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:

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.

In conclusion, 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.

If you’re currently on the hunt for your very own holy grail curly hair products you’ve come to the right place.

As a natural curly girl, I know there are a lot of options out there, so finding your ideal routine can be tricky whether you want to defrizz, define your curls, put some moisture into your hair, or give yourself a blowout.

Hair is different and confusing for everyone, especially for curly girls, and it can be a long gruesome task. To be clear, I don’t hate my hair, but I do hate the endless searches I’ve had to endure to find the perfect products for all occasions.

Hair Products Every Curly Routine Needs

So, take in my knowledge and allow my sufferings to bring you blessings, here are my holy grail hair products every curly girl needs for the perfect hair routine.

1. Pre-poo For Wash Days

A pre-poo is a necessity to have.

A pre-poo is a hydrating product applied to your dry hair at the beginning of your washdays. Hot oil treatments can also be a good pre-poo, or you could buy a pre-poo hair mask that tackles any haircare needs you may have.

I like to use African Pride Moisture Miracle Aloe & Coconut Water Pre-Shampoo after I take down a protective style as it is meant to detangle and tackle dry hair as well as add moisture back into your locks. Which is definitely what my hair needs after being tucked away in a protective style.

For regular wash-n-go’s, I typically like to use Mielle Organics Mongongo Oil Pre-Shampoo Treatment, this adds moisture into my hair without weighing it down.

Whether you choose a hot oil treatment or regular pre-poo masks, you can pre-poo any time from 15 minutes before you wash your hair to overnight.

2. Shampoo To Cleanse Your Hair

Your Shampoo is super important, a good shampoo works to clean your scalp from product build-up and dirt while providing your hair with much-needed nourishment.

A good shampoo is an essential part of your hair care routine, they are the foundation for your wash days and can help to revive your dry hair, and cleanse it from all the products that accumulate on your scalp.

Clean hair is best for hair growth. I recommend a sulfate-free shampoo, that contains essential oils for hair growth.

And after you remove a protective style. I recommend a clarifying shampoo.

Finding a shampoo that cleanses and clarifies your hair without leaving your hair super stripped and feeling dry is super important for the health of your hair.

3. Scalp Treatments For Scalp Health

If you want to keep your hair healthy and allow hair growth, you have to take care of your scalp.

Having a healthy scalp can lead to thicker and healthier curls because you are giving focus to your hair follicles.

Using a scalp treatment can help with the health of your hair.

This may be a hot oil treatment or one of my favorites Pharm to Table Scalp Relief Tea Tree Leave-In Conditioner for Dry Itchy Scalp to really tend to your scalp and add moisture back into your hair.

Using a scalp treatment can help to remove any product buildup on your scalp after you’ve had it in a protective style for a while.

4. Conditioner To Moisturize and Soften

When I wear my hair in wash-n-go’s I try not to wash my hair with shampoos more than once or twice a month.

So instead of grabbing my shampoo, every week or two I co-wash my hair.

Co-washing is when you only use a conditioner when washing your hair. You can use just about any conditioner, however, I like to use Pantene Conditioner Pure Clean & Clarify, it contains no silicones that could easily dry out your hair It is also part of the pentene clarify and clean line to really get the dirt out your hair, while still being moisturizing.

Conditioners play a dual role in your hair care regimen by giving dry and frizzy curls the moisture it needs, so it’s very important to choose one that’s right for you.

A great conditioner contains oils and vitamins that blend together to make your curls strong and healthy.

I also like to use Kristin Ess Hair Ultra Hydrating Curl Co-Wash during my co-washes. This product’s formula has hydrating glycerin and hydrolyzed linseed, which is rich in omega fatty acids, to keep curls from drying out as it gets rid of grime on your hair and scalp.

5. A Deep Conditioner

If you want bouncy, healthy curls, you’ll need to invest in a deep conditioner.

Every wash day, I coat my hair in a deep conditioner or a mask to add even more moisture.

Most masks suggest you let the mask or deep conditioner sit for 10-15 minutes, but I really like to let that stuff sit.

I like to throw on a plastic cap, a bonnet, and then even a beanie to really insulate the hair and let the heat from my scalp get the stuff working. I usually let it sit for at least an hour then rinse it out.

Deep conditioners are very nutrient rich with a blend of essential vitamins to work against breakage, dry hair, and frizz. You can deep condition up to once a week for as long as your hair needs.

6. Leave-In Conditioner

If I could use only one hair care product, it would be a leave-in conditioner, a quality leave-in conditioner keeps your curls beautiful from day to day.

Leave-in conditioners have the essential nutrients and vitamins that make your hair strong and soft. Leave-in conditioners can blend ingredients like coconut, flaxseed, and essential oils, to enrich and moisten your hair every day.

No matter what your hair type is, your hair will love the Ouai Leave-In Conditioner’s moisturizing formula. This detangling frizz-fighter contains hydrolyzed proteins to protect hair against environmental damage while tamarind seed extract, panthenol, and vitamin E condition hair so you can easily detangle knots and curls. It is also paraben, sulfate, and phthalates free.

7. Moisturizing Curl Creams

Smoothing moisturizer over dripping-wet hair in the shower reduces frizz and can really help curls stay bouncy and intact.

No matter the brand, the cream is always dispersed throughout my hair using my Denman brush.

Wavy, curly, and coily hair is like a sponge to Argan Magic Nourishing Hair Cream, my hair just soaks this stuff in. This styling cream’s texture right out of the tube is pretty thick and sticky, which I was iffy about at first. Once it’s been raked through your wet curly hair and diffused or air-dried, you’re left with volume, curl definition, and no white cast.

Pattern’s Styling Cream for Curly & Coily Hair is great for braid outs and twist outs. I love to use it right after my condition to get out any stubborn tangles and then put my hair into a braid out. It’s packed with hydrating shea butter and almond oil to really seal in the moisture.

When my hair needs a little refresher, I use OUAI Curl Crème, it’s lightweight enough not to weigh down my curls but really adds that moisture back into it while giving me some definition and shine.

8. A Good Oil To Seal It All In

Curly hair soaks up oil like crazy, our hair is really dry and needs moisture.

Oil is what helps seal in moisture for our curls while giving them a healthy shine. Hair oils work just like a deep conditioner, except you can use them as a treatment or for everyday use.

There are so many oils to choose from whether you want argan oil, morrocan oil, or coconut oil, the word is truly your oyster.

You can bring your curls back to life with a good oil treatment and help to prevent damaged and dry ends and keep your hair moisturized and healthy.

9. Hair Gels For Definition

Pantene Pro-V Curl Sculpting Gel is a savior for curly and coily hair. This flexible hold gel smoothes strands while enhancing your natural texture. The aloe vera-fortified formula strengthens hair while maintaining the style, plus it never looks frozen in place or stuck down.

I love CURLS Poppin Pineapple So So Def Vitamin C Curl Defining Jelly because ist so nutrient-rich, laced with vitamins A, B, and C, this jelly really adds moisture back into dry hair and keeps it there so that your coils and curls spring to life and don’t dry out.

10. Refresher Sprays For After Wash Days

After wash days, your hair soon gets dry. It gets to a point where it needs some moisture added back into it but isn’t quite ready to be washed yet.

I like to use refresher sprays on days like this. They are weightless yet add a good amount of moisture back into your curls.

Curls need as much moisture as they can get, Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Curl Refreshing Spray, gives my curls just that. Moisturizing coconut oil and shea butter as well as being nutrient rich to nourish dry hair days after your wash-n-go’s.

11. A Silk Pillowcase or Bonnet

The smooth, flat fibers of the silk reduce friction while you sleep, preventing breakage and frizz, and allowing your hairstyles to stay fresh for longer. You’ll notice a difference after just one night.

I like to put my hair in a pineapple to prolong my wash-n-go’s or braid-outs. It’s simple: You take a loose hair tie(preferably silk) and gather your hair as close to your forehead as possible to minimize compressing your curls.

Then I pop on my bonnet our use my silk pillowcase.

12. A Microfiber Towel

Listen, bath towels are not made for your hair! A microfiber towel is for your hair.

A bath towel is constructed with thousands of threads that rough up your hair and can tug and snag at your locs. A microfiber towel is gentler and exerts less friction- and less friction means less frizz.

13. A Humidifier

On the second or third day after co-washing, you’re going to want to revive your curls. The best way to revive your curls is with moisture, and the best way to put moisture back into your hair is water.

A humidifier is a great way to add moisture back into your hair a few days after your wash.

When winter hits, turn your humidifier to the highest level and watch your curls just soak up that moisture.

14. YouTube

When I first started my natural hair journey, the first place I turned to was Youtube. And it still is.

I watch Kaila Kake, Always Ameera, Mini Marley, and Natural Chica whenever I’m trying to do my hair.

Other Things To Consider Before You Get Your Products

All hair is different, so don’t just try and copy and paste someone else’s natural hair routine. Consider these factors first:

Know Your Hair Type

The first step to building your hair care routine is understanding your hair type.

Curly girls all over the world have different texture combinations that make up their head of hair.

Terms like type 4 or 4b or 3a are thrown around at you and you might not fully comprehend what they mean.

Those numbers reflect your curl pattern, and porosity, and can help to guide you in choosing the right products for your hair.

If you are unsure of your hair type, take this customized hair type quiz that will help guide you to understand your hair type.

Find Out Your Hair Porosity

One of the important aspects of taking care of your curls is understanding how your hair absorbs and retains moisture or your hair’s porosity.

Porosity can be divided into three categories: low, normal, and high. Understanding your hair’s “Porosity” doesn’t have to be difficult, you can start by performing the strand test. 

Start by taking a strand of hair and placing it in a clean glass of water. If it falls to the bottom your hair has high porosity, if it’s midway then your normal, and to the bottom means that your strands have low porosity.

Low porosity means that your hair can’t easily absorb moisture and you want to avoid products with a lot of oils or butter.

Normal porosity means your hair can hold and absorb moisture which is a great sign of healthy hair.

If you have high porosity hair your curls may absorb a product quickly but then lose moisture. In this case, you want to avoid using products with too many oils and butter to help your hair lock in moisture and incorporate using protein treatments into your hair regimen.

Whether you have loose curls or kinks or even coils, low porosity or high porosity, you know the best curly hair products are essential for making sure your strands are well taken care of.

And as you get to know your hair better it will get easier to find products that work best for you.

Always remember that building your hair care regimen takes time and patience. As long as you start with the essentials, you can only grow up from there.

If you’re a part of the natural hair community, you’ve heard about or tried hot oil treatments.

The oils, like olive, almond, and coconut, when used in hot oil treatments work by sealing the hair cuticle.

This helps strengthen and protect your locks.

If your hair is dry, brittle, frizzy, color-treated, or prone to split ends, a hot oil treatment may be beneficial, or if you’re just looking to add some shine to your hair.

Benefits Of Hot Oil Treatments

Hot oil treatments are also useful for helping to stimulate blood flow, as well as helping with hair growth. Hot oil treatments for hair provide many benefits to help your mane flourish such as:

-Moisturizes dry and brittle hair

-Revives your curls

-Helps with dry scalp

-Increases the blood circulation in your scalp

-Strengthens the hair

-Adds shine to your hair

-Helps prevent split ends and frizz

-Help with dandruff relief

-Reduces frizz

Safety Measures Before Doing a Hot Oil Treatment

Hot oil treatments involve applying heated oil to your hair and scalp. It is important to take safety measures when performing a hot oil treatment to prevent burns or injury.

-Always ensure the oil is not too hot before applying it to the hair and scalp, apply a small amount to your wrist to test it out.

-Never leave the heated oil unattended, especially if you have any children or pets around.

-Start with a small amount of oil and apply it to a small section of hair to test the temperature before applying it to the entire head. Yes, even after you’ve tested it on your wrist.

-Never heat oil that is in a plastic container as it can melt.

-To reduce the risk of a reaction, look for oils that aren’t combined with any synthetic ingredients.

-If you experience any burning or discomfort during the treatment, rinse the oil out immediately and seek medical attention if necessary.

What Oil Is Best For An At-Home Hot Oil Treatment

There are many different oils that can be used for hot oil treatments, each with its own unique benefits for the hair and scalp. It’s important to find the right blend for you. Some of the most popular oils used for hot oil treatments include:

-Coconut oil: This oil is rich in fatty acids and vitamins, making it great for moisturizing the hair and scalp. It also helps to strengthen hair and prevent breakage. This leaves the hair soft and shiny.

-Olive oil: This oil is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, making it great for moisturizing the hair and scalp. This oil tends to be on the heavier side, so it’s best for drier hair that really needs that moisture retention. Be careful not to be too heavy-handed as it can weigh down your hair. It also helps to strengthen hair and prevent breakage. This oil is great for damaged hair and can help combat frizz and flyaways.

-Jojoba oil: This oil is similar to the natural oil produced by the scalp, making it an effective moisturizer. It also helps to balance the scalp’s natural oil production, and it can help to improve hair growth. It is a light oil that is easily absorbed by the hair and scalp. It helps to moisturize and nourish the hair and scalp, leaving it feeling soft and smooth.

-Argan oil: Argan oil is rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, it helps to hydrate and nourish the hair, improving its elasticity and reducing breakage. It also helps to repair damage, promote hair growth, and control frizz.

-Castor oil: This oil is rich in fatty acids and has antibacterial properties that make it great for promoting hair growth. It also helps to moisturize the hair and scalp. Castor oil is also known for its ability to promote hair thickness and helps treat dry and itchy scalp.

-Almond oil: This oil is rich in vitamins E and D, which makes it great for moisturizing the hair and scalp. It also helps to strengthen hair and prevent breakage. It is known for its ability to nourish the hair and scalp, it also works as a detangler making hair more manageable.

-Avocado oil: Avocado oil is high in vitamins A, D, and E, and is also rich in fatty acids. It is known to penetrate the hair shaft to nourish and moisturize the hair.

These are a few of our favorites, always make sure to pick the oil best suited for your need at that time. Additionally, you can always create your own blend of oils or use a premade oil treatment.

Use the oil that best suits your hair type, also it is best to use pure, cold-pressed, organic oils for the best results.

How To Do a DIY Hot Oil Treatment

Now that you’ve decided on which oil to use, let’s get into the process of hot oiling by following these simple steps,

-Work on clean hair: Hot oil tends to work best on clean hair. This allows the oil to deeply penetrate the hair cuticle. However, if you do want to do a hot oil treatment before your washday, this is also fine.

-Heat the oil: Place your oil in an applicator bottle or in a bowl that is safe for heating. Then, put your oil in hot water if you are using an applicator bottle or the microwave for around 10 seconds if you are using a bowl.

-Test the heat: Before applying the oil to your hair and scalp, test a small amount of the oil on your wrist to make sure it’s not too hot, this will prevent you from burning your scalp.

-Detangle: Run a brush through your hair to get rid of any knots, this will help make the application process all that much easier and help ensure smooth styling afterward.

-Apply: Apply the oil evenly throughout your hair and massage it into your scalp. Cover your head with a shower cap and your bonnet for more insulation. And wait for 20 minutes to an hour. Ideally, you can leave it in overnight.

Rinse: After a minimum of 20 minutes, completely rinse out the oil from your hair, and follow up with your normal conditioner.

And that’s it, You now know how to do an at-home hot oil treatment, you can now use your favorite products and continue to style your hair as desired.