Hair products are tools we use every day when preparing for the day or when we get gussied up for events. We use anything and everything from shampoo to mousse to make hair look more presentable and healthy. However, there are products that can leave your head and scalp looking less healthy and messy because of a lesser suspected culprit: product buildup. Using hair products such as gel, hair spray, mousse, and surprisingly, a few shampoos and conditioners can lead to buildup overtime. This buildup can result in flakes, grease, lack of shine, and other visual residue.
With everything else going on in your day, product buildup is the last thing you need to deal with as you care for your hair. The very thing that is supposed to help your appearance could be thwarting it instead. So how does one prevent or reduce buildup? There are multiple solutions, but some may be more effective than others to help get rid of said residue and product buildup and return your hair to its shiny and versatile look.
Clarifying Shampoo
Believe it or not, shampoos and conditioners could be the culprit for product buildup. Regular shampoos are usually created to remove anything excess from the day such as excess oil and dirt. Doing this every day, especially when there is no oil or dirt to remove, can result in buildup of product overtime. This can have negative effects such as lack of shine, flattened curls, greasiness, or even making it so that hair isn’t able to absorb hydration, causing hair to become dry and malnourished.
Clarifying shampoos or anti-residue shampoos are specifically designed to remove buildup or other residue from your most used hair products. They have deep cleaning properties which help to get rid of residue that may otherwise be left behind by regular shampoos. However, you should not use this as frequently as a regular shampoo. Depending on how much product you use daily or weekly, use this kind of shampoo as little as once a month, or in some cases, once a week.
Micellar Water
Micellar water has a long history of being used for improving appearance. This product, being a huge favorite among the French, has historically been used heavily for skin care. Micellar water is a great product to use for cleaning, toning, and nourishing one’s skin. Through the usage of micellar technology, the water contains molecules in tiny clusters that attach themselves to contaminants such as dirt and oil and effectively dissolves them. This product helps to support healthy, glowing skin, but it can be used for other purposes.
Now, this special product has the added benefit of being included in hair products! Containing nourishing oils and reduced harsh ingredients, hair products using micellar help get rid of oil, dirt, and product buildup just like it would on skin. Micellar water even tends to be more gentle than most clarifying shampoos. However, be cautious not to use it too much as it can have the opposite effect of reducing buildup and contribute to the problem more. Using it as directed or weekly at the most can yield the best results.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is great on a salad, but its uses do not stop there. Surprisingly, apple cider vinegar is a household item that can be applied to the hair to reduce product buildup. Not only can it reduce product build up, but apple cider vinegar also helps to detangle hair. It also has the added benefit of closing the outermost layer of the hair, also known as the hair cuticle, to leave it looking smoother and shinier. Apple cider vinegar can be used alongside your hair routine as it is recommended to be used after shampooing while still in the shower.
For best results, you must combine the vinegar and water together to create a rinse. For the best application, use a spray bottle, otherwise you can just apply it directly to your hair. Let it sit for one to two minutes to get the full effect and then rinse thoroughly. The end result should see a lessening of product residue and buildup, and an increase in revitalization and flow!
What all of this should tell you is that there is always a way to create your healthiest head of hair. You may need to get creative occasionally, but sometimes the best thing that can help you may be right in your cabinet or pantry. Our team at Keranique works hard to deliver products to help protect, repair, and restore hair for everyone! Visit us online today and check out our lineup of products!
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This article is not intended to treat any disease or offer a substitution for professional medical advice.
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