BREAKING DOWN SCALP BUILD UPS

We all want our perfect hairstyles to stay perfect all day, no matter how busy or active we get during the day. As a hairstylist, I know how important hair gels and serums can be for some hairstyles, and maybe that is the reason hair gels and serums are one of the most popular hair styling tools currently. Hair gels and serums are essential for preventing flyways and maintaining hairstyles for much longer, as they provide a stronghold that keeps the hair in place. An added benefit of using hair gels is that it makes the hair appear thicker and more voluminous and shinier.

However, a lesser-known fact is that there can be quite some downsides to using such products excessively as well, and this is what I will try to break down for you in this article.

Scalp Build Up

It may not seem like it but hair gels can be quite damaging for your hair if used excessively and over a long period of time. When you use a lot of product in your hair, like hair gels or serums, hair sprays, and other such products, it leaves behind a residue even after you wash your hair. This residue builds up over time and can clog up pores in your scalp and is called scalp build up. This is one of the hair gel side effects that is the most troublesome, as scalp build-up can then cause a whole host of other problems like dandruff, or excessively greasy scalp. This will result in dull hair that looks lifeless even after you wash it, and will leave you with an oily and itchy scalp.

Most hair gels also contain alcohol, which dries out hair and leaves them dehydrated when used over a long period of time and could leave you with an oily scalp and dry hair. Dehydrated hair also makes them brittle and more prone to damage.

Avoiding Scalp Build Up

If you are someone who loves styling your hair regularly, then you probably also use a lot of the products that keep your hair in place. I can understand the horror of being told to stop using these products as that would mean you don’t get perfect hair for a long time anymore. But there are still ways you can reduce the effects of scalp build up in your hair, and I suggest following these scalp care tips for anyone who uses these products daily.

1. When you use hair gels or serums, try to only apply them to the ends of your hair. This will limit the amount of product you put on your scalp and will also prevent oily scalp. This goes a long way to reducing products build upon your scalp over a long period of time.
2. If you must use hair gels or serums on or near your scalp, for example, if you’ve got shorter hair or get a lot of flyaways, attempt to use less product. Put a small amount on your hands and rub your palms together before applying to your hair, this will ensure the product is applied evenly and you will need less product than usual. If possible, try to limit your use of these products as well.
3. If you really happen to use hair gels a lot and are now dealing with hair gel side effects like the oily or greasy scalp and dull or heavy hair, I highly recommend using a clarifying shampoo at least once a month, as this is one of the best oily scalp remedies for greasy scalp caused by-product build-up. Clarifying shampoos dissolve all the oil and product in your hair and remove scalp build-up, however as they can be quite drying, I only suggest using it not more than once a month.
4. If possible, avoid using hair gels and serums as far as possible. If not, at least look for products that have a high amount of conditioner in them to reduce the risk of drying out your hair. Even for conditioner, try to be wary of conditioners that contain a high amount of wax, as these may leave your hair feeling soft and shiny for a while, but can quickly build up on your scalp and can be a reason for oily scalp.

Hair gels and serums are great products for hairstyling, as long as you know their side effects and how to avoid causing damage to your scalp as far as possible. Scalp build up can result in oily or greasy hair, which leads to an itchy scalp and can cause an inflammation in your scalp. Use a soothing shampoo like Head and Shoulders Supreme Soothing Shampoo and Conditioner, that can sooth your scalp and provide relief, while also nourishing it and prevent it from drying out with the benefit of Argan Oil & Aloe Vera

Use all these tips and tricks to keep your scalp healthy and clean.