How To Remove Hair Build Up [Step By Step]

If you would like to know how to remove hair build up, you are in the right place. When we have build up in our hair, our roots look greasy, we get white flakes that look like dandruff, and our hair can even fall out!

So, as soon as you detect that you’re starting to get build up on your scalp, it’s important to treat the problem as soon as possible.

The best way to remove hair build up is by doing a deep exfoliation with a product that contains salicylic acid, as this will remove all the scalp residues and it will help you to get rid of the grease that has been accumulating. Likewise, using a deep cleansing shampoo at least once a week will help you to control the build up.

In this article I will show you how to remove and eliminate build up from your hair with simple and effective solutions. And you will also learn how to keep the build up on your scalp under control!

Learn how to remove build up from hair

White build up on the scalp is an accumulation of residue on the scalp, either from dirt or products. When we have build up we may notice white flakes that look very similar to dandruff, but they are not dandruff!

Having build up on the scalp can be very damaging, as the layer of residue clogs the pores of the hair limiting its oxygenation. This can lead to more serious scalp problems such as hair loss, excess oiliness and an uncomfortable itchy sensitivity. If your hair is greasy is very probable that you are accumulating build up in your hair.

The good news is that build up can be removed relatively easily! My advice is that as soon as you start to notice a bit of build up on the scalp start treating it. It is much easier to remove a light layer of residue than a full year of build up!

Below I will show you the most effective ways to remove this uncomfortable excess residue from your scalp and therefore make your hair less greasy.

The best ways to remove Hair build up

The build up that appears because of greasy hair is bad for your scalp as it can lead to problems like hair loss, dandruff or sensibility. Therefore, is important that you learn how to get rid of the hair build up!

The easiest and most effective ways to remove the build up from your scalp to solve your excess residue problems are:

With a deep exfoliation
Using a deep cleansing shampoo
With proper hair habits

Let’s see each one of them in detail:

Solution #1: With deep exfoliation

Woman checking her scalp to remove build up from hair

The best way to remove build up from the scalp is with a deep exfoliation. Remember that build up is an accumulation of residue on the scalp, and often a more aggressive treatment is needed to remove it completely.

Exfoliating scrubs usually have a very rough texture which is perfect for softening the build up and removing it. However, you should keep in mind that for best results you should use a very specific product.

To remove the build up from your scalp I recommend using Kerastase’s Fusio Scrub exfoliator. This product will not only help you to remove the residues from your scalp, but it also has ingredients that will help you to clean your hair in depth and prevent the appearance of grease.

To do the exfoliation all you have to do is first apply the scrub on the dry scalp, and give a light massage with your fingertips in circular motions. This way you will be able to eliminate excesses quickly and easily. When you are ready, wet your hair and wash your hair with the emulsion that will come out of the scrub (it will feel similar to shampoo). Finally, wash your hair normally with the shampoo of your choice.

Solution #2: With deep cleansing shampoo

Woman washing her hair to remove build up from hair

Another very effective alternative to remove build up from your hair is to use a deep cleansing shampoo a couple of times a week instead of your traditional shampoo. Some oily shampoos can cause greasy hair and build up, and that is something you want to avoid!

Deep cleansing shampoos usually have very effective cleansing agents when it comes to removing oil and residue from your scalp. Just keep in mind that you’ll probably need to apply it a couple of times in order to remove all the build up. I recommend using it about twice a week until your hair feels balanced again.

My favorite cleansing shampoo is Kerastase’s Divalent shampoo. This product will help you deep clean your scalp while leaving your hair soft. Unlike other cleansing shampoos, this one won’t dry out your hair.

I recommend that when using your cleansing shampoo you first give your hair a quick wash to remove excess oil. Then, apply the cleansing shampoo and massage vigorously for about 5 minutes (if you can leave it on longer, even better). Finally, rinse and condition your hair as normal.

Solution #3: With proper hair habits

Woman in the bathroom applying oil in her hands

Another of the best solutions to control and eliminate excess build up in the hair is to simply maintain healthy hair care habits. It really is very simple to prevent and treat oil and product residues from the hair, and the first step is to know how to wash your hair properly.

The basic hair care habit you should have are:

Wash your hair at least about twice a week.
When you wash your hair, always shampoo twice.
Use a professional quality cleansing shampoo (avoid supermarket shampoos as they cause build up).
Apply conditioners, masks or hair treatments only from mid-lengths to ends (never near the scalp).
Avoid using oils or styling creams near your scalp.
Use a scalp scrub at least once a month for prevention.

If you follow this care, you will most likely gradually eliminate the build up on your scalp. And it will also help you prevent it!

Bottom line

I hope this article has been helpful for you to know how to remove build up from the scalp in a simple way.

I recommend that as soon as you see the first sign that you may be accumulating residues on your scalp you begin to treat it, otherwise you may have more serious problems such as hair loss.

One last tip is to try to use lukewarm water (as little hot water as possible) to wash your hair. Hot water tends to stimulate excess oil and also reduces the cleansing power of shampoos. Avoid it as much as possible.

See you next time!