Say Goodbye to Wax Buildup with These Clarifying Techniques

Friend, you might be suffering from wax buildup. 

What is wax buildup & how does it happen?

Product Buildup:

• Wax buildup may occur when hair products including shampoo, conditioner, serum, wax, gel, mousse, spray, & dye accumulate on the hair shaft, resulting in a greasy, dull, and heavy appearance.

Hard Water:

• Hard water has a high mineral content. These minerals buildup on your hair and scalp.
  

How to Prevent Wax Buildup

Upgrade your products:

• Low Poo: 
  • Avoid using products with sulfates, silicones, and parabens. In the no poo world, we call this "low poo" - meaning you still use conventional shampoo but limit your exposure to potentially harmful ingredients. Personally, I also avoid fragrance. 
• No Poo:
  • "No poo" means washing your hair with natural ingredients and without conventional shampoo. The no poo method encourages the use of gentle, natural cleansers that effectively remove dirt and buildup while preserving your hair's natural balance.
    • Start here to learn about the no poo method. 
    • Learn about different no poo methods here. 
    • And get my book The No Poo Method here.

Water Quality:

• To find out if you have hard water, check your water company’s website (if it’s not listed, call to ask them) or use a hard water testing kit.
• You can soften your water with a water softener system.

No Poo and Transition

Beginning with a clarifying mask or shampoo is a great first step when transitioning to the no poo method. You can use any of the techniques discussed in this article. Learn more about transitioning here.

Benefits of Clarifying Your Hair

Benefits include:

• Adds volume by removing heavy buildup
• Improves scalp and hair health
• Allows your hair to absorb moisturizing and conditioning products better
• Reduces the need for styling products or allows you to use less product
• Restores your hair's shine, softness, and manageability
• Removes product buildup and excess oil
• Removes mineral deposits and chlorine residue from color treated hair resulting in more vibrant color 

Clarifying Techniques to Get Rid of Wax Buildup

Clarifying Shampoo

• Clarifying shampoo is a specially formulated product that goes beyond regular shampoos to deep cleanse the hair and scalp. It effectively removes residue, including wax, styling products, and chlorine from swimming pools. By incorporating a clarifying shampoo into your hair care routine, you can ensure that your locks are thoroughly cleansed and free from any unwanted buildup.
• Since you are trying to remove product buildup, it's best to use a clarifying shampoo without sulfates, silicones, and parabens.

Applesauce Mask

• This is my personal favorite clarifying technique.
• Applesauce exfoliates, moisturizes, and removes waxiness. 
• You can use any natural applesauce with the least amount of ingredients possible or make your own at home. Ensure it is very finely blended. I recommend running your applesauce through a blender so it’s easier to remove from your hair.
• Apply room temperature or warmer applesauce to dry, tangle free hair. Use enough to generously coat your hair from root to tip.
  • You can warm it up for comfort or if you have low porosity hair (learn about porosity here). 
• Leave for at least 15 minutes and as long as an hour.
• Rinse well. It will probably take several minutes to get it all out.
• A conditioning rinse is optional. Apples are acidic, so if you follow with a rinse, don’t use anything too acidic. Learn about pH balanced hair care here.

Egg Wash

• Yep! You can use eggs to clarify your hair! It also conditions & strengthens it. Eggs have a lot of protein that adds volume to your hair. But use sparingly (no more than once a month). Too much protein can cause your hair to break easily.
• Mix 1-3 eggs (depending on how much hair you have) with about 2-4 tablespoons of water.
• Massage into hair and scalp, leave for 5-10 minutes, rinse.
  • Be sure to rinse with luke warm water, as cool as you can stand for rinsing your hair. If you use hot water, you will cook the egg and end up with scrambled eggs in your hair. Yuck.
• A conditioning or acidic rinse afterwards is optional.
• An egg wash is also great for getting deep conditioners and coconut oil out of your hair. Learn more here.

Clay Wash

• Yep! Washing your hair with mud results in soft, shiny, detoxed, and clarified hair. You can use Red Clay, Rhassoul Clay, Bentonite Clay, or Kaolin Clay. 
  • My personal favorite is bentonite clay.Bentonite clay comes from volcanic ash that has naturally occurring minerals and an electric charge. This electric charge attracts and draws out toxins, metals, & other impurities, resulting in an effective, gentle, & healing detox.
    • Mix equal parts bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar. Optional: add 5-10 drops essential oils.
      • If I'm making enough for a hair and face mask, I use about 1/4 cup of each.
      • Be sure to use a non-metal bowl and utensils as the metal will interact with the magnetic charge of the bentonite clay.
      • Apply generously to your skin and hair. Let sit for 20 minutes and rinse. 
        • The clay will harden as it sits. It will crack as you move your face.
        • You will feel a tingly sensation because of the electric charge of the clay. This is normal.
        • After you rinse, your face might be a little red from the tingly sensation. Don't worry! It will go away and you'll be left with soft, glowing skin.

Acid Rinse

• A simple acid rinse might be enough to break up the wax buildup and remove it from your hair & scalp. Acid rinses include:
  • apple cider vinegar
  • distilled white vinegar
  • lemon juice
  • kombucha (learn how to make it here)
  • brewed black tea
  • brewed black coffee
  • beer
• Using an acid rinse to clarify might not be best for your hair. Refer to this pH balanced guide before you proceed. 
• To make an acid rinse, dilute your preferred acid with water. Your dilution rate will vary based on your hair needs and hair type. Start with about 1 part acid and 4 parts water and work up to a 50/50 mix. Learn more about hair types here.

Ready to Get Started with The No Poo Method? Get Your Complete Starter Guide!

FAQ

How often should I clarify my hair?

• For most people, it's best to clarify your hair no more than once a month. For extreme buildup, you may need to clarify several times and then use the tips to prevent wax buildup in the future. 

Can I clarify color treated hair?

• Yes and clarifying may remove mineral deposits and chlorine residue from color treated hair resulting in more vibrant color.

Does swimming cause wax buildup?

• Salt water and chlorine water interfere with your natural sebum (oil your scalp produces) and may cause wax buildup. You can use any of the clarifying techniques to remove it. 

Does shampoo cause wax buildup?

• Some ingredients in shampoo and styling products may cause wax buildup. Avoid using products with sulfates, silicones, and parabens.

I did a clarifying wash and now my hair is worse! Why?

• Your hair will likely get worse and waxier before it gets better. You might also experience flaking from your scalp. That’s a sign of detox and that your hair and scalp are releasing the chemical buildup. It's working!