ComScore

How to Remove Scalp Buildup Naturally

You're good to your hair (#commercialgoals). And yet, somehow, your scalp feels itchy with these—dare we say?—chunks. Nope, it's not dandruff. If you’ve ever experienced gross, gunky product build-up on your head, you’re not alone. Here, an easy way to get rid of it using something in your kitchen.

What you need:

A tablespoon of lemon or lime juice and 3 cups of water. 

What you do:

Combine the juice with water and take it with you into the bathroom. After you rinse out your shampoo, pour the mixture onto your scalp. (Be careful not to get it near your eyes.) Wait a few minutes, then rinse out the solution and follow with conditioner (since the solution can be a tiny bit drying). 

Why it works:

The acidity of the citrus cuts through any of that gunky, dried-up product, leaving you flake-free and squeaky-clean. 

So, when life gives you lemons?

Easy. Just squeeze them over your head. 


RF1

Director, Branded Content + Cohost, Royally Obsessed Podcast

As Director of Branded Content at Gallery Media Group, Roberta helps oversee the ideation and execution of sponsored content and experiential campaigns across PureWow and ONE37pm, including PureWow’s 24 in ’24. She began her career in editorial nine years ago, and has written and edited countless articles on news, trends, fashion, beauty and the royal family. She’s also cohost of the Royally Obsessed podcast, named one of the best royals podcasts by The New York Times and Town & Country. She cowrote the book Royal Trivia: Your Guide to the Modern British Royal Family.

beauty
/ Courtney Mason
A Lip Product Hoarder’s Honest Review of the Rhode Peptide Lip Tint
beauty
/ Chelsea Candelario
3 Editors Test the Rhode Peptide Lip Shape—and Here’s Our Honest Review
beauty
/ Chelsea Candelario
How to Achieve Gray Blending for Dark Hair, According to Hairstylists
beauty
/ Natalie LaBarbera
Meghan Markle Swears By This Face Cream That's on Sale for Just *$10* at Amazon RN
beauty
/ Jael Rucker
Don't Look Now, This Popular Sunscreen is 20% Off for the Amazon Big Spring Sale
beauty
/ Marissa Wu
Does the Buzzy Wild Deodorant Live Up to Snuff? 6 Busy Women Put It to the Test
beauty
/ Chelsea Candelario
Meghan Markle Just Launched a Beauty Site and Here Are My 7 Favorite Products
beauty
/ Destinee Scott
You Can Save on Hailey Bieber's Go-To LED Skincare Device at the Amazon Big Spring Sale
beauty
/ Dana Dickey
Is Whole Body Deodorant Worth It? A Dermatologist Tells All
beauty
/ Chelsea Candelario
The 5 Haircuts Everyone in New York Wants Right Now
beauty
/ Destinee Scott
The Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow Oil Is a 'Clean Girl' Cult Favorite—and It's on Rare Deal at the Amazon Big Spring Sale
beauty
/ Chelsea Candelario
Crest 3D Whitestrips vs. Lumineux Teeth Whitening Strips: Score Both on Sale Now for the Amazon Big Spring Sale
beauty
/ Chelsea Candelario
Do I Pass TikTok’s Eyebrow Theory? How a Filter Can Make or Break Your Arches
beauty
/ PureWow Editors
The 35 Best Short Haircuts for Women Over 50, According to Stylists
beauty
/ Chelsea Candelario
The 13 Best Hair Perfumes of 2025, Tested by Editors
beauty
/ Marissa Wu
15 Brands to Shop to Nail the French Girl Makeup Look
See More