How To Detox Your Hair at Home
by BRENDA L. / FEB 21, 2022
Reading Time: 7 Minutes
Index
You may have heard about detox diets and detox facials, but did you know your hair deserves a refreshing cleanse too? Hair detox is the latest beauty craze taking the industry by storm and trust us – it feels incredible! If you feel like your hair needs a refresh, you're not alone. Our easy-to-follow guide on how to detox your hair at home is designed just for you. With effective methods for detoxing your hair and scalp, you can restore their natural shine and health in no time. Trusted by beauty enthusiasts, our detox tips will help you achieve a healthier, more vibrant look with simple at-home treatments. So, why wait? Get ready to explore our guide and discover how to detox your hair and scalp for the revitalization they truly deserve!
Hair Detox 101: What Is A Hair Detox?
Let’s start with the basics. What is a hair detox? The answer is quite simple. To detox your hair means to give your scalp a deep cleanse, the kind of treatment that helps you restart your hair care routine after years and years of low-quality shampoo and conditioner, treatments, relaxers and what not. If you’ve been wearing clip-in hair extensions for extended periods of time, there’s also a good chance you will need to give a good rinse to your scalp (and don’t forget to periodically wash your hair extensions too).
What Are The Benefits Of Hair Detox?
Detoxifying your hair helps you rebalance your scalp, getting rid of the suffocating product and protein build-up, and it removes the toxins from hair that have been exposed to air pollution.
With the right detoxifying routine, you also protect your hair from the damage of sun exposure and UV rays; last but not least, as it’s a scalp nourishing treatment, it stimulates your hair follicles – promoting your hair growth – and it restores dull and lifeless hair. So? Why are we not resorting to this technique immediately?
Hair Detox 101: How To Remove Product Build-up From Hair At Home?
If you’re a fan of DIY or you’re simply looking to reduce the cost of your beauty routine, don’t worry: once again, we got you covered. Hair detoxing doesn’t have to drain your finances to make your scalp happy and healthy. As per usual, whenever trying a product within the comfort of your own home, always remember to do a patch test before applying anything to your scalp – and rinse it immediately if the mix feels uncomfortable on your skin. Now, let’s have a look at the main steps of a hair detox routine!
Hair Detox 101: DIY Hair Detox Mask Ideas
First, on the list, we have a curious idea: a bentonite clay powder based scalp and hair treatment.
Ingredients:
- Bentonite clay powder
- Apple cider vinegar
- Aloe vera gel
Instructions:
- Combine ½ cup of bentonite clay powder, apple cider vinegar and aloe vera gel.
- Spread on your scalp, working your way down the shaft of your hair.
- Tuck your hair in a shower cap and let the product sit for around half an hour. Make sure the mixture doesn’t dry out whilst sitting on your hair.
- Rinse your hair with a mix of water and 1 cup of white vinegar, then let it sit for 3 minutes.
- Wash with a clarifying shampoo
- (optional, you can follow up with a shine boost apple cider vinegar rinse)
And if your hair is more on the greasy side, this might be just the thing you need: the same recipe, but swapping the clay with lemon juice.
Ingredients:
- Aloe vera gel
- Apple cider vinegar
- Lemon juice
Instructions:
- Mix the apple cider vinegar and lemon juice together, making sure you give them a nice stir to help with the final consistency of your hair mask.
- Add the aloe vera gel and mix until you get an even texture and cohesive consistency.
- Apply on your scalp and hair! Ideally, this mask would need to sit overnight for a stronger effect. If you’re in a hurry, half an hour will do.
- Rinse well and proceed with your regular shampoo and conditioner routine.
Hair Detox 101: Massage Your Scalp
Giving some love to your scalp is an essential and yet overlooked practice. Why would one think that a massage can work wonders on your back and shoulders, but wouldn’t apply the same concept to their own hair?
Like a regular skin massage, any friction applied to your scalp should be gentle and accompanied by a soothing essential oil. Depending on your hair and scalp type, there are many different oils that you can choose from. Here’s a list with the essentials:
- Coconut Oil: moisturises damaged hair
- Olive Oil: best moisturiser for thick and processed, damaged hair
- Jojoba Oil: perfect moisturiser for damaged hair and itchy scalp
- Argan Oil: improves scalp health and protects against hair damage and loss
- Lavender Oil: soothing oil for irritated scalp, promotes hair growth
- Castor Oil: powerful moisturiser, soothing, has antifungal properties
Hair Detox 101: Choose The Best Detox Shampoos
When it comes to shampoos, you want to pick the right cleansing product for your hair type. When your scalp is unhealthy and your hair overly treated, it can be tricky to know what exactly your hair type is. For example, is your hair really greasy because of hormonal factors, or is it just the result of your scalp struggling with protein and product build-up? Is your hair thin, thick, damaged or coloured? All these factors play an important role in deciding what detox shampoo and conditioner are the best for you, otherwise, you will keep on damaging your own hair and scalp and preventing them from reaching their optimal shine and softness levels. As you can see from the DIY recipes above, Aloe vera is a wonderful, powerful ally against toxins. Therefore, ideally, you want to start looking for products that are Aloe based (make sure that it’s 100% natural Aloe vera). Another great ingredient present in many detox recipes is aquatic mint, that with its antioxydant properties provides a refreshing, cooling sensation.
Clarifying shampoo is a great option for the more aggressive build-up and to rinse out oil-based masks and such; designed to get rid of grease without being too aggressive on your strands, it’s a great option for coloured hair as well. This type of shampoo is the perfect choice for those looking to get rid of hard water minerals residues and styling products’ build-up.
Hair Detox 101: Use The Right Tools
Wide-toothed combs, a detangling brush and a scalp scrubber will be your best friends, to detangle your hair with no damage and to stimulate your scalp during shower time.
A scalp scrubber should always be used underwater, moving it in a circular motion to rinse out any residues of your detox mask for example. It can also be used to apply conditioner or your mask (if its consistency is smooth enough).
Hair Detox 101: Ditch The Heat
Yep, you read that right. I know how important is to have your hair always look on point, and a lot of times this includes heat-based styling that will save you a lot of time. If you can’t give up on this daily styling process, you may want to consider investing in heatless styling methods and practising with Velcro rollers and flexirods to style your hair overnight. And every time you have to resort to heat-based styling tools, don’t forget to protect your hair with a heat protecting spray, to shield from further heat damage. Last but not least, if you’re wearing hair extensions, don’t forget to moisturise your hair daily.
Hair Detox 101: Conclusion
As you embark on your hair detox journey, keep in mind that transformation doesn’t happen overnight. Results from treatments like a clay mask may start to show around a week later, so patience is essential. For a successful hair detox, begin by incorporating natural ingredients that cleanse and revitalize both your hair and scalp. It's equally important to minimize the use of heat styling tools to prevent further damage. Establishing a consistent routine will be crucial, as sticking to your detox regimen is key to seeing lasting results. Additionally, pay attention to how your hair reacts to different conditions – whether it’s the dryness of winter or the sun’s exposure in summer. For those with damaged or heavily treated hair, recovery may take a bit longer, but the results will be worth the wait. To complement your detox routine and support your journey toward healthier hair, explore Cliphair’s premium hair care products, specifically designed to nourish and protect your locks. Remember, knowing how to detox your scalp is just as vital for achieving the luscious hair you desire!
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FAQs
How often should I detox my hair for optimal results?
For optimal results, it's generally recommended to detox your hair every four to six weeks. This frequency allows you to remove buildup without over-stripping your hair of its natural oils. However, individual needs may vary based on factors such as hair type, styling habits, and product usage.
What products are recommended for a hair detox?
For an effective hair detox, look for clarifying shampoos , which are specifically designed to remove product buildup and impurities. Some popular ingredients include activated charcoal, apple cider vinegar, and bentonite clay. Additionally, detoxifying masks or scrubs can provide deep cleansing and nourishment. Always ensure that the products are suitable for your hair type to avoid dryness or damage.
Can hair extensions be safely used during a detox?
Hair extensions can typically be used during a hair detox, but caution is advised. It's best to avoid heavy oils or treatments that could cause buildup on the extensions. If using a clarifying shampoo, ensure that it’s safe for your extensions to prevent damage. Consulting with a stylist can help you make the best choices regarding the care of both your natural hair and extensions during this process.
How do I know if my hair needs a detox?
Signs that your hair may need a detox include a dull appearance, lack of volume, excessive tangling, and increased oiliness or dryness. Additionally, if you've been using a lot of styling products or heat tools, you might notice that your hair feels heavy or coated. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, as well as an itchy, flake or irritated scalp, it’s likely time for a detox to restore your hair's health and vibrancy.