If you’re anything like me, you probably keep protective styles in for longer than you have to.

This also means that you probably go a month or two without washing your hair. Ever feel like you need to remove months of product build-up from your scalp but just feel like your regular shampoo isn’t quite cutting it? 

That’s why I created a complete guide on how to get rid of product buildup on your scalp!

While our hair may be tucked away in a protective style, or stowed under a wig, we still need to make sure we are keeping our scalp happy and healthy!

I hate when I have an itchy scalp and I go to scratch it and it begins to snow old product.

Let’s deep dive into the world of scalp care together, making sure your scalp is healthy and clean is the only way to have healthy hair growth.

What Is Product Buildup?

Product buildup happens when the products you love to use accumulates on the hair near the scalp. 

Even some of the shampoos and conditioners we love so much can leave product behind on our scalp! Especially when not rinsed out properly during your showers.

You can also tell if you have product buildup when you have a white cast on your hair closest to the scalp. The buildup is especially bad near the hairline. This is caused by wig glue and edge control mostly.

Your regular washday routine isn’t enough to fix or get rid of product buildup. While it may look like it gets rid of all the buildup, your scalp wont be thoroughly clean unless you truly clarify it.

Getting Rid Of Product Buildup With Clarifying Shampoo

A clarifying shampoo is an absolute necessity for every natural to have!

A clarifying shampoo is like your regular shampoo, times ten. They can cut through oils and products leaving your scalp squeaky clean!

Don’t plan on using a clarifying shampoo every day, this will cause your hair to be dry. Typically, only use it when you feel like you need it or after you haven’t washed your hair in a while!

Here are some of my favorite clarifying shampoos:

Kristin Ess Hair Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo

The Kristin Ess Hair Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo is an ideal choice for removing build-up due to its powerful yet gentle formula.

It effectively cleanses the hair, removing excess oils, product residues, and impurities, leaving your hair refreshed, revitalized, and ready for styling.

OUAI Detox Shampoo

The OUAI Detox Shampoo is a worthwhile investment for scalp cleansing as its high-quality formulation delivers exceptional results every time.

It effectively removes buildup and leaves your scalp refreshed and rejuvenated, making it well worth the price.

Neutrogena Exfoliating Healthy Scalp Clarify & Shine Shampoo

The Neutrogena Exfoliating Healthy Scalp Clarify & Shine Shampoo is an excellent budget-friendly choice for clarifying hair.

Offering a gentle yet effective formula that removes buildup and impurities while promoting scalp health and enhancing shine, making it an affordable option for those who cannot splurge on pricier alternatives.

Getting Rid Of Product Buildup With Home Remedies

If you want to go the more natural route, there are several home remedies that can be used to remove product buildup from hair. Some that I have tried and love are:

Apple Cider Vinegar For Product Buildup

Apple Cider Vinegar is a great way to get rid of product buildup on your scalp.

To use apple cider vinegar for product buildup, you can mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle.

Spray the mixture onto your hair and scalp, focusing on the roots and areas with the most buildup. Massage it into your scalp and leave it on for 5-10 minutes, then rinse it out thoroughly.

Now continue with your regular washday routine.

The acidity in the vinegar helps to break down and dissolve buildup, leaving your hair looking and feeling clean and refreshed.

It’s important to note that apple cider vinegar can be drying for some hair types, so you may want to use a moisturizing conditioner afterward as well as a good deep conditioner.

Baking Soda For Product Buildup

Baking soda is another popular home remedy for removing product buildup from hair.

It is a gentle abrasive that can effectively break down and remove buildup, leaving your hair looking and feeling clean and refreshed.

To use baking soda for product buildup, you can mix a small amount of baking soda with water to create a paste.

Massage the paste into your hair, focusing on the roots and scalp. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing it out thoroughly.

Alternatively, you can add a tablespoon of baking soda to your shampoo and wash your hair as usual.

It’s important to note that baking soda can be drying for some hair types, so you may want to use a moisturizing conditioner after using it.

Also, it’s best to use baking soda in moderation, as using it too often can strip your hair of its natural oils.

It’s also important to do a patch test before applying it to your hair as it can cause irritation or dryness for some people.

Lemon Juice For Product Buildup

The acidity in the lemon juice helps to break down and dissolve buildup, leaving your hair looking and feeling clean and refreshed.

To use lemon juice for product buildup, you can mix equal parts lemon juice and water in a spray bottle.

Spray the mixture onto your hair and scalp, focusing on the roots and areas with the most buildup. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes, then rinse it out thoroughly.

You can also use it as a final rinse after shampooing.

Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of lemon juice with a cup of water and use it as a final rinse after shampooing.

There are several ways to remove product buildup from hair, such as apple cider vinegar, clarifying shampoo, baking soda, and lemon juice.

These are all effective in breaking down and dissolving buildup, leaving your hair looking and feeling clean and refreshed.

When your hair is dry, it can feel brittle and hay-like to the touch. Physically your hair looks dull and lifeless which can also be a sign of biotin deficiency.

Whether you have damaged hair, dry hair, or simply want to improve the overall health of your hair, these following inexpensive tips will help keep your hair conditioned and leave you with gorgeous, healthy hair.

What is dry hair?

Dry hair is hair that doesn’t produce or retain enough moisture and oil for it to maintain its texture and sheen.

Dry hair has a coarse and rough texture. Some visible signs that your hair is dry can be that it looks dull, is brittle, and is constantly frizzy.

This can be a result of low nutritional value of Ferritin, Vitamin B 12, Vitamin D, or minerals like zinc & magnesium in your diet. Which in turn means your hair lacks these nutrients.

Or it could simply be from overexposure to pollution in the air, heat damage from styling tools or humidity, and even smoking.

How To Treat Dry Hair

Incorporating these simple tips into your haircare regime can over time help your hair retain more moisture and become healthier;

1. Stop The Daily Shampooing

Skipping a few days between shampooing lets your scalp relax, and it stops working overtime to produce protective oils. Your strands have time to breathe and don’t have to work overtime to produce natural oils.

The less you’re washing your hair, the more time your hair has to produce and retain these natural oils.

These oils need time to work their way down the hair shaft and moisturize your locks. Washing your hair less can also prevent itching and flaking, and keep the hair soft and shiny.

If you have hair that gets greasy, try skipping a few more days and using a good dry shampoo.

Dry shampoo is used to absorb excess oil and dirt from the hair, giving the appearance of freshly washed hair without the need for water. It can also add volume and texture to hair.

2. Invest In A Good Shampoo, Conditioner Combo

Now that you’re washing your hair less, make sure that your wash days are the best they can be, one of the ways to do that is to find the best shampoo and conditioner for you and your hair type.

Choose a keratin shampoo if you’re able to. Also look for vitamins D3, E, and B5, which all serve different functions but help support your hair and scalp health.

3. Cut Back on The Heat

Using heat on hair can cause damage over time, such as dryness, breakage, split ends, and a loss of shine.

The high temperatures can also strip hair of its natural oils, making it more susceptible to damage.

While using heat protection products can help reduce the damage, it is best to limit the use of heat styling tools and to let hair dry naturally as much as possible.

4. Trim Your Dry Ends

Trimming hair regularly can help prevent split ends and breakage, which can make hair look and feel healthier.

This is because split ends can travel up the hair shaft, causing damage to the hair. Regular trims can also help hair grow faster and stronger, as it removes damaged and dead ends that can inhibit your hair growth.

Additionally, regular trims help maintain the shape of a haircut and make it look more polished.

5. Protect Your Hair From The Sun

Sunscreen for hair is a product that is designed to protect the hair from the damaging effects of UV rays.

Exposure to the sun can cause damage to the hair, such as dryness, discoloration, and fading. Sunscreen for hair can help prevent this damage by creating a barrier that shields the hair from the sun’s rays.

Some hair care products, such as leave-in conditioners and hair oils, contain UV filters and can be used as sunscreen for hair. Sun hats or head scarves also can help protect hair from the sun.

6. Brush Your Hair With Care

To avoid damage when brushing your hair, and allow dry hair to heal, it’s important to use the right type of brush and to be gentle when brushing. Here are some tips to follow:

1. Use a detangling brush: These types of brushes are less likely to snag or pull on tangles, which can cause breakage. They are designed to work with tangles and gently detangle your hair.

2. Start at your ends: When detangling, start at the ends of your hair and work your way up to the roots. This will help prevent pulling and tugging on tangles.

3. Don’t brush dry hair: Dry hair is more susceptible to damage than wet hair, so it’s best to detangle your hair in the shower or with conditioner on your hair.

Dry hair will easily snag on your brush and this can cause damage to your hair.

4. Brush gently: Avoid tugging or pulling on your hair when brushing. Instead, use gentle strokes to work through tangles and knots.

By following these tips, you can help avoid damaging your already dry hair while brushing and maintaining healthy hair.

7. Hot Oil Treatments

Hot oil treatments tend to work wonders for hair that’s dry, brittle, or damaged.

These treatments can also protect and moisturize your hair. It’s very effective and is simple to incorporate into your routine.

It involves soaking your hair in warm oils helping them penetrate into the hair strand and moisturize from within.

8. Deep Condition Your Dry Hair

Opt for an at-home treatment with keratin. Use it once a week with special attention to your hair in the colder months.

This helps to restore your hair and bring it back to life. I like to use it just after rinsing off my hot oil treatment.

They help to add back any moisture lost during the week and seal it in too. Deep conditioners are your best friend!

9. LOC In The Moisture

Liquid, oil, and cream. This is the holy trinity for hair moisturizing. The order in which you apply them, however, will depend on your hair’s porosity.

In general, low-porosity hair will find better results from the LCO method. While high porosity hair will find better results from the LOC method.

Make sure to test out these methods and see how your hair responds to each one and see what works best for you.

Mastering your hair moisturizing routine will be the final step in sealing the deal for healthier and stronger hair.