Shampoo for 'sticky' hair

[Desperatelyboredhousewife]

Hi all,

For the past 2-3 years my hair seems to have developed an issue where whatever shampoo and conditioner I use, I'm left with a sticky residue in my hair at the root after washing. The only way I can manage this is by combing through my hair in sections before washing, by rinsing out shampoo thoroughly with warm water and then cold water, and by not using any 'heavy' products such as hair masks. Even then, I sometimes still find sticky patches! It feels horrible and makes me feel really unclean!

I have also noticed that since around the same time, my hair grows extremely unevenly - it's much shorter and thinner on the left side. I have balayage every 3 or so months, and use heat on my hair a couple of times a week, but I take good care of it - although can't use hair masks obviously! Does anyone have any shampoo/other hair product recommendations please? (I'm 27 weeks pregnant so pregnancy safe is a bonus!)

I don’t have any experience with sticky hair, however I had been having issues with dry skin and itchy scalp and wanted a gentle shampoo and conditioner. I’ve been using Moo Goo for about 4 months now and it’s been great - super gentle and cleanses leaving my hair feeling clean but not full of product. Might be worth a try for you. They do some sample sizes, I find Weldricks pharmacy the cheapest place online to buy the bigger sizes.

Have you tried a clarifying shampoo? I don’t have any I can recommend as I’m not in the U.K., but if you go to your salon/a salon, I’m sure you’ll be able to find a professional grade clarifying shampoo.

it works by getting all the product build up off your scalp/hair - sounds like this is the issue you have. You can use it a few times a week to keep on top of your problem.

what shampoo do you use usually?

https://www.amazon.com/Davines-Solu-Shampoo-2-5-fl/dp/B00WQ60EKC/ref=asc_df_B00WQ60EKC/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=475788470875&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10410234965841524540&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9004338&hvtargid=pla-817290071898&psc=1 my previous salon used this brand!

Oooh, is it sticky as in you can feel product in it or sticky as in it seems to grab at itself and tangle like sticky weed?

If the latter, it's too much keratin and protein rich products. I found that by switching to a moisture rich shampoo and conditioner (I use Maui - a pink bottle) and that it sorted it.

If it's sticky as in product/grease then bumble and bumble Sunday shampoo, you only need a small amount. It's a clarifying chelating shampoo

Sounds like product buildup. A wash with washing up liquid will get rid of it then make sure that you avoid all shampoos and conditioners with silicone in them.

I use the Ouai detox shampoo for clarifying - I managed to get it in a set with the leave in conditioner for £24. If your hair is too elastic and seems to stretch a lot, you may have too much moisture and may need to look at a protein treatment once a week/fortnight.

Thank you all for your recommendations - it's definitely product build up. You'd think 'well just wash your hair better' but I promise I've tried everything! I will try a clarifying shampoo though and see how I get on.