Need shampoo rec for REALLY thick hair

[scout]

I have extremely thick hair. In the past couple of years, my stylists have been commenting that I have some "build up" on my hair, toward my scalp. I can feel it too--it's sticky or gummy. I don't use any product on my hair (no gels or sprays), and I use a clarifying shampoo (Aveda Scalp), I scrub and scrub and scrub, and rinse and rinse and rinse, and I still get it. It's embarassing, and I don't know what to do about it. We have hard water at home, and I don't know if that's the deal or if it's a hormonal thing, or if it's the shampoo I'm using.

[Anna Low]

I had the same issue when my hair was long. One product that helped was by Nexxus - it was a clarifying gel that was used for a few minutes about once a week in the shower, either before or after shampooing. It really stripped all of the product build up right out. I'm not sure if it is made any more, as my hair has been super short for more than 10 years now and don't use much in the way of styling products, but I do know that I could only find it in hair salons.

[scout]

Thanks for the recommendation!

[junkinmytrunk]

Scout, I've had several stylists tell me the best way to remove excess buildup and gunk from hair is....HEAD AND SHOULDERS. Seriously, it's heavy duty and really pulls the crap out. I never actually tried it but it's cheap so may well be worth doing. Oh, and I've heard to shampoo twice in a row and to just use it for a couple days every so often for best results.

[yby1]

I second the Head & Shoulders recommendation. I use it approx. twice a month to remove build-up. It works.

[FallingforPhil]

Ditto to the Head and Shoulders rec. My stylist commented on my severe dry scalp last time I was in. Between that and the general product buildup (curly hair= lots of product), it was pretty bad. I've been using the H&S for several weeks now and I've seen a HUGE improvement. I think I can probably go back to my normal shampoo and just use the H&S periodically, like yby mentioned.

[Sarah]

Also rinsing with vinegar/water helps. Mine is the same way and I rinse every week with white vinegar. Maybe a cup mixed with a couple cups of water? I rinse after shampooing but before conditioning. Helps.

[Sposa06]

I have really thick, wavy hair and use curl cream daily when I wear my hair down, and hairspray when I pull it back, so it always has some sort of product in it. Head & Shoulders really does work to get everything out of my hair. I use it once a week or once every couple of weeks. Good luck!

[Fenway]

Instead of Head and Shoulders, try the dandruff shampoo that makes the herbal line (I think it's the Selsum Blue brand.) It smells much, much better. I use it about twice a month. My hair isn't crazy thick, but I do get build up because I go a few days between washings.

[scout]

Wow! Thanks, everyone! I will take all of your suggestions! :)

[tgr68]

There are several things I do:

*Don't use shampoo.
*Use silicone-free conditioners (the silicone builds up on the hair shaft)
*Rinse once a week with apple cider vinegar mixed with water to combat hard water

Good luck!

[scout]

Thanks for the tips! :)