Having color-treated hair can be fun and allow you to express your style. However, frequent coloring can lead to buildup of dye, minerals, and other residues in your hair. This buildup can make your hair feel heavy, dry and look dull. Getting buildup out of color-treated hair requires using the right combination of clarifying and moisturizing products to remove buildup without stripping your hair. With some simple adjustments to your hair care routine, you can keep your color-treated hair looking vibrant and healthy.
Understand what causes buildup in color-treated hair
There are a few key culprits that contribute to buildup in color-treated hair:
- Hair dye and other coloring agents – These contain chemicals, including peroxide, ammonia, and alcohol, that can build up on the hair cuticle over time.
- Mineral deposits from hard water – Minerals like calcium and magnesium attach to hair and leave behind a chalky residue.
- Product residue – Silicones, waxes, and oils found in many hair products can congeal and coat the hair.
- Pollution and environmental factors – Things like dust, dirt, and smoke particles cling to hair strands.
- Sebum and oil – Naturally produced oils and dead skin cells also accumulate.
This buildup weighs hair down, makes it feel rough, interrupts moisture absorption and reflects light differently, resulting in lackluster color and shine.
Clarify your hair to remove buildup
The first step in removing buildup from color-treated hair is to clarify it. Clarifying is the process of deep cleansing the hair to get rid of residue. This should be done 1-2 times per month.
There are a few ways to clarify:
- Use a clarifying shampoo – These shampoos contain stronger surfactants that penetrate and dissolve buildup. Look for ingredients like sulfates or EDTA. Use as directed, focusing on the roots and lengths.
- Try an apple cider vinegar rinse – The acidic ACV helps break up mineral residue. Mix 1 part vinegar with 1-3 parts water. Rinse hair thoroughly after.
- Use a clarifying treatment – These concentrated treatments often contain citric acid, clay, or chelating agents to dissolve buildup.
When clarifying, massage your scalp well and let the product sit for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Follow up with a good conditioner.
Use a chelating shampoo
A chelating shampoo is a great maintenance product to use 1-2 times per week if you have hard water or frequent buildup. These contain chelating agents like EDTA that latch onto minerals and wash them away before they have a chance to attach to your hair.
Limit use of heavy products
While oils, butters, silicones, and waxes can help smooth and protect your hair, they can also lead to buildup if overused. Try to use them sparingly, focus on lighter leave-in creams and alternate between moisture-rich and protein-rich products to maintain balance.
Use dry shampoo correctly
Dry shampoo is useful for refreshing your hair between washes, but incorrect application can contribute to buildup. Apply it to clean hair and massage it thoroughly into your roots. Overusing dry shampoo or not brushing it out fully after use lets starch accumulate.
Brush and scalp massage
Regularly massaging your scalp and brushing helps distribute your hair’s natural oils down the hair shaft and removes dirt and dead cells. Use a boar bristle brush or soft plastic bristles. Brush before washing as well.
Rinse with cool water
Rinsing out your shampoo and conditioner with cool water helps seal the cuticle down and rinse away residuals. It also adds shine by reflecting more light.
Get regular trims
Getting a trim every 6-8 weeks gets rid of any damaged, split ends where buildup accumulates. This helps prevent breakage and keeps your hair looking healthy.
Use a clarifying shampoo before coloring
Be sure to clarify your hair before applying more color to remove any buildup. This helps the hair better absorb new dye.
Deep condition after clarifying
Clarifying can strip your hair, so it’s important to follow up with a hydrating deep conditioner. Let it sit under a shower cap for 15-30 minutes for maximum nourishment.
Protect hair from chlorine and saltwater
Chlorine from pools and salt from the ocean can build up in hair and fade color. Always wet your hair with clean water and apply a protective cream before swimming.
Use hard water filters
Installing showerhead filters that remove calcium, magnesium and other minerals from tap water can help minimize mineral deposits on color-treated hair when washing.
Get salon clarifying treatments
For a deeper clarifying process, occasional salon treatments can help reset your hair. Many offer purifying mud or charcoal masques, drying creams, or Malibu crystal gel treatments to dissolve buildup.
Conclusion
Here are some key tips to summarize how to get buildup out of color-treated hair:
- Clarify 1-2 times per month with a shampoo, vinegar rinse, or salon treatment
- Use chelating shampoos to prevent mineral buildup
- Avoid overusing heavy products like oils, butters and silicones
- Brush hair thoroughly and massage scalp
- Rinse with cool water and trim split ends regularly
- Deep condition and protect hair from chlorine and saltwater
- Install showerhead filters if you have hard water
With a consistent routine focused on gentle clarifying and deep conditioning, you can keep your color vibrant and your hair feeling soft, shiny, and free of buildup.
| Clarifying Method | How it Works | How Often to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Clarifying shampoo | Contains surfactants that dissolve product buildup | 1-2 times per month |
| Apple cider vinegar rinse | Acidity helps break up mineral deposits | 1-2 times per month |
| Chelating shampoo | Binds to mineral ions and removes them | 1-2 times per week |
| Deep conditioning | Restores moisture to hair after clarifying | After each clarifying treatment |