Why Does My Hair Feel Waxy – Reasons & How to Fix It?

It can be a hassle to wash your hair, especially if it’s very long, but it can also feel so good! Nothing feels better than a head of shiny, bouncy hair that has just been shampooed. Sometimes, however, washing can leave you asking, “why does my hair feel waxy?” Learn the causes of waxy hair and how to prevent it by reading on.

The ingredients in the products we use, including wax itself, are one of the most common causes of waxy-feeling hair.

What is Waxy Hair?

Several factors can cause waxy hair. Product buildup is the most frequent cause of waxy-feeling hair. Next, stress and other health problems can result in waxy hair.

Your hair may also feel waxy as a result of harsh chemical treatments or specific medications. Finally, waxy hair may result from hard water. “Waxy” hair is hair that feels sticky, gunky, or greasy even after washing.

After washing your hair, you might notice that it lacks the bounce or shine you usually expect, or you might feel grease on your fingers when you touch it. You might experience itching on your scalp and find that you need to wash your hair more frequently to make it feel clean.

Why You Have Waxy Hair

Oil Build Up

The sebaceous glands in our scalp produce sebum, which is an oleaginous substance. Due to the natural conditioner and UV protection it offers, it keeps our hair moisturized and healthy.

When everything is in order, our hair’s sebum is distributed uniformly from the roots to the tips. However, mishaps do occur occasionally.

Numerous factors, such as overusing styling products, using the incorrect shampoo or conditioner, or even seasonal changes (hello, winter hat hair! ), can cause this.).

The sebum can cause a variety of issues, such as dandruff, an itchy scalp, and yes—waxy hair—when it becomes trapped on the scalp as opposed to being distributed evenly.

When this takes place, the oil accumulates and causes the hair to become heavy and greasy.

Product Build-up

Your hair might appear lifeless and dull as a result of product buildup. In order to prevent moisture and oils from entering or leaving the hair shaft, the build-up forms a barrier on the hair shaft. Therefore, your hair is unable to breathe. (Read More: How To Get Rid Of Buildup From Hair)

This can irritate the scalp as well as make your hair appear unhealthy. A irritated scalp is never a good time, as we are all aware.

Make sure to use a clarifying shampoo once every two weeks or so to get rid of any accumulation to prevent product build-up.

Regarding the items you use on your hair, you should exercise caution. Instead of using products with silicones or sulfates that will leave a residue, choose lightweight, water-based formulas.

Also Read: How Long Does Your Hair Have to Be to Wax

Using the Wrong Shampoo

Using the incorrect shampoo can occasionally be the cause of a problem.

For instance, if you have oily skin, you should avoid using creamy, moisturizing shampoos because they may exacerbate your oiliness.

As an alternative, look for a volumizing or clarifying formula that will help to get rid of extra oils and give your hair some much-needed lift.

Not Rinsing Your Hair Properly

Product build-up may be to blame if you’ve noticed that your once-shiny strands are now looking a little lackluster.

Poor rinsing, however, is yet another potential offender. Shampoo and conditioner can be left in your hair if you don’t thoroughly rinse it out, which can result in dull, lifeless hair.

Start by thoroughly wetting your hair with warm water to ensure proper rinsing.

Next, massage your scalp for roughly 60 seconds while using a generous amount of shampoo.

Rinse well, and if necessary, repeat. Because leaving conditioner in the hair for too long can cause it to become weighed down, be sure to thoroughly rinse it out.

Hard Water

Your hair might feel particularly waxy after washing if your water is hard. This is due to the presence of minerals in hard water, such as calcium and magnesium, which can bind to the hair and scalp and cause buildup.

There are some steps you can take to lessen the effects of hard water if you believe it may be the cause.

How Do You Get Rid of Waxy Build-up in Your Hair?

There are three reliable methods you can try, and they’re all pretty simple.

1. Use a Shampoo That Contains Surfactants.

Although we adore gentle and mild shampoos, there are times when the product buildup in our hair really just needs a little chemical help. Surfactants will disintegrate and eliminate any unwanted silicones and oils that are hiding on the cuticle of your hair. However, you should always read the labels! Assure yourself that the shampoo you buy contains either surfactants, sodium laureth sulfate, ammonium laureth sulfate, or Cocamidopropyl betaine. Verify again that none of the silicones mentioned above are present on the label. It would be a complete murder-suicide for your attempts to regrow hair. You can even use this shampoo sparingly, switching back to your preferred brand when you feel the need, or you can use a shampoo with disinfectants instead of your usual one.

2. We Love a Good Clarifying Shampoo – Use One for Silicone Build-up!

Simply put, a clarifying shampoo is an upscale, potent, and more expensive shampoo. They contain more and stronger surfactants than your typical shampoos, which is why they work. Although you shouldn’t use them too frequently, they are also extremely safe to use. Consider it a complete reset of your hair for a new beginning. They are typically also available for purchase at your neighborhood salon or hairdresser. After clarifying, we would advise using a really good conditioner or treatment to give your hair some love and moisture. Do not forget to frequently clarify if you use silicone-containing products!

3. a Soap Scrub. Rub-a-dub-dub!

A great hard soap scrub is something that many of our hairfluencers have praised. It is a time-honored method for thoroughly cleaning your hair, particularly your scalp, and it also has some exfoliating advantages. Look, it’s not intended to take the place of shampoo. Following a thorough shampooing, you would scrub your hair for at least two minutes with a bar of soap or lathered curd soap. Even some hairfluencers have been known to gush about soap bars. If the other approaches aren’t working, anything is worth a shot, right? Your hair will be damaged by this, so try to deep condition after.

How to Prevent Waxy Hair and Silicone Build-up

Depending on your hair type and hair care routine, you can try the following tips and tricks to help prevent future build-up in your hair:

• As frequently as necessary, wash your hair. Generally you can wash your scalp and hair once a day to once a week, depending on your hair’s needs
• Use a clarifying shampoo as required to help detox, deep clean and re-set your hair
• Clean your hairbrushes and styling tools as often as possible
• Avoid your hair’s roots when using a conditioner
• Thoroughly clean your towels, hats, beanies, pillowcases, etc
• Read labels to see how many of the products you use contain silicone, and try find alternatives if required

If none of these options or techniques are successful for you or your hair, it may be time to consult a dermatologist, dietician, doctor, or hairdresser about any underlying conditions you may have that could be causing changes in your hair. Please seek professional medical advice if you are still concerned about your hair or if you experience any other related symptoms that you want evaluated because these can be hormonal or medical.

Conclusion

Hair that feels waxy is hair that is rigid, limp, greasy, or gooey. It typically means that your hair has product buildup or has been harmed, either by the environment or through overuse of chemicals.

Use sulfate-free shampoos, get your hair cut, and take precautions against further damage to your hair to treat waxy hair.

FAQs