How to Remove Buildup on Colored Hair

Baking soda gently removes buildup without damaging hair color.

If you use styling products in your hair such as gel, mouse, hair spray or styling lotion, you may notice that your hair eventually becomes flat and lifeless. This is because the styling products leave a thin layer of residue on your hair that builds up over time. There are many clarifying shampoos that will remove this buildup with one use; however, these products are too harsh for color-treated hair and will remove the hair color as well as the buildup.

Things You'll Need

• Bowl
• Baking soda
• Water
• Shampoo
• Comb
• Hair dryer

Instructions

1. Pour 1 cup of water into a small bowl and add 1 1/4 tbsp. of baking soda. Mix the solution until the baking soda is completely dissolved.

2. Wet your hair thoroughly and apply all of the mixture onto your hair.

3. Massage your scalp and the rest of your hair just as you usually do when shampooing.

4. Rinse your hair thoroughly with clean water to remove all traces of the baking soda residue.

5. Squeeze a dime-sized amount of shampoo into your hand and apply it to your hair. Massage the shampoo into a lather, and then rinse it out completely with water.

6. Comb your hair to remove tangles and then dry and style as desired.

Tips & Warnings

• Repeat the treatment once per week to keep the buildup from re-forming on the hair.

References

• Be Jane: Should You Use a Clarifying Shampoo on Color Treated Hair?