I've never experienced buildup, so I don't know what it looks or feels like. I recently started using Giovanni Frizz Be Gone (which I LOVE!) and it has cones. It's the first time I've used a product with cones. I have not had any problems with it, but I don't know what to "look for" if I should start to overdo it. For those of you who have experienced "buildup," what is it like?

Hi Pix!!! *Waves*
Build-up... ok.. one sure fire way you know you have it??
When you go to do your bun or braid, or ANYTHING with your hair... your face does this:
:? :x :suspect: :twisted:
and then.. you start arguing with your hair:
:argue:
(and yes, your hair will talk back! ;) )
and the more you TRY to get your hair to behave, the more it looks like this:
:silly: and the more your face looks like this: :mad: (blue coloring included with expression!) which is not good for a gal's complexion...

;) :DD
But seriously, though...my hair, when it gets build up gets limpy, un-cooperative, and more frizzy. It'll feel sorta "oily" or greasy.. but not like that just "oiled" feeling.. but more like a coating of gunk is on your hair (think tar!).
I don't know how helpful that is... just my two cents.. a good way to prevent it though is to clarify probably at least once a week (I think, I'm not sure. not a big clarifying expert here).

:DD
Saj

Hi Pix!!! *Waves*
Build-up... ok.. one sure fire way you know you have it??
When you go to do your bun or braid, or ANYTHING with your hair... your face does this:
:? :x :suspect: :twisted:
and then.. you start arguing with your hair:
:argue:
(and yes, your hair will talk back! ;) )
and the more you TRY to get your hair to behave, the more it looks like this:
:silly: and the more your face looks like this: :mad: (blue coloring included with expression!) which is not good for a gal's complexion...

;) :DD
But seriously, though...my hair, when it gets build up gets limpy, un-cooperative, and more frizzy. It'll feel sorta "oily" or greasy.. but not like that just "oiled" feeling.. but more like a coating of gunk is on your hair (think tar!).
I don't know how helpful that is... just my two cents.. a good way to prevent it though is to clarify probably at least once a week (I think, I'm not sure. not a big clarifying expert here).

:DD
Saj

*Snicker-snort* :D Yeah, everything Saj said! It sorta feels "heavy" and "gunky". And when you clarify you can REALLY feel the difference!

For me, my ends start to feel "rough" or dry and then I know it's time to break out the vinegar or clarifying shampoo. I would guess that everybody is different but any noticeable change in texture or behaviour could be buildup. You could also try clarifying and see if there is any noticeable difference and work it backwards ;)

Pol

When I used to use cones, build up for me would feel like my hair was coated. It would also start to look flat and feel dirty even if it was clean.

I think I remember my hair would tangle easily and feel sort of dry but yet, not dry, if that makes sense.

I think I've also read that some don't have problems with build up and cones, I wasn't so lucky :rolleyes:

Hi Pix!!! *Waves*
Build-up... ok.. one sure fire way you know you have it??
When you go to do your bun or braid, or ANYTHING with your hair... your face does this:
:? :x :suspect: :twisted:
and then.. you start arguing with your hair:
:argue:
(and yes, your hair will talk back! ;) )
and the more you TRY to get your hair to behave, the more it looks like this:
:silly: and the more your face looks like this: :mad: (blue coloring included with expression!) which is not good for a gal's complexion...

;) :DD
But seriously, though...my hair, when it gets build up gets limpy, un-cooperative, and more frizzy. It'll feel sorta "oily" or greasy.. but not like that just "oiled" feeling.. but more like a coating of gunk is on your hair (think tar!).
I don't know how helpful that is... just my two cents.. a good way to prevent it though is to clarify probably at least once a week (I think, I'm not sure. not a big clarifying expert here).

:DD
Saj

Great explanation, Saj!!!

:D :D :D

I only clarify every couple months or so. Since I CO, I do feel Like I get a build up after a while.

Maggie

I only clarify every couple months or so. Since I CO, I do feel Like I get a build up after a while.

Maggie

I need to 'clarify' something here :D

I was just reading Teechia's poll post about clarifying and all the replies.
Well, guess what !

I guess I clarify every time I do my CO wash, because I always follow my CO with a vinegar rinse. I didn't realize that was clarifying.

When I clarify, I just use a little shampoo on the first wash.

Is that clear? :D Does it make sense? :D

Maggie

hehehehehe, Saji! :D

(redneck voice) Ye' know ye have build up if:

If your hair is suddenly tangly (more than usual).

If it appears duller than usual.

If the hair feels "harder", not as soft.

If the ends make a "crunchy" noise when rubbed together- kind of like dry leaves.

If it's heavier than it used to be.

Hangs with no movement.


<breathes in> OK, that's all I can think of for now. Mostly, I notice an increase in tangles though.

and the more you TRY to get your hair to behave, the more it looks like this:
:silly: and the more your face looks like this: :mad: (blue coloring included with expression!) which is not good for a gal's complexion...



I love it Saj, your to funny!

THANKS, everyone!!! And, Saj, I especially appreciate the graphic explanations. :D They will definitely help me know when buildup is occurring -- particularly the blue-faced expression. I don't turn blue very often, so I think that will be a dead giveaway! ;) :smirk: :tongue:

Use your fingertips and itch your scalp, if you get like a white residue under your fingernails, you know you have it.

What if you color your hair? I am thinking of using Robert Craig to help even out some old sun damage and highlights. if I clarify will it harm my color?

Use your fingertips and itch your scalp, if you get like a white residue under your fingernails, you know you have it.

The thing is, this isn't an "overall" product. I just use it on my length, so it never touches my scalp.

When I have buildup my hair tends to stick together and starts to get stringy. That's why I avoid buildup at all costs by switching shampoos everytime I wash. I agree that once this happens nothing seems to look quite as right. :/ These are mostly followed by "bleh" days..