How to Get Rid of Sticky Hair

Transform your hair from sticky to silky.
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Sticky, greasy and crunchy are words that should never be used to describe your hair. For many people, however, that's exactly what the consistency of their strands feels like. Whether you’re heavy-handed with styling aids, swim in chlorine or shower in hard water, you can still achieve silky smooth locks. First remove all the built-up gunk from your hair, and then take care not to put more back in.

Fill a cup with equal parts of baking soda and baby shampoo. Stir the contents with a spoon until a thick paste forms. Start with 2 to 3 tablespoons of each for short hair and use more for longer hair.

Spread the mixture over your scalp and hair with your fingers until all the area is covered.

Cover your head and hair with a shower cap to prevent dripping and leave the mixture on for 20 minutes.

Remove the shower cap and get into the shower. Wet your scalp and hair. Run your hands back through your scalp and hair four to five times to create suds, but do not massage it.

Rinse your hair thoroughly with water to removal all of the baking powder and soap suds.

Mix a solution of one part apple-cider vinegar and six parts of water in a cup and pour it over your hair. Do not rinse the solution out. Gently squeeze your hair to remove the excess moisture.

Get out of the shower and wrap your hair in a soft towel. Squeeze the towel gently to absorb the excess moisture, but don’t rub it.

Comb your hair gently using a wide-tooth comb. Dry and style your hair as needed.

Repeat the treatment once per week to keep your hair feeling silky soft. Rinse your hair with the vinegar solution daily after your normal shampoo.

  • If your hair still feels sticky after treating it, visit a stylist. The hair may be damaged.
  • If you feel irritation, tingling or itchiness, visit a physician as it may be a sign of a skin infection or other disease.
  • If you live in an area with hard water, try washing your hair with bottled water to see if it removes the stickiness. If so, consider installing a water filter in your home, as the minerals in hard water are likely affecting your hair.

Kimberly Johnson is a freelance writer whose articles have appeared in various online publications including eHow, Suite101 and Examiner. She has a degree in journalism from the University of Georgia and began writing professionally in 2001.

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