Do I have scalp buildup?

Today we’re discussing scalp buildup. What it is, how to treat it, how to avoid it and when to seek medical help. Let’s get started!

What is scalp buildup?

Scalp build up is an accumulation of substances on your scalp. It’s when substances like sweat, sebum, dead skin cells and products accumulate.

What causes scalp buildup

These substances that accumulate on your scalp fall in two categories: natural substances and products

Natural substances are ones that your scalp produces like sebum, dead skin cells and sweat

Products are the various hair products that you might be using such as conditioners, styling gels or creams, foams, dry shampoo, oils, ointments and so on.

How do I know I if I have scalp buildup?

When the substances remain on your scalp for a prolonged period this accumulated buildup can irritate the scalp causing

• Flaking of the scalp
• Oily or crusty skin at the scalp
• Redness on the scalp
• Itchiness of the scalp

Any of these conditions are an indication that your scalp is not happy. And if you scalp isn’t happy, it will affect the health of your hair.

Treatment and Preventative steps for Scalp Buildup

For the most part, scalp buildup can be taken care of at home, but in rare instances you might need specific treatment if the issue is not subsiding. Here are some things to do at home. By the way, these tips are equally applicable as preventative measures, meaning, everyone should be doing this:

• Wash your hair regularly. Typically, daily for oily hair and every few days for drier hair. We recommend not going beyond one week without a hair wash. Yes, even for our curly and coily haired friends.
• Using an exfoliating shampoo brush. This helps to break up the buildup and really get the scalp nice and clean on your wash day
• Focus on your scalp. Your shampoo should be applied to your scalp to ensure you’re loosening and removing all the buildup
• Shampoo twice. Your first shampoo won’t lather much as it is loosening the buildup from your scalp. Your second shampoo application is when you’ll see a lot more lather which is an indication that your scalp is clean.
• Selecting a shampoo and conditioner that work for your hair type
• Brushing regularly. Helps to prevent tangled hair and help break apart buildup (those with curly or coily hair, please ignore this tip!)

When to seek medical help

If you have seborrheic dermatitis you may need additional treatment. Seborrheic dermatitis is an extreme to dandruff, you will notice greasy, yellow scales on the scalp, harsh redness and a scaly scalp. Scalp buildup from psoriasis or eczema requires a treatment plan from your doctor

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References

Trüeb RM, Henry JP, Davis MG, Schwartz JR. Scalp Condition Impacts Hair Growth and Retention via Oxidative Stress. Int J Trichology. 2018;10(6):262-270. doi:10.4103/ijt.ijt_57_18