Does your hair get oily quickly? Do you feel like there’s always a film on your hair? Does your hair still feel like it’s not quite clean, even after washing it with shampoo? Chances are you’re dealing with buildup in your hair. Have you ever heard of this, or is it completely new to you? In this blog, we’ll explain what it is, where it comes from, and—most importantly—how to get rid of it!
What is buildup in the hair, and how does it occur?
Build-up is a buildup of residue from hair products. This residue forms a layer on your hair made up of ingredients that are difficult to wash out.
If buildup isn't removed, this layer will continue to thicken. As a result, hair care products won't work as well, and the scalp may become unbalanced.
Common causes of buildup in the hair
- Silicones that are not water-soluble
- Excessive use of hair oil
- Leave-in conditioners
- Hairspray and styling products
- Hair Masks
- Gel foam
- Limescale and minerals from hard water
- Protein Synthesis in Hair
The problem with buildup is that not every shampoo can completely wash away certain residues. That’s why many people opt for a clarifying or detox shampoo, also known as a deep-cleansing shampoo.
Redken Amino Mint Shampoo for an Oily and Irritated Scalp
The most common forms of buildup are an excess of protein or silicone found in certain products.
Ingredients in your hair products that can cause buildup
- Lime, protein, minerals, oils, fatty alcohols such as cetyl alcohol, and silicones—which are not water-soluble—gradually build up layer by layer, leading to an oily and irritated scalp.
- Minerals such as lime are caused by (hard) water or poor-quality products
- Chemical buildup occurs because many natural products are being replaced by cheaper chemical alternatives. They make your hair sticky and heavy, and cause itching and white flakes.
- Phthalates and other plastics are often used as shine enhancers and serve as substitutes for silicone-based shine enhancers. They cause itching and hair loss. They also make your hair feel like it isn’t getting clean, cause flaking, and give the impression that you have dandruff.
- Some oils can quickly become too heavy, and with certain hair types, the oil penetrates very deeply into the hair. They make the hair greasy quickly and are difficult to remove.
- Products such as leave-in conditioners, hair masks, serums, hairspray, and mousse usually contain a lot of ingredients that cause buildup.
I can already hear you thinking: Do I have to cut all these products and ingredients out of my beauty routine right now? No, definitely not! Hair products are actually designed to leave substances on the hair. Take a heat protectant, for example—it obviously needs to leave a “layer” behind to actually protect against heat. It’s important to use high-quality products, as they also contain better-quality ingredients.
How can you tell if there's buildup in your hair?
Do you experience problems such as your hair always feeling greasy, or having flakes or dandruff in your hair? This could be product buildup. You can recognize product buildup in your hair by the following signs:
- Dry/dull hair, or, on the contrary, a sticky feeling in your hair, as if there's a film on it
- Hair products seem to be less effective
- Your hair is limp and lifeless, and if you have curls, they lack definition
- The ends of the hair may feel rough, be split, or be broken
- You're experiencing scalp problems such as itching and irritation
How do you remove buildup from your hair?
You can remove buildup from your hair fairly easily by using special clarifying or detox shampoos. These shampoos are designed to completely rid your hair of any residual products and ingredients. So they go a step further than “regular” shampoos when it comes to thorough cleansing.
Shop alle clarifying shampoos
Shop all detox shampoos
You can choose to add a clarifying or detox shampoo to your hair-washing routine. You don’t have to use it every time you wash your hair—since these shampoos can sometimes be drying—but you can use it a few times a month, for example, to give your hair a really thorough cleanse.
How can you prevent buildup?
Well, as mentioned earlier, there are several ways to prevent buildup. First, it’s important to use high-quality products. For example, if you want to use a hair oil to give your hair some extra care, choose the Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil. This hair oil repairs damaged hair, prevents split ends, and reduces frizz without leaving any residue, and it rinses out easily.
Hair Care to Prevent Oily Hair
In addition, use a good clarifying or detox shampoo every once in a while to thoroughly cleanse your hair, so that any product residue is removed. Normally, it’s best to massage the shampoo thoroughly into just the scalp, but if you tend to experience buildup quickly, be sure to work the shampoo through your hair from the scalp to the ends. Gently work the shampoo into your hair with your hands so it penetrates well. Don’t pile your hair up while washing, don’t fold it in half, and don’t massage too vigorously—otherwise, you risk damaging your hair. Because clarifying and detox shampoos have such a deep-cleansing effect, they can dry out your hair. So always use a moisturizing conditioner and, if needed, a hair mask to nourish your hair and replenish its moisture. Apply these only to the lengths of your hair, not at the roots.
In addition to using a clarifying or detox shampoo, you can also use a moisturizing cleansing shampoo for a change to properly care for your hair and make sure it doesn't dry out.
The Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo is a gentle, cleansing shampoo that deeply hydrates the hair and is suitable for all hair types. So even for the curly-haired ladies among us, this shampoo is truly amazing! Do you prefer to wash your hair every day or every other day? Then this is the perfect shampoo for you, because it’s gentle and keeps your hair well-hydrated. Just like all other Moroccanoil products, this shampoo smells absolutely amazing! Definitely a must-try!
Want to order hair care products from JohnBeerens.com?
Do you feel like there’s a film on your hair that you can still feel even after washing it? If so, you probably have buildup in your hair. Unfortunately, not every shampoo can remove buildup from your hair. Using a clarifying or detox shampoo is a must! In addition, using the right, high-quality products is also essential if you want to prevent buildup. At JohnBeerens.com, you can order high-quality products from brands like Moroccanoil and Olaplex.
Would you like more tips, advice, or personalized recommendations on hair care? Our beauty specialists are here to help! You can reach us at Beautycare@johnbeerens.com or by phone at 013 530 2010
