How To Get Rid Of Product Build Up In Hair

This isn't the stay at home all day, never leave the house scenario I wished for but since it looks like many of us are going to be home for the next few weeks, I plan on taking full advantage. First thing on my list of things to do? Nothing. Yes, you read that right. Not. A. Thing. I plan on fully embracing my lazy girl side, forgoing Insta-worthy outfits and hairstyles for day time pajamas, and a perpetual messy top knot.

Under normal circumstances, I'd be too ashamed to admit this, but truth be told, I am thoroughly looking forward to skipping a few wash days. As much as I love squeaky clean hair, I'd rather use some of that time for the relaxing self-care we all desperately need. Skipping a few wash days sounds nice, in theory, but after a few days (or weeks, I won't tell anyone), you'll likely notice buildup beginning to form on your scalp and strands. Which means wherever you're ready to wash your hair, you may not be able to rely on your go-to shampoo formula. That's where clarifying products come in.

In search of the best products to make build up a thing of the past? We're breaking down everything you need to know about how to remove build-up and some of our favorite build-up banishing products from the L'Oréal portfolio of products.

How do you remove product build-up on hair?

The easiest way to remove product build-up from your hair is to wash it! However, your go-to shampoo formula may not be up to the challenge. If you're dealing with build-up, consider picking up a clarifying product like a scalp scrub, vinegar rinse, or clarifying shampoo. These products help to break down and wash away buildup, dirt, and pollution.

How do you clarify your hair?

Clarifying your hair is really just a fancy way of saying, get rid of build-up. So you can clarify your hair with the same products we recommended above to banish build-up.

Products that help you clarify your strands and keep product build-up at bay can sometimes make your hair look and feel drier than usual. If you're worried about clarifying formulas drying out your stands, follow your shampoo with a moisturizing deep conditioning treatment like Biolage Hydrasource Deep Treatment Pack Multi Use Hair Mask. This moisturizing and nourishing hair treatment, highly concentrated in plant-based emollients, will instantly transform dry strands so they're softer and more manageable, and look and feel healthier.

Our 8 Best Products To Beat Build Up

Pureology Vinegar Hair Rinse

If you can't imagine parting with your go-to shampoo formula, rely on a different product to clarify your strands. Gently cleanse hair with Pureology Vinegar Hair Rinse to create shinier more radiant hair and remove product buildup using natural ingredients such as apple cider vinegar and cactus pear flower extract.

Pureology Vinegar Hair Rinse, $29.00 MSRP

Kérastase Scrub Apaisant Deep Clean Fusio Dose Scrub

This relaxing scalp scrub for all normal to dry hair and scalp types (even sensitive scalp), deep cleans and is formulated with jojoba oil, vitamin B5, and sweet orange essential oil. Hair is six times shinier and has 65 percent more volume after use.

Kérastase Scrub Apaisant Deep Clean Fusio Dose Scrub, $50.00 MSRP

Kérastase Scrub Energisant Deep Cleaning Fusio Dose Scrub

Oily scalp got you down? This deeply purifying and energizing scalp scrub is formulated with sea salt, vitamin B6, and salicylic acid to help cleanses away impurities and hair build-up for healthy hair.

Kérastase Scrub Energisant Deep Cleaning Fusio Dose Scrub, $50.00 MSRP

Redken Detox Hair Cleansing Cream Shampoo

If pollution and product buildup are weighing your strands down, detox them with Redken Detox Hair Cleansing Cream. This cream shampoo purifies your hair, removing minerals like copper, iron, magnesium and calcium, all found in hard water, as well as excess oils, pollution residue, and buildup of product.

Redken Detox Hair Cleansing Cream Shampoo, $22.50 MSRP

Redken Clean Maniac Hair Cleansing Cream Clarifying Shampoo

Product build-up isn't the only thing that can make your strands appear dull. If you're concerned that the water coming out of the showerhead is only so-so, Redken's Hair Cleansing Cream Shampoo helps to clarify and works to remove copper, iron, hard water minerals, and styling product buildup.

Redken Clean Maniac Hair Cleansing Cream Clarifying Shampoo, $40.00 MSRP

Redken Color Extend Vinegar Rinse

Looking for a clarifying formula that will not only protect but also enhance your color. Redken Color Extend Vinegar Rinse is perfect for you.

Redken Color Extend Vinegar Rinse, $11.97 MSRP

Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil Shampoo

If you're worried a clarifying formula will make your dry strands look and feel even drier, you need Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil Shampoo. This paraben and silicone-free shampoo deeply cleanses to remove impurities and buildup while rejuvenating dry hair and scalp with soothing hair oils.

Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil Shampoo, $58.00 MSRP

Mizani Moisture Fusion Clarifying Shampoo

Looking for a clarifying formula just for curls? Mizani Moisture Fusion Clarifying Shampoo resets hair to get rid of product buildup impurities while leaving hair feeling clean, refreshed, and ready for a deep moisturizing treatment.

Mizani Moisture Fusion Clarifying Shampoo, $24.00 MSRP