If your tresses are looking thin, dull or dry, the culprit may be product buildup. Product buildup can negatively affect the health of your hair and scalp. It diminishes your natural shine and clogs your hair follicles, which may impede hair growth. But what exactly is buildup and what can you do about it?
What is Hair Product Buildup?
We all wash and style our hair with an assortment of products. Over time, styling gel, mousse, hair spray and even some shampoos and conditioners can leave residue on your hair that builds up. This residue can weigh your hair down, cause dryness and make your strands more susceptible to breakage, creating the appearance of thinning hair.
In addition to a number of products on the market that can help remove hair product buildup, there are also a few natural ways to remove this pesky residue with ingredients you may already have in your kitchen. Read on to discover how to get rid of buildup and keep your hair looking healthy.
Tips on How to Remove Hair Product Buildup
1. Use a Clarifying Shampoo
Regular shampoos are formulated to remove dirt and excess oil from your hair, but clarifying, or anti-residue, shampoos are specifically made to remove product buildup to help revive dull, flat hair. They are designed to exfoliate the scalp and provide a deeper clean than your everyday shampoo. In addition, they can help soothe itchiness on the scalp.
Just like traditional shampoos, clarifying shampoos are available for all kinds of hair: curly, dry, oily, fine, etc. Add them to your hair-washing routine once a month or so. If you’re experiencing severe hair product buildup, use them once a week to start.
2. Try Micellar Water
Ask any French woman her beauty secret and she will probably say micellar water. This beloved beauty product has been a long-time favorite of the French and is used as a way to deep clean, tone and nourish skin. You’ve probably seen micellar water at your favorite beauty store for makeup removal too, but it can also be found in hair products.
This multi-use product cleanses and hydrates while removing dirt and oil through the use of micellar technology. Micellars are tiny clusters of molecules that attach to and dissolve impurities, similar to the way your dish detergent cuts through grease on your pots and pans. Hair products containing micellar water are free of harsh ingredients and contain nourishing oils, making them gentler than clarifying shampoos. To make sure you don’t over cleanse your hair, use only as needed or weekly at most.
3. Rinse With Apple Cider Vinegar
This household staple is a natural way to remove product buildup left on your hair from styling products. Combine one part apple cider vinegar with one part water and use it to rinse your hair after shampooing. You can apply the mixture with a spray bottle or pour it directly onto your hair. Allow it to sit for a minute or two and then rinse thoroughly.
Apple cider vinegar also helps detangle hair and seal the hair’s cuticle (the outermost layer of the hair shaft). The result, hair that’s smooth and shiny. It’s also been known to help relieve itchy scalp and restore your scalp’s PH levels. If you dye your hair, it can also aid in retaining the color and keep it looking fresh and vibrant.
4. Add Baking Soda to Your Hair-Washing Routine
Baking soda is another multi-purpose, everyday item that offers a natural way to remove product buildup from your hair. All you have to do is mix a tablespoon of baking soda into a small amount of shampoo, then wash and rinse your hair. Alternatively, you can try massaging baking soda directly onto your wet hair and scalp for a few minutes. Rinse thoroughly and then shampoo and condition as usual.
