Scalp Build Up: Definition, Causes, And How To Get Rid Of It

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SubscribeWhat to know about a buildup on the scalpMedically reviewed by Amanda Caldwell, MSN, APRN-C — Written by Jenna Fletcher — Updated on July 22, 2024

• Definition
• Causes
• Treatments
• Prevention
• Complications
• Contacting a doctor
• Summary

Hair products, oil, sweat, and dead skin cells can build up on the scalp and then flake off. People may refer to this as “scalp buildup” or “hair buildup.”

Scalp buildup can occur at any point in a person’s life. However, infants often experience thick, yellow patches on their scalp, known as cradle cap, in the first few months of life. Adults may be more likely to experience scalp buildup due to seborrheic dermatitis.

Treatment often consists of at-home remedies and lifestyle changes that address and prevent further buildup from occurring.

This article explains what scalp buildup is, what can cause it, and how to get rid of it.

What is scalp buildup?

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Scalp buildup can occur when an oily secretion called sebum accumulates alongside sweat, hair products, and dead skin cells on the scalp.

It can have symptoms similar to those of seborrheic dermatitis, scalp psoriasis, and eczema. For example, each of these conditions can cause flakes to appear in the hair and scalp, which may contribute to scalp buildup.

According to the National Eczema Association, seborrheic dermatitis can also cause lesions containing sebum.

In addition to flaking, scalp buildup can cause:

• itchiness
• oily or crusty skin
• scaly patches
• skin redness or discoloration

A person with scalp buildup can take steps to treat and prevent scalp buildup at home.

Learn more about what can cause an itchy scalp.

What causes scalp buildup?

Scalp buildup is the result of one or more substances becoming stuck on the scalp and building up over time. Bits of the buildup can flake off and end up in a person’s hair or on their scalp.

Substances that can build up typically fall into one of two categories: products and natural substances.

Several hair products accumulate on the scalp and hair. Some examples include:

• conditioners
• styling creams or gels
• shampoos
• ointments
• oils
• foams

Some substances that a person naturally produces can also become caught in their scalp and hair. These include:

• sweat
• sebum, which the body makes to soften the skin and hair
• dead skin cells

How to get rid of scalp buildup

Home treatments and remedies are the primary way to get rid of and prevent scalp buildup. A person may need to try a few different options before they find an effective combination.

The following practices may help:

• brushing regularly to prevent tangled hair and help break apart buildup
• using an exfoliator on the scalp to break up the buildup
• selecting a shampoo and conditioner that work for the person’s hair type
• washing the hair regularly — typically daily for oily hair and every few days for drier hair
• using blow dry lotions, as they can condition the scalp without adding oil

If other conditions contribute to flaky skin and scalp buildup, additional treatment may be necessary. For example, a doctor may need to prescribe a topical corticosteroid to manage seborrheic dermatitis.

If psoriasis or eczema contributes to scalp buildup, a person will typically need a specific treatment plan from their doctor.

How to prevent scalp buildup

Prevention involves proper hair care. A person should keep their hair clean, and they may need to change some habits, such as:

• reducing the amount of hair products that they use
• washing dry hair less often or washing oily hair more frequently
• washing the scalp thoroughly and rinsing it off well
• protecting the hair when swimming by wearing a swimming cap

A person should get advice from their dermatologist about what shampoos and conditioners are right for them.

Different shampoos and conditioners work well on different hair types. A person with seborrheic dermatitis may benefit from using an over-the-counter anti-yeast shampoo as a treatment once or twice per week. This can help reduce the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, which in turn might lessen scalp buildup.

A person should talk to their dermatologist or hair care specialist about shampoos or conditioners that are good for their type of hair or particular condition.

Complications of scalp buildup

In some cases, scalp buildup may cause more severe problems. Scalp buildup can create an environment in which bacteria thrive.

The buildup of debris and bacteria on the scalp can cause the hair follicles to become inflamed. An infection of the follicles, which doctors call folliculitis, can also develop.

Without treatment, folliculitis can lead to further complications such as an abscess or cellulitis.

A person can reduce the likelihood of these complications by limiting their use of unnecessary hair products, cleaning their hair regularly with shampoo and conditioner that is suitable for their hair type, and keeping the hair tangle-free.

Learn more about scalp infections.

When to contact a doctor

A person should contact their doctor if their scalp becomes inflamed or painful, or if they cannot get rid of the flaking with home remedies.

It is also important to talk with a doctor if a person has a psoriasis diagnosis and they start to notice new or worsening patches forming on their scalp.

A doctor can determine the cause of flaking and work with the person to develop a treatment plan that can help remove the buildup and prevent it from coming back.

Summary

Scalp buildup occurs when natural oils, dead skin cells, and hair products accumulate on the scalp. Over time, this can create flakes very similar to those that form in other conditions, such as psoriasis.

A person can often treat their scalp buildup at home by using a shampoo and conditioner most suitable for their hair. Avoiding certain products, keeping the hair clean and groomed, and moisturizing the scalp can also help.

A person should talk to their doctor if they cannot get rid of the scalp buildup on their own. Another condition may be causing an increase in sebum, such as seborrheic dermatitis. Treating the condition may help reduce scalp buildup.

 

• Dermatology

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

• D'Souza P, et al. (2015). Shampoo and conditioners: What a dermatologist should know?https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4458934/
• Scalp psoriasis. (2024).https://www.psoriasis.org/scalp/
• Seborrheic dermatitis. (n.d.).https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/types-of-eczema/seborrheic-dermatitis/
• Seborrhoeic dermatitis in adults. (n.d.).https://eczema.org/information-and-advice/types-of-eczema/seborrhoeic-dermatitis-in-adults/
• Tips for healthy hair. (n.d.).https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/hair-scalp-care/hair/healthy-hair-tips
• Winters RD, et al. (2023). Folliculitis.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547754/

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Medically reviewed by Amanda Caldwell, MSN, APRN-C — Written by Jenna Fletcher — Updated on July 22, 2024

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