You have probably noticed that you now use many different products with the CG Method . From shampoo, conditioners, leave-ins to gel or mousse. Even though you avoid bad ingredients, products can build up on your scalp and/or hair. In CG terms we also call this: build-up .
But, what exactly is build-up? How do you recognize it? And more importantly: how do you get rid of it and what do you do about it?
What is build-up?
Build-up /pages/shampoo-for-curly-hair is caused by product residues or external influences remaining on your hair and scalp. It always forms a layer around your hair, which can block your hair and result in your hair no longer fitting properly and making it more difficult to style.
How do you recognize build-up?
Build-up is sometimes difficult to explain, but there are often a number of signals visible in your hair. The following signals are the most common (note, you don't have to have them all!):
- Your hair is limp and/or lifeless
- Your hair is falling out
- It is difficult to style your hair
- You suffer from a lot of fluff
- You have dull hair and therefore little shine
- You suffer from itching on your scalp
- You experience that there is a greasy layer on your scalp
- You never or hardly have any cast in your hair
- Products no longer work for your hair
Who experiences build-up faster?
Experience has shown that women with finer, thinner and looser curl patterns (type 1/2) suffer from build-up more quickly than women with thicker hair.
Gels that cause build-up
Some types of gel contain many polymers . A common one, for example, is PVP , which is often combined with similar relatives. If a gel contains a high concentration of these synthetic polymers, it can really coat your hair. Don't you wash your hair regularly? And do you use the gel daily? Then this can result in build-up. So, check your gel! Do you see many ingredients on the ingredients list that are similar to PVP and are they all high on the list? Then it may be advisable to look for a gel with a lower hold level or a gel that contains fixing humectants.
Why you should do something about build-up
Now you know how to recognize build-up . But why is build-up actually bad for your hair?
This is because build-up or accumulation on your hair results in layers that keep forming around your hair, causing your hair to close and products can no longer be absorbed. This means that your hair can no longer be nourished and that results in the above characteristics that we mentioned earlier.
I am suffering from buildup, what should I do now?
Do you suffer from build-up? No worries, because we will help you! With a few useful tips you will be able to get rid of the build-up in no time and you can start fresh again. It can happen to anyone. Choose one of the options below, this is what you can do against build-up:
- Do another final wash . Or in other words also called a reset wash. A final wash contains sulfates, it is a strong cleaner. But if you wash your hair with this and then use a mask, this is still applicable. Please note, do not do a final wash too often because it can dry out your hair!
- Use a clarifying shampoo . A clarifying shampoo is a CG Shampoo that contains slightly more effective cleansers than an average or mild shampoo. They do not contain sulfates, but variants that do resemble these. We also advise you to limit the use of this shampoo, so for example use it once every 1 to 3 weeks if you often suffer from build-up. Monitor your hair carefully, what happens to your hair? Will it be drier? Then limit use even more.
Did you know that you can easily search for these products in our webshop? You can go to the shampoo collection, and then use the product property filter to find the clarifying shampoos from our range in no time.
You can also read a lot on the internet about rinsing with apple cider vinegar. We do not recommend this as it can cause the pH of your scalp to become unbalanced. It may feel fine the first few times, but in the longer term it can cause complaints such as itching, dandruff and irritation. Do you still want to do it? Then follow these tips:
Rinse with apple cider vinegar
This natural remedy can help you rid your hair and scalp of build-up. We mention this variant third. It is effective, but our preference is for point 1 or 2 because these products are specially formulated to wash our hair. When rinsing your curls with apple cider vinegar, it is useful to carefully read the explanation below.
This is also called an AVC rinse:
Buy a cloudy apple cider vinegar and dilute it with water. The following applies: 1 part apple cider vinegar to at least 2 parts water. Be careful not to get it in your eyes, because it will sting. Use it instead of or before your conditioner for optimal results! Apply it to your hair and especially your scalp and let it sit for a few minutes. And finished!
Additional tips against build-up
We have already given you a number of tips in this blog about preventing and remedying build-up. But, there are a number of additional tips that we would like to give you.
Shampoo and conditioner tips
We sometimes hear too often that people do not use shampoo . So, believe us: get that shampoo ! You don't have to wash your hair every day with shampoo: once a week is sufficient for most.
Do you have finer hair? And are you afraid that products are too heavy? Make sure you use our filters on the website: you can choose light products .
And, we have listed a number of useful tips for using shampoo and conditioner:
- Moisturize your hair really well. If necessary, take the shower head in your hand to thoroughly moisten your hair and turn your head to the left, right and forward.
- Really use your conditioner for the hair lengths, so avoid your scalp!
Use a scalp brush
Want to quickly wash your hair? Then you may not be cleaning all parts of your scalp properly. The solution? Use a scalp brush ! It has silicone pins and a handle so that you can massage the shampoo very well on your scalp. And it also gives a wonderful feeling!
Latic acid in your hair mask or conditioner
Did you know that certain ingredients in conditioners and masks can also help remove excess residue from your hair? An example of this is Lactic acid. It is a lactic acid that can help you remove build-up .
Leave-in and/or cream
Furthermore, it is useful to make a choice between using a leave-in or cream . Preferably do not choose both, but use one of the two. Why? These are often products that contain oils and butters to nourish your hair. If you use both, it may be a bit too much of a good thing, especially with finer hair!
Small amountsLess is more. Always start with small amounts if you use leave-in products, such as a leave-in conditioner, cream or stylers such as a gel or mousse. Use small amounts first and then carefully observe how your hair reacts.
Hard water, limescale and washing your hair
The water you wash your hair with or spray in your hair can also play a role in product buildup. Do you live in an area where hard water comes from the tap? The lime in the water can then form a layer around your hair, preventing your hair from breathing properly. Unfortunately, there is not always much you can do about this. You could possibly put a water filter on your shower head. There are also other solutions to prevent hard water. Are you unwilling or unable to take action? Then it is important to regularly use a clarifying shampoo .
Maybe you don't have a build-up
And finally, we'll make it a little bit more difficult for you. Because, maybe you don't suffer from build-up at all. You may also be using a shampoo that is not suitable for your hair. Do you wash your hair continuously and regularly with a clarifying shampoo? Then your scalp is continuously 'stripped'. Your scalp produces natural skin oil , which it does to protect your scalp and maintain a good balance. But, do you always use an aggressive cleaner? Then you wash this layer away each time. The result? That could be one of the symptoms we already indicated at the beginning of our blog.
On the other hand, it may also be that you do not have a good shampoo at home (i.e. a shampoo that is extremely mild) and you do not remove the dirt and residues every time. Would you like to know more about the right shampoo? Then read more here .
Good luck, we are sure that these tips will go a long way. Can't quite figure it out yet? Please leave a comment below.
