Help! Getting rid of scalp build-up

curlsongirls · 01-02-2012, 06:46 PM

Happy New Year!! So, I have a problem. I have been co-washing for years now and although I think I do a good job of scrubbing my scalp....I never did any baking soda treatments for buildup. Now, I have a big build-up problem (and I wondered why my hair seemed thinner and didn't grow as long?) Now I'm afraid that I won't be able to remove it...it's like plaque on your teeth...now matter how many times you brush, you need a dentist to remove it!!! I'm thinking of using clarifying shampoo until it's all gone. I've done baking soda scrubs a couple times....still lots of build up. Ugh!! Any suggestions? Thanks so much!

nana_banana · 01-03-2012, 08:37 AM

It is my personal opinion that hair types like ours need to be shampooed periodically. Looser curls and waves can get by without shampoo because they don't usually need heavy products. But the tighter and kinkier the curls are, we need heavier moisturizers, butters, oils, etc. Even though these things are 'natural', they still build up and need to be washed out from time to time.

So personally, I'd say shampoo if you feel like you need it.

Also, to prevent this from happening again and especially if you want to stay shampoo-free, what products are you using? If you are using products with silicones, mineral oil, and PVP/Acrylates, co-washing isn't going to remove those. Some people may say mineral oil and PVP (from gels, mainly) get removed with co-washing, but from my personal experience, they do not.

If I were you, this is what I'd do:
-Shampoo your hair with a clarifying shampoo and if you've been using silicones, mineral oil, or PVP, use something with sulfates to get it all out. Massage really well.
-After you rinse it out, if your hair still feels gunk-y, use a gentler non-sulfate shampoo on your scalp only. Avoid getting shampoo on your hair length if you can at all help it.
-Deep condition with a good moisturizing conditioner with your favourite oils because your hair is going be dry after shampooing, especially if you haven't done so in a long time.

(Note: I have never done a baking soda scrub)

curlsongirls · 01-03-2012, 04:14 PM

Thank you nana banana for taking the time to respond to me!

I definitely don't use silicones, but I'm not too sure about the PVPs. I'll have to look for them in my products. I generally use gels or mousse....cremes/butters don't work to well for me.

When I first started the no shampooing thing it was before there were sulfate free shampoos. Now that they are available I def. will be using them at least once per week.

Thanks again!

nana_banana · 01-03-2012, 08:59 PM

If you're using regular mousses and gels then there's probably PVPs and such in it.