Natural oils on the scalp are fantastic because they moisturise your hair, keep it lustrous, and even promote general scalp health. If you've ever gone a day or two without washing your hair properly, chances are you've had some buildup, where those formerly lovely natural oils, coupled with grime, dead skin, and germs, amass and wreak havoc on your tresses. What happens if you mix in certain stylers, dry shampoos, and other hair care products? It's even easy to collect the nasty grime.

Ladies, you’re not alone if you have a problem with scalp accumulation. Here, I delve into all you need to know about the problem: why it occurs, what it looks like, and, most importantly, how to get rid of it as soon as possible.

So let's start with what causes scalp buildup. Natural and product buildup are the two forms of scalp accumulation, respectively. When dead skin, debris, and sebum gather on your scalp, natural buildup occurs, especially if you go too long between washes. Product buildup, on the other hand, is exactly what it sounds like: your hair care products can accumulate on the scalp, causing their form of flakes, which are generally stickier, after all, hair care products are designed to attach to hair. 

And, regardless of the type of accumulation, too much of it can cause scalp inflammation, which can cause flaking, itching, and even soreness or pain. When the product, debris, and oil build up around your follicular hole, where your hair grows out, it suffocates your hair root and produces irritation.

Is it possible that it may cause hair loss?

An honest answer, absolutely yes. Too much accumulation, once again, might choke the follicle root, which is the basis of hair development. Excessive inflammation can stifle development and contribute to shedding. Because there is so much inflammation surrounding the hair follicle, excessive accumulation can even pull the hair down. That's why many hair-growth specialists recommend scalp-stimulating treatments: a healthy, happy scalp leads to thick, luxuriant strands.

Here's how you can get rid of it. If you've come this far, you've probably noticed some irritating flakes or greasy buildup on your face. Good news: cleaning up isn't too difficult! With professional recommendations below, I have discovered many ways to get rid of the buildup, just read on ahead!

Rinse with apple cider vinegar (ACV rinse)

Grab your trusty apple cider vinegar! It may also be used as a scalp treatment. Acetic acid and alpha-hydroxy acids in apple cider vinegar can help decrease and cleanse the skin. While there are a variety of apple cider vinegar hair treatments available, you may also DIY your way to buildup-free tresses: To make your solution, add 1/3 cup of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of cold water and stir well. People use it differently. Some use it after washing, after conditioner, or in place of shampoo. I like to use it after shampoo, generously distribute the solution from your scalp to ends, allow the solution to rest for up to 10 minutes before washing it out, and then do your usual routine, conditioner, and other styling products. That way ACV smell wouldn't remain in your hair.

Use a clarifying shampoo instead

While we usually recommend sulfate-free shampoos, they don't always get rid of all the crud, especially if you're not washing properly. That's why it's vital to toss a clarifying figure into the mix now and then. Inahsi Naturals Soothing Mint Clarifying Shampoo is formulated to remove product buildup and I highly recommend it. Suspend one of these alternatives bi-weekly, gradually increasing to once a week if necessary. A friendly reminder: You shouldn't use a clarifying shampoo regularly since the formulations are too harsh for your hair; if you do, you'll end up with brittleness, breakage, and an itchy scalp.

Are you washing your hair frequently?

So let's break it down a notch. Scalp accumulation appears differently on various people, with itchy scales on some, and sensitive and irritated scalps on others. Nonetheless, cleaning up is crucial since you don't want muck to stay on your scalp for too long. Do try out one of the methods mentioned above, and your scalp will undoubtedly thank you for this!