10 Expert Tips to Treat and Prevent Product Build-Up

Advice from the Stylists at Arena Creative Hair

If you ticked "product build-up" on your consultation form — or suspect you might be dealing with it — you're not alone. Build-up is incredibly common and can easily be mistaken for greasy roots, dull lengths, or even an itchy scalp.

At Arena, we believe a clean, balanced scalp is essential for healthy, beautiful hair. But when layers of product accumulate, they can block follicles, weigh down the hair, and even interfere with your colour or treatment results. The good news? It’s entirely treatable — and preventable — with the right care and expert advice.

What Is Product Build-Up?

Product build-up occurs when residue from shampoos, conditioners, styling products, oils, and sprays doesn’t fully rinse away. Over time, this residue forms a layer on the scalp and hair shaft, leading to:

• A greasy or sticky feeling, even after washing
  
  

• Dull, lifeless hair that won’t hold style
  
  

• Flat roots or limp lengths
  
  

• An itchy or flaky scalp
  
  

• Colour or treatments not lasting as long
  
  

• A coated, heavy texture — like your hair just won’t “breathe”
  
  

Here’s how we recommend treating it:

1. Use a Clarifying Shampoo — But Gently

A weekly clarifying shampoo can help break down product residue and restore scalp balance. But be cautious — too much clarifying can strip your natural oils.

💡 Try: Kevin Murphy Maxi.Wash – a gentle detox shampoo that removes build-up without drying your scalp or lengths.

2. Avoid Silicone-Heavy Products

Many mainstream products contain silicones that coat the hair to create “shine” — but over time, they build up and prevent moisture from entering the hair shaft. Look for water-soluble, salon-quality products that don’t leave residue.

💡 All Kevin Murphy products used at Arena are weightless, sulphate-free, and free from heavy, non-soluble silicones.

3. Don’t Confuse Greasy Hair With Build-Up

If your roots still feel greasy right after washing, or your hair feels heavy or waxy, it may not be oil — it could be leftover product coating the scalp. Build-up often mimics greasiness and can be easily misdiagnosed.

4. Rinse Thoroughly — Always

Sometimes build-up is simply caused by not rinsing shampoo or conditioner out fully. Make sure to rinse for longer than you think, especially if you have thick or curly hair.

5. Don’t Overload on Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoo is a lifesaver — but overuse can clog follicles, dull your colour, and create an itchy scalp. Use it sparingly and always detox the scalp between uses.

💡 Try: Kevin Murphy Fresh.Hair – a lightweight, gentle dry shampoo ideal for occasional refreshes.

6. Clean Your Brushes & Tools Regularly

Your brushes, combs, and heat tools can harbour residue from styling products. Clean them regularly with warm soapy water or a dedicated brush cleaner.

7. Try a Scalp Scrub or Exfoliant

Just like your skin, your scalp benefits from gentle exfoliation. A scrub can lift residue, stimulate circulation, and leave your scalp feeling refreshed and flake-free.

💡 Try: Kevin Murphy Scalp.Spa Scrub – a pre-wash exfoliant that uses perlite and micellar water for a gentle, effective cleanse.

8. Reduce Layering of Styling Products

Less is often more. If you use a leave-in, a cream, an oil, and a hairspray every day — build-up is almost guaranteed. Try simplifying your routine with multi-use products.

9. Consider a Professional Detox Service

If your hair needs a fresh start, an in-salon detox can work wonders. At Arena, we offer professional cleansing treatments to gently but deeply remove product residue and rebalance the scalp. A 45 minute treatment to deep cleanse your scalp. This service can be added to the any service at Arena.

10. Book a Personal Hair & Scalp Consultation

Not sure whether it’s oil, build-up, or something else? Let us take a closer look. At Arena, we offer personalised consultations that take into account your hair routine, scalp health, and lifestyle — so we can build a care plan that actually works.

💬 Final Thoughts from the Arena Team

Build-up might feel frustrating, but it's entirely fixable — and with the right care, your hair can feel lighter, cleaner, and more vibrant in no time. Whether you're recovering from heavy styling habits or just need a reset, we’re here to help.

Book a hair consultation today