How do you get rid of protein buildup in your hair?

Author: Dr. Barrett Hand MD  |  Last update: Wednesday, May 14, 2025

A clarifying shampoo can fix the protein overload in your hair. First, you'll want to soak your hair in regular warm water. Afterwards, begin cleansing with a clarifying shampoo for protein overload.

How do you get rid of protein build up in your hair?

Instead of consistently using products that are heavily based on proteins, try an alternative shampoo and conditioner. On those days when the hair is beginning to feel heavy, use a deep clarifying scrub to cleanse the hair and scalp of product and protein build up.

How do you know if you have protein build up in your hair?

One major sign is a change in the look and texture of your hair as it may start to look dry, dull, and brittle. Your hair may feel more coarse and struggle to hold a curl when dealing with protein overload.

What causes too much protein in hair?

A protein overload is caused by using too many protein-based hair products or treatments. You'll see protein listed in the ingredients as hydrolyzed collagen, wheat quinoa, soy protein, keratin, oat flour, and amino acids. Treat protein overload by soaking your hair in regular warm water.

Does clarifying shampoo get rid of protein build up?

Absolutely! Shampoo can totally zap that extra protein from your hair. A clarifying shampoo is your go-to for tackling protein buildup and getting your hair back to feeling fresh and fab.

how ANYONE can get silky smooth hair (based on science)

What does protein overload hair look like?

Hair in protein overload will have some distinctive symptoms: If you pull one strand of hair it will have no elasticity, but instead it will snap and break. The hair will feel dry, brittle and stringy, because it won't have enough moisture to stretch and support elasticity. The hair will lose shine and look dull.

How do you detox your hair from product build up?

Baking soda is another multi-purpose, everyday item that naturally removes product buildup from your hair. All you have to do is mix a tablespoon of baking soda into a small amount of shampoo, then wash and rinse your hair.

What does over-moisturized hair look like?

Signs Your Hair Is Overly Moisturized

Your hair is limp and falls flat. Your hair is dull and flat-looking. Your hair feels spongy and mushy when wet and feels too soft and fluffy when dry. Your hair has low elasticity — stretches when wet but doesn't bounce back when released.

What shampoos don't have protein?

I've got you covered.
  • AUNT JACKIE'S GRAPESEED STYLE & SHINE RECIPES POWER WASH INTENSE MOISTURE CLARIFYING SHAMPOO.
  • ORS HAIRESTORE UPLIFTING SHAMPOO.
  • ESSATIONS TEA TREE SOLUTIONS DRY & ITCHY SCALP SHAMPOO.
  • ESSATIONS TEA TREE SOLUTIONS DRY & ITCHY SCALP CONDITIONER.
  • AS I AM HYDRATION ELATION INTENSIVE CONDITIONER.

How do you balance protein in your hair?

Solution
  1. Clarify your hair to remove any product/protein build up.
  2. Use a hydrating mask to moisturise your waves. This will bring back your hair's elasticity. The Merwave Deep Conditioning Mask is perfect for this.
  3. Seal in your hair's moisture using an oil.
  4. Avoid protein treatments until hair is more balanced.

Does Olaplex contain protein?

While some OLAPLEX products contain some protein, the amounts are minimal and not enough to be considered a protein treatment. Therefore, OLAPLEX is not a protein treatment. OLAPLEX works at a molecular level to rebuild the hair internally. Our hair contains millions of disulfide bonds.

What does protein hair loss look like?

Hair that's lacking protein will appear less bouncy and full as it normally is. It will be flat, stringy and dull.

How do you reduce protein buildup?

Replacing some meat with vegetables and grains is an effective way to reduce protein intake. Vegetables and grains should form the main body of meals, with a supplementary protein source.

How to clarify hair?

Wet Your Hair: Start by thoroughly soaking your hair with warm water. This helps open the cuticles and prepares your hair for deep cleansing. Apply the Shampoo: Take a generous amount of clarifying shampoo and apply it directly to your scalp. Focus on the roots, where buildup tends to accumulate the most.

How to tell if hair needs protein?

If your hair strands feel dry, brittle, and bumpy on touch, fair chance you're lacking moisture. If it feels mushy, doesn't stretch at all and snaps easily, it likely needs more protein.

What hydrates ends of hair?

Step-by-Step Guide On How To Moisturize Your Hair Ends
  • Ensure Regular Oiling Of Your Hair. Oiling is one of the proven ways to moisturize the hair. ...
  • Use A High Quality Moisturizing Shampoo. ...
  • Do Not Overwash Your Hair. ...
  • Apply Hair Moisturizer After Every Wash. ...
  • Avoid Heat Styling Tools. ...
  • Apply Hair Masks Regularly.

What shampoos have protein in them?

Protein Shampoo(278)
  • Nexxus HY-VOLUME Volumizing Shampoo with Collagen Protein & Hyaluronic Acid, 16.5 oz with Pump. ...
  • Dove Shampoo Bond Strength with Bio-Protein Care Technology & Peptide Complex, 12 oz. ...
  • OGX Repair & Protect Bond Protein Repair Shampoo, 13 fl.

What is the best homemade protein treatment for hair?

Mayonnaise and eggs both are rich sources of proteins and their combination would work wonders for dull-damaged hair. Combine an egg white and 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise to form a thick paste. Apply this paste to your hair and leave it for 30 to 40 minutes.. Avoid applying to the scalp if you have an oily scalp.

What is the best shampoo after protein treatment?

Oplus Nourishing and Moisturizing Shampoo with Natural Oils is the best shampoo after protein, because it has many unique properties that make it an ideal choice for hair care, especially after protein treatment.

How do you fix high porosity hair?

  1. Opt for moisture-rich products. High porosity hair tends to be thirsty, so look for words like “hydrating” and “moisturizing" on the labels of your products. ...
  2. Get regular trims. ...
  3. Don't shampoo too often. ...
  4. Read ingredient lists. ...
  5. Suds up with the right shampoo. ...
  6. Never skip conditioner. ...
  7. Use a detangler. ...
  8. Skip tight styles.

Does Dawn dish soap remove buildup in hair?

Removes Major Buildup

“So when it comes to that, I like to use Dawn dish detergent to help.” She goes on to say that she's had a more effective experience using the household product to cut hair grease than even Dr. Bronner's heavy-duty, all-in-one soaps.

What does baking soda do for hair?

Summary. Baking soda as part of your hair care routine might allow you to replace commercial shampoos. People report that baking soda dissolved in water can remove excess oil and buildup in hair, restore pH levels, treat dryness and dandruff, and lighten dyed hair.

What are chelating shampoos?

What is a chelating shampoo? Chelating shampoos are designed to tackle buildup beyond just what's on the surface of your hair. They remove minerals, metals, and deposits from inside the hair shaft. These minerals can build up over time and cause hair to become dry, brittle, and difficult to manage.

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