When your hair is layered with too much product, it can have a waxy film. Because of this, your hair may not absorb other products, reducing their efficacy. If you’re tired of wasting products, read on to learn the signs of hair product buildup and how to remove it so you can restore your hair’s true beauty.

How Does One Get Product Buildup?

Hair product buildup occurs from overusing thick products. While not every product is going to cause buildup, there are some ingredients to look out for. Hair products with ingredients such as mineral oil, petroleum, wax, and shea butter can form a “seal” around the hair. That’s not to say you shouldn’t use these products. Some hair textures need these ingredients, but you may need to use more consistent removal methods to prevent buildup.

How Can I Tell if I Have Product Buildup?

Typically, product buildup will appear as limp hair, hair that won’t hold curls, dull hair, hair that feels dry, or hair that is difficult to style. However, dirt and sweat can also build up, so you’ll want to conduct a scrape test to see whether it’s from product or not.

All you need to do is use your nail to gently scratch your scalp. If you have a lot of gunk on your nail– more than just dead skin– it’s likely product buildup. You can also gently brush a pair of hair-cutting shears down your hair to see if gunk comes off on the shears. However, it’s recommended to get this done by a professional, as scrapping in the wrong direction can damage your hair’s cuticle.

How Can I Get Rid of Buildup?

Luckily, there are plenty of easy ways to get rid of product buildup; first, you can try a clarifying shampoo as these are formulated to remove buildup. If you don’t use too much hair product, you can do this once a month, but if you use a lot of product on a consistent basis, you may need to bump it up to once a week. If you notice a lot of frizz or even more dryness, you may be over-clarifying and will want to cut back.

You can also try rubbing a few tablespoons of baking soda directly onto wet hair before shampooing and conditioning. If you’re looking for something a little more powerful, you can mix one part apple cider vinegar and one part micellar water in a spray bottle and spray it on your hair. Allow it to sit for a few minutes and then rinse thoroughly.

If you want to prevent buildup, it’s important to incorporate natural hair care products into your routine. Man-made thickeners such as petrolatum and silicone cause buildup much faster. In addition, clarifying your hair on a regular basis can keep your hair looking and feeling its best. Now that you know the signs of hair product buildup and how to remove it, there’s nothing stopping you from having gorgeous, healthy hair. Just remember to pay attention to what’s in your shampoo and conditioner, and you’ll be on your way to better hair in no time