What is scalp build-up? If you notice dead-skin flakes on your head and shoulders, you might think you are suffering from scalp build up. Despite sharing the same symptoms as dandruff, the flaky scalp build-up is the result of totally different causes.
What does scalp build-up look like? It looks nothing much different from dandruff. The white flakes in small to big sizes appear on your scalp are the result of this issue.
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What Causes Scalp Build-up?
It is not a rare thing if you notice your scalp skin flake. Different from flaking caused by inflammation, scalp build-up is the result of other causes. It might be a natural build-up or product build-up.
Natural build-up due to dead skin, sebum, and sweat
The white flakes on your scalp might be the consequences of natural factors, namely the dead skin cells, the overacting sebum, and sweat.
– Dead skin cells: each single skin cell grows and then dies. Once it’s dead, it will shed and leave rooms for new cells to grow. When the dead skin cannot shed as fast as it’s supposed to, it will lead to flakes that fall from your head.
– Sebum: it refers to the natural, waxy oil that human’s scalp produces. It works to protect your skin from infection and keep it always moisturized. However, once your body produces too much sebum, it will build up on your scalp.
– Sweat: when you sweat too much, it will lead to not only scalp build-up but also cause greasiness and give off an unpleasant odor.
Scalp build-up due to residue from hair care products
The residue from hair products is another potential cause of flaky scalp. Just so you know, lots of products contain waxy components that stick to hair tresses when you don’t wash them thoroughly. It might come from shampoo, conditioner, or styling items like creams, gels, foams, etc.
Does Scalp Build Up Cause Hair Loss?
Yes, it might. If these flakes are left untreated, the leftover dead skin cells, oils, and sweats would clog the hair follicles. And this might entail folliculitis – the root cause of inflammation and sometimes, infection. These uncomfortable conditions might later cause crusty sores on your scalp, which, unluckily, don’t seem to heal. And these sores will lately lead to enduring hair loss and scarring.
Other issues:
- What Is Dandruff? – It’s Not Like Snowflakes!
- 11 Best Dandruff Shampoo For Your Hair Flakes And Dry Scalp
- Can Dandruff Cause Hair Loss? Well… You Can Say “Yes” Or “No
How To Clean Scalp Build Up?
These gunky flakes are frustrating, so how to remove them out, forever?
It sounds terrible, but rest assured! How to get rid of scalp build-up is just a piece of cake. You can definitely remove the flakiness, odor, and discomfort yourself at home.
Down below are some tips for the best scalp build-up remedy.
Pick the right hair products
Each hair product is made for a specific hair type; hence, determine your hair texture clearly before choosing which shampoo and condition to use. The products vary based on their formulations. There always is an ingredient list on the bottle, so don’t forget to take a look before buying.
Here are Lewigs’ recommendations:
– If you have oily hair, choose the one that contains lauryl sulfates. It removes the excessive sebum on your scalp effectively.
– If you own average-to-dry tresses, products with laureth sulfates will help. It is less effective in removing sebum, but it works enough in this case.
– If your hair is dry and brittle, go for products that contain sarcosine, ammonioesters, ivy agave, and silicone. They won’t remove all sebum on your head so it won’t get dry.
– Notably, in case you own sensitive skin, stay away from any products that have formalin or parabens in their ingredient lists.
Thorough washing is essential
As mentioned above, the residue from hair products is the main cause of scalp build-up. Therefore, it is important to wash your hair regularly and thoroughly. Depending on your hair texture, the frequency of cleansing might be once per day or 2-3 times per week.
Everyone washes their hair, but sadly, not all know how to do this task properly.
So, what is a thorough washing?
It is not as simple as wetting your tresses, applying the shampoo, rubbing your hair, and rinsing with water. You need to be attentive to detail when it comes to cleansing. To make sure there is no residue left, you should focus on your scalp while rinsing your hair. Also, don’t be too rough when scrubbing your mane.
Also, when applying the conditioner, put it onto the hair ends only. There is no need to moisturize the scalp. In contrast, adding the conditioner to this part only causes build-up.
Exfoliate skin with baking soda
Baking soda is an effective exfoliant to cleanse your scalp-build-up. You can create a paste from baking soda, conditioner, essential oils (peppermint, lavender, rose, etc.) and water easily at home.
Detangle your hair first and then make it wet. After that, apply the mixture onto the tresses during the shower. Once you finish it, don’t forget to follow up with a conditioner treatment.
Apple cider vinegar – an effective scalp build-up removal
Rumour has been around that apple cider vinegar can get rid of scalp build-up effectively. In fact, there is no scientific proof for that claim. But at least, it can kill harmful bacteria that stay on your head.
Remove scalp build-up with lemon juice
Lemon juice, with its pH values, helps to balance the natural pH level of your hair. It acts as a shampoo to cleanse flaky scalp and dandruff.
To make use of it, mix lemon juice with water to dilute it. Afterward, apply the mixture onto your locks and let it sit for around 10 minutes. Comb it through and then rinse it out with cool water for the best result.
You might also want to read:
- Nioxin Shampoo: What It Is And Who Is It Made For?
- The Advanced Guide To Wash Hair With Coke
- Learn To Do Baking Soda Hair Wash Like A Professional
How To Prevent Flaky Scalp?
Prevention is always better than cure. Why don’t you avoid your scalp from flaking while it is not a difficult task?
Whether you are prone to flaking or not, the following tips will be helpful:
– Don’t overuse hair products. Taking good care of your mane is essential, but don’t do it too excessively.
– Maintain healthy tresses. Your strands should always be healthy so that it could fight against any unexpected symptoms. Importantly, don’t let your hair dry out by the act of harsh chemical or heat treatments.
– Remember to wash your hair after working out. When you do exercise, you will sweat. It would then lead to scalp build-up if you don’t wash it out.
Final thoughts
Crusty scalp build-up is frustrating, so learning how to remove these white flakes is exceptionally important. Lewigs hope that the above tips can help you treat your scalp in the most effective way. We also have many more interesting posts on hair care and hair products that await your exploration. Also, don’t forget to take a look at our online wig store before leaving.
Have a nice day!
