Your scalp has a lot going on. It produces natural oils, sheds dead skin cells and comes into contact with everything from shampoo and conditioner to dry shampoo and styling products. Over time, some of these can build up on the scalp, leaving your hair feeling heavy, greasy or like it never quite feels clean.
The good news is that scalp buildup is usually easy to manage once you know what is causing it and how to adjust your haircare routine.
What is scalp buildup?
Scalp buildup is a combination of things that can accumulate on the scalp over time, including natural oils, dead skin cells, sweat and leftover hair products.
You might notice that your roots feel greasy soon after washing, your scalp feels coated or your hair does not feel as clean as it normally does. Sometimes there can also be visible flakes or residue around the roots.
Scalp buildup is not necessarily a sign that your hair is dirty. It can simply mean your current routine is not quite removing everything that is accumulating on your scalp.
What causes scalp buildup?
There are several common causes, and often it is a combination of more than one.
Natural oils
Your scalp naturally produces sebum, an oily substance that helps protect your skin and hair. Some people naturally produce more oil than others, and oil can accumulate more quickly around the roots.
If your scalp is naturally oily, you may need to wash your hair more frequently than someone with a drier scalp.
Dry shampoo
Dry shampoo can be incredibly useful between washes, but it is not a replacement for shampooing your hair.
Dry shampoo absorbs oil and helps your hair look and feel fresher, but the product itself remains on the hair and scalp. Using it repeatedly without properly cleansing your scalp can contribute to buildup.
Styling products
Hairspray, mousse, gels, creams, oils and other styling products can leave residue behind, particularly when several products are used together.
This does not mean you need to stop using styling products. It simply means your shampoo needs to be able to properly cleanse away the products you use.
Sweat
Exercise and everyday activity can leave sweat, oil and product residue around the scalp. If you regularly exercise, you may find your scalp needs cleansing more often.
Dead skin cells
Just like the skin elsewhere on your body, your scalp naturally sheds dead skin cells. These can accumulate alongside oil and product residue.
It is important to remember that not every flake means you have dandruff. Dry skin, product buildup and dandruff can look similar, but they are not necessarily the same thing.
How can you tell if you have scalp buildup?
There are a few signs that your scalp may need a deeper cleanse.
You might notice:
- Hair that feels greasy or heavy at the roots
- Hair that does not feel completely clean after washing
- A coated or uncomfortable feeling on the scalp
- Visible residue around the roots
- Styling products that do not seem to work as well as usual
- Hair that becomes oily again very quickly after washing
If these are familiar, it may be worth looking at how you are cleansing your scalp and how much product you are using between washes.
How to get rid of scalp buildup
The first step is making sure you are properly cleansing your scalp, rather than just washing the lengths of your hair.
Shampoo twice when you wash your hair
The first shampoo helps break down oil, product residue and buildup, while the second gives your scalp a more thorough cleanse.
You may notice the first shampoo does not lather much, especially if your hair is particularly oily or you have been using dry shampoo or styling products. That is often a sign that there is more to wash away.
Focus your shampoo on the scalp and use your fingertips to gently massage the roots. You do not need to scrub aggressively.
Rinse thoroughly between shampoos and after your final wash before applying conditioner to the lengths and ends.
If you regularly use styling products, dry shampoo or have an oily scalp, you may also benefit from adding a deeper cleansing shampoo to your routine from time to time.
For an oily scalp: L'Oréal Professionnel Anti Oiliness Shampoo 300ml
If excess oil is your main concern, L'Oréal Professionnel Anti Oiliness Shampoo is specifically formulated for oily scalps.
Its lightweight gel formula, concentrated with 3% AHA, helps purify the scalp and hair fibre by removing residue, sweat and oil. It leaves the scalp and hair feeling fresher and cleaner.
For scalp buildup: Biolage Scalp Sync Clarifying Shampoo 400ml
If your scalp feels like it has a buildup of oil, residue or product, Biolage Scalp Sync Clarifying Shampoo provides a gentle deeper cleanse.
Infused with fermented tea and glycolic acid, it helps remove residue, buildup and excess oil while balancing scalp moisture levels. It also helps restore volume, shine and lift to the hair.
For deeper cleansing: K18 Detox Shampoo 250ml
When your hair feels particularly coated or weighed down by product buildup, K18 Detox Shampoo provides a deeper cleanse for both the hair and scalp.
This colour safe clarifying shampoo is designed to remove dirt, oils, silicones and heavy product buildup without being harsh on the hair or scalp. It is also formulated with K18PEPTIDEâ„¢ to help nourish the hair while cleansing.
K18 Detox Shampoo removes 99% of product buildup and 96% of sebum with one wash, based on the brand's testing on bleached hair tresses.
For regular clarifying: ELEVEN Australia Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo 300ml
If your hair and scalp regularly need a thorough cleanse, ELEVEN Australia Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo is suitable for all hair types and is ideal for removing excess oil and buildup.
Formulated with Orange Oil, it provides a rich cleanse while leaving the hair and scalp feeling hydrated and healthy. It is a useful option when your regular shampoo is not quite enough to remove the buildup from styling products and excess oils.
What if your scalp is still feeling uncomfortable?
If your scalp is persistently itchy, sore, very flaky or irritated, it is worth looking beyond simple product buildup.
Adding more cleansing products is not always the answer. Scalp concerns can have a number of different causes, and some may need advice from a healthcare professional.
If your scalp is regularly uncomfortable or your symptoms are not improving, speak with a healthcare professional for advice.
How often should you cleanse your scalp?
There is no single washing schedule that works for everyone.
Your ideal routine depends on your scalp, hair type, lifestyle and the products you use.
Someone with an oily scalp may need to wash more frequently, while someone with a dry scalp may be comfortable going longer between washes. If you exercise regularly or use a lot of styling products, you may also need to cleanse your scalp more often.
Rather than following a strict number of days, pay attention to how your scalp and hair feel.
A simple scalp cleansing routine
If you are dealing with buildup, start with the basics:
1. Focus on your scalp
Massage shampoo into your roots and scalp rather than scrubbing the lengths of your hair.
2. Rinse thoroughly
Make sure all shampoo and product residue is properly rinsed away.
3. Condition the lengths and ends
Apply conditioner where your hair needs moisture rather than loading up the roots.
4. Use a deeper cleanser when needed
If you regularly use dry shampoo or styling products, consider adding a clarifying shampoo such as K18 Detox Shampoo when your hair needs a deeper cleanse.
5. Choose products for your scalp
If oiliness is your main concern, a scalp focused range such as L'Oréal Professionnel Scalp Advanced may be more suitable than simply using a stronger shampoo.
The bottom line
Scalp buildup is usually a combination of natural oils, dead skin cells, sweat and product residue. A good cleansing routine can help keep your scalp feeling fresh and your hair looking clean and lightweight.
One of the easiest things to try is making sure you are thoroughly cleansing your scalp each time you wash your hair. If you still feel like your hair is coated or heavy, a deeper cleansing shampoo can help. And if excess oil is the main issue, a scalp focused product may be a better fit.
Not sure which products are right for your hair and scalp? Headstart offers a FREE online hair consultation, where our experienced salon professionals can recommend products and help you build a haircare routine tailored to your hair type, concerns and goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have scalp buildup?
Greasy roots, a coated feeling, visible residue and hair that feels heavy or unclean shortly after washing can all be signs of buildup.
Should I shampoo twice every time I wash my hair?
Shampooing twice can help give your scalp a more thorough cleanse, particularly if you have an oily scalp or use dry shampoo and styling products. It may not be necessary for everyone, every time.
Does dry shampoo cause scalp buildup?
Dry shampoo can contribute to buildup if it is used repeatedly without properly cleansing the scalp. It absorbs oil but does not replace washing your hair.
How do I remove scalp buildup?
Start by thoroughly cleansing your scalp with shampoo and consider shampooing twice. If needed, a deeper cleansing or clarifying shampoo can also be used as part of your routine.
Can I use clarifying shampoo every time I wash my hair?
Not necessarily. Clarifying shampoos can be more intensive than your everyday shampoo, so how often you use one depends on your hair, scalp and how much product buildup you experience.
Is scalp buildup the same as dandruff?
No. Scalp buildup can be caused by oil, product residue, sweat and dead skin cells, while dandruff is associated with a specific scalp condition. The two can sometimes look similar.
