Why Does My Hair Feel Waxy (Causes, Prevent and Fixes)

Hey there, lovely readers! As someone who has struggled with waxy hair, I know firsthand how frustrating it can be. I mean, who wants to walk around with hair that feels greasy and sticky, no matter how much you wash it?

If you’re like me, you’ve probably tried everything from changing your shampoo to using different styling products, but nothing seems to work.

But fear not! I’m here to help you understand why your hair might be feeling waxy and what you can do to fix it. From product buildup to hard water, there are a number of factors that could be causing your hair to feel less-than-fabulous.

Why Does My Hair Feel Waxy

So, let’s dive in and get to the bottom of this hair mystery. And don’t worry, by the end of this article, you’ll be armed with all the tips and tricks you need to get your hair back to its silky smooth self.

Let’s get to the root of the problem, shall we?

Why does my hair feel waxy? 

As someone who loves experimenting with different hair care products and styles, I’ve experienced my fair share of waxy buildup on my hair. So, I decided to do some research and find out what causes this frustrating issue. 

As it turns out, the culprit behind waxy hair is often product buildup. All the styling products, oils, and other hair care products we use on a daily basis can accumulate on our scalp and hair, leaving behind a greasy, sticky residue that’s difficult to remove.

This buildup can also make it difficult for our hair to breathe and absorb moisture, leading to dullness and breakage.

Another cause of waxy hair is hard water. If you live in an area with high mineral content in your water, those minerals can build up on your hair and scalp over time, leaving it feeling heavy, greasy, and waxy. 

Additionally, if you’re using the wrong shampoo or conditioner for your hair type, it can contribute to waxy buildup. Some shampoos and conditioners contain ingredients like silicone and sulfates, which can leave a residue on your hair that’s difficult to wash out.

Now that we’ve covered the reasons behind waxy hair, let’s dive into the solutions to get your hair back to its soft and silky state.

Lets start off with how to wash your hair. 

How to prevent waxy buildup on hair  

As someone who has struggled with waxy buildup in my own hair, I know how frustrating it can be. Through trial and error, I’ve found a few tips that have worked well for me:

1. Avoid overwashing the hair

I found that washing my hair every day was actually making the problem worse. When I started washing my hair every 2-3 days, I noticed a significant improvement. Of course, everyone’s hair is different, so it’s important to find a routine that works for you.

2. Using clarifying shampoo

Using clarifying shampoo

Using a clarifying shampoo once a week has been a game-changer for me. It really helps to remove any buildup and impurities from my hair, leaving it feeling clean and refreshed. However, it’s important to follow up with a moisturizing conditioner to prevent your hair from becoming too dry. 

3. Choose the right hair products

Another tip is to choose hair products that are specifically formulated for your hair type. For example, if you have fine hair, you may want to avoid heavy products that can weigh your hair down and contribute to waxy buildup. I also try to avoid products that contain heavy oils or silicones, as these can also contribute to buildup.

4. Rinse hair thoroughly

I make sure to rinse my hair thoroughly after shampooing and conditioning to ensure that there is no product residue left behind. I also avoid applying products directly to my scalp, as this can contribute to waxy buildup.

5. Dont apply hair products to the scalp

One common mistake I used to make was applying hair products directly to my scalp, which only made matters worse.

To avoid this, I’ve started focusing on applying products such as oils or serums to the lengths and ends of my hair rather than directly to my scalp.

This simple change has helped prevent waxy buildup and keep my hair feeling light and fresh. So give it a try and see if it works for you too!

Overall, it’s important to find a routine that works for you and your hair type. By following these tips and experimenting with different products and routines, you can help prevent waxy buildup in your hair and keep it looking and feeling healthy and clean. 

Hair wash routine to prevent waxy buildup

A good hair wash routine can actually help prevent waxy hair and keep your locks looking luscious and shiny. Think of your hair like a blank canvas – you want it to be clean and free of any gunk or buildup before you start adding color and style to it.

Just like how a painter needs a clean canvas to create their masterpiece, you need a clean head of hair to create your perfect hairstyle.

So, whether you’re a low-maintenance kind of person who just wants a quick wash-and-go routine or a high-maintenance diva who loves to experiment with different products and styles, a good hair wash routine is essential to achieving your hair goals.

So grab your favorite shampoo and conditioner, and let’s get started on creating your best hair day yet!

1. Brush your hair: Before getting into the shower, brush your hair thoroughly to remove any tangles and loosen any dirt or product buildup.

2. Wet your hair: Once you’re in the shower, wet your hair with lukewarm water. Avoid using hot water, as it can dry out your scalp and cause it to produce more sebum.

3. Apply shampoo: Apply a small amount of clarifying shampoo to your scalp, focusing on the roots of your hair. Massage your scalp gently for about a minute to help loosen any buildup. Avoid using too much shampoo, as this can cause your hair to become dry and brittle.

4. Rinse your hair: Rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water, making sure to remove all of the shampoo. Any leftover product can contribute to waxy hair.

5. Apply conditioner: Apply a small amount of conditioner to the lengths and ends of your hair, avoiding the roots. Leave the conditioner on for a few minutes, then rinse it out with lukewarm water.

6. Rinse your hair again: Once you’ve rinsed out the conditioner, rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water to make sure there is no leftover product.

7. Towel-dry your hair: Gently pat your hair with a towel to remove excess water. Avoid rubbing your hair vigorously with the towel, as this can cause damage and tangles.

8. Air-dry or blow-dry your hair: Let your hair air-dry or use a blow dryer on the cool setting to dry your hair. Avoid using the hot setting, as this can damage your hair and cause it to become dry and brittle.

By following these steps, you can help prevent waxy hair and keep your hair and scalp healthy. Remember to use a clarifying shampoo once a week or as needed, avoid using heavy styling products, and rinse your hair thoroughly to prevent buildup.

Best clarifying shampoos for waxy hair

A clarifying shampoo can be quite a lifesaver when you are struggling with waxy locks. Using a clarifying shampoo is important because it removes buildup from styling products, hard water, and pollutants, restores shine, promotes healthy hair, enhances the effectiveness of other hair products, and prevents waxy hair.

Here are a few tried and guaranteed options you can check out.

1.) Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo


This clarifying shampoo is designed to remove up to 90% of dulling residue caused by styling products, hard water, and pollutants. It is gentle enough to use once a week, and can help restore your hair’s natural shine and bounce.

2.) Paul Mitchell Clarifying Shampoo Three


This deep-cleansing shampoo is formulated to remove buildup and impurities from your hair, leaving it feeling fresh and clean. It contains natural extracts of chamomile, rosemary, and jojoba to help soothe and condition your scalp.

3.) Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo

This clarifying shampoo is enriched with argan and avocado oils, as well as keratin and lavender extracts, to help nourish and strengthen your hair while removing buildup. It is gentle enough to use on color-treated hair, and can help restore your hair’s natural radiance.

When using a clarifying shampoo, it’s important to follow the instructions on the bottle and avoid using it too frequently, as it can strip your hair of its natural oils and cause it to become dry and brittle. It’s generally recommended to use a clarifying shampoo once a week or as needed.

DIY tricks to fix waxy hair

I’ve got some awesome DIY tricks to help you fix your waxy hair problem and get your hair back to its shiny, bouncy, and beautiful self! These tricks are not only effective, but they’re also super fun to try out and perfect for a little at-home pampering session. So, grab your apron, get your DIY on, and let’s fix that waxy hair once and for all!

1. Apple cider vinegar rinse: Mix one part apple cider vinegar with two parts water and use it as a final rinse after shampooing. The acidity of the vinegar can help dissolve the buildup on your hair and leave it feeling clean and refreshed.

2. Baking soda scrub: Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with your shampoo and use it to scrub your scalp. Baking soda is a natural exfoliant that can help remove buildup and restore your hair’s natural shine.

3. Lemon juice rinse: Mix the juice of one lemon with two cups of water and use it as a final rinse after shampooing. The acidity of the lemon juice can help dissolve the buildup on your hair and leave it feeling fresh and clean.

4. Tea tree oil treatment: Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your shampoo and use it to wash your hair. Tea tree oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help get rid of any scalp irritations that may be causing waxy hair.

5. Aloe vera gel: Apply a small amount of aloe vera gel to your hair and scalp and massage it in. Aloe vera is a natural moisturizer that can help soothe and hydrate your hair, leaving it feeling soft and silky.

Well, there you have it, my friends! These DIY tricks are sure to help you get rid of that waxy buildup and leave your hair feeling fresh, clean, and fabulous. Plus, they’re a great excuse to indulge in a little self-care and pampering, which is always a good thing.

So, go ahead and give these tricks a try, and let us know how it goes! Who knows, you might just find your new favorite haircare routine. Cheers to healthy, beautiful, and wax-free hair!

So, there you have it, my friends! If you’re dealing with waxy hair, don’t worry – you’re not alone! But now that you know the reasons behind it and some of the things you can do to fix it, you’re well on your way to achieving hair that’s fresh, clean, and fabulous!

Remember, a little bit of self-care and pampering can go a long way, and there’s no better feeling than running your fingers through silky, smooth, and wax-free locks.

So, embrace your inner hair guru, try out some of these tips, and let your hair shine like the superstar it is! You got this, catch you on the flip side!