Waxy-Feeling Hair Can Be Caused By Product Buildup - Here's How To Fix It
If there's one universal wish we all have for our hair, it's that we want our strands to be silky smooth. There's nothing worse than hair that feels heavy and waxy to the touch, especially if we've just shampooed and conditioned. If your mane feels greasy and looks dull, you likely have product overload. Styling serums, hairspray, and smoothing creams can leave buildup in your hair over time, even if you wash it regularly. Before you do a 2007-era Britney Spears and get rid of your glorious locks, it's time to give your hair and scalp a deep cleanse.
While you can go to the salon and get a detox treatment, you can save big bucks by using a clarifying shampoo at home. Clueless as to which one to buy? You can ask your hairstylist for recommendations or buy one directly from them. Many beauty supply stores sell a legion of them, and most professional brands are used by salons. If you've been frustrated with waxy-feeling hair for a while, clarifying shampoos might just be the solution.
Clarifying shampoos are not like your everyday shampoo
Hair products are one of man's greatest creations. They can do everything from smoothing out our hair to giving us beachy waves. While they can be a lifesaver for us (goodbye frizzy hair!), using too much hair product and not doing a deep cleanse can lead to weighed-down, waxy hair. This is where clarifying shampoos come in. Regular shampoos are good enough for getting rid of everyday grease and dirt, but clarifying shampoos are formulated to dig deep and remove any residual products and scalp oil.
It's important to note that clarifying shampoos are not meant to use too often. You should only use them once or twice a month so that you don't strip your hair of its natural oils or dyes. For those that use a lot of products, a weekly cleaning should suffice. As with regular shampoos, work the clarifying shampoo into your hair and create a good lather. Let it sit for a few minutes to do its magic and then rinse thoroughly. If the shampoo isn't sudsy enough, you may need to repeat once more to get rid of residual product. Is your hair still feeling a bit dull in between your deep cleanse? You can bring your strands back to life with some simple ingredients you probably have in your kitchen.
Give your hair an at-home treatment with ACV and baking soda
Is there anything apple cider vinegar can't do? Along with its many health benefits, it can also remove product buildup from your hair and leave your scalp feeling fresh. Apple cider vinegar (or ACV) balances out your scalp's pH balance with its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, as per Healthline. As well as removing product buildup, it can also be used to treat dandruff and help with itchy scalps. To make your own concoction, mix two to four tablespoons of ACV with 16 ounces of water. You'll want to make sure to dilute the vinegar due to its high acidity. After shampooing, gently pour or spray the mixture onto your scalp all the way to the ends of your hair, massaging it in. Helpful hint: Tilt your head backward so it doesn't get into your eyes. Let it sit for a few minutes and then rinse the mixture out. Follow with a conditioner, making sure to rinse it thoroughly.
Baking soda is another ingredient that gets rid of product buildup. Make a DIY hair mask with four tablespoons of baking soda mixed with 1 cup of water in a bowl. After wetting your hair, apply the paste to your scalp and massage it in by rubbing it in circular motions. Work the rest of the baking soda mixture into the rest of your hair. After a minute or two, rinse with warm water and condition as usual. Your locks will be resuscitated and given new life in no time.