In May of 2022 I attended an advanced DevaCurl class. I talked about some observations I’ve made as a DevaCurl practitioner. I had been using Build Up Buster. My guest’s hair looked clean on the scalp and on the ends of the hair, however, the mid shaft of the hair still had a build-up of product and natural oils from the scalp. In some instances, it felt very coated on the hair strands, especially near the hairline and in the nape. The teacher recommended MalibuC Hard Water Remover to address this issue.

We sweat and have active sebaceous glands in our scalp. Some more than others. Active lifestyle, hot yoga, jogging, excessive sports and exercise can contribute to salty and oily buildup on the hair strands.

When we wash our hair, steam from hot showers and body heat in the scalp activates the shampoo to remove the dirt and sebaceous natural oils. However, the longer the hair strand is, the more challenges we face with build-up and hard water residue. So, the scalp might look clean but the mid shaft of the hair looks oily, ‘greasy’ and inconsistent in texture, as if there is a film on top of the hair strand and perhaps relaxed in curl pattern. 

To counter the build-up, I have found that Build Up Buster from DevaCurl paired with Hard Water Remover, MalibuC is a great combination. Emulsifying the shampoo in the hair first and then sprinkling the powder to blend in is best for application.

The result? Amazing. The abrasiveness of the ascorbic acid mixed w a shampoo molecule releases the cast or mold of buildup around the hair strand.

The more the buildup is released, you may experience a funky metallic smelling odor rising from your scalp. Massaging the hair cuticles will fasten the pace, but it may take 5 to 10 minutes of massaging the hair before the odor dissipates. This is normal and to be expected.

Your hair will feel super soft and you haven’t even conditioned it yet. At the shampoo bowl I have the advantage of seeing the color of the water during this process. It almost always grey and murky.  If trying at home, please rinse thoroughly. Follow with a second shampooing to release residue, rinse again, apply conditioner, rinse thoroughly then apply styling products.