Are you experiencing an irritated scalp and noticing your once-voluminous hair is lifeless? We have encountered this problem with many of our clients.
You might be suffering from scalp buildup, and learning how to remove scalp buildup can help. Still, you need not worry; Haste Hair is here to help you with a professional scalp health treatment.
As a hair and scalp spa, we provide more than just hair care solutions. We have you covered with the causes, signs, and effective treatments to banish your buildups and get your hair looking and feeling great.
What is Scalp Buildup?
Scalp buildup can result from natural causes, such as scalp oil production and normal skin cell shedding. However, it can also result from environmental factors, such as airborne pollution, tobacco, pollen, and hair products.
As your scalp is covered with hair, it creates a microenvironment facilitating microbial growth, leading to unique microbiomes. Food sources fuel metabolic activity and impact the underlying skin, leading to seborrheic dermatitis, hair loss, or dandruff.
So, scalp buildup is the accumulation of dirt on the scalp resulting from multiple sources, including oil (sebum) production, hair products, skin cells, pollen, and airborne pollution. Hence, it affects the appearance of the scalp and hair health.
How to Remove Scalp Buildup
Wash Your Hair Frequently
Here at Haste, regular cleansing is the best self-care hair treatment for preventing scalp buildup and is the first step in removing it.
When you notice a lot of buildup, your scalp tells you it needs a cleanse. Washing your hair varies depending on your hair type, but if there is a buildup regularly, it helps to wash your hair a bit more.
If you notice an oily scalp, it helps to cleanse it daily or every other day. For dry, damaged, or colored hair, we recommend washing it every three to five days.
Get a Scalp Exfoliating Treatment
Exfoliating your scalp removes dead skin cells and buildup, just like exfoliating the rest of your body. You can visit the best salon for scalp therapy or invest in a scalp brush when you shampoo your hair.
You can gently exfoliate your scalp with the brush while the shampoo removes the buildup and washes it out. A good tip is to choose a scalp brush with soft bristles or use your fingers to massage your scalp.
Furthermore, depending on your level of buildup, you can opt for chemical exfoliation once or twice a week. We recommend a glycolic or salicylic acid spray to help prevent or reduce buildup.
Wash With a Clarifying Shampoo
While many hair products have ingredients to bind hair, some leave residue on the hair and scalp. When this happens, your regular shampoo might not be enough to help clear the buildup, especially when using a sulfate-free shampoo.
Evaluate Current Products
Some products contain horrible ingredients, like silicone. You find it in styling products to treat frizz and protect it from heat. The ingredient forms a layer that builds up on the scalp.
Avoid Using Dry Shampoo
Another culprit is dry shampoo, which results in buildup. Dry shampoo’s primary purpose is to remove oil and extend hair washing. The shampoo blocks the surface where skin cells shed, and the sebaceous glands secrete natural oil. It is occasionally acceptable, but you must cleanse your scalp well afterward.
Medicated Shampoos
If your buildup does not change with the above and you feel itching or burning, visit a dermatologist to help determine the cause. The cause can include scalp redness and large flakes. Only a doctor can recommend the best products because it can be a skin condition.
Learn more about the scalp treatment process here to help remove scalp build-up.
What Causes Scalp Buildup?
Some causes of scalp buildup are as follows:
Hair Products
In hair products, you find ingredients that can lead to a buildup on your scalp over time. The products coat and hold onto the hair shaft but can accumulate on your scalp. Some product culprits are:
- Silicones are made to make hair shine and feel soft, but they can build up on the scalp and make hair feel heavy and greasy.
- Mineral oil and petroleum in hair gels and promenades create a thick wax buildup on the hair and scalp. These waxes are difficult to remove because they are not water-soluble.
- Styling products use heavy oils and waxes to hold the hair, creating a heavy buildup on the scalp. This can lead to clogged follicles and hair breakage.
- Sulfates are found in shampoos and conditioners, and they help create lather. However, they are harsh on the scalp, stripping it of natural oils and causing dryness and skin irritation.
Environmental Concerns
Other concerns are environmental factors, such as air pollution, which can deposit chemicals and minerals, such as VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and particulate matter, onto your scalp. Over time, these buildups irritate your scalp, clog hair follicles, and prevent hair from growing.
Water
Hard water can contain high levels of minerals, leaving deposits on the scalp. Over time, this can lead to a scalp buildup. A clarifying detox shampoo with a water test indicator can tell you if the water you have is the cause of the problem.
Production of Excess Sebum
When you do not get a scalp detox to cleanse it, the oil accumulates, mixing with other matter, such as dead skin cells and sweat, which can lead to a buildup.
Skin Conditions
If you have psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis, your scalp will become flaky and dry, contributing to the buildup of dead skin cells.
Not Washing Your Hair Enough
When you do not wash the oil and sweat to dead skin cells from your scalp, it builds up and clogs the follicles, resulting in scalp irritation.
Genetics
Some people are more prone to scalp buildup because of their genes and will need frequent visits to a hair wellness spa for a professional scalp treatment.
What Are The Signs of a Scalp Buildup?
Identifying the cause of the buildup can help you remove scalp buildup, but it is tricky. But there are signs to show you if you do have a buildup:
- If your hair does not want to stay clean and remains greasy or oily, it can result from a scalp buildup.
- Does your scalp feel irritated or itchy? This can lead to redness, which is a buildup.
- Another sign is a flaky scalp resulting from product residue left behind.
- If you have a foul odor, it can be from products, dead skin cells, or oil buildup.
- If your hair follicles are clogged, hair growth is prevented, making it brittle and more prone to breakage.
- When clogged hair follicles trap bacteria, fungi can grow on the scalp, forming pimples or acne.
Learn more about the differences between using a clarifying shampoo and when to have a scalp detox in our guide here.
Wrap-Up: Come For Soothing Scalp Therapy at Haste
Maintaining a healthy scalp is essential for keeping hair vibrant and voluminous. Knowing what causes scalp buildup and how to remove it can regain your hair’s health and shine.
Remember to wash your hair regularly, consider exfoliating, and choose the right products. But if you are still experiencing issues, do not hesitate to seek professional advice.
Take the first step towards cleaner and healthier hair. Visit Haste Hair for personalized treatments and discover solutions tailored to your hair type.
Your journey to a beautiful scalp and hair starts now; book your appointment, and let us help revive your scalp health.
FAQ
Why must my scalp be healthy?
To maintain healthy hair, you need a healthy scalp. When your scalps are not healthy, it leads to inflammation and irritation that damages new hair before it gets a chance to grow.
Are some hair types more prone to scalp buildup?
Yes, some hair types are more prone to buildup. For example, fine hair can experience a lot of buildup because of the products used to add volume, while curly or coily hair can produce more natural oils.
How often must I wash my hair to prevent scalp buildup?
How often you wash your hair will depend on your hair type, products used, and personal concerns. Still, washing your hair daily can strip your scalp of natural oils, while not washing it leads to buildup. To find a balance, we recommend cleaning your hair once or twice a week, depending on how oily it feels.
