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Scalp build-up
Hair products, dirt and oil from the scalp, can contribute to the accumulation of residue on the scalp. This occurs when minerals build up and settle on the skin, and can lead to clogged pores and give hair a dull appearance. Hair is also difficult to style when loaded with dirt. It is important to periodically remove dirt from the scalp to improve the health and appearance of your hair. Do this once a week if you use a lot of styling products.
Excessive build-up of mineral and hair product residue in hard water leaves hair looking dry, brittle and dull. Fortunately, it’s easy to make natural hair rinses using just two simple ingredients. Used in conjunction with your regular shampoo and conditioner, these rinses will not only remove all that build-up, but will also give your hair a smooth, shiny look. This article will show you four simple recipes that use ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen.
Remove buildup with vinegar
Gather your ingredients. Although it may seem strange to you, putting vinegar on your hair helps to eliminate waste. It also balances the pH of the hair and smoothes the cuticles, as well as leaving it soft and silky. However, keep in mind that this rinse is not recommended for colored hair, as it can discolor the dye or cause it to run. For this rinse, you will need the following: [1]
- 1-2 tablespoons of vinegar
- 1 cup (250 ml) cold water
- a cup, glass, or bottle to hold the rinse
Make the vinegar rinse. Pour the water and vinegar into the cup, glass, or bottle. You can use white or apple cider vinegar. Combine the ingredients by stirring them with a spoon. If you are using a bottle, you can close it and shake it.
- If your hair is very long or thick, double the amount: 2 to 4 tablespoons of vinegar and 2 cups (500 ml) of water.
- If you have a slight build-up of product on your hair, rub the roots with apple cider vinegar wipes. However, if it is a heavy build-up, you should wash your hair as soon as possible. The build-up can affect the health of the scalp and, depending on the product, can even lead to fungal growth.
Consider adding some essential oils. Instead of using vinegar alone, you can add 5-10 drops of essential oil to 1 cup (250 ml) of vinegar. [2] Shake the vinegar to incorporate the oil and then use this mixture in the rinse (1 or 2 tablespoons of vinegar infused per cup or 250 ml of water) instead of regular vinegar. Do not apply this undiluted infused vinegar to your hair. Essential oils not only hide the strong smell of vinegar, but also provide benefits to the hair. These are some essential oils that you can use, depending on your hair type:
- If you have dry hair, use any of the following oils: myrrh, peppermint, and lavender.
- If you have normal hair, use any of these oils: lavender, amaro, and chamomile.
- If you have oily hair, use any of the following oils: lavender, basil, lemon, lemongrass, rosemary, patchouli, ylang ylang, and tea tree.
Shampoo your hair. Wash your hair as usual with your favorite shampoo. This is necessary to remove most of the dirt and oils. You can also continue with a conditioner, although the vinegar rinse will be enough to leave hair smooth and shiny.
Pour the vinegar solution on your hair. Tilt your head back and close your eyes tightly. Pour the vinegar water over it, so that it runs through the hair, from the growth line to the ends. Don’t let the solution get into your eyes as they will sting and burn a lot.
Massage the scalp. Gently run your fingers through your hair and scalp. You may feel and see soap bubbles form in your hair. This is normal and indicates that the vinegar water is working and removing all the accumulated residue in the hair.
