How to Inexpensively Remove Hair Product Build Up

Hair products, as well as oil and dirt, can build up on your hair making it seem dull and lifeless. While you can buy special "clarifying" shampoos to help remove product build up from your hair, there is another cheap and inexpensive way to do this as well.
Chances are you already have what you need in your kitchen cupboard.
It's also safe and environmentally friendly.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Baking soda
• Water
• Measuring Cup
• Measuring Spoons
• Hair conditioner

1. Fill a large measuring cup with warm water. Two cups is a good amount.

2. Put in a tablespoon of baking soda into the water and stir. You can use more or less baking soda if desired.

3. Lean over a sink and pour the baking soda and water mixture onto your hair, covering it so your hair becomes thoroughly wet.

4. Massage your hair like you are shampooing it, paying close attention to your scalp. The baking soda will start pulling the hair products and grease from your hair. If the build up is very strong your hair might feel kind of slimy as you "shampoo" it with the baking soda and water mixture.

5. Rinse your hair thoroughly.

6. Apply hair conditioner to your hair. Baking soda is great for removing grease and oils, so it can be drying to hair, so you will need to moisturize your hair after you have used it. Rinse the conditioner out, unless you are using a leave in conditioner.

7. Dry and style your hair as usual.

Tips & Warnings

• Adjust the amounts of water and baking soda to fit your needs. You may find you need less baking soda for your hair type, for example.
• Baking soda can remove the healthy oils from your hair as well as the product build up, thus leaving it dry. So be sure to only do this occasionally and to use a good hair conditioner afterward.

[slphilbrick]

on 7/18/2009 Excellent tip ! I've heard of salt for this, but it's much harsher on the hair than baking soda.