The one thing all specialists agree on when it comes to locs is that you should never use heavy styling products for your precious hair. This includes wax or hairspray. The reason is that they leave behind a huge quantity of build-up which is not easy to clean at all. Normal shampoos do not work on locs that have build-up in them. So how to remove product build-ups on your locs? No worries! We have a whole list of tips for you as well as some recipes you can try right at home!
What Is the Reason for Build-up in Locs?
Before we can get to the solution, we need to talk about the problem. It’s a lot easier to solve it if you know what caused it. Plus, if you are aware of the things that lead to build-up in your hair, you can avoid doing them in the future, thus eliminating the problem to begin with.
The first source of residue in locs is shampoos and conditioners.
The wrong kind, of course. They are made with saponified oils which come from vegetable or animal fats so that they can clean your hair. Their only problem is that they are immensely difficult to wash out using water. That’s why they stick to locked hair like glue.
Later on, once the hair is dry, the remnants of these shampoos and conditioners attract lint and dirt. Therefore, they form white, unattractive build-up that also starts to smell.
Are homemade shampoos better?
Not really, sorry. They still have a large quantity of lye and fats. They come in contact with the water and the metal ions found in it, turn into free fatty acids, and can stay in your hair for the longest of time.
Another problem that causes build-up in locs is the refusal to wash them regularly.
While it is true that locs do not get greasy as traditional hair does, this is not an excuse for improper hygiene.
While your hair is locked, your scalp will still produce sebum as well as dandruff. The combination between the two plus all the styling products you put it, not to mention the dirt, dust, and lint you attract, makes for a large amount of build-up in your hair.
And, lastly, another cause for residue is the styling products themselves.
Wax is a fantastic example of a styling product that is almost impossible to remove from your hair. It cannot be washed off with shampoo and water. Therefore, you have to intervene manually or with different concoctions that will literally melt it away, as you will see below.
How to Remove Product Build-ups on Your Locs
The first very simple thing you can do is stop using creamy shampoos and conditioners. As I’ve already explained above, they are the reason for a lot of build-up.
Instead, go for a clarifying formula. It was specially designed to clean heavy residues. Therefore, your dreads will feel happier and healthier.
Natural Solutions on How to Remove Product Build-ups on Your Locs
However, if you feel like shampoos just don’t do the trick for you at all, and you need something more natural and, perhaps, even stronger for cleaning your locs, here are some other solutions on how to remove product build-ups on your locs.
- Apple cider vinegar and warm water. Many people who have dreads report that this is the best formula if your build-up is stuck to your dreads and nothing else seems to work. The reason is that the apple cider vinegar acts like an acid, melting the dirt.
- Baking soda and warm water. The logic or science if you will is exactly the same as for the apple cider vinegar. The baking soda will dislodge all your residue.
- Lemon juice – you can use it on its own or mix it with some warm water. This works well on hair wax that you haven’t been able to get rid of with anything else.
Here’s a word of caution. Try not to get any of these substances in your eyes. Apart from that, do not use them if you have open wounds, blisters, sunburns or scabs. The same goes if your skin is pierced in any way. They are acid in nature and will burn your skin.
How to Remove Product Build-ups on Your Locs the Homemade Way
Here are the ingredients you will need:
- apple cider vinegar – 2 tablespoons
- baking soda – ½ to ¾ cup
- witch hazel – 1 to 1 ½
- lavender essential oil – 20 drops
- orange essential oil – 20 drops
- a large non-metallic bowl – you will use it to soak your locs
- warm water
Note – the lavender and orange essential oils are not mandatory. Buy and use whatever oils you like the most. However, keep in mind they have to be potent enough to cover up the vinegar smell in your hair.
The steps you will have to follow on how to remove product build-ups on your locs:
- In the bowl add half the witch hazel, half the essential oil drops of both kinds, and the baking soda.
- Add warm water until it is filled halfway. Mix everything in until they are blended.
- Soak your locs in the mixture for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Take them out and rinse them well.
- Drain the bowl.
- Add the rest of the essential oils, the apple cider vinegar, and the rest of the witch hazel. Add warm water until it is filled half way. Mix everything in until they are blended.
- Soak your locs in the mixture for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Rinse your hair as best as you can.
- Dry your locs.
The witch hazel, the vinegar, and the baking soda in this homemade recipe on how to remove product build-ups on your locs will work their magic and melt away all your residue.
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