Skip to main content
Tired woman showing effects of lack of sleep on her face.
Creamy banana nice cream in a bowl with toppings.
Jennifer Lopez at 2025 American Music Awards in stylish outfit.

Beauty

The One Hair Mistake You Could Be Making That’s Causing Buildup & Fallout

April 7, 2021 by Merrell Readman
shefinds | Beauty
Featured image

When caring for your hair, it’s important to craft a well-rounded routine which will cleanse the scalp of buildup and nourish the roots without drying it out. However, it may be difficult to determine just what your hair needs to look it’s best, and you may be falling into some classic traps that actually make your hair worse. Allowing products to build up at the roots can be a primary cause for hair loss, so if you’ve been struggling with thinning locks, this is the one mistake you could be making that has a profound effect on the appearance of your hair.

house unit img
Women Are Swapping Their Boring Water For This Ice Pop Electrolyte Mix!
Image from SHEfinds

Clarifying shampoo should be a staple in everyone’s hair washing routine, and failing to use such a product may result in buildup of styling products at the root, ultimately leading to hair loss. When you use products such as dry shampoo, mousse, and hairspray on a daily basis, it can build up at the scalp and is not easily cleansed with a regular shampoo. That’s why you should be using a clarifying variation to remove leftover product from the scalp that may cause dandruff and hair loss.

Image from SHEfinds

Byrdie reports, “To keep the greasiness to a minimum, opt for gentle, sulfate-free shampoo formulas to cleanse your strands without stripping your scalp or hair of the oils necessary for strong, healthy hair. "Anything clarifying will help control oil and extend your wash," says LA-based celebrity stylist Laura Polko.” Clarifying shampoo will help to cut down on grease as well as minimize product buildup, allowing your strands to appear shinier and well kept without breakage.

Image from SHEfinds

In order to create a cleansed and healthy scalp free of buildup, it’s important not to overuse your clarifying shampoo at the risk of drying out your strands. Harper’s Bazaar writes, "You shouldn't use one more than once a month," advises hairstylist Mara Roszak, who recommends not washing your hair more than every other day the rest of the time.” Washing your hair too frequently, let alone with a clarifying shampoo, can cause your strands to become brittle and weak, so striking a balance of cleansing is necessary for shiny, healthy locks.

Image from SHEfinds

Hair loss can stem from a number of causes, but buildup is one of the easiest ones to prevent. Integrating a clarifying shampoo into your hair washing routine once a month will allow for a healthy scalp free of buildup and dandruff, allowing your strands to grow to great lengths without falling out. Grab a cheap drugstore option from Garnier Fructis or Kristen Ess, or as a slightly larger investment try this Moroccan Oil Clarifying Shampoo for strong, shiny hair that won’t break off.

Author:

Associate Editor

Merrell Readman is an Associate Editor at SheFinds Media. When she isn't trying out new recipes and making a mess of the kitchen, she can be found covering the latest on wellness, beauty, fashion and celebrity news. You can reach Merrell at merrell@shefinds.com.

Viral Italian bob hairstyle trend for summer 2023.
Woman applying concealer for flawless makeup look.
Beauty habits causing skin inflammation explained.
Older woman enjoying skincare routine for healthy skin.
Close-up of steaming spearmint tea with fresh leaves
Common hair mistakes that may age you, according to stylists.
Anti-aging skincare tips with Arielle Lorre and Dr. Anthony Youn.
Best foundation types for mature skin to conceal fine lines.
Trendy butterfly haircut showcased on Instagram.
Fresh haircuts women are choosing for a polished look in 2026.
Pouring shampoo into hand for hair care routine.
Everyday habits that accelerate collagen breakdown revealed.
Celebrity event with fans capturing moments with phones.
Best summer scents and fragrances of 2026, according to beauty editors.
Makeup tips from beauty expert Nikol Johnson on YouTube.
Common skincare mistakes women over 40 make regarding fine lines.
Haircuts that divert attention from jowls and lift the face.
Pouring vitamin D into palm for health benefits.
Hailey Bieber's haircuts that add thickness to fine hair.
Stylish chiffon nails showcased on Instagram.
Viral Italian bob hairstyle trend for summer 2023.
Woman applying concealer for flawless makeup look.
Beauty habits causing skin inflammation explained.
Older woman enjoying skincare routine for healthy skin.
Close-up of steaming spearmint tea with fresh leaves
Common hair mistakes that may age you, according to stylists.
Anti-aging skincare tips with Arielle Lorre and Dr. Anthony Youn.
Best foundation types for mature skin to conceal fine lines.
Trendy butterfly haircut showcased on Instagram.
Fresh haircuts women are choosing for a polished look in 2026.
Pouring shampoo into hand for hair care routine.
Everyday habits that accelerate collagen breakdown revealed.
Celebrity event with fans capturing moments with phones.
Best summer scents and fragrances of 2026, according to beauty editors.

Beauty

Summer is my favorite season. If I could bottle up ...

Makeup tips from beauty expert Nikol Johnson on YouTube.
Common skincare mistakes women over 40 make regarding fine lines.
Haircuts that divert attention from jowls and lift the face.
Pouring vitamin D into palm for health benefits.
Hailey Bieber's haircuts that add thickness to fine hair.
Stylish chiffon nails showcased on Instagram.