Do you experience waxy stuff over your scalp that comes off when you scratch? Are you tired of exfoliating your scalp to get rid of nasty stuff that won’t go away? That is Scalp Buildup.
Well, you’re in right place to find out what is scalp buildup, what causes it, how to get rid of it, and how to prevent scalp buildup all at one place without any chemical intoxication.
What is Scalp Buildup?
In human body scalp buildup occurs when the sebum i.e. oily secretion accumulates with your sweat, hair products, or the flaky-dead skin of your scalp.
You may find out, if you frequently see dead-skin flakes on your shoulder, note that these are different than dandruff!
Scalp build-up is a very common condition that causes flaky scalps, but not to worry it is totally treatable with little effort.
What Scalp Buildup does to you?
Scalp buildup is one of the common reasons for hair loss, at any point of person’s life scalp buildup can give you an unpleasant surprise. It may cause
- Itchiness
- heaviness on scalp
- redness of skin
- oily scalp
If you ignore scalp buildup for long it may lead to folliculitis which may cause inflammation that can do permanent damage to your hairs.
What factors are behind Scalp Buildup?
1. Natural Buildup
a) Dead Skin
As a matter of fact, you lose about 30,000 to 40,000 dead skin cells off your skin surface EVERY MINUTE, definitely quite an amount is from your scalp!
The skin cell constantly dies and grows in the human body, you need to shed those off your head via cleaning your scalp regularly and maintaining good hygiene.
b) Sweat
Your body naturally produces sweat to maintain an optimal inner temperature(37 degrees Celcius or 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit).
A sweaty scalp is often seen in those who do lot of physical work.
c) Sebum
Sebum is waxy and oily substance that is produced by sebaceous gland of your body that opens into a hair follicle to secrete oil which in fact lubricates your hair.
So, Why it causes scalp build-up when it’s all good for you? Though sebum helps your skin against infection, too much production of sebum is straight away a danger zone for your hairs.
2. Product Buildup
Most of the hair products available in the market are made up of toxic chemicals. The residue which these products leave behind mix with the sweat and stick to your hair roots if not washed thoroughly.
These products may be your shampoos, conditioner, hair gel or oils.
How to prevent Scalp Buildup?
You can prevent scalp buildup at home itself with these easy steps:
- Right Shampoo for your hairs, for the right shampoo I mean shampoos that don’t have ingredients like
- Paraben
- Sulfates
- Fragrances
- Sodium lauryl sulfates (SLS)
- Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)
- & Synthetic colors to name.
The right shampoos are listed in the first point of this article itself.
Things To Remember
- Do not apply shampoo in dry hairs, always rinse it before in order to clean your scalp.
- The best method I see is to add shampoo in 200 ml of water in a jug/mug as per your convenience and rinse it along.
- Do not scratch your scalp with your nails unless you want bumps and pimples over your skull.
- Give your fingers some purpose to massage your head, avoid back and forth or rigorous circular motions. It’s your head, not samurai jack playground.
- Do not apply conditioner to your scalp.
“The one I use”
2. Hygiene
Maintain a good hygiene. Hygiene and pollution are enemy, to keep one happy fight off another.
3. Water -Drink water
water is the purest medicine for many ailments. Hydrate your skin and hairs, and many-many problems will be resolved by itself without your acknowledgment.
4. Health diet
Get enough essential fatty acids in your routine. Omega-3 fatty acid foods like fatty fish, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, and walnuts are the best.
5. Do not use heavy hair setting sprays
You can make your own hair setting spray with little effort, I have prepared a list of 11 Hair spray DIY that can hold your curls or straight hairs naturally, effectivily and brilliantly!
How to get rid of Scalp Buildup?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vineger is known to kill bacteria and prevent infection. The acidic content of apple cider vinegar helps in breaking down the residue in the scalp.
How To:
Mix 2 TBSP Apple cider vinegar in 200 ml water, pour the solution over your head. Rinse it with cold water after 2-5 minutes.
Tip: mix half cup apple cider vinegar and 1 cup water in a spray bottle, use it without any mess and solve your problem on exactly how to get rid of Scalp Buildup! 😀
Home made scalp scrubs
Mix 2 TBSP brown sugar and 2 TBSP oatmeals, mix these in 50 ml water. Apply the scrub on your scalp and massage gently, rinse with normal to lukewarm water.
Daily detangle your hairs
Always use a good quality detangling brush to detangle your hairs, these options are the best investment you can make for you and your family, these break up scalp buildup gently, OR use highly durable wooden combs.
Conclusion
Do not get confused with dandruff and scalp buildup, maintaining good hygiene is very important for hair to last long. If your scalp buildup gets out of control or way out of managing, it’s time to see a doctor as prolong buildup creates an environment in which bacterias can thrive causing pain and inflammation.
It is to be noted that there are conditions similar to scalp buildup like psoriasis, eczema that may require different treatment.
Use these tips & tricks on how to get rid of Scalp Buildup, and product recommendations for a better and healthy life
Hi ma’am
Have you used wishcare products ? If yes I would like to know about their oils