9 Reasons Why Your Hair Feels Waxy: The Solution

It’s a huge drag – waking up in the morning the day after you washed your hair just to find it waxy again. Or maybe after washing or coloring your hair, you suddenly find it waxy again which makes you wonder, “Why is my hair feeling waxy and dry?”.

Many reasons may play a vital role in your hair feeling waxy too often. From improper washing techniques all the way to medical conditions. Below you’ll get to know the root causes, solutions and some common questions are answered about waxy hair.

What Is Waxy Hair?

You may feel frustrated when your freshly washed hair looks limp and lifeless. Sometimes, you can see or feel globs of gunk in your hair.

Please don’t panic; it’s usually residue from your hair care products. If you notice residue in your hair, then it’s time to do something to fix the situation.

Waxy hair might also appear to be oily or greasy. In any case, waxy hair is not the look you are trying to achieve when washing and styling your hair.

You will have to identify the cause of your waxy hair to solve the problem.

Why Does My Hair Feel Waxy? 

A variety of reasons can cause waxy hair. The type of hair you have may cause it to look waxy. Very fine, thin hair looks waxy more than thick curly hair. Here are some common reasons that hair may appear waxy.

#1. Product Buildup

You may be prone to waxy hair if you use many hairstyling products. Most products contain water-resistant ingredients such as silicones, polymers, and oils.

These ingredients can sometimes be challenging to remove, resulting in hair product buildup that leaves your hair looking waxy or greasy.

#2. Health Issues

Some health issues can cause waxy hair. Issues such as seborrhea or a hormonal imbalance can cause excessive oil production, leading to oily or greasy hair.

Fungal or bacterial infections can also affect the appearance of your hair.

#3. Medications

Some medications can cause your body to produce too much oil. Steroids, blood thinners, and birth control are often the culprit behind waxy or greasy-looking hair.

#4. Damaged Hair

Chemical treatments and heat can damage your hair. When you bleach, color, or use heat tools such as a curling or flat iron, you can damage your hair, causing it to look waxy and lifeless.

#5. Environmental Pollution

When you are in an area with a lot of air pollution, your scalp will start producing more oil to protect itself. Some types of air pollution will cling to your hair, making it appear waxy.

#6. Stress

We all know that stress can wreak havoc on our bodies, and it can also wreak havoc on our hair. Anxiety and stress cause the body to produce more of the hormone cortisol.

When this happens, the extra cortisol causes your body to produce more sebum which is scalp oil. The sebum creates a waxy coating, making your hair appear greasy and limp.

#7. Improper Washing

Everyone knows how to wash their hair correctly: shampoo, rinse and repeat.

It might sound simple, but not everyone is doing it right. Improper washing is probably one of the most common reasons people have waxy hair.

You may be using the wrong type of shampoo. Some natural shampoos contain oils that may leave behind a residue, and other shampoos contain harsh chemicals that strip the natural oils from your hair. This will trigger your scalp to produce more oil to counter the effects of the shampoo.

You may not be rinsing your hair correctly, and you must be sure that you rinse the shampoo and conditioner thoroughly from your hair. When you don’t, the residue can affect the pH of your hair, which can cause a waxy buildup.

Most people enjoy a hot shower but washing your hair in water that is too hot can dry your scalp. When this happens, your scalp will try to rehydrate by producing more sebum, and the excess oil will make your hair appear greasy and waxy.

Ironically, it is possible to wash your hair too often. Washing your hair too frequently can dry your scalp. Again, your scalp will produce more oil to rehydrate. When people notice that their hair is greasy or waxy, they tend to rewash it, which worsens the problem.

Many people don’t realize that conditioner is only meant for the ends of your hair. You should never use conditioner on your scalp. When you use conditioner near your scalp, the product can be left behind when not appropriately rinsed, which can lead to greasiness and waxiness.

It is vital to use the right conditioner for your hair type.

#8. Hard Water

In some cases, there is nothing that you are doing to cause your waxy hair. It might be your water. Many homes have hard water, which contains calcium or magnesium.

These minerals can be notorious for building up in your hair and causing a waxy residue. You might even notice a sticky feeling when running your fingers through your hair.

#9. Diet

Your diet can play a massive part in the appearance of your hair. When you eat dairy or a diet of high-glycemic foods, your body will produce higher sebum levels.

How To Get Rid of Waxy Hair?

You can try several things to help improve the appearance of waxy hair. These should fix your hair feeling waxy.

Clarifying Shampoo

Choose a good clarifying shampoo and use it once a week. The clarifying shampoo will remove any residue and buildup in your hair. Include your clarifying treatment weekly, which will prevent the appearance of waxy hair.

Focus on Rinsing

Never take the importance of rinsing for granted. When you are rinsing, ensure you get all the product out of your hair.

When doing your haircare routine, you should pamper yourself and take extra time with rinsing. It is best to rinse in lukewarm water, as hot water will dry your scalp.

Avoid Heavy Styling Products

When choosing your styling products, avoid heavy-oil or wax-based products. Lighter products will prevent a heavy buildup of residue in your hair.

Avoid Daily Washing

Many people wash their hair every time they shower, which is usually daily. Optimally, you should wash your hair every two to three days, and this way, the natural oils in your hair are not stripped away.

Shampoo and Conditioner

It is essential to choose the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair. You need to find a product that will give the right amount of moisture without leaving an oiliness.

Try using a lighter condition, and be sure to apply it on your hair from the ears down, never on your scalp.

Change Your Diet

For some people, changing their diet might help prevent waxy hair. Dairy food seems to be a trigger for some people, so it is best to avoid it.

Filtered Faucet

When you suspect that hard water is the reason for your waxy hair, you may want to invest in a filtered showerhead, which will stop the minerals from getting to your hair.

Natural Remedies

There are some effective natural remedies that you can try. These treatments are made from ingredients that you will find in your home.

The baking soda rinse is used as a clarifying agent. Make a mixture with two parts baking soda and one part water. Wet your hair and then spread the paste on your hair. Leave the paste on for thirty minutes and then rinse with warm water. Shampoo and condition, as you usually would.

Another home remedy is an apple cider vinegar rinse. You should mix two parts of water with one part of apple cider vinegar. Shampoo your hair, and then pour the apple cider vinegar solution on your hair. Let it sit for five minutes before rinsing. Condition your hair after you have finished rinsing. It is essential to know that apple cider vinegar has a powerful odor.

Everyone has dish soap. You can use dish soap as an effective treatment for waxy hair. Dish soap is known for cutting through grease, so it should be no surprise that it would work on your hair. Use the dish soap as you would your shampoo.

Place a quarter-size drop of dish soap in your hand and lather it into your hair. You should always rinse your hair with lukewarm water rather than hot water.

Dealing with waxy hair can be very frustrating. It can make you feel self-conscious, but it is something that can be resolved relatively quickly.

It is essential to figure out what is causing your waxy hair and address it as soon as possible. When left untreated, waxiness and product buildup can cause significant damage to your hair which is not so easily remedied.

FAQs About Hair Feeling Waxy

Here are some of the most common questions about waxy hair.