What to look at
Notice whether the roots feel oily (slick, darker, separated) or coated (waxy, dull, rough). Oil comes from the scalp and returns quickly; build-up comes from products and lingers between washes.
Change one thing on your next wash
Pick one for your next wash:
- Wash your scalp as often as it gets oily, even if that is more often than your lengths need.
- Massage shampoo into the scalp only and let the suds rinse through the lengths.
- Keep conditioner, leave-in and oils off the first inch or two.
- Rinse conditioner out thoroughly.
- Clarify once in place of your regular shampoo if the roots feel coated.
- Between washes, refresh the lengths only.
When this is not the answer
A scalp that is oily and also red, itchy or flaking may need more than a different wash routine; persistent flaking or itching is worth showing a dermatologist.
Products that do this job
A regular shampoo for your scalp, and a clarifying shampoo for occasional resets.
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