Why does my hair never look or feel clean?

[JuanPotatoTwo]

I'm having a S&B crisis this week - sorry for another thread.

Few months ago my hair started feeling a bit matted around the scalp, even straight after washing and conditioning. It's a bit hard to explain - it was only on the top of my head, and even then, not all of it. There were sort of clumps that felt like I hadn't washed the conditioner out properly.

Not sure what happened but it went away. But in the last week or so it's back again. I've just washed and dried it, being extra careful to rinse all product out. But it looks like we're on day 4 of not washing, and slightly clumpy. Sorry, I know I'm not explaining well but don't know how else to describe. It's not greasy, just looks it.

Any ideas what's up and how to sort it?

Tia.

[JaneHair]

I think conditioner is only meant to go on the lengths and ends of hair, but not the roots and scalp. So maybe that's the problem?

[VulcanWoman]

Have you tried different shampoo and conditioner.

[RudeElf]

Are you;
Brushing your hair before washing?
Piling your hair on top of your head when shampooing?
Running your fingers through your hair from scalp to ends to comb through conditioner?
Rubbing hair dry with a towel?
Using a leave in conditioner/oil before brushing through before drying?
Brushing before drying?

[NattyGolfJerkin]

Build up?

Do you use lots of styling products or shampoo with silicones? Maybe try using a build up removal shampoo (boots do a really basic, really effective one for a couple of quid).

[JuanPotatoTwo]

Thanks for reply Jane (appropriate user name!) I guess that could be the problem, but I've always used conditioner all over and only got this problem for the first time a few months back. It's weird.

[JuanPotatoTwo]

Oh thanks for further replies.

Vulcan I've never been very brand loyal so am forever using different products.

Rude no, no, yes, yes, no and yes!

Natty I don't use any styling products but I was wondering if it could be a silicone related problem. I'll have a look out for that Boots shampoo - thanks.

[OttiliaVonBCup]

If you haven't changed your usual routine and if you haven't moved, then it might be some hormonal changes.
Is it around your period or mid-cycle?
Or have you started exercise and maybe sweat more?
Do you wear a hat which could be causing it?
Pillowcase?

[Paintedhandprints]

Try a detoxifying/clarifying shampoo once a week. Tresemme do one.

[JuanPotatoTwo]

I haven't changed routine Ottilia. Could well be hormonal I guess - am 51 so pesky menopause prob looming! No exercise or hat.

[JuanPotatoTwo]

Painted thanks for recommendation, I'll have a look out for that.

[RudeElf]

Ok, brush hair through properly before washing. Squeeze excess water out and pat dry with towel, dont rub. Try a hair oil, minimal amount on lengths and ends before brushing after washing. Just suggestions but hopefull they will help a bit. Also try sleeping on a silk pillow. Brushing hair before bed and maybe tying it back.

[VulcanWoman]

I think I'm coming up to the menopause too, my hair is getting dryer, I'm putting moroccan oil in after washing/conditioner, it is helping.

[Cakescakescakes]

I know EXACTLY what you mean and I can 100% guarantee you its hormonal. I had this during pregnancy and breastfeeding both my dc. Like a waxy clump on the crown of my head - not like normal greasy hair? I tried EVERYTHING - vinegar rinse, fairy liquid, and at least 20 different shampoos. I eventually stumbled across Redken Cleansing Cream shampoo and it totally solved it. Lots of people online had said it had worked for them for this problem. It's a really effective clarifying shampo. First time I used it I lathered it and left it on for 3 mins then rinsed and conditioned. There was a good improvement. Next day I just used it to wash as normal (without leaving it on). By the third day my hair was back to normal - fresh and clean. I used up the rest of the bottle by alternating it every third wash with my normal shampoo and the problem never came back.
I was miserable for months at a time with this but this shampoo saved my life. I think it was about a tenner for a 300ml bottle. Try it and let me know how you get on. Honestly its amazing.

[JuanPotatoTwo]

Ok I'll try using some oil. Does it matter which one?

[RudeElf]

I love moroccon oil. It is a brand or argan oil. But pricey if money is tight. Ive only been bought it as gifts.

[RudeElf]

Of* argan oil.

[VulcanWoman]

Yes, it is pricey, I get mine from Amazon, 25ml for about £12 I think, it lasts quite a while though, I only wash my hair a couple of times a week.

[SwedishEdith]

I think cider vinegar is meant to be good to rinse through hair. Never tried it but, I imagine, it'd feel quite clean after that. Presume you dilute it?

[VulcanWoman]

It's the one in the blue box, nice smell too.

[bobbilyknob]

I had this when I moved to a new area with softer water. Each time I washed my hair it looked worse than before. The purple shampoo bar from lush solved that problem though!

[Naicecuppatea]

I also recommend Redken cleansing cream. It is very good.

[KatharinaRosalie]

Yes to Redken

[dynevoran]

I had exactly this and tried lots of stuff. managed to get rid of it by getting my hair cut! Not by cutting off the offending bit of hair but it was very long below my bra strap and I hadn't had it cut for a year or so. I guess it just laid heavily. it wasn't the longest my hair has been but was the longest without a cut I think. Just a nice neat 3" off and it stopped clumping.

[Friendlystories]

My hair's been like an oil slick ever since I had DD, only thing that gets it clean is Tresemme deep cleansing shampoo.

[JuanPotatoTwo]

Thanks for further replies. Sounds like I definitely need to get hold of the Redken stuff! Have a list of products to try now so at least I'm actively doing something to try and get rid - rather than just looking at it in despair! cakes "waxy clump" is a good description - I'd have to amend it to several small waxy clumps in my case!

I will report back in due course. Very grateful for everyone's advice