How To Get Rid Of Product Buildup On Your Scalp

If you’re anything like me, you avoid washing your hair pretty much as often as possible. This ALSO means that you probably use a ton of dry shampoo, heat protectant, hair spray… the works. Ever feel like you need to remove months of dry shampoo from your scalp but aren’t sure how? That’s why I created a complete guide on how to get rid of product buildup on your scalp!

As dry shampoo has replaced regular shampoo many days, we need to still make sure we are keeping our scalp happy and healthy! I hate feeling like I could scratch off a layer of product… graphic, I know, but I know I’m not alone in this!

RELATED: How To Stop Washing Your Hair Everyday

Let’s deep dive into the world of scalp care together, in this VERY judgement free zone.

 

(THIS POST PROBABLY CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS. OUR FULL DISCLOSURE IS REALLY BORING, BUT YOU CAN READ IT HERE).

 

What Is Product Buildup?

Product buildup happens when product 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!

You can also tell if you have product buildup if all of the sudden you notice changes in your hair’s appearance or if your hair is no longer responding to the styles you normally do.

Unfortunately, our regular shampoo and conditioning routine isn’t enough to fix or get rid of product buildup. While there are many different ingredients and products that lead to this issue, I’m not going to bore you with the science. Here is a nice article that explains it if you’re interested!

How To Get Rid Of Product Buildup: Clarifying Shampoo

A clarifying shampoo is an absolute MUST HAVE in your shower if you tend to use a lot of products!

A clarifying shampoo is regular shampoo’s bigger, buffer brother. They are able to cut through oils and product leaving your scalp squeaky clean!

Don’t plan on using a clarifying shampoo every day. Typically, only use it when you feel like you need it, and if you feel the need to use one every day- then you’re probably using too much product!

Here are my favorite clarifying shampoos:

 

How To Get Rid Of Product Buildup: Apple Cider Vinegar

People have been using apple cider vinegar in creative ways for decades. Is anyone surprised that it can tear through product buildup?!

To best use it to get rid of product buildup, start your shower with your regular shampoo and conditioner routine.

Mix a couple tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with water and work it into your scalp. Let it sit for a couple of minutes, and rinse it out!

Work this into your shower routine a couple times a week as needed, and feel free to increase the amount of tablespoons used each time. I would recommend with starting out at once a week and pay attention to any scalp sensitivities, and a good rule of thumb is to keep the apple cider vinegar under 5 tablespoons!

How To Get Rid Of Product Buildup: Baking Soda

Similar to our friend apple cider vinegar, baking soda is always surprising us with new ways it can be used.

To use baking soda for product buildup, simply mix it with water to give it a paste-like consistency. Bonus points for putting the paste in an empty shampoo bottle for easy use later!

Apply the paste to wet or dry hair and work it into the scalp. Let it sit for a couple of minutes, and then rinse it out!

Now of course, if you notice any irregularities after incorporating something new into your hair care routine, stop using it until you do more research! I can only speak to what works for me and research I’ve done, but these may not be right for every hair type!

Leave me a comment letting me know if you’ve tried one of these methods and which one is your favorite!