Special Tips & Techniques For Preventing Hair Product Buildup

With the return of big hair with lots of sexy volume, hairline bumps and poufs, comes the danger of clogged cuticles from styling product overload.

Regardless of your hair type, texture, density or current condition, if you start cocktailing too many products together at once, over time, unless you take proper care, your hair will misbehave.

Barbara Lhotan Offers Solutions

According to nationally renowned curly hair expert, Barbara Lhotan, the best solution for product build-up is to prevent it in the first place.  I chatted with Barbara today and she agreed “the latest big hair styles will definitely bring build-up challenges for some.”

(Image of Drew Barrymore wearing latest big hairstyle – DailyCeleb.com – All Rights Reserved)

How To Determine Product Build-up

Barbara explained “if your hair starts to feel coated, crunchy or looks limp and flat, you may be the victim of build-up.”  She pointed out another key symptom of product overuse “is itchy scalps or flakiness.”

Although sometimes confused with the little white dandruff like sprinkles, it’s flaking from all those products layered on top of each other on your scalp.

That’s the good news.  The bad news?  Barbara explained “when you overload your tresses, you’re setting yourself up for a cycle of moisture starvation.”

Dehydrated Hair Challenges

What happens when hair is dehydrated?  Potential damage in the form of chronic dryness, split ends or lackluster locks.

Barbara said “due to all the product re-formulations over the years, some of the sulfates and related chemicals have been removed”  Barbara noted “sulfates actually will help prevent product buildup” but since they are more scarce these days hair consumers will have to “turn to clarifying products” instead of depending on their regular shampoos to do the trick.

Feeling Great May Not Be So Great After All

Unfortunately some of the very hair styling and hair products you enjoy the most may be the biggest offenders in creating product pile-ups on your scalp.   Isn’t that just the way it goes?  Much like the foods you love the most, they’re often the  ones which pile of the pounds the faster.

What to do?  Just as we’ve all had to learn to read food labels, you have to check out hair product ingredient lists.

Be On The Alert For Hair Product Ingredients

Silicones have gotten a bad rap over the past five years.  Hair chemists and product companies have worked hard to revolutionize the older heavy silicones of the past and replace them with a more viable source.

Old silicone formulas used to coat strands essentially blocking moisture or products from penetrating the hair’s shaft.   New formulations are greatly improved and often light enough to allow moisture to pass through the strands.

It’s true some silicones might harm certain hair types, textures and conditions but they may actually be fine for others.  Ultimately you have to learn what works best for your hair and seek out those particular ingredients.  Just as you would if you were on a special food plan.

Special Detox Treatments May Be Required

Once you have fallen victim to product build-up your hair will require special treatment since in essence your cuticles will be clogged.   At that point any products you apply will just sit on the surface and even the best deep conditioning moisturizers may have little or not impact.

Prevention Is The Best Plan

Barbara pointed out “the best solution for buildup is to prevent it in the first place”.  She said “know what products work best for your hair to create the target hairstyles and then remember that less is always more when applying a combination of products.”

Using every hair product in your bathroom at the same time is definitely acting for build-up trouble.  Barbara noted “always look for water based or water soluble products which are less likely to become concentrated or caked onto the scalp or strands.”

When reading ingredients on hair products labels make sure to search for moisturizing products that are not based upon heavy oils, waxes or have a high resin composition.

While the heavier moisturizers, oils and waxes offer a quick fix in some cases.  In the long term it might create problems for your tresses.

Common Consumer Hair Mistake

Barbara stated “a common mistake” hair consumers make “is not understanding how all products can clogged cuticles, including plain old hairspray.  Not only can hairsprays, especially the cheap kind, cause build-up, it can strip hair color.”

Wow.  Really?  Yes, Barbara said “only the professional or higher end brands are formulated to prevent hair color fading and resulting stickiness.”  Of course a lot of this can be avoid when consumers “are careful not too spray too closely to their scalps” and use “other color protectants” when using sprays.

When Hairspray Leaves White Sticky Residue

What’s a good rule of thumb?  Hold hairsprays so that they are sprayed at least 12-14 inches away from the scalp.  Never spray directly onto the scalp or the roots.

Some bargain hair sprays, even the leading brands, may leave a white sticky residue which weights down hair and removes shiny luster.  If this occurs with your hairspray, considering switching.  Yes, clarifying shampoos will help remove the gunk, but you will be in a never ending cycle.

Avoiding Product Buildup Cycles

You use hairspray, it clogs your hair.  You clarify it.  Then you use hairspray again.  See what I mean?

Barbara said “any hair product applied improperly can result in styling challenges, color fading or long term build-up issues.”  She explained she instructs her clients to always “apply product at the ends of the hair and distribute well up towards the root.”

Tips For Avoid Hair Product Build-up

Barbara pointed out one of the primary causes of hair product build-up is hair which has not been adequately rinsed during the shampoo and conditioning rinse-out cycles.  Washing hair in the shower will help prevent build-up versus washing hair in a sink or tub where sections of the hair may accidentally retain product.

1.  Before purchasing products have a clear understanding of your hair type, texture, condition and historical styling needs.
2.  Utilize only basic styling product necessities to create the desired hairdo.
3.  Look for products which perform double duty in one formula. 
4.  Read labels very carefully.  What you don’t know may hurt your tresses.
5.  Avoid products with ingredients known to weigh hair down or cause clogging and blockage.
6.  Pay close attention to your hair to check for any dehydration, scalp flaking, itching or related build-up issues. 
7.  Be careful to apply products in such a manner that scalp does not become coated.
8.  Use the lightest product possible to create the best style.  If your hair requires hold, try mousse before gels and creams.
9.  Use wax or paste sparingly, especially on hair prone to build-up issues.
10.  Spray products from the proper distances.  Avoid using cheap products known to overcoat strands.
11.  Follow a less is more principle.  
12. Distribute products appropriately.  Always mix well in palms of hands before applying and utilize picks or combs to distribute well. 
13.  Search for hair styling products which offer both conditioning and hold.  Many are compressed to offer a combo of benefits.   This saves you from using more products than necessary and is also economical.  
14.  Consider using products which control or block humidity. This will help you resist the temptation to reapply hairspray throughout the day to “fix” your hair.

More Information

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 16th, 2010 at 10:56 pm and is filed under Beauty Beat, Chemical Hair Treatments, Damage, Hair, Hairstyles, Hairstyling Tips, News, Ramblings On Current News & Events, Shampoo Treatments, Treatments. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.