Your scalp is your hair’s foundation. Keep it healthy and clean!
If you are noticing a plethora of dead-skin flakes in your hair and all-over your shoulder during the lockdown then do not confuse it with dandruff.
It might be happening due to the flaking of your scalp skin caused by a very common condition called Scalp Build-Up.
This scalp build-up serves as the perfect medium for germs like Malassezia furfur to grow, which is the root cause of dandruff. Hence, exfoliating your scalp and washing your hair regularly with a scalp cleanser is a must to prevent the scalp build-up and the condition of dandruff.
What Causes Scalp Build-Up?
There are multiple reasons for scalp build-up and it majorly depends on the haircare regime and basic hygiene. However, we can classify the causes of scalp build-up in two main categories:
- Natural Causes
- Product Use
1.) Natural Causes
Scalp build-up happens naturally due to the following factors:
Sebum
Like the skin on your face, your scalp also contains sebaceous glands that produce oil, also known as sebum. This sebum helps in keeping your hair shiny and soft and it plays an important role in protecting your scalp. But too much sebum build-up on the scalp leads to the condition of scalp build-up, which also increases the chances of getting dandruff.
Sweat
Sweat is secreted as a coolant to reduce body temperature by the sweat glands located below our skin. Some individuals sweat considerably more as compared to others, hence this excessive sweat acts as the perfect breeding ground for germs and adds to your scalp build-up.
Dead Skin Cells
Skin is regenerative, so the outer skin cells that cover the scalp are constantly dying and re-growing again. While in some people, dead cells shed easily, in some cases these cells accumulate on the scalp and lead to the build-up. This is one of the major reasons for excessive flaking and dandruff-like particles that you see on your shoulder and in the hair.
2.) Product Use
Whenever you wash your hair with dry shampoo or products like gels, mousses, hairsprays, and a ton of other chemicals regularly, then the residue is left behind and accumulates on your scalp, leading to a sticky build-up.
The waxy substance present in these hair products usually sticks to your hair and if not thoroughly rinsed out when you wash it, then it leaves a white build-up on the scalp.
Some examples of these styling products that can cause scalp build up if not washed properly are:
- Styling mousse and creams
- Gels
- Essential oils
- Foams
- Hair conditioners
- Shampoos
Tips To Get Rid Of A Scalp Build-Up
Scalp build-up prevents the entry of oils and other important hair care products from reaching the hair follicles. Therefore, it is very important to remove scalp build-up, to revive your hair and give your scalp a feeling of freshness and prevent it from the build-up of germs leading to dandruff. There are several ways to get rid of scalp build-up and the first question is how to clean scalp build-up?
Using The Right Shampoo And Conditioner
Washing your scalp with the right shampoo and conditioner from time to time is the best scalp cleansing treatment to remove scalp build up. But it is important to choose the shampoo and conditioner as per your hair type to get the best results. Shampoos are sold today in the market with numerous formulations for dry hair and damaged hair to oily and average hair. But if you’re not sure which shampoo is best for your hair type, then always look at the ingredients list before picking it up from the shelf.
For example:
Shampoos with sulfosuccinates or lauryl sulfates work best to remove sebum from the oily hair.
Shampoos with laureth sulfates are more successful in removing sebum from average to dry hair.
Shampoos with alkanolamides, sodium lauraminopropionate, sarcosines, ammonioesters, silicone, and ivy agave cleanse the hair without removing a lot of sebum, hence the hair won’t dry out and it works best for dry or damaged hair.
The Head and Shoulders 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner contains zinc pyrithione that can cleanse the build-up of germs on the scalp that can lead to dandruff and also moisturizes the hair at the same time.
Washing with Apple Cider Vinegar
Consistent use of hair products can disrupt the natural pH of your hair and thus, your scalp feels dry and hair looks damaged. Apple Cider Vinegar acts as a natural scalp cleanser and it helps restore your hair and scalp to its natural pH. It is a DIY method of removing product build-up in a quite effective and common way, but it doesn’t mean you can dip your hair directly in the apple cider vinegar bottle. It is always advised in a four-to-one ratio of water to apple cider vinegar for rinsing your hair. This mixture clears out the product build-up as well as it adds a healthy shine to your hair.
Exfoliating Your Scalp
Everyone is aware of exfoliating skin as a usual exercise to get rid of dry and dead skin then why not do the same for your scalp? Scrubbing your scalp can help reduce the build-up and will clear the residue clinging to your roots and end most of your hair problems if done once or twice a week. Scalp exfoliation is a preventive measure and always recommended for people without any active scalp infections, such as lice, open sores, or ringworm. It is very easy to make your exfoliating scrub by mixing an equal amount of sea salt and olive oil with a few drops of lemon juice. This mixture can be massaged lightly using your fingertips and can be washed after 30 minutes with warm water and shampoo.
How To Prevent Scalp Build-Up?
While you choose the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair type and wash your hair regularly, the build-up is bound to happen if you're not careful. Hence, the best way to treat scalp build-up is to prevent it from happening. Here are some preventive measures that you should always follow:
Regular And Thorough Washing
Washing your hair regularly is the best scalp cleansing treatment to prevent the scalp build-up. Because if you use hair-care products, then it becomes important to wash your hair regularly and thoroughly to get rid of any residues that can lead to build-up. It is also very important to wash your hair after your work out session because when you work out, you sweat through your scalp. This excessive sweat acts as a perfect food for germs, and these germs should be removed only with the right shampoo like the Head and Shoulder shampoo range.
Avoid Using Multiple Hair Care Products
Excessive use of hair products of multiple brands can lead to the accumulation of a lot of chemical residues and will lead to scalp build-up. So always choose the right shampoo and conditioner brand and apply the product sparingly as little to your scalp as possible.
Comb And Brush Your Hair Regularly
Regular brushing and washing your hair can help prevent from accumulating of dead skin cells that can lead to dandruff build-up on the scalp. Use Head and Shoulders 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner to remove the build-up of bacteria and germs on your scalp and give your hair a shiny and bouncy look.