Why Scalp Buildup Happens and How to Get Rid of It

Scalp buildup happens when natural oils, dead skin cells, sweat, and haircare product residues accumulate on your scalp. 

While some buildup is normal, too much can lead to flakes, itchiness, irritation, and even hair problems like shedding or dullness. But don’t worry: With the right care and knowledge, you can tackle scalp buildup head-on. 

Whether you’re dealing with occasional buildup or a more persistent problem, we’ve outlined scalp buildup causes, how to spot the signs, and the best scalp care tips to prevent and treat it.

First things first: What exactly is accumulating on your scalp? Typically, scalp buildup results from one or more of the following things: 

• Natural oils (sebum)

• Dead skin cells

• Sweat

• Leftover product residue

A little buildup is normal, but when it gets to a certain point, you’re more likely to notice it, as it may start to itch and be more visually apparent. 

The good news is scalp buildup isn’t permanent. With a little TLC, you can kick this unwanted visitor to the curb and help your scalp breathe easier again. 

Not sure if you’re dealing with scalp buildup or something else? Skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis can cause similar symptoms, but they require different treatments. Here are some red flags that might indicate scalp buildup: 

• Greasy or waxy scalp. If your scalp feels like it’s auditioning for a role as a non-stick surface, buildup might be to blame. Excess oils and residue can leave your scalp feeling perpetually slick. See our guide on how to stop greasy hair in men for more.

• Flakiness. Scalp buildup may cause flakes to form around your skin and hair. Unlike dandruff, which can cause white, dry flakes, the flaky scalp from buildup often comes with an oily texture.

• Itchiness or irritation. That nagging urge to scratch? It could be that your itchy scalp is trying to tell you it’s suffocating under layers of scalp gunk.

• Unpleasant odor. If your scalp is giving off a funky smell despite your best shampooing efforts, buildup may be the culprit. Trapped oils and sweat can lead to unwanted aromas.

• Dull or shedding hair. Is your hair looking more "meh" than marvelous? Buildup can weigh it down, leaving it dull and lifeless. Worse, it might clog hair follicles and lead to more shedding than normal. 

• Redness. Buildup can irritate the skin on your scalp, causing redness or even tender spots. If it’s starting to look and feel inflamed, it’s time to take action to determine the root cause(s).

Buildup on your scalp may not seem like a pressing issue for your health, but it’s possible to experience some complications if you don’t address it. 

For example, if buildup is left alone, it can create an environment on your scalp in which harmful microbes thrive. 

These bacteria and debris can cause your follicles to become inflamed—a condition called folliculitis—and can eventually turn into something more serious, like cellulitis or an abscess that requires immediate medical attention. 

Fortunately, these types of complications can be avoided with a little more awareness of your scalp health and preventive habits to keep residue to a minimum. And that’s crucial, because a healthy scalp is important for healthy hair growth.

Can Scalp Buildup Cause Hair Loss?

Scalp buildup doesn’t just weigh down your hair and make your scalp feel (or smell) weird. If left unaddressed, it may eventually also affect its normal growth. 

Why? When oils, dead skin, and product residue pile up, they can clog and inflame your hair follicles, essentially putting them on a forced vacation. 

This folliculitis can ultimately cause the more serious effects mentioned above while weakening your hairs at the roots and encouraging them to fall out more easily.

While scalp buildup itself doesn’t directly cause permanent hair loss, the temporary shedding it triggers can make your hair look thinner. 

But don’t panic. Once you clear out the buildup, your follicles can bounce back to normal.

Scalp buildup doesn’t happen out of nowhere—it’s often a mix of natural factors and your hair habits. It doesn’t necessarily mean you have a dirty scalp, but it is probably an indication that you need to adjust something in your routine.

Natural Substances

Your scalp is a busy place, producing oil (sebum) and shedding dead skin cells. However, when these natural substances aren’t adequately washed away, they can accumulate.

Sweat is another culprit—especially after workouts or particularly hot days—mixing with oils and dead skin to create the perfect storm for buildup. It sounds gross, we know, but it can happen to any of us. 

Natural scalp buildup is sort of like when you leave the dishes in the sink too long—it starts to pile up, requiring more immediate attention. 

Product Residue

It’s just as important to clean up after your go-to haircare products as it is to use them as directed. 

Overusing products like gels, pomades, sprays, or even dry shampoo can create a stubborn layer that doesn’t always rinse out with regular shampooing. 

Add infrequent washing or an insufficient rinse into the mix, and your scalp might start to feel like it’s stuck under a film of buildup. This residue not only suffocates your scalp but also weighs your hair down (which is probably the opposite of why you use the product).

Scalp buildup is usually team effort, a combination of your body’s natural production and your grooming habits. The key to avoiding it is a solid cleansing routine that keeps your scalp happy.

Getting rid of buildup doesn’t require a complete overhaul of your routine—just a few targeted tweaks for scalp buildup treatment. Here’s how to hit the refresh button:

1. Stick to a Regular (and Thorough) Washing Routine

Consistency is key. Wash your hair regularly with a shampoo made for your hair type. And before adding shampoo, give your scalp a good rinse so the product lathers and cleans better. 

Here are some specific ingredients to look for in your shampoo depending on your type of hair and scalp: 

• Average, normal hair: Sodium laureth sulfate helps remove excess oil. With that being said, sulfates aren’t great for everyone and may cause frizziness and more dryness for some. If you prefer to go sulfate-free, we offer volumizing shampoo and dandruff zinc shampoo that may fit the bill (and even have anti-microbial benefits).

• Dry or damaged hair: Cleansers that contain silicone, ivy agave (a natural surfactant or cleanser), sarcosines (conditioning agents), alkanolamides (mild cleansers), or sodium lauraminopropionates (often found in baby shampoos) can help remove buildup on dry or damaged hair without worsening symptoms.

• Oily hair: Sulfosuccinates, which target oil removal.

• Sensitive scalp skin: Avoid parabens, fragrance, formalin, hexachlorophene, and miranols in shampoos as these are more likely to cause further irritation like contact dermatitis. 

Finally, if you have oily hair or use heavy products, you may need to shampoo more often. Make sure to rinse your hair thoroughly to avoid leaving behind any lingering residue on your scalp. 

2. Use a Clarifying Shampoo

Clarifying shampoos are like a deep-cleaning crew for your scalp.

Designed to remove stubborn buildup, they’re especially helpful if you use a lot of styling products. Use one every 1 to 2 weeks to give your scalp a fresh start.

3. Exfoliate Your Scalp

Just like skin anywhere else on your body, your scalp benefits from exfoliation. 

However, more pressure isn’t better. Use a gentle scalp scrub or shower brush to remove dead skin cells and loosen buildup without causing irritation or damage. You could even get a scalp massager.

Aim to keep your scalp smooth and free of debris by exfoliating once a week.

Need a little more direction? Follow our guide to scalp exfoliation.

4. Apply Targeted Scalp Treatments

If your buildup is fungal-related (hello, stubborn dandruff), consider antifungal shampoos or treatments with ingredients like ketoconazole or tea tree oil. 

There’s also evidence that apple cider vinegar (yep, the bottle in your kitchen cabinet will do) has antibacterial properties. 

While there’s not enough research to say whether it helps prevent scalp folliculitis, many people say rinsing with a diluted apple cider vinegar solution may help kill irritating microbes. Learn more about apple cider vinegar benefits for hair.

For dryness, look for hydrating masks or lemongrass oil to restore balance without clogging your scalp.

5. Hydrate

The adult body is made up of at least 60 percent fluids at any given time, which fluctuates due to factors like sweating and using the restroom. It’s important to stay hydrated, even if you’re not thirsty yet. 

Dehydration can also make an already dry scalp go into overdrive with oil production. Make it a habit to regularly drink water throughout the day. If it gets boring, try infusing it with lemon or cucumber slices or rotating in herbal teas or unsweetened seltzers. 

6. Avoid Overloading on Products

Less is more when it comes to styling. Stick to lightweight products and avoid layering too many at once. If you use heavy products, make sure to clean your scalp thoroughly to prevent excess product buildup

You can also consider using conditioner only on the ends of your hair. Your scalp doesn’t always need more moisture and product, especially if it already has buildup. 

7. Brush Your Hair

We get it—the naturally-touseled bedhead look is in, but keeping your hair brushed and detangled is a key step in preventing scalp buildup. 

Regularly brushing your hair can help distribute oil so it doesn’t all accumulate in one area. 

Consider using a bristle brush, which can be made with synthetic bristles or natural ones from boar hair. Be gentle and start with your tips, working your way up to the hair closer to the scalp. 

8. Consult a Professional if Needed

Your hair stylist can be a wealth of knowledge regarding the best products for your hair type and tips for reducing scalp buildup. 

If your buildup persists despite your best efforts—or it’s accompanied by severe itching, redness, or hair loss—it’s time to consult a dermatologist or healthcare provider. 

There might be an underlying condition that requires targeted treatment.

Scalp buildup can happen to anyone, but it’s not inevitable. Prevention starts with a little consistency and scalp care. Here are a few ways to stay ahead of scalp buildup: 

• Wash and rinse thoroughly. Clean your scalp regularly with a shampoo suited to your hair type, and take your time rinsing to remove all product residue.

• Use products sparingly. Try not to rely on heavy products day in and day out. Stick to lightweight hair products, and avoid overloading with heavy gels or pomades.

• Incorporate clarifying shampoos. Use a clarifying shampoo every 1 to 2 weeks to give your scalp a deep clean and remove stubborn buildup.

• Exfoliate. Gently exfoliate your scalp with a shower scrub or bristle brush to prevent dead skin cells, sebum, and debris from accumulating.

Scalp buildup might be a common issue, but it’s entirely manageable (and often preventable) with the right care. Keep these tips in mind if you’re dealing with natural buildup, product residue, or both: 

• Recognize the signs. If you have a greasy scalp, flakes, dull hair, more hair shedding than usual, or you notice a weird smell coming from up there, you may have scalp buildup that needs to be addressed. 

• Prevention is your best bet. Scalp buildup is treatable, but having a prevention-first approach is even better. Keep excess oil and product at bay by maintaining a consistent (and effective) washing and rinsing routine, choosing the right products for your hair type, using said products sparingly, and exfoliating your scalp regularly.

• Hydrate. Hydration for your hair starts on the inside. Make it a habit to regularly sip on water throughout the day to replenish fluid loss and prevent dehydration. 

If you’re trying to get rid of scalp buildup and home remedies aren’t doing the trick, it’s always best to consult a healthcare provider or dermatology specialist. 

They will be better equipped to examine what’s going on with your scalp and recommend personalized treatment options. 

Want to explore more men’s hair care tips? Check out our hair health blog.