Think of buildup as the invisible gunk that clings to your hair like that one friend who overstays their welcome. It’s a mix of product residue, natural oils, hard water minerals, and pollution—basically, everything your hair touches during the week. Over time, this gunk blocks moisture from getting in, leaving your hair feeling flat and crunchy.
The biggest culprit? Silicones in conditioners and serums. They do a great job making your hair look sleek—temporarily—but they also coat each strand like plastic wrap, sealing out water and nutrients. Yikes.