearate, Benzyl Salicylate, Citric Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Panthenol, Steareth-4, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide, Amyl Cinnamal, Eugenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Geraniol, Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract, Benzyl Benzoate, Citronellol, Linalool, Isoeugenol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Potassium Sorbate