Scalp buildup. We've all been there - that annoying, gunky feeling on your scalp that just won't quit. Whether it's from product overload or environmental factors, scalp buildup can be a real pain.
What is scalp buildup?
Simply put, buildup is all the “stuff” that accumulates on your scalp over time and it can affect all hair types. Buildup can come from leftover product residue, naturally produced oils, dead skin cells or even minerals from hard water. It’s also what keeps your scalp and hair from looking their best, giving your strands a heavy, greasy or flaky feeling.
Causes of buildup on your hair and scalp
Buildup doesn’t happen overnight and it’s not always from hair products. Here are the main culprits behind that pesky layer on your scalp:
- Product buildup: Heavy products like waxes, gels, and oils are often loaded with ingredients that don’t rinse out easily, layering on your scalp and hair over time.
- Natural oils (aka sebum): Our scalp naturally produces sebum, a nourishing oil meant to protect the hair. But too much sebum can turn things greasy and lead to buildup.
- Dead skin cells: Just like the rest of our skin, the scalp sheds dead skin cells that can accumulate, especially if you don’t exfoliate
- Minerals and heavy metals in water: Hard water contains minerals like calcium and magnesium which latch onto hair and scalp, contributing to buildup.
- Pollutants and environmental factors: Dust, pollution, and even sweat can cling to hair, creating a layer of grime.
- Scalp conditions: Conditions like seborrheic dermatitis can cause excessive flaking, resulting in additional buildup.
How to get rid of scalp buildup
Not all scalp buildup is created equally, so here’s how you can tackle each type and get that fresh, clean feeling back:
- Try a scalp detox: Think of this as a reset button for your hair. A clarifying shampoo or an apple cider vinegar rinse will cut through the gunk and leave your scalp feeling fresh.
- Exfoliate your scalp: use our Ghost™ Exfoliating Scalp Nectar to help gently remove buildup while nourishing the scalp. This AHA and PHA-packed lightweight serum gently exfoliates away dead skin cells and product residue, leaving your scalp feeling clean and refreshed.
- Experiment with shampooing less: Believe it or not, shampooing too often can trigger your scalp to produce more oils, which just adds to the buildup problem. Try spacing out washes to keep the scalp balanced.
- Choose the right products: Stick to shampoos and conditioners free of harmful sulfates and parabens, ingredients known for clogging pores and weighing down hair. Look for options that offer a gentle cleanse without stripping essential moisture.
- Maintain a healthy diet and hydration: It's true: what you eat affects your scalp health. A balanced diet and drinking plenty of water keep oil production in check, promoting a healthier, buildup-free scalp.
Our tips for preventing scalp build up
Prevention is key when it comes to a happy, buildup-free scalp. So here are a few tips on how to stay ahead of the buildup:
- Stick to a regular scalp detox routine: Just like your skin benefits from a good exfoliation, so does your scalp. Regular detoxing (whether with a clarifying shampoo or physically exfoliating your scalp) is essential to prevent build up. Try detoxing every two to four weeks, depending on your hair type and routine, for a consistently fresh scalp.
- Limit product use: Less is more when it comes to styling products. Try to streamline your routine with lightweight essentials that won’t cling to the scalp.
- Watch how you apply: Be mindful of product application. Focus on the lengths and ends of your hair, avoiding the scalp when possible.
- Use the right brush: Brushing your hair regularly can help distribute natural oils evenly from scalp to tips, reducing the chances of sebum clogging up your scalp.
- Wash with cool water: Rinsing with cool water closes the hair cuticle, preventing product buildup from sticking as much. Plus, it leaves your hair looking shinier!
FAQs
What is the difference between dandruff and buildup?
Dandruff is a scalp condition causing excessive skin cell shedding, while buildup is an accumulation of products, oils, and dead skin cells. Both can result in flaking and itching, but their causes differ. Looking to learn more? Explore our guides here:
What does hair buildup look like?
If your hair is looking dull or feeling a bit heavy and hard to style, buildup might be the culprit. Sometimes, it shows up as tiny white flakes or a waxy residue near your scalp—similar to dandruff but a little stickier and tougher to brush out. Other times, you might even feel a weird coating when you run your fingers through your hair, like there’s something holding your strands down. These signals can mean that it’s time for a scalp detox to lift away that layer of products and oil..
How do I know if I need to detox or exfoliate my scalp?
Signs you may need to detox or exfoliate your scalp include greasy roots, lack of volume, itchiness, and a heavy feeling in your hair. If your hair feels weighed down or looks dull even after washing, it's time for a detox. Aim to detox every 4-6 weeks, or more frequently if you use a lot of styling products.
Here to help you give your hair the TLC it deserves
Scalp build up may be common, but it doesn’t stand a chance against a solid hair care routine. By detoxing regularly, using the right products, and giving your scalp a little TLC, you’re not only treating the buildup but also preventing it in the future. Our lineup of Verb hair products is here to support you every step of the way, offering lightweight, sulfate-free solutions that keep your hair feeling fresh, healthy, and effortlessly manageable.
Ready for your best hair yet? Take our quick hair quiz below to find your ideal routine, and don’t hesitate to DM us on Instagram if you have questions—our team is always happy to chat!
