How to get rid of buildup on lackluster hair?

[CanadaSquirrel]

My hair has been so lackluster lately. Not sure if that word really describes what I mean. It doesn't feel nice to run my fingers through my hair. I liken the feel to peeling the skins off corn - just big hunks of solid stuff, not smooth silky threads. Similar to a horse's mane.

I'm wondering if maybe it's buildup from the shampoos and conditioners I've used. I usually use a shampoo from the health food store that doesn't have any of those bad things in it (can't recall the name right now but it's in a green bottle with square shoulders...maybe Avalon Organics or something like that... my back is really sore and I don't want to climb the stairs to look at the label in the bathroom).

However, I occasionally use the stuff one of my daughters uses on her hair, Pert Plus for oily hair. At first, it made my hair look and feel good, but I'm thinking it's built up now and needs to get scrubbed out somehow.

Also, the conditioner I use is cheap (Suave coconut scented) but I love the smell. At first, it made my hair look/feel good, but lately anything I use just doesn't work.

I've used expensive salon products over the years and personally I've not found much of a difference in them compared to the cheap stuff, so I just stick with the cheap stuff. Do they ALL just cause buildup after awhile?

Anyway, just wondered if anyone has any suggestions for getting rid of buildup. I sometimes use baking soda but don't know if that is good for the hair. Is it? If so, how much do you use? And what do you use for rinsing afterward? I've heard good things about apple cider vinegar, but don't know how much to use. What, dilute a bit of it in a plastic juice-jug full of water and dump it on my head for the final rinse? (I usually wash my hair kneeling over the edge of the bathtub, hanging my head under the tap).

Thanks,
Squirrel

[aenflex]

Clarify with clarifying shampoo, or try a chelating shampoo. Or baking soda. Goal is to remove everything and end up with 'fresh-start' hair. GL!

I mix baking soda and water and just a little teeny bit of clarifying poo and wash my hair with it. Sometimes twice. Then ACV and maybe a light conditioner. I don't think BS is bad for hair as long as its not your daily shampoo. The 2 in 1's are notorious for build up...

[CanadaSquirrel]

How do you use the ACV? Do you pour a bunch of it straight onto your hair, or dilute a certain amount in water and pour that over as the final rinse, or what?

I always have a bottle of Bragg's ACV in my cupboard, which I often drink in water (a capful per glass).

[jojo]

I second try clarifying I do this 3 times and then follow up with a moisturising conditioner which I leave on for a good 30 minutes, works every time I love my hair when its been clarified

[CanadaSquirrel]

What is a good brand of "clarifying shampoo" to use? And Jojo, you said you do this three times - do you mean three times in a row all in the same hair-washing session, or over the course of a few days?

[SpinDance]

I'll weigh in for the clarifying. Suave has a clarifying shampoo and conditioner that is inexpensive. You might also try switching product brands. I have best luck switching brands of conditioner and shampoo on a regular basis. I do this randomly, not on any particular cycle. Just what do I think my hair will 'like' this time.

Also, after clarifying you may need to do a deep conditioning treatment, since it can dry your hair out. I've only used the clarifying shampoo once, and it dried my already dry hair out rather significantly, however, it definitely gave me a 'start over' point.

Good luck, I'm sure you'll find what works for you.

[Carolyn]

It really sounds like build up to me. I think both Suave and VO5 have clarifying shampoos. I'm all about using the best things on my hair, but honestly a cheap clarifying shampoo will do just fine. The label will tell you if it's a clarifying shampoo. Follow your shampoo with a nice heaving moisturizing conditioner or a SMT. That's Snowy's Moisture Treatment. There are tons of posts about it. The basic recipe is one part honey, one part aloe vera, and 4 parts non cone conditioner. Some heat it in the microwave but I just glop it on my hair and use my heat cap.

[little_cherry]

I third/fourth clarifying. All I do is dissolve a tbs of baking soda into 2 cups of warm water, pour over my head, leave on for about 3-4 minutes, shampoo, ACV (1-2tbs to 2 cups of water) and then deep condition.

[GrowingGlory]

Avalon Organics makes a nice lemon clarifying shampoo and conditioner that I have used. They work well without stripping your hair until it is dry and prone to breakage.

[Kristin]

I like the V05 clarifying shampoo. Effective and cheap. I was not happy with the Lemon from Avalon Organics (and I like other products of theirs), but your results may vary.