23 Scalp Remedies To Get Rid Of Buildup & Get A Healthy Scalp

Scalp buildup can be a real pain, whether it’s caused by dead skin cells, hair products, or excess sebum.

It clogs your hair follicles, causing everything from an itchy scalp to hair loss, and in severe cases, even scalp conditions like seborrheic dermatitis or scalp psoriasis.

Fortunately, there are plenty of natural remedies to help clear away product buildup, excess oil, and all that grime for a healthy scalp.

Let’s get into 23 of the best scalp build-up home remedies, packed with tips for every hair type!

23 scalp build-up home remedies

1. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

One of the most popular natural remedies for scalp buildup is an apple cider vinegar rinse.

Apple cider vinegar helps break down product residue, while also balancing your scalp’s natural pH. To use, mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with a cup of water.

Massage it into your scalp in a circular motion, let it sit for a few minutes, and rinse thoroughly with cold water for best results.

2. Baking Soda Scrub

For a more intense scalp exfoliation, try a baking soda scrub.

Baking soda is a great natural exfoliant that works wonders at breaking down waxy oil and dead cells.

Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with water to form a paste, and apply it directly to your scalp. Massage it gently in circular motions, then rinse with warm water.

3. Tea Tree Oil Treatment

Tea tree oil has potent antifungal properties, making it a top choice for dealing with scalp buildup.

It helps tackle both sebum buildup and product build-up, leaving you with a clean scalp.

Add a few drops of tea tree oil to a carrier oil like jojoba oil and massage it into your scalp for 10-15 minutes.

Wash with your regular shampoo to get rid of excess oil production.

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4. Lemon Juice Scalp Detox

Lemon juice is an effective way to remove product residue and clarify the scalp. Its acidic nature helps break down buildup while promoting scalp health.

Simply squeeze fresh lemon juice, dilute it with water, and massage it into your scalp. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before rinsing with warm water.

5. Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera is one of nature’s best natural remedies for a variety of skin conditions, including scalp irritation. Its cooling properties help soothe an irritated scalp while gently cleansing away excess oil.

Apply pure aloe vera gel directly to your scalp, leave it on for 20 minutes, then wash with a clarifying shampoo to remove buildup.

6. Coconut Oil Mask

Coconut oil is known for its deep moisturizing properties, which makes it ideal for treating both dry scalp and dry hair.

Warm up a bit of coconut oil, massage it into your scalp, and leave it on for 30 minutes or overnight.

Wash it out with warm water and a dandruff shampoo to clear any leftover oil and buildup.

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7. Brown Sugar Scrub

If you have a flaky scalp, brown sugar is an excellent natural exfoliant that helps remove dead skin cells without being too abrasive.

Mix it with olive oil for a moisturizing boost, and use it as a scrub to clear away buildup.

8. Clarifying Shampoo

While not a home remedy, it is too good to not mention. If you’re dealing with severe product build-up, a clarifying shampoo is a must in your hair care routine.

Clarifying shampoos are specially formulated to break down product residue from hair gels, hair oils, and other styling products.

Use it once or twice a month for a deep clean, but be careful not to overuse it as it can dry out your hair strands.

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9. Witch Hazel Rinse

Witch hazel works as a natural astringent, helping to clear up an oily scalp and remove product residue.

Dilute witch hazel with water and use it as a rinse after shampooing. It’s great for reducing scalp irritation and improving scalp health.

10. Olive Oil Treatment

Olive oil is rich in antioxidants and helps to soften product buildup on the scalp.

Warm up some olive oil and apply it to your scalp in a circular motion. Let it sit for about 20 minutes before washing it out with a clarifying shampoo.

11. Jojoba Oil Scalp Massage

Jojoba oil is an excellent choice for balancing the scalp’s natural oils. Its lightweight texture makes it suitable for all hair types, including oily hair.

Massage it into your scalp and leave it for 15-20 minutes before washing your hair.

12. Aloe Vera and Tea Tree Oil Blend

For those battling scalp psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis, a combination of aloe vera and tea tree oil can work wonders.

Both ingredients have soothing and antifungal properties that help reduce scalp irritation and promote a healthy scalp.

13. Cucumber and Yogurt Mask

Cucumber is cooling, while yogurt contains lactic acid, which gently exfoliates the scalp.

Blend a cucumber with yogurt and apply the mixture to your scalp. Leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.

14. Dry Shampoo for Oily Hair

For those with oily hair, using dry shampoo can help absorb excess oil between washes.

It’s an easy way to prevent sebum buildup on your scalp without having to wash your hair every day.

15. Aloe Vera and Lemon Juice Combo

This combination is perfect for scalp exfoliation and detoxification.

Aloe vera soothes the scalp while lemon juice helps remove excess oil and buildup. Apply this mixture, leave it on for 10-15 minutes, and rinse thoroughly with cold water.

16. Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda Paste

Mix apple cider vinegar with baking soda to create a powerful natural method for scalp detox.

This paste can help break down tough product residue while balancing the scalp’s pH.

17. Oatmeal and Honey Mask

Oatmeal is a soothing agent, and honey is a natural humectant.

Together, they help relieve scalp irritation while providing moisture. Apply this mask to your scalp, leave it for 20 minutes, and rinse with warm water.

18. Coconut Oil and Lemon Juice Massage

Coconut oil and lemon juice make a powerful duo for tackling both product build-up and excess oil production.

Massage this blend into your scalp for about 10 minutes, and then wash it out with a mild shampoo.

19. Clay Mask for Scalp Detox

Clay, especially bentonite clay, has the ability to absorb impurities and excess oil from the scalp.

Mix bentonite clay with water or apple cider vinegar, apply to your scalp, and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing.

20. Rosemary Oil

Rosemary oil is known to stimulate blood flow to the scalp, promoting healthy hair growth.

Mix a few drops of rosemary oil with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil, and massage it into your scalp for 10 minutes before washing.

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21. Lemongrass Oil Rinse

Lemongrass oil is another essential oil with antifungal properties.

Add a few drops to water or your regular shampoo to help keep your scalp free of buildup and unwanted odors.

22. Cold Water Rinse

Sometimes the simplest solution is the best.

Rinsing your hair with cold water after washing can help close the hair shaft and prevent further product buildup, while also stimulating blood flow to your scalp.

23. Avoid Hot Water

Hot water can strip the scalp of its natural oils, leading to dryness and an increase in product buildup.

Instead, opt for warm water to wash your hair, followed by a cold water rinse to seal in moisture and reduce buildup.

When it comes to scalp buildup, natural remedies can be incredibly effective.

Whether you’re dealing with product residue, excess sebum, or dead skin cells, these 23 home remedies provide effective ways to maintain a clean scalp, prevent hair breakage, and promote overall scalp health.

Adding these treatments into your hair care routine to keep your scalp and hair looking fresh and healthy!

For those dealing with persistent or severe scalp conditions, it’s always best to consult with a dermatologist or healthcare provider to ensure you’re addressing the root cause properly.

Happy scalp care!

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