Why You Might Have Product Build-Up on Your Scalp (and How to Fix It!)

If you’ve ever felt like your scalp is itchy, flaky, or your hair just feels heavy no matter how much you wash it….. chances are you’re dealing with product build-up.

What Is Product Build-Up?

Product build-up happens when hair products—like dry shampoo, oils, serums, hairspray, gels, and even conditioner—don’t fully rinse out and start to layer on your scalp and strands. Over time, this creates a film that clogs your scalp and makes your hair look dull and flat. Not to mention off setting the balance of your scalp microbiome!

Signs You Might Have Build-Up

• Your scalp feels greasy but your ends feel dry

• Itchiness or irritation that isn’t dandruff

• Hair feels sticky or waxy after washing

• Loss of volume or bounce

• Flakes that don’t look like dandruff (more waxy or sticky)

Why It’s a Problem

A healthy scalp = healthy hair. When your scalp is weighed down with residue, it can block hair follicles, slow growth, and even cause irritation or breakouts along the hairline.

How to Get Rid of It

1. Clarifying Shampoo – Use once every 2-3 washes to deeply cleanse.

2. Scalp Scrubs – Gentle exfoliation can help remove stubborn residue. Try adding a scalp brush into your routine when shampooing.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse – A natural way to restore balance and shine.

4. Double Shampooing – The first wash lifts dirt, the second cleanses deeper.

5. Head Spa - Rotating frequent visits into your head spa. The 

professionals there will be able to access exactly what your scalp needs and detox as needed.

Learn more about our treatments HERE

How to Prevent Build-Up

• When using heavy oils and styling products keep them lower on hair and away from scalp if possible.

• Rotate in a clarifying shampoo.

• Rinse thoroughly every time you wash.

• Focus shampoo on your scalp, not just your hair.

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✨ Your scalp deserves as much love as your skin. Treating it right can help your hair feel lighter, cleaner, and healthier from root to tip!

Your favorite crunchy cosmo,

Lane M