If your scalp feels itchy or looks dirty even after being washed, you might be dealing with buildup. This common condition happens when dirt, dead cells, and product residues accumulate. Dr’s says that environmental dirt and fungal accumulation can aggravate dandruff. Removing this buildup isn’t easy with regular shampoo lacking sulfates. It’s a challenging issue that can make your hair lifeless and limp, leading to a bad hair day. Living Proof offers effective, science-backed haircare solutions to banish buildup and make your hair look and feel clean, fresh, and voluminous again. These expert-approved hair care practices ensure everyone can have healthy hair, preventing irritated scalp and other damaging effects.
What Does Scalp Buildup Look Like?
Scalp buildup can make your scalp flaking, red, oily, crusty, and itchy. Addressing this condition is essential to maintain healthy scalp skin.
Why Does Scalp Buildup Occur?
To treat scalp buildup, you must identify its causes. Categorize them as natural or product factors to address the scalp buildup effectively.
1. Natural Scalp Buildup
Ayurveda teaches that life is governed by Vata, Pitta, and Kapha energies. An imbalance in these doshas disrupts psycho-physiological and biological functioning, causing different types of scalp buildup naturally in your body and leading to various ailments.
A. Dead Skin Cells
Scalp buildup happens when dead skin cells and flakes accumulate due to the natural cycle of dying, shedding, and regrowing. Vata dosha in an aggravated state causes extreme dryness in scalp tissues, leading to excessive buildup over time.
B. Sweat
People with aggravated Pitta dosha sweat more due to imbalances in hormonal production. If not washed away, this causes a greasy buildup and an undesirable odour.
C. Sebum
Production of sebum at abnormally high levels due to Kapha dosha increases buildup on the scalp. During menopause, vitiation of the three doshas in the body causes a combined buildup of sweat, sebum, and dead skin cells.
2. Product Buildup
When you invest in hair oils, shampoos, conditioners, styling creams, serums, and sprays, some products cause scalp irritation and buildup. Gummy waxes, silicons, greasy moisturizers, and harmful chemical residues can stick to your scalp and hair for a longer time.
Can Scalp Buildup Cause Hair Loss?
If not treated, scalp build-up can cause hair follicle inflammation from bacterial or fungal infestation. This condition called scalp folliculitis may lead to scarring and permanent hair loss. Buildup also blocks absorption of nutrients and moisture, resulting in dryness and malnourishment of scalp and hair tissues.
How To Clean Your Scalp Buildup?
1. Herbal Or Ayurvedic Hair Care
To remove scalp buildup from natural causes or hair products, switch to natural hair care products that are free from harmful chemicals like sulfates, parabens, waxes, and silicons. This reduces susceptibility to product scalp buildup. Choose Ayurvedic hair care products with specific ingredients to balance elevated doshas and prevent all forms of buildup. Dosha specific herbs include Vata controlling herbs like Yashtimadhu, Pitta controlling herbs like Japa, and Kapha controlling herbs like Gunja. For Tridosha control, use Aloe Vera and bhringraj. Shift to herbal products, use mild ingredients, and a mild clarifying chemical-free shampoo to get rid of scalp build-ups with regular usage.
2. Home Remedies
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has acidic content that helps in breaking down residue buildup on your scalp. Mix half cup with cold water. After shampooing, apply the solution, leave for a few minutes, then wash off with water.
Baking Soda
Baking soda acts as a natural clarifier for eliminating scalp buildup efficiently. Stir 2 tsp in 1 cup of water until a clear solution forms. Pour onto your scalp after a hair wash, massage for a few minutes, then rinse.
Use shikakai powder
2022 research has documented several functions of shikakai since ancient times. It helps in strengthening hair, cleansing the scalp, providing relief from scaling, decreasing dryness, irritation, and greasiness. Known as fruit for hair, it also removes oil buildup and makes the scalp unsuitable for organisms to grow.
Use neem paste
Experts observe that neem (Azadirachta indica) can cleanse the scalp. With antiseptic and healing properties, it addresses hair problems like removing dandruff, unclogging pores, and enhancing hair growth. It removes excess buildup, keeping the scalp healthy and clean. Note of caution: Researchers warn that neem oil may induce allergy if used too much or undiluted, causing scalp irritation.
Use neem paste:
- Neem leaves, dry in the shade
- Grind into powder
- Mix with water to make a paste
- Thoroughly apply to scalp and hair
- Let it sit for at least 40 minutes
- Wash off with plain water and mild shampoo
- Use once or twice every week to eliminate buildup.
Use hibiscus
Researchers say the hibiscus plant has cleansing properties that remove oil and dandruff buildup, soothe the scalp, and balance scalp pH.
Use hibiscus:
- Boil 15 hibiscus leaves and 5 flowers in 1–2 cups of water
- Let it cool
- Add 1–2 tbsp gram flour
- Use this herbal blend as shampoo
- Thoroughly wash hair
Wash Your Hair Regularly and Thoroughly
Regular, thorough washing is essential for preventing buildup. Depending on your hair type and lifestyle, you might go longer between washes. Always wash thoroughly to avoid leaving residue. Use a Triple Bond Complex in your routine to protect your hair from damage.
Brush to Mitigate Excess Sebum
Brushing your hair regularly can mitigate excess sebum buildup. Use a boar bristle brush to disperse oils along the length of your hair, but avoid brushing too aggressively. Add a Healthy Hair Perfector to protect from damage. For curly hair, consider a DIY hair mask for curly hair.
Exfoliate Your Scalp
Exfoliating your scalp can remove buildup and promote healthier hair. A scalp massage is simple and effective to encourage circulation and loosen buildup. Rinsing with apple cider vinegar helps restore pH balance. Try an intensive exfoliation, scalp scrub, or chemical exfoliant. Learn how to take care of 2b hair for best results.
3. Regular Scalp Exfoliation
Scalp exfoliation is important to remove accumulated dead skin cells from your pores. After shampooing, comb your hair into small sections, apply scrub with fingertips, and rub gently in a circular motion for a few minutes. Repeat this general process in each sectional region and rinse thoroughly with normal water. Try DIY natural scalp scrubs for a healthy scalp and refreshed hair. Use rosemary water for hair growth.
4. Keep Hair Tangle-free
Hair tangles and knots can trap product residues, dirt, and grime, which settles on your scalp. Brush your hair regularly and keep it tangle-free to prevent scalp buildup.
How to Prevent Scalp Buildup
Scalp buildup can be a nuisance, but with the right prevention techniques, you can avoid it. Follow these tips to help prevent buildup from occurring.
1. Wash Your Hair Regularly (but Not Too Frequently)
Regular washing removes excess oil, sweat, and dead skin cells from your scalp. However, washing too often can strip natural oils, causing it to produce more oil. Tailor the frequency to your hair type.
2. Use the Right Products for Your Hair Type
Different hair types have different needs. Using the wrong product can cause an imbalance of oils, dryness, or irritation on your scalp. Choose products that suit your specific hair type.
3. Avoid Excessive Heat Styling
Heat styling tools like blow dryers, flat irons, and curling irons can damage hair, causing dryness and buildup. Use heat protectants like Perfect hair Day™ Heat Styling Spray to protect your hair.
4. Protect Your Hair from Environmental Factors
Pollutants contribute to scalp buildup, so protect your hair and scalp by wearing a hat or scarf on days with high pollution. Advanced Care Dry Shampoo removes dirt and oil, creates an invisible barrier that repels pollutants, keeping your hair healthy, refreshed, and protected. Living Proof offers many products like Clarifying Detox Shampoo, formulated to remove buildup, oil, and impurities for a weekly deep cleanse. Follow with Dry Scalp Treatment to promote a healthy scalp microbiome and protect against dry scalp and flaking.
When to See a Doctor
Consult a doctor immediately if you experience constant flaking despite home remedies, or if there’s increased scalp pain and inflammation. For other skin conditions like eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, or scalp psoriasis, the doctor assesses the root cause and plans treatment.
Conclusion:
Addressing scalp buildup is crucial for maintaining healthy hair and scalp. Understanding the causes, whether natural or product-related, helps in choosing the right treatment. Ayurvedic practices and home remedies like apple cider vinegar, baking soda, shikakai powder, and neem paste are effective solutions. Regular and thorough washing, exfoliation, and using the right products tailored to your hair type are essential preventive measures. Additionally, protecting your hair from environmental factors and avoiding excessive heat styling are key. If symptoms persist, consulting a doctor is important to address any underlying conditions and prevent further complications.
FAQ’s
How can I remove scalp buildup at home?
A scalp massage is a simple and effective way to encourage circulation and loosen buildup. Rinsing hair with apple cider vinegar can remove buildup and restore pH balance. For intensive exfoliation, try a scalp scrub or chemical exfoliant.
How do I break up the build-up on my scalp?
Brushing regularly can prevent tangled hair and help break apart buildup. Try using an exfoliator on your scalp to break up buildup. Selecting a shampoo and conditioner that work for your hair type is also important.
How do I deep clean my scalp?
Use an exfoliating scalp scrub to gently exfoliate daily build-up. Include this in your haircare regimen once a week. It can be a precursor to shampooing or a shampoo itself for a deeper cleanse.
How to get rid of sebum buildup on the scalp?
Washing your scalp with warm water is the first step in removing sebum clogs from your head. Then, use a gentle shampoo and massage with your fingertips to aid in the removal of hardened, dried sebum from the scalp and hair strands to prevent sebum build-up.
