How to Remove Product Build-Up

1️⃣ Clarify Your Hair

✔ Use a deep-cleansing product, l recommend Innersense Organic Beauty -Detox Hair Mask to start breaking down the build-up. If you have significant build-up, you may need to clarify weekly before switching to a balanced cleansing routine. If this is the case, it is best to start this process at least 3-4 weeks before your appointment to allow your hair to adjust and ensure optimal results.

✔ Make sure to thoroughly massage your scalp and hair to remove impurities.

✔ Rinse well to ensure all product is washed away.

2️⃣ Stop Using Heavy Products

✔ Avoid products containing non-water-soluble silicones, petroleum, mineral oil, or excessive butters.

✔ Switch to lightweight, water-soluble products that allow your hair to absorb moisture properly.

3️⃣ Replenish & Strengthen

✔ While the detox process is gentle (if using Innersense Organic Beauty as recommended), using a hydrating conditioner helps maintain moisture and softness.

4️⃣ Maintain a Healthy Routine

✔Continue using curl-friendly, build-up-free products to keep your hair in optimal condition.

✔Incorporate occasional clarifying washes (every 4-6 weeks) to prevent new build-up.

Please Note, If build-up has been present for a long time, fully removing it may take up to 14 or more washes for complete detoxification. Be patient and consistent with your cleansing routine.

What is Product Build-Up, and Why Does It Matter?

Product build-up happens when ingredients like silicones, waxes, petroleum-based oils, and heavy butters coat the hair, preventing moisture from penetrating. Over time, this can lead to weighed-down curls, dryness, and a lack of definition. If you've been using these types of products, a gentle detox can help restore your curls' natural health and bounce.

Step-by-Step Removal Process

Ready to give your curls the care they deserve?

Sulphates and Curly Hair: What You Need to Know

Instead, look for gentle, sulphate-free cleansers that respect your scalp and support moisture retention. These are usually labelled as “sulphate-free” and tend to produce less lather—but trust the process. Your curls will thank you with better definition, softness, and overall health.

If you’re already using sulphate-free cleansers and are considering reaching for a sulphate shampoo because of build-up, click & check out my guide How to Remove Build-Up for a gentler approach that still gets the job done. But if you do choose to use a sulphate shampoo, it’s best to seek support from a professional—ideally someone who specialises in curls and understands how to properly rehydrate your hair after a harsh cleanse.

Two of the most common sulphates found in shampoos are:

• Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS)

• Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES)
  If you’re trying to avoid them, keep an eye out for these on ingredient lists.

What are Sulphates, and Why Does It Matter?

Sulphates are intense cleansing agents commonly found in shampoos, especially those designed to lather up quickly and remove oil and dirt. While they can leave the scalp and hair feeling squeaky clean, they often strip away too much—taking essential moisture and natural oils with them.

For curly, coily, and wavy hair types, this can be especially harsh. Our hair tends to be drier by nature, so keeping hydration locked in is key. Sulphates can disrupt that balance, leaving curls feeling dry, brittle, or frizzy, and making the scalp feel tight or irritated.

What to Use Instead?

Curl Care Tip: What to Look for on Labels

Silicones and Curly Hair: What You Need to Know

Rather than relying on heavy silicones, reach for products made with plant oils, butters, or humectants that nourish and protect your curls without creating build-up. You can also look for products labelled “silicone-free”, or those made with water-soluble silicones—these are much easier to rinse out and don’t tend to coat the hair in the same way.

I don’t recommend using silicones at all—especially for textured hair—but if you feel it’s a must, go for water-soluble silicones, and make sure your wash routine is supporting your scalp and strands.

If your curls feel coated, limp, or resistant to moisture, you may have silicone build-up. In that case, head to my guide How to Remove Build-Up for a gentle way to refresh your curls without harsh cleansing.

Common silicones that cause build-up:

• Dimethicone

• Amodimethicone

• Cyclopentasiloxane

• Trimethicone

More water-soluble options (easier to rinse out):

• PEG-8 Dimethicone

• Dimethicone Copolyol

• Lauryl Methicone Copolyol

If you’re using a sulphate-free cleanser, sticking to water-soluble silicones (or avoiding silicones altogether) can help keep your curls clean, soft, and moisturised.

What are Sulphates, and Why Does It Matter?

Silicones are synthetic ingredients often added to conditioners, serums, and styling products to give hair a smooth, shiny finish. They coat the hair shaft, helping to reduce frizz, add slip, and create that silky feeling we often associate with "healthy-looking" hair.

But while silicones can make the hair look healthier, they don’t actually improve hair health. Instead, they form a coating on the hair that can build up over time—especially if you’re using sulphate-free cleansers, which are too gentle to break that coating down.

So if you’re using silicone-based products and a sulphate-free routine, you’re almost guaranteed to experience build-up at some point. This can lead to curls feeling heavy, dry, or less defined, and can block moisture from penetrating the hair properly.

What to Use Instead?

Curl Care Tip: Know Your Silicones

Curly Hair Myths & Truths

Myth 1: Curly hair doesn’t need to be washed often

Truth: A clean scalp is essential for healthy hair, no matter your curl type. How often you wash should depend on your scalp, lifestyle, and product use—not a fixed “curly rule.”

There’s a lot of advice out there about curly hair—but not all of it helps. Here are some common myths I hear, along with the truths that actually support healthy scalp and hair care.

Myth 2: Oils are the best way to moisturise curly hair

Truth: Oils help seal in moisture but don’t add hydration on their own. If your hair’s already dry, oil alone can actually make things worse. That’s because oil repels water—so applying oil to dry hair without hydrating it first blocks the very thing your curls need.

Some oils, especially ones not made for hair or not formulated for absorption, can sit on the surface and build up over time. This build-up can make it harder to properly cleanse your hair, and if it isn’t washed out well, your curls may end up feeling even drier, duller, and harder to manage.

Myth 3: Sulphates and silicones are always bad

Truth: They’re not ideal for regular use on curls, especially if you’re following a gentle routine—but there are times when they might be useful. It’s more about understanding how and when to use them, and making sure your hair is properly cared for after.

If you want to dive deeper, I’ve put together guides on both sulphates and silicones to help you make informed choices for your hair.

Myth 4: Brushing ruins curls

Truth: Brushing dry curls can cause frizz and breakage—but the right tools, used gently on wet or damp hair with plenty of slip, can actually help with detangling and even curl definition.

Myth 7: You need loads of products to care for curly hair

Truth: Not necessarily. Healthy curls come from understanding what your hair and scalp need—not how many steps are in your routine. Sometimes, less really is more.

Myth 6: You should only use products made for curly hair

Truth: Labels can be helpful, but it’s the ingredients that matter most. What works for your curls depends on your hair's needs, not just what’s printed on the bottle.

Myth 5: Curly hair is stronger than straight hair

Truth: Curly and textured hair is more delicate. The bends in each strand make it more prone to dryness and breakage, so it needs gentler care and a focus on moisture and balance.

Myth 9: Frizz means your hair is unhealthy

Truth: Frizz is a normal part of hair. It can be caused by lack of moisture, humidity, damage, or friction. It doesn’t automatically mean your hair is dry or unhealthy—it can mean your hair is just responding to its environment. Learning how to manage frizz without fighting your hair makes for a much better curl journey.

Myth 8: You need protein treatments all the time

Truth: Protein is important—but too much can throw your moisture balance off, especially for curls that are already dry. If your hair is breaking easily, feels limp, or isn’t holding definition, protein may help—but it’s not a fix-all. It’s more about balance between moisture and strength. Overdoing protein can actually make curls feel stiff or brittle, so always listen to what your hair is telling you.

What Products I Use & Why

Innersense Organic Beauty

Innersense Organic Beauty is dedicated to creating clean, pure hair care products. Their formulations are crafted from certified organic plant ingredients, delivering hydration, health, moisture, shine, and protection. This aligns with my belief that a balanced scalp and well-nourished hair are fundamental for curls to thrive. As an added extra, they’re also a certified B Corp, which means they meet high standards for social and environmental impact—something I truly value.

Everything I use is selected with intention—whether it’s to gently cleanse, hydrate, define, or support the hair through more specific needs. It’s never just about styling curls—it’s about caring for them in a way that helps them feel and look their best over time.

Aunt Jackie's Ice Curls

Aunt Jackie's Ice Curls Glossy Curling Jelly is enriched with grapeseed and almond oils, along with marshmallow root. It hydrates, softens, and enhances curls, waves, and coils, providing the definition and moisture that textured hair craves.​

Uncle Funky's Daughter Curl Magic

Uncle Funky's Daughter Curl Magic Curl Stimulator is a go-to for defining curls without leaving them crunchy or weighed down. Its unique formula encourages curl formation, providing lasting hold and shine while maintaining the hair’s natural softness.