Why Does My Hair Feel Waxy?

Most people are familiar with dry or greasy hair. But waxy strands? Not so much. Did you realize that your strands are covered in wax? Don’t panic. Whenever you notice a waxy film after washing and drying your hair, it may be your hair’s way of crying out for help. In this article, we’ll examine some of the reasons why your hair feels waxy and briefly talk about what you can do to fix it. Let’s get started!

You Have Product Buildup

One of the most common causes of waxy strands is buildup. Hair products can settle on your strands and leave behind a waxy layer that is extremely difficult to remove with regular shampoo. Over time, the layer blocks moisture from reaching your strands, and as a result, your hair will dry out and become breakage-prone. You can eliminate product buildup with a monthly clarifying or chelating shampoo. You may also want to avoid products that contain insoluble silicones, as they are notoriously difficult to remove.

You Have Hard Water Buildup

Hard water, or water with a high dissolved mineral content, can settle on your strands and leave behind a waxy, sticky, or dull coating. Like product buildup, hard water buildup is incredibly tough to remove. Because the water you use to wash your hair is causing the buildup, you’ll have to remove the minerals before they can ever reach your strands. Install a showerhead filter or water softener, and your hair will thank you!

You Aren’t Washing Your Hair Correctly

Sebum is an oily or waxy substance that is produced by your scalp. It moisturizes your hair and skin and protects both from the elements. If you aren’t washing your hair correctly, you could be leaving too much sebum behind. Make sure you use a deep cleansing shampoo and take your time to work it into a rich lather.

Once you’re sure your hair is fully saturated with shampoo, rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water. While most people only need to shampoo their hair once, people with naturally waxy hair may benefit from shampooing their hair twice in a row. Shampoo can be extremely drying, so apply a nourishing deep conditioner to help restore moisture to your strands.

You Have A Scalp Condition

Is your waxy hair accompanied by dandruff and flaky skin? If so, a skin condition might be behind your waxy strands. Scalp conditions, like eczema and seborrheic dermatitis, can lead to excessive sebum production. While going to a dermatologist is by far the best way to treat scalp conditions, you can also try homemade treatments that use antifungal ingredients like:

• Tea tree oil

• Coconut oil

• Anti-dandruff shampoo

• Apple cider vinegar rinses

If you notice your hair is starting to feel waxy, address it as soon as possible. If you don’t, your hair might begin to dry out and exhibit extreme breakage. That said, we hope this article has given you all the information you need to determine what’s causing your waxy locks.

Author: Andrea Reyes

Andrea is a mother, wife, writer, and natural hair enthusiast of 15 years. Currently on her natural hair journey, she’s been trying countless products and techniques to understand and embrace her natural hair. She is the creator of NaturallyTextured.com, a new website featuring informative articles that share tips, tricks, and techniques aimed to help others learn to love their hair through proper hair care. She writes with the hope of making hair care easier to understand and implement.