What does hair build up look like? Find Out
If you notice any visible residue on your hair even after it has dried then you may have hair buildup.
Hair buildup is a big problem not just for people with poor hair hygiene but for those with proper hair hygiene too.
Hair buildup has many causes and could appear in many forms. It could be natural (buildup from your natural oils, dead skin cells, and sweat which is probably due to poor hair hygiene) or artificial (product buildup due to the constant or overuse of hair care products).
Whichever is the reason for your buildup, you must know the signs so you can notice the problem and solve it before it is too late.
What Does hair Build Up Look Like?
1. Dull-looking hair
Product buildup can strip your hair of its shine and make it look dull. This happens as the buildup clogs your hair follicles and weighs your hair down.
This prevents the natural oils that promote your hair’s glaring look from being thoroughly absorbed.
If you notice your hair has become duller with each wash then you might want to check out for buildup.
At this point, treatments with leave-in conditioners won’t be able to bring the shine to your hair until you deal with the buildup.
2. Hair becomes difficult to curl
A change in the twist ability of your hair could mean that there is too much buildup that needs to be taken care of.
For hair to twist and curl, it needs moisture and lubrication from its natural oils. With hair buildup, this won’t happen as the buildup will clog your follicles preventing your hair from absorbing the moisture.
3. Dry hair
With too much buildup on your hair, it won’t be able to absorb moisture like it used to. This is because of the heavy residue already blocking access to your hair.
Regardless of whichever conditioner or treatment you use, your hair would dry out due to the lack of moisture. That is, till you’re able to get a good solution to the buildup.
Causes of Hair Buildup
Natural and product hair buildup has many causes other than neglect of proper hair hygiene and excess use of hair care products. Hair buildup is caused by several factors including:
Hard water – This type of water is saturated with minerals that could lead to deposits gradually building up on your hair and blocking your follicles.
This could also give blonde hair an orange hue. This type of buildup is best handled by treating the water system rather than using clarifying shampoos.
Infrequent washing – Proper hair hygiene is necessary to maintain hair health. Failing to wash your regularly could lead to buildup.
This is due to the layer and layer of hair styling products you apply to your hair to make it look good each day.
This buildup would weigh down your hair, drain it of its moisture, and affect your overall hair health.
Dead skin cells – At a certain stage, cells would have to die and others are born. When they die, they are supposed to shed to give space for new cells.
In some people, this might not happen fast enough which could lead to a buildup. If you notice flakes falling off your scalp, then you know that your buildup is caused by the accumulation of dead skin cells.
Sebum – Sebum refers to the natural oil produced by glands beneath the skin. This oil helps to lubricate the hair and keep it healthy.
However, some people may produce more sebum than needed and this could lead to hair buildup.
Sweat – Buildup could also be due to excessive sweating. Greasy hair is usually a result of a sweaty scalp and this gives off an offensive odor.
Product buildup – Aside from natural causes and other causes beyond your control, hair buildup could be due to your own actions.
While hair products will help keep your hair healthy and help you to achieve a great look, they can also lead to buildup.
Some hair products contain waxy substances that will stick to your hair and result in buildup if you don’t take care of it quickly enough.
Hair products like shampoo which contain silicone can also weigh down the hair and make it appear dull.
How to Get Rid of Hair Buildup
There are several ways to get rid of hair buildup – some are natural while others would require using special shampoos.
You won’t always have to rely on remedies to get rid of hair buildup. Sometimes a simple act as regular washing could be the only solution you need.
1. Clarifying Shampoo
Clarifying shampoos are formulated to strip the hair of buildup, giving it that neat, healthy look. While clarifying shampoos are very effective at getting the job done, they would completely strip your hair of buildup and its natural oils which could make your hair to dry out.
To prevent this from happening, you should apply a conditioner right after using the shampoo.
2. Use the right shampoo and conditioners
There are different types of shampoos meant to serve different hair types. To minimize hair buildup, you should go for shampoos formulated for your hair type.
You will find shampoos for
- Oil hair
- Baby hair
- Medicated hair
- Colored hair
- Deep-cleaning hair
- Dry and damaged hair
4. Use natural remedies
Natural remedies like apple cider vinegar, lemongrass oil, baking soda, and lemon juice could help break down build-up leaving the hair healthy and shiny. These remedies should be used after applying shampoo to your hair.
Final Thoughts
This guide should help you identify buildup and know what to do about it when the time comes.
The remedies listed will work in getting your hair back in shape, however, you should focus more on preventing buildup than treating it.
The best way to prevent buildup is by regular and thorough washing. Depending on your hair type, you may need to wash every1 to 2 days or 3 to 4 days.
Always apply conditioner after washing but do so on your ends only to prevent buildup.