How to Remove Hairspray Buildup from Hair – HairstyleCamp
If you’re a regular hair spray user, you probably can’t go a day without it! And why do you? Hairspray is absolutely essential for certain hairstyles, and can be a lifesaver on those days when your hair has a mind of its own.
However, there is a downside to using hair spray on a regular basis. Hairspray can cause Build in your hair, which will weigh it down, and eventually can cause breakage. So how can you get rid of hairspray buildup from your hair?
Before you throw the hair spray in the trash, just know that there are many solutions for it product build-up problem.
Important things to know
- A clarifying shampoo can be very effective in removing hairspray buildup. Some clarifying shampoos contain sulfates, and others contain charcoal or apple cider vinegar.
- Apple cider vinegar contains many benefits for hair, and is great at cutting hairspray build-up.
- Always condition your hair after lightening, whether you use a lightening shampoo or apple cider vinegar.
- It’s best to avoid using dish soap or baking soda to remove hairspray buildup from your hair. Both of these substances cause dryness and breakage, and they may irritate the scalp.
How to remove hairspray build-up from hair
There are two things that have been proven to be very effective at breaking up and removing hairspray build-up, and one of them is probably already in your kitchen cupboards.
Here are the two things you can use to remove hairspray build-up from your hair:
- Clarifying shampoo
- Apple vinegar
As a hairstylist, I have used both clarifying shampoo and apple cider vinegar on my clients’ hair!
In this article, I’ll explain the benefits of each lightening method, and provide a step-by-step guide so you can remove pesky hairspray buildup and continue rocking your best hair.
There are also two things that are rumored to help eliminate hairspray build-up in the hair, but should actually be avoided. Both of these materials will be discussed at the end of this article so you know what No to use.
There are two highly effective methods for lightening hair and washing away hairspray build-up. Read on to find out how to use them!
Use a clarifying shampoo to remove hairspray buildup

If you don’t mind going to the beauty store, using a clarifying shampoo can be a great solution to removing spray build-up from your hair. Some of the clarifying shampoos contain sulfates that are very effective in breaking them down Hair product build-up.
Others contain more natural ingredients like charcoal or apple cider vinegar.
If you choose to use a clarifying shampoo that contains sulfates, be sure not to use it more than twice a month. These types of lightening shampoos can be very effective, but also strip the hair of its natural oils, and can also cause hair color to fade quickly.
If you choose to use a clarifying shampoo that contains apple cider vinegar or charcoal, you may be able to use it up to once a week. These types of clarifying shampoos are still effective at breaking up hairspray build-up, but they don’t strip the hair quite like shampoos that contain sulfates.
Regardless of which clarifying shampoo you use, it is very important that you condition your hair thoroughly afterwards. Re-moisturize your hair by using a moisturizing mask to give it an extra dose of TLC.
A step-by-step guide to using clarifying shampoo to remove hairspray build-up
- Soak the hair thoroughly in warm/hot water.
- Apply a generous amount of clarifying shampoo to your scalp and hair.
- Scrub your scalp and hair lengths thoroughly.
- Wash off all shampoo with warm/warm water.
- Repeat steps 2-4. If necessary, you can repeat it again. You want to be able to build a good lather with your shampoo. This is a sign that your hair is clean.
- After thoroughly rinsing the shampoo, apply a deep conditioner from the roots to the ends of the hair. (If your roots tend to be oily, you can simply apply the conditioner to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair.)
- Let the conditioner soak into your hair for at least 5 minutes.
- Rinse off the conditioner with cool/cold water.
Use apple cider vinegar to remove hairspray buildup

There is no end to the benefits of apple cider vinegar, both for the body and for the hair.
According to Medical News Today:
Some proponents argue that apple cider vinegar (ACV) deserves a place in everyone’s hair care routine, thanks to its powers to relieve a variety of scalp conditions, including flaking, dandruff, and psoriasis. Others have said it can increase hair growth.”
Another big advantage of using apple cider vinegar on the hair is its clarifying properties. Apple cider vinegar works wonders when it comes to lightening and removing buildup from the hair.
So, if you want to remove hairspray build-up while providing countless other benefits to your hair, apple cider vinegar is a good choice for you.
A step-by-step guide to using apple cider vinegar to remove hairspray buildup
- In a plastic conductive bottle (or even a regular plastic bottle) mix apple cider vinegar with water in a ratio of 1:3. Some say to mix just a few ounces of apple cider vinegar with 2 cups of water. Others say go half and half. Personally, I like to keep it at a 1 to 3 ratio. This means, for example, mixing 1 ounce of apple cider vinegar into 3 ounces of water. If you feel it is too strong, reduce the amount of apple cider vinegar or add more water. Remember that you should not put apple cider vinegar straight on your hair without diluting it.
- Soak the hair thoroughly in warm/hot water.
- Wash your hair with regular shampoo. rinse and repeat. You should be able to build a good lather with your shampoo.
- Rinse thoroughly all the shampoo from the hair.
- Apply the apple cider vinegar and water mixture to your hair from roots to ends. Rub it gently into the scalp and hair. (Be careful not to get it in your eyes.)
- Leave the apple cider vinegar in your hair for 1-5 minutes.
- Wash your hair thoroughly with warm water.
- Condition your hair with a regular conditioner or deep conditioning mask. Leave the conditioner on your hair for at least 5 minutes.
- Wash your hair with cool water.
Do not use these to remove hairspray buildup

There are probably many things you should avoid using when you want to lighten your hair, but the most common are baking soda and dish soap.
We will briefly discuss why it is best to avoid using these substances to remove hairspray build-up.
dish soap
If you have dish soap on hand, look at the ingredients label. You will see many ingredients, some of which may also be present in cosmetic materials such as shampoo and body lotion.
However, dish soaps do not contain moisturizing properties. They are formulated to cut grease on plastic, glass and metal, not on your hair.
While I can’t say that your hair will fall out if you wash it with dish soap, I can say this dish soap Very drying to your hair, and prolonged and frequent use will probably cause severe dryness and even breakage. Better to just stick with clarifying shampoo.
Baking soda powder
B Article published in Medical News Todaystates Mary Ann De Pietro,
“Because of its abrasive composition, baking soda is a good cleaner for grills, stoves, and stainless steel sinks. However, the small crystals of baking soda may be too harsh for the hair.”
The article goes on to state that some of the negative effects of using baking soda on hair can include dryness, breakage, and scalp irritation.
Baking soda is a great cleanser, but when it comes to your hair and scalp, you may need something a little more gentle. If you want a good, exfoliating rinse for your scalp, try using an exfoliating shampoo instead.
In conclusion
For some of us, hair spray is simply one of the best inventions of all time. It keeps our hair in place even through the chaos of our busy lives. The downside is the buildup it causes on our hair.
But, by following the suggestions in this article, you can remove the hairspray buildup from your hair and wear your gorgeous, healthy, light hair with confidence.
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