Do you find yourself finding the need to switch up your products every couple of months because it feels like they “stop” working?
When you began using them, they worked amazing? But then you don’t know what happened they just don’t work like they used to. This used to happen to me all the time and most of the time is caused from product build up! Has this ever happened to you? I have answers!
What are some signs of product build up?
- Resistance to styling
- Tangling more than usual
- Feels like your styling products are not working anymore
- Shampoo & Conditioner aren’t getting your hair “clean”
- Hair looks dull
- Feels like you must use more & more product
- Hair feels rough
These are all common things that can happen when your hair products start to build up on your hair strands and scalp. How can you know for sure that you have build up? There are a couple of things that you can look for! First your scalp might be flaky, and it often mimics seborrheic dermatitis, scalp psoriasis, and eczema. Product build up on your scalp can clog your hair follicle which in turn continues the vicious cycle of it appearing like you might have a dry flaky scalp or irritating bumps.
What about the hair strands? Your hair might start looking dull, dry, get tangled easy, and have a rough texture to it.
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How to remove product build up?
I always recommend that you be gentle with your hair to help avoid breakage and further damage. Also, if you color your hair being too aggressive with removing product buildup can alter your hair color. I have a few product recommendations that can gently remove product buildup.
Micellar Shampoos
Micellar Shampoos are typically a gentle shampoo made for a sensitive scalp. They have tiny micelles (microscopic oil spheres) that dissolve impurities without stripping the hair.
These powerful cleansers work so well because they are essentially bipolar. On one side, the micelle is attracted to oil, while the other end is attracted to water. They will deeply clean the hair without stripping the hair of moisture or essential nutrients. You will always want to follow up with a conditioner to help keep your hair balanced. There are several different brands out there to choose from, but my favorite is Monat’s Micellar Shampoo. Click here to check it out.
Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoos
Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo is great to help restore the balance of your scalp and will also aid in removing buildup gently. It will help remove dirt, oil, and product buildup. Why is Apple Cider Vinegar so good for your hair and scalp? It helps to restore your scalp to its normal pH and unclog your pores not to mention remove buildup to restore your natural shine! There are a lot of brands out there and I have my favorite which comes with a purifying scalp scrub.
If you are looking for the ideal healthy scalp and need help removing buildup you will want to checkout Monat’s Purifying Shampoo & Scalp Scrub! Click here to see more information.
Clarifying Shampoos
Your standard clarifying shampoo can be good to use if you need a quick removal of a lot of product buildup on your hair. The problem with some clarifying shampoos can be is that they are harsh on the hair and scalp. If you are not careful on the one that you choose and how often you use it you can strip out even the “good” parts of your hair. The ideal clarifying shampoo would remove your buildup but leave your hair and scalp balanced with your natural oils and moisture. I would recommend looking for a clarifying shampoo that is free from sulfates, phosphates, and parabens.
Tips to Prevent Product Buildup!
- Avoid putting products on the scalp (unless directed to)
A tip I always give my customers is to use a wide tooth comb and comb the products through your hair after each application. Curly girls are usually an exception to this rule. I did a blog post on The Art of Layering Products, check that out!
- Use quality products
Products do matter! If you want a complimentary consultation, click here. I would love to work with you!
- More isn’t always better
This goes for both the amount of each product and also the number of products you are using to achieve the desired effect.
- Keep your hair hydrated
If your hair is starving it is more likely to absorb things that it shouldn’t be absorbing including environmental pollutants.
- Keep your ingredients clean
I would recommend that you try to stay away from product ingredients that tend to buildup on the hair. Things like; Silicones, Waxes, Mineral Oil, and Petroleum.
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