Finding fuzz and lint tangled in your locks is annoying and unsightly. Lint in your hair can make it appear unclean and messy. But what causes lint to accumulate, and how can you prevent it from attaching to your strands?
Why Do I Have Lint In My Hair?
- Hair Type
- Sebum
- Debris and Dust
- Split or Broken Ends
Hair Type
Certain hair types tend to attract and hold onto lint more than others due to texture. Curly, kinky, coily, and frizzy hair easily grabs onto passing lint because the curled follicles provide more surface area.
Sebum
Your skin’s natural oils known as sebum can also attract and bind lint to hair strands. Sebum coats the scalp and hair fibers to provide moisture and protection. But lint easily clings to these oily areas, becoming stuck in hair.
Washing hair infrequently allows a buildup of sebum. Too much oil on the scalp and lengths makes hair appear limp and greasy, while also acting like glue for lint and dust. Using a clarifying shampoo once a week helps remove excess sebum and debris.
Being diligent about shampooing when needed balances sebum levels, limiting the greasy base for lint to grab onto. Targeting oily areas like the scalp and ends with shampoo rinses away trapped lint.
Debris And Dust
Along with sebum, general debris and dust landing on hair can lead to lint accumulation. Particles in the air from sources like clothing fibers, pet dander, pollution, and outdoor elements settle onto our hair throughout the day. This debris provides a foundation for stray lint to adhere.
Split Or Broken Ends
Split or broken hair ends are prime spots for lint accumulation. When the hair cuticle becomes damaged from chemical treatments, heat styling, or breakage, the inner cortex is exposed. These ragged, lifted cuticles act like velcro, catching and clinging onto passing lint and debris.
Broken ends appear especially frizzy and lint-covered since the frayed cuticles attract more lint fibers.
How to Get Rid Of Lint In Hair?
Try a Lint-Reducing Shampoo
Clarifying or sulfate-free shampoos help dissolve stubborn lint and product buildup that causes lint to stick. Lather hair twice focusing on the scalp and ends, then rinse thoroughly.
Try an Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
Apple cider vinegar diluted in water also helps remove lint debris and traces of styling products from hair when used as a rinse.
A clarifying hair mask is another effective product that dissolves lint and buildup. Look for a clarifying mask formula containing ingredients like apple cider vinegar, bentonite clay, kaolin clay, or charcoal. These help extract impurities and lint from the hair shaft.
Apply a Clarifying Hair Mask
Apply a clarifying mask to dry hair, focusing on the scalp and ends where lint accumulates most. Allow it to soak in for 3-5 minutes. The mask’s active ingredients loosen the lint so it can be rinsed away. Thoroughly shampoo and condition hair after using a clarifying mask for smooth, lint-free strands. Use clarifying masks weekly or as needed to actively draw out lint.
Comb The Lint Out
Rinse and comb: Rinse the hair thoroughly to remove any remaining lint or conditioner. Then, use a wide-tooth comb or a brush with soft bristles to detangle the hair. Start from the ends and work your way up to avoid causing breakage.
Important Tip and Techniques to Prevent Lint In Hair
Cover your hair-
Use a satin or silk scarf, bonnet, or pillowcase while sleeping to minimize friction and prevent lint from transferring onto your hair.
Avoid excessive product use-
Using too much hairstyling products, such as gels, mousses, or hair sprays, can attract lint. Use these products sparingly to minimize the build-up.
Regularly clean your accessories-
Clean your hairbrushes, combs, and hair accessories regularly to remove any accumulated lint or debris. This will help prevent lint from transferring back to your hair.
Use oils sparingly-
Avoid applying near the roots: Keep the application of oils away from your scalp and roots, as this can make your hair look greasy and may attract lint.
