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Sticky residue on hair no matter what I wash it in

by Dee
(Mississippi)

My hair has developed a residue that makes it look oily even after I wash it. I can tell while I am drying it with the dryer that it still has the problem.

I have used every shampoo available from my local drug store and still can't get rid of this problem. It feels as though I haven't rinsed the shampoo or conditioner out. It's normally long black silky strands now it's just a clump and is sticky!
HELP!

Couple of suggestions and tips


By: N.F.
Try deep purifying and cleansing shampoos to remove product buildup. You might not be able to find in drug store, so look for salon professional products or on Internet web shops.

Some product suggestions:
KMS California - Head Remedy Clarify Shampoo
SUDZZ FX - Nyrvana detoxifying cleansing treatment
"RENE FURTERER - Curbicia Clay Mask Argilla" is also a good one to remove the excess sebum, which I believe is the problem in your case.

Tee Tree oils also shown to be very effective for oily hair and scalp problems. I can recommend Rusk Purify Shampoo and it contains cucurbita and tea tree oil.

While looking into these products, try also to look into your diet. Any new changes? A well balanced diet is very important. Drink a lot of water and avoid alcohol, salt and spicy foods. Many of our hair and scalp problems can be easy solved from inside out without the need of products.

Try this or call a salon


By: -
try making a paste of baking soda and your shampoo, apply to your scalp, and rub it in gently. rinse well! then wash again,gently and condition with a little oil free conditioner - the baking soda will strip oil completely so do not do this daily, but it should take care of the problem. probably hormones- my daughter gets this too! hope it helps!

Same problem--Caused by conditioner that comes with haircolor


By: -
I am having this problem too and after reading other posts, I am convinced it's caused by the conditioner that comes with hair color.

I used the conditioner that comes with Nice N' Easy. Another post I read had the problem from Herbal Essences, and yet another from Perfect 10. All Clairol. I'm going to check their site now.

If Product Buildup - Neutrogena Anti-Residue for Oily Hair


Sticky residue on scalp is mostly caused by product build-up on oily hair type people. The residue is caused by styling products and conditioners and it get sticky because it is mixed with your scalp sebum (excess natural oil produced by your scalp). Normally it won't go away with regular shampoo and require... Read more

This worked for my daughter - Dishwash Liquid


By:
My daughter who is 11 all of the sudden had a a sticky, greasy film in her hair and we had no idea what caused it. We tried everything from vinegar, clarifying shampoo, and the list goes on. When it was dry it looked like someone had just put baby oil or grease in it from the scalp to about three inches down. She has blonde hair so it wasn't nice at all.

What worked Finally was dawn dish liquid. One wash, massage it, and rinse... After a week of hell with washing, rinsing, and drying with the same greasy results.... DAWN dish soap finally did it in one 3 minute wash.

Hope this helps...

Comments for
Sticky residue on hair no matter what I wash it in

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This is my exact problem.
by: Debbie

This happened right after I colored my hair with Perfect 10, a product I have been using since it first came out and I have had no problems at all with it. I have greasy hair from the temples to the crown of my head but the rest of my hair is OK.

I have shampooed my hair 17 times in the last 5 days with various products, no sulphates, Neutrogena (get's rid of residue), Pantene, etc.

I can't imagine how this happened! I didn't change any of my styling products! I put baby powder in my hair overnight, but to no avail. The heat from the hairdryer makes it worse. Maybe I will try to go to an Aveda Salon. Or should I go to a dermatologist????
Sticky hair perfect ten
by: Anonymous

It's definitely to do with Clairol perfect ten coulorant. Although i have used it before with no problems...this time my hair is sticky and my scalp burns a bit (this may be from washing it so often!) will definitely complain this is bad. Good advice here though will try baking soda mixed with baby shampoo!
My Hair is an OILY/DRY MESS!
by: Estelle

I don't know what to do. I have fine, thin hair that has never had a problem being oily. If anything, sometimes I've had problems with it being dry. In January, I noticed one spot on the back of my scalp was VERY OILY. I would put Paul Mitchell Tea Tree just on the spot and it would help, but the oil would come back a couple of days later...Read more
hope this helps
by: answer

I had the same problem, this sounds really stupid but i got rid of the sticky oily stuff by washing my hair with good dishwasher. it smoothed my hair and it doesnt have the stickiness a bonus is it smells good.

if you try this.... use apple scent because the other ones smell bad.

good luck! xx
Trying to resolve
by: Anonymous

Since I posted about a week ago with the same problem I have been using the Nutregena Anti-Residue shampoo pretty much every day and it has been helping. A little bit of the residue is still there but it is a lot better than it was. However, if I try using any other product - like a dandruff shampoo prior to using the Nutregena then the residue comes back in full force. I have been using a very cheap and mild conditioner on the ends so I can at least put a comb through it which is why I am probably still getting some of the residue.

I am starting to run out of the Nutregena so my next step is going to be trying a dishwashing soap since I can't afford to keep buying the Nutregena.
Dawn soap
by: Anonymous

I just found this thread and tried out the dish soap suggestion. It worked like a charm! This is something I've been battling for about 4 years now, my hair is always great after the salon but I couldn't keep it that way. I spent so much money on Aveda, Pureologie, and any other expensive salon product you can name. Just a little of my Dawn dish soap (I felt better when I saw the little penguin on the bottle because I think they use this for oil victim animals) My hair is back and I can't thank you all enough!!
It has to be the PERFECT 10!
by: Anonymous

I have the exact same problem and it's right on the crown of my head. It happened right after I used Perfect 10 hair color too so I think I now know the cause. I have to do something about this greasy sticky mess!
I'll go read the whole page now. I stopped when I saw Perfect 10.
Instant cure (for me)
by: Bella

I've had this problem a couple of times, I'm not sure what the cause is but I've recently found an instant cure (for me) is 'Aussie MEGA shampoo'. I used it twice in the shower this morning and just put conditioner on the length of my hair (not the roots) and it has completely gone! I hope this works for you too. My only guess is that it's due to a build up of product and oil. I'm doing my finals at the mo so I guess the stress isn't helping either. It's not very expensive and it really worked for me so give it a try. Good luck!
Sticky Mess - Connected to Clairol?
by: Pam

I don't use any product - never have, but have been coloring my hair for the past few years. This first hit me 7 days ago. But two days in a row I used the conditioner that came with Nice N Easy. It may be a coincidence, but I doubt it. I have tried three different shampoos, and have used Dawn the past 3 days. I think it's getting better, but not sure. Feels okay when I get out of the shower, but it's like the heat from the dryer is making it sticky. Weird. I think I'll stay away from the Clairol lines from now on....go to Loreal or Revlon.
Aussie Products
by: Cheryl

I started using Aussie Cleanse and Mend shampoo and conditioner, even applying the conditioner to the crown where the greasy residue is. It has really helped this problem, and is MUCH less expensive than the other products I've tried. I will stick with this and use the Neutrogena anti-residue shampoo once a week.
I think avoiding putting conditioner on the problem area made it even worse!
clairol!!
by: Anonymous

I've used the herbal essences range when they first came out years ago and my hair was perfectly fine. I've no idea what they've added into it since then. Went to purchase the shampoo recently and my hair started clumping up all over in large oily messes. They completely weighed my hair down and i looked as though i have not been washing my hair for centuries.

I've been wondering if it was due to the weather till i stumbled across this website. Thanks for all the useful comments ladies! i've just used a loreal rinse-out treatment today and it feels slightly better. NEVER USING HERBAL ESSENCES EVER AGAIN. EVER.
PERFECT 10 Caused Sticky Hair
by: Anonymous

I too dyed my hair with Clairol Perfect 10 and now I have sticky looking hair at the crown of my head. I keep washing it and cannot seem to get it off. I does get worse when you blow dry it. I will go try a residue cleaner from Neutrogena. Hope this helps.
Clairol Perfect 10 is the culprit
by: Anonymous

That's the thread I can find in all of these messages. I started getting this same problem the first time I dyed my hair with it...it disappeared after a month or so of just dealing with it. Then it would re-emerge after each washing. What I've noticed is that now the "sticky" spot is no longer up by my scalp but the section of hair, as my hair has grown, has moved to the center of the strands of hair, i.e., it is obviously not a scalp problem but damage done to the actual hair shaft, I think.

Well...I dyed my hair again recently and it came back. Nothing has helped so far, but I'm trying the aussie miracle cure tomorrow per some people's advice here....
Clean Hair!
by: Cheryl

I used Clairol Hydrience to touch up my color about a week ago, and instead of using the conditioner that comes with the color, I used Aussie 3 minute miracle. My hair has been clean ever since I discontinued using the conditioner that came with the color. It feels great to have clean hair again. Thanks to everyone who posted here and shared their experiences! Now that I know how this happened, I won't have to deal with sticky residue in my hair ever again!
Dawn Dish Soap for Sticky Hair
by: SOPHIE94

Thank you for all of your comments and advice. I recently used Nice n Easy for the third time. Not long after coloring I began to notice the sticky build up. I was using the conditioner often because I had the tubes left from the prior colorings. I sincerely believe the conditioner is the culprit, in my case. I washed with Dawn, twice, and only a little residue remains--hallelujah! I plan on washing again, with Dawn,in the morning to remove what remains.

I wonder if products like Goof Off would work, as well. Goof Off is great for gummy, sticky messes, grease, and tar? Again, thanks for all of the comments and great advice. Here is to no more sticky and disgusting hair!
Clairol After Color Conditioner Ruined My Hair
by: Lisa

I ran out of my usual conditioner and found a tube of the after color conditioner from Clairol. My hair now suffers from the same sticky residue precisely where I applied it to my head. It feels as though I put an adhesive in my hair: tacky, waxy, like a glue that never fully dries. I've never experienced anything like this.

I washed with a clarifying shampoo, then Neutrogena anti-residue shampoo. Neither helped. I washed my hair about thirty times over three days.

I will try the Aussie Three Minute Miracle and dish soap. Does anyone know of any official site addressing this issue?
Perfect 10 hair dye damage
by: Anonymous

After 6 weeks of suffering sections of greesy, lank hair that clumped together after using perfect 10 hair dye, i washed my hair with fairy liquid and it's worked a treat. Huge thanks go out to this group. Would have never thought of using dish washing soap!!!!!
Dish soap worked like a charm
by: Anonymous

A few days ago, I noticed the sticky/waxy build-up. It wasn't too bad at first, and I thought I had just missed a spot when rinsing my hair. This morning, it was a mess. I washed my hair furiously with shampoo, but I could tell even before I dried my hair that it was still there. I grabbed the Pantene clarifying shampoo from under the sink and jumped back in the shower; this time, it felt a little better, but it was clearly still there after drying my hair. That's when I found this website, and you guys, I love you all so much. I grabbed my dish soap (Palmolive, apples) and jumped back in the shower for the third time this morning. I wanted to be thorough, so I really rubbed it in. I dried my hair, and voila! Gone. Completely gone. I'm way behind schedule now, but it's gone!

I've used Perfect 10 for several years now, and this has never happened before. I do believe it is the conditioner that comes with it though, because in the past I only used it once every other week but this week I used it twice in one week--oops.

Anyway, I feel so relieved now. Thank you!
Dish soap the cheapest & easiest fix
by: Anonymous

As I reported previously I used dish soap for several weeks and since I stopped I have had no further issues. (But I also stopped using any Clairol products)
BTW - Clairol now invites you to put product reviews on their website...however they are carefully screened. Even a polite reference to this problem meant that my review never got posted. But perhaps if enough other people submit about the problem something will be done?
After Clairol, dish soap was no help but Fructis worked
by: Lisa

The Clairol After Color conditioner did something to my hair that made it feel as though I had glue in it, as though it turned into an adhesive when it interacted with my hair. I tried anti-residue shampoos first. They were no help. I tried dish soap. Not much difference.

I called the Clairol company. They just kept insisting that I had fine hair and suffered too much build up. I kept saying, "Trust me, this is not normal," but they didn't have a response. Very frustrating, although they are sending me a refund for the hair color. I wonder if they had a bad batch of conditioner... someone add too much chemical X? Drop a shoe into the vat?

Then I began thinking... this is more like removing gum from hair than removing oil or "build up." How do you remove gum? Peanut butter.

Plant oils dissolve the gum. So I researched removing glues from hair and discovered that plant oils are recommended, particularly avocado oil. No wonder the anti-residue shampoos only made things worse!

I found a shampoo/conditioner that contained avocado oil (and olive and shea). I'm sure anything with avocado oil would work, but I got the Fructis "three minute undo" conditioner.

It CURED my hair in one wash! Totally back to normal. Back to wearing my hair down. It was like magic.

Wishing you all good luck... it's crazy how upsetting it is to have ruined hair. (I just saw Dane Cook's My Best Friend's Girl which has a scene in which a character loses an eyebrow at the salon... really funny. It's like his world is coming to an end.)
Olive oil then Dawn (just like the oiled pelicans in Gulf)
by: lynnyy

I too used the Clairol Perfect 10 Conditioner more than once in one week and got the stickiness on the top 2 inches of my hair. I drenched my hair in olive oil and let it sit for about an hour. This really did seem to loosen it up. Then I washed with Dawn dish soap and it immediately felt better. It worked 100%, plus my hair is super soft now! I've seen posts from other ladies with this sticky problem who don't color their hair, so it must be an ingredient in the conditioner. I won't use it more than once a week ever again!
Sticky way residue on my hair
by: Anonymous

Hi, I have had the same problem for the last five days i used a shampoo with avocado oil on my natural oily hair and then i used a blow dryer that raised the heat in my roots and i didn't completely dried them so this kind of hair fungus appeared.

Solution: White vinegar and after that lemon for about an hour and occasionally massaging the scalp with a glove cause it's a bit gross and a towel on my shoulders then finish up with head and shoulders shampoo for dandruff and oily hair

After that blow dry it with cool air
That worked for me
Finally getting there!
by: Louise

I was so relieved to to hear that other people are having this problem. Not that I would wish it upon anyone, I've never been so upset over my hair!

I recently used a new Clairol herbal essences shampoo and conditioner. I used to use it all the time with no issues! However, like the rest of you, dried my hair only to have it feel sticky, greasy and tacky at the top and back and about 3 inches down. Frustrated I thought I hadn't washed out my conditioner properly and decided to try again...to no avail. Washed it 3 times with different shampoos and it won't come out.

So I googled it as you do and tried the baking soda/vinegar thing.

Contacted a hairdresser who said to try washing up liquid...didn't work. I am really starting to think it will never go away. It looks awful. If I keep it down and flat it's ok but as soon as the wind blows it, it looks like I haven't washed it in years.

So I rushed out today to buy the Aussie Miracle cure and one of the shampoos. I finally seem to be getting somewhere, although...it's still not fully cured. If I lift it up or try to tie it back I can still see the greasy residue and it's still tack to the touch.

What more can I do? Other than write to Clairol to complain which I intend to do! Can a hairdresser do anything?
Dish soap worked wonderfully!
by: Anonymous

I have never dyed my hair, but I recently had the same problem, probably due to the cheap conditioner I used. Thanks to the advice here, I ran to the kitchen and tried Dawn dish soap. It worked miracles in one washing. I definitely recommend trying this before paying for expensive salon products.
Lank greasy hair - Rubbing alcohol solution
by: Anonymous

It seems to me that there are two separate complaints in this forum: individual sticky spots that some link to hair dye products, and a problem with general oily lankness that may be related to build-up from shampoos, conditioners, or from chemicals in water.

I think I have the latter problem: lank, greasy hair with no body. I do use Herb-a-tint natural hair dye, although my hair always improves for few days after I colour it, as though the dye has removed the build-up, though it soon returns.

This has been annoying me all summer and a vinegar wash only made it worse, while a baking soda rinse had little to no effect (I didn't scrub with soda though - just made up a solution I used as a rinse). Then I noticed some people on various sites recommending Listerine mouthwash, and it occurred to me that perhaps the key ingredient was alcohol, so I mixed about two tablespoons of plain rubbing alchohol into a cup of warm water and brushed it into my hair, shampooed as usual with Joico shampoo for colour treated hair, and voila, the problem vanished.

I though perhaps the alcohol might damage my hair, but it doesn't feel damaged - just feels clean, soft and shiny!
So glad i read this page.
by: Anonymous

I was so confused when my hair became all tacky and clumpy yesterday and then today even after i had washed it. Then i read this and couldn't believe it, i just changed my shampoo and conditioner to Clairol herbal essences 'long term relationships' and that must be the problem. glad i read this straight away and didn't struggle with it for weeks.. off to try the dish-washing liquid.
Go away sticky hair!!
by: Suzanne

I'm also thinking the Clairol B.S. might be doing it. I've just recently started dying my hair black and I decided to try Herbal Essences "Black Stilettos" a week or two ago. My BFF uses HE religiously in her red shade and she never has this problem, but ever since I dyed my hair, it's been sticky and disgusting. I never thought to try dishwashing soap so I'll give it a shot today. If that doesn't work, then I'll try the Neutrogena. I just hope my hair will start feeling like hair again and SOON!
BAKING SODA!
by: Anonymous

I had this EXACT problem about a month ago! (It persisted for about a month and a half, no matter WHAT I did! clarifying shampoos, etc did NOT work for me) All I did was get baking soda and mix it with a little water to make a paste. I rubbed this around in my problem area (the crown of my head), and then rinsed my hair with vinegar (1 tbs vinegar for every 1 cup water). It got the problem out of my hair the FIRST time! I can use normal shampoo and conditioner now with no problems! Try it!
Sticky waxy feeling hair... Iron pills?
by: Anonymous

I have had this problem a few times before. Usually, I just go to the hair dressers and she washes, cuts and blow dries my hair. After that I find my hair goes back to normal for a long time or at-least until I need another hair cut. I found that after I bought a salon bought shampoo ( joico moisture recovery ) that I stopped having these issues all together. To be honest it is pretty expensive but well worth it because my hair felt thicker and softer. I switched back to herbal essences for the last month or so after running out of the salon bought shampoo and then it happened again. I washed it a billion times and it seemed to just get worse and just at the roots. So, I went to the hair dressers again and still felt it in my hair before she blow dried it. After the blow dry the problem seemed to have helped about half of it.

I think it had something to do with the really hot hair dryer maybe. Anyhow, so I have low iron and I know it can affect your hair. Actually, I heard many women (without knowing it) can sometimes have low iron. I took an iron pill last night before bed and after washing my hair today it seems to have cleared up 95%. Hope this helps. :)
Sticky residue in hair
by: Claire

Yes i have this same problem, having a sticky residue in my hair even straight after washing.

I thought i'd simply used too much conditioner or not rinsed thoroughly enough. I tried washing it again once it was dry, without any products, and it still felt the same. I then used just a little bit of conditioner. Which made the problem 10times as worse. So i asked my mum, and she said to just leave it till the next day, that perhaps it'd be ok in the morning. And to stop using conditioner.

The next day i washed it with just shampoo, it helped a bit, but not a lot. It has got slightly better every time i wash it since then, and have had the problem a few weeks now. But it still never seems to look clean, and still feels funny. And tends to itch a lot. Also because my hair is curly, it's completely ruining my hair. The curls don't occur much anymore, it's all straggly and looks as if i've put products in it such as gel or something. It is literally pulling my curls out :(

Anyway, this has all been very useful to me, so i'd like to thank everyone who has commented on here. I also think it's the conditioner that comes with hair dye. Or possibly some conditioners themselves do it. As i'd never used a hair dye before, my mum blamed the hair dye i used about 6weeks ago. But i did get a conditioner with it, and used it. So i think it is more likely to be that.

I am English, and so do not get dawn dishwasher, i was going to use fairy liquid as someone suggested on here. The one my mum has isn't clear though, it's creamy looking and has aloe vera in it. Do you think it would work? and if not, is there any specific thing to look for in a dishwasher. E.G alcohol in it, no -ions in it?

Thanks everyone
Fairy liquid for sticky hair
by:

Fairy liquid suppose to have the similar ingredients as Dawn. They both are strong detergent with several mixture of surfactants. Use clear without cream. Look for those that are phosphate-free and do not contain bleach and best if they are designed for sensitive skin.
However, since you have curly hair you should watch out as it might ruin your curls. I suggest you explore all other options and keep this for last. If you decided to use then use it briefly and don't let it stay too long on your hair or scalp.
Same Problem
by: Anonymous

I just switched to Herbal Essence "Long Term Relationship" and this problem started about 1.5 weeks ago. I'm going to go home tonight and use Dawn...we will see how it works. I've used Aussie already...didn't work. Hopefully Dawn does the trick. I'll let y'all know.
Vinegar Rinse
by: Anonymous

A vinegar rinse of 1/2 water, 1/2 vinegar rinse is the only thing that worked for me. Good luck! You will have to use it every day for 3-5 days for it to begin to work, then you can use it once a week.
Me too!
by: Anonymous

I had the exact same problem, it came out of the blue, I've been using 'Perfect 10' for some time but never had the problem before to this extent. Having read all the comments on here I realised that when I have had the problem to a far lesser extent in the past, it was when i was using Herbal Essences!! So no more Clairol for me!! I used Fairy Liquid (British!) last night, it was a cream version and not clear...the clean and protect type...and voila, it's gone completely!! I put it on dry hair and left it on about 10 mins. My head does feel a little itchy today but I left it on a while to be sure so that's probably why. Defo try that before forking out loads for salon strippers :)
Dawn Worked!
by: Anonymous

I used Dawn in my hair...and it worked like a charm!
Sticky greasy hair
by: Joanna

I have had really greasy hair now for 3 days, which I have never had before. I suffer with psoriasis so have to be very careful what I us on my hair. I decided to colour my hair for the very first time about a week ago. I used Nice & Easy, which my mum has used for years. Well to start with the colour was totally different to the box and now I am left with this sticky mess! I will never dye my own hair again and have booked an appointment at my hairdresser that is going to cost me about $200.
Is it the water?
by: li

Could it be the water? I was also wondering perhaps the shower head needs cleaned? As no matter how hot the water, will not remove the residue with shampoo, it's freaking me out. :(
Ive never had this problem before and look after my hair well, especially as I have hair extensions.

Over the last few days this sticky residue which feels like wax is still on my roots, even though Ive just washed and blow dried. I'm going to try washing up liquid. I have an excellent gloss conditioner for after so fingers crossed. I will report back to let you know the results!
UK Solution - Fairy Liquid!!
by: Anonymous

I had this same problem that appeared out of nowhere and have had it the last 3 days. I came on here and noticed the comments about dawn dishwasher and thought I'd try fairy liquid instead (I was at the desperate stage!!)

It worked amazing - not a sticky patch of hair in sight! I just used normal fairy and water - can't actually believe it worked!!! :o)
This really works and will save $$
by: Anonymous

I frequently use Nice and Easy and came across this site when I began having sticky, clumped hair on the crown of my head. I washed my hair several times, tried scrubbing it til my scalp hurt and it only got worse. I decided to try dish soap. I had Palmolive at home and that didn't seem to work so I went to the store and bought the basic, plain Dawn. I also bought Suave Clarifying Shampoo (like $1.00). I used the Dawn and scrubbed really good and then used the Suave to get rid of the smell of dish soap. Instantly my hair was 95% better(and it was bad!) I am going to skip a day of washing then repeat the same thing I did. I asked a friend who was a hairdresser and she said dish soap is the key. All in all, a $4.00 fix!
Dawn did it!
by: Anonymous

I saw the comments here about using Dawn. I tried it. The residue is not completely gone, but there is a drastic difference. I'm going to use it one more time and let it sit for a minute. I think that will do it. I remember as a kid my mom used Dawn for everything, greasy clothing stains, cleaning oil off the garage floor, cleaning car parts. My husband and I use it to wash our cars before we wax them to strip off the old wax. So I thought "What the heck!". I was a little hesitant I leaned over the bathtub, but I'm glad I did it. Thank you to the folks who suggested it.
Clairol Products
by: Pixi

I am astounded by the number of people who have had these problems with Clairol products, and I will admit, the exact thing happened to m e too.

Used Nice n' Easy hair colouring for the first time, not only did something from the process leave the crown of my head feeling as though axle grease had been smeared into it, but the colour came out WAYYYY too dark, and subsequently, a LOT of my hair has started to FALL OUT!! Having fairly long hair, 16" from the nape of my neck, this has me freaking out.

Tried the following:
- Dishwashing Liquid, clear type, no lotion: Stripped a bunch of the colour out, but did NOT resolve greasiness.
- Changing shampoos / trying bodywashes: Again, stripped some of the colour, smelled like my bf for a while, but still greasy.
- Went out looking for a clarifying shampoo, found Neutrogena (VERY expensive) and Aussie Cleanse & Mend.

I ultimately went with the Aussie products because I have used them on and off for the last --- years, and have never had an issue with them. Tried them out last evening and so far so good. Will certainly keep tabs and update as this "experiment" goes on.

On a side note; This is not the first time I have been stung by a Clairol product! All Clairol buyers beware! Perfect 10 hair colour completely failed! Was going for an auburn brown and went totally ginger! Expected results not achieved! Had to pay for this one though, trip to the salon cost $280 to have it stripped, re-coloured / highlighted & re-nourished!

Will NEVER purchase Clairol products again! Going to stick to my Garnier 100% Colour, at least it always works perfectly. Period. :)
Clairol
by: Anonymous

I have noticed that one spot on the back of my head was sticky for the past 3 days now. Glad I found this post. I tried shampooing extra and rinsing out longer to see if it was just me being lazy, and it didn't work. I'll try the Dawn or whatever dish soap I have tomorrow. I just bought a big bottle of the Herbal Essences long term relationship a few days ago, so I'll assume that's what the problem is based on everyone else's response here. It's just weird because I've used that shampoo plenty times before and it never did anything to me. I just got Dove conditioner though so who knows, maybe it's that.
Clairol
by: Lorraine

Thank goodness I found your comments. One just one side of my head I have a patch that is tacky - and yes, I did dye my hair with Clairol four days ago and no matter how many times I washed it, the problem remains. I just tried Lux dishwash liquid twice but the sticky patch remains. I'll try the oil method next and let you know if it worked for me.
Easy solution
by: Lorraine

I arrived in Singapore 3 weeks ago (from Canada) and on the second day I noticed my hair in the center had this sticky, tacky feeling, it looked oily and felt very heavy and if I ran my hands through my hair a residue was left behind on my fingers and I would have to wash my hands. I went through 6 different shampoo's, I finally found something that worked for me, Dawn dish detergent, the results were great and it worked in one shampooing. I now use it everyday with conditioner and my hair is back normal.
Baking powder!!
by: poorpoorstudent

I've never had greasy/problematic hair in the past, and lately its been really weird. All along my parting and on my fringe it was clumped and kinda sticky even when i'd just washed it. so annoying! I have dark hair as well so it looked REALLY shiny/greasy at the top and then normal further down. I haven't used any box hair dyes, like many of the other people who commented have, and only used tiny amounts of hair product as i hate using them so i have no idea what caused it. Although i remember someone mentioning herbal essences as a cause, but i've used their shampoos for years...

After reading these comments i tried wetting my hair and scrubbing the area with baking powder. and i mean SCRUBBED!! The baking powder aggravated my eczema a little but my hair is back to normal!! WOOP!

89p cure from tescos! Definitely try it before resorting to anything expensive and thank you everyone who's written a comment on this thread!

Body envy shampoo and conditioner
by: Anonymous

Yep. I don't color my hair but I have recently been using clairol body envy shampoo and conditioner. I have the same problem as mentioned above. My scalp looks dry and flaky, my hair dull, and about 2-3 inches of the hair closest to my scalp is oily and sticky.

There must be some ingredient in Clairol conditioners that isn't suitable for use.
Face soap and hand soap WORKED for me!
by: Anonymous

It all of a sudden happened where the top of my hair got all sticky and even after i washed it twice with shampoo it was worst! I finally tried to use clear Soft-soap hand soap since i figure it makes my hands all dry why not try to cut the stickiness out of my hair...it helped a little, but then i followed by using my FACEWASH and that is what did the trick! It's Johnson and Johnson PURPOSE face wash, it's a clear color, you can buy at your local drug store. Third time is a charm. I still have a little stickiness left, but i can actually see the fluffy strands of my hair again and it is softer! hope this helps others.
Same here!
by: Anonymous

The exact same thing has happened to me too! The only thing I can think of that has changed in the last couple of weeks is that I'm taking antibiotics to cure my ACNE... would that affect my hair at all?
It's so frustrating!
Remidies
by: Nivedita

Hello all, Even i had the same problem of oily patch on the crown and it used to feel sticky.. But after two weeks of rigorous washing i read the post and and used lemon in the night and little cif in my hair and vollah it worked wonders ... Just use some body soap to wash it and its fine.... its a really bad problem ... but all the best...
"Sticky" hair
by: Donna

I had this happen to me about 2 weeks ago after dying my hair with Clairol Perfect 10. It felt like a sticky residue, and I tried everything - Dawn, baking soda, vinegar, clarifying shampoos but it only got worse.

I went to my beautician and she said my hair was 'burned' from over processing by having too much dye left on for too long. Most of the damage was in the back, where it's hard to see when dying by yourself. She gave me a really good conditioning treatment, said one more visit should restore my hair back to the way it was and to stay away from the flat iron. My hair looked 90% better when I left salon.

So as it turns out, burning hair with irons or dyes feels exactly like residue buildup. Oh she also suggested a very good quality shampoo and conditioner that contains no sulfates. Hope this helps!
Clairol Shmairol!! Perfect 10 hair dye is the cause!!
by: BadHairDay(s)

Thank God for all of you!! I was in panic mode.. Thinking I was pregnant or dieing because of this problem. 3 days ago, I hopped out of the shower & dried my hair.. I realized that my entire crown was extremely greasy, sticky & clumpy. I NEVER have dirty hair, I'm a freak about my hair being clean. Before jumping to any conclusions I got right back in the shower and washed again, no conditioner this time. Same thing, sticky, greasy, thick and clumpy MESS. So of course I run straight to my computer to Google the problem, and here you are! This has been going on for 3 days now.. I am miserable. I can only imagine how some of you felt who have been dealing with it for weeks.

I Colored my hair with CLAIROL PERFECT 10 (4) days ago.. Used a lot of the conditioner in the box. I AM CERTAIN THAT THIS IS THE CAUSE now that I've seen so many of you used it too. I, too, tried writing a review on the Clairol website. They will never post it.. ALL if the reviews posted are good. They're crooks!! I am going to try the Dawn dish soap first.. I'll keep you updated because if it works for me the way it's worked for some of you girls I am going to be in your debt forever. I can't go to work like this!!!! Thanks for the suggestions. :(
Dishwashing liquid works a charm
by: Anonymous

I had this problem after using Head and Shoulders Conditioner which was just too heavy for my hair. I had sticky residue in my hair for a couple of weeks and dispaired until I read this blog. Dishwashing liquid worked a charm, my hair is back to its bouncy shiny self! Many thanks for the top tip :-)
Best shampoo
by: Anonymous

I was using herbal essences this week and my hair got that clumpy sticky stuff in it at the back, but i got Umberto Giannini detoxifying shampoo and it worked in one wash...
Scrub your scalp where the sticky bit is and comb through your hair then rinse it out, i did it again an my hair is completely back to normal. Can be purchased from boots and its about £5 a bottle, smells good too.
Dish soap worked!
by: Anonymous

I had this exact same product and I've been using Herbal Essences for years so I thought it was strange it all of a sudden developed. My the crown of my hair would be sticky right after I washed it. I followed the advice on this page and use dishwashing soap (Pamolive though, not Dawn) and it worked like a charm!
My strange fix to the problem
by: Anonymous

I have long blonde beautiful hair. normally.. its naturally straight, and I never use any hair products other than shampoo and conditioner (that i apply only to the ends of my hair, never to scalp).

One night after washing my hair like normal, it had this really greasy and sticky spot on the crown of my head. I eat very healthy, and try to avoid oily foods. I immediately jump right back into the shower and from there on couldn't get the spot out of my hair. I was so embarrassed I was forced to wear my hear up in a ponytail to cover the spot. I tried everything to get it out and nothing seamed to be working, i did the Vinegar washes, and the backing powder, i put baby powder, and all sorts of clarifying shampoos, with no conditioner. I was so up set and running out of options, and no college girl wants to wear a pony tail to every event and party there is at Halloween.

My hair dresser wasn't sure what was going on and her only suggestion was beer, and baby shampoo or to the dermatologist. So i tried it and it worked like a charm!!!

I started with pouring 3 or 4 long neck miller lights in my long locks and let them sit for just a moment or two, then washed them out, then applied baby shampoo (wall-mart brand) and washed it out, and TA DA, beautiful hair again. I washed my hair once a day for two days, and my hair was back to normal, and i haven't had any more problems with it, and its been about a week.
Hope this helps!
tell your story on Clairol's facebook
by: Anonymous

Hi, i have the same problem with waxy hair on my crown. they were incredibly rude/unhelpful on the phone and when i asked why the conditioner did not carry a warning about using too much they said "because it doesn't warrant one".

I posted this link on Clairol's facebook wall. Write your story on their wall too to WARN others about Clairol's products.
Source of all the trouble=Clairol?
by: Sky

I have also used Clairol's Herbal Essence "Long Term Relationships" and recently had the same problem: greasy hair that looks wet all day like you used hair gel or something.
I think this happened to me before too but I took care of it after using some clarifying shampoo and it went away. Now I'm not so sure.
I'm going to see if the Dawn works (I'm sure it does) but I don't think I will want to touch any Clairol products for AWHILE.
Olive oil and dawn finally worked!
by: TinaH

My daughter came to me a few days ago complaining of a greasy sticky spot on the crown of her head. I know from past experience that if you have died your hair and over-processed it, it can cause your hair to feel like this. But, while we did dye her hair a couple of days prior to this problem, we had only died the underneath side of her hair, not the crown (she wanted the bottom layer of her hair black). Since I knew the problem couldn't be over-processing, I turned to the Internet and found this site.

After the vinegar & water treatment failed, we tried ... read full story
WATER?
by: Anonymous

I've been having the same problem, but I think it has to due with the water. While I'm at school I get this sticky feeling to my hair and when I blow dry it I feel it even more near the top. I went home for break and it took a while for it to go away, but it got less and less when I got home, and eventually went away. Then as soon as I got back to school, it started again. How can I fix it?
Dove and Palmolive
by: Anonymous

I had this same problem of a sticky spot that looked greasy that would not go away! It lasted 3 weeks until i got so frustrated I researched online and came across this page. I ran to my shower and rinsed my hair out with dish-soap (Palmolive, because no Dawn was handy) and it worked! I noticed this problem started when I started using Dove conditioner 3 weeks ago... Does any body think the water could be a source also?
its gotta be Perfect 10
by: Meg

I dye my hair with perfect 10 too and its got to be the conditioner! It did it right after I dyed it a few weeks ago...and I just used it again tonight and its got this greasy feeling like I didn't get all of the conditioner out! I've never had a problem with perfect 10 until recently.... what gives?!?!?
Water source impact
by:

Yes, your water source have a big impact on result. Soft water combined with certain conditioners can result in greasy hair. When rinsing in soft water your hair feels more slippery and greasy and makes it more difficult to rinse. Its because the property of soften water reduce its ability to bind with conditioners molecules and conditioners molecules stick to your hair and scalp rather than rinsed away.

Hard water also has its own properties which in itself could be drying and irritating for certain hair types. The reaction between hard water Ions like Ca++ and Mg++ and conditioners or shampoos create an insoluble sticky residue like a film coating your hair and scalp and will make it appear dry, rough and greasy.

Using a dish-washing soap is effective because it contains a very powerful detergent that can remove those residues but it can also harm your scalp and hair if used too much.

The real solution is to find the right shampoo and conditioner that works best with your water supply.
Drop all the products!
by: Anonymous

I freaked out when it first happened to me i didnt try any products i just read all your comments and i tried the dish wash and it WORKED!!

It worked in less than 2 minutes!
THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!
Sticky Residue
by: FedUP

On Sunday (4 days ago) - I washed my hair (with Aussie Mega Shampoo, which i have used for years) and when i came to dry it, i had a strange residue over the crown of my head! - 9 washes later and it had not improved.

I then tried the baking soda paste and the Fairy Liquid - NOTHING WORKED! I am desperate for help! It is really getting me down!

I used to have beautiful hair and i am worried that it will never be the same again!
DISHSOAP SAVED MY HAIR!
by: Kelly Monahan

I had this, too! It was making me crazy! I found this blog and after reading about the Neutrogena anti-residue shampoo, I ran to the nearest pharmacy and picked osme up. I got home, jumped immediately into the shower and washed my hair twice... to find it still sticky when I got out.

I promptly went back to this block to continue reading (okay, probably not the most well-thought-out plan I've ever had). THEN I read about the dishsoap. I went to the kitchen, grabbed whatever was there (some generic apple-smelling stuff) and proceeded to take my 5th shower of the night. IT WORKED PERFECTLY! All of the residue was GONE! IF YOU HAVE THIS PROBLEM- GO FOR YOUR DISHSOAP! It strips your hair and it shouldn't be your long-term solution, but it'll get the crap out!

The next day I had a hair appointment at my salon and asked them about it. It was actually a very annoying interaction as they weren't seeming to understand that my problem the night before was two-fold: 1.) How do I get this crap out of my hair when it happens? and 2.) How do I prevent it from happening in the first place. They were more interested in telling me that the shampoo was using (Pantene) was waxy and horrible and I shouldn't use it... completely choosing to ignore that I've used it forever and never had any problem. I bought their shampoo and conditioner anyway... I'm just paranoid about having that greasy hair anyway. I'm using the Kendra voluminzing collection and LOVE it!

So. I don't know what caused it. I didn't use their hair dye discussed in the above comments. Didn't change anything to the best of my knowledge. BUT, moral of the story: THE DISHSOAP WORKS! DO IT! And if you're feeling brave enough (I wasn't right after) use a light conditioner, too- it'll be better for your hair.
Pantene and Clairol
by: Cheryl

I wrote earlier in this chain - I had this problem after using Clairol Hydrience hair color. (And tried just about every remedy possible over the ensuing 5 years to get rid of it!) The problem was NOT the color-it was the CONDITIONER that came with it, which was made by PANTENE! I was able to continue using the color product with no problem. Companies change their formulas all the time-whatever ingredient they've added along the way to cause this, we'll probably never know. At least we know now how to remedy the situation without spending huge amounts of money. (I spent plenty on dermatologist visits, expensive shampoos, etc.)I wish the manufacturers would do some research to find out the problematic ingredient and remove it from these products, but won't hold my breath!
I can't believe it :(
by: KC

Thank you so much for all the comments, I have been crying my eyes out all day about this. Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship has ruined my hair and I am so upset about it. I have waist length hair and the whole top looks like I've been coating it in oil. I've washed it three times today, tried not using conditioner etc.

I'm off to try dishwashing liquid and then I'm going to give them the biggest complaint they've ever received. How dare they sell this product!!!
Herbal essences
by: Karen

I am having a major problem with sticky, oily-feeling hair. Terrible and embarrassing. Worst part is I'm getting ready to board a cruise today and don't know whether I will be able to fix it. The problem started when I used herbal essences 2 in 1. After using it for 2 days I stopped and have tried so many different shampoos. Nothing works. I am def going to try Dawn dish soap. Maybe the hotel can get me some? Thanks for everyone's posts.
LISTERINE really works - LOVIN IT SO MUCH ♥
by: Pretty Princess

This is my testimonial for lovely LISTERINE. The sticky residue was TERMINATED beautifully by LISTERINE ! I can't even imagine that tiny Listerine can healed my beautiful hair.

I'm pouring almost 8-10 cups of Listerine into my scalp and rubbing it gently, I leave it about 5-10minutes. Then applied A-to-Z Mineral Shampoo (sorry if I were wrong spelling the name, actually I forgot the name ) and washed it out,...

VOILAAAAA; My gorgeous hair is back !
Please accept my BIG thanks for you girls for recommended LISTERINE for my grossy sticky hair. Love you all ♥ Very recommended and BIG thanks to my lovely boyfriend for accompanied me every-time. Lovely kiss ♥

PS : Listerine, don't know how about the others whom tried it, but it works for me though.
Peace
Thank you Dawn! Avoid Perfect 10!
by: Anonymous

Oh my gosh, I am so happy that I found this site! I have used L'Oreal for years on my hair, and have never had issues, but I saw the Perfect 10 product and it's claim for shiny hair. So I tried it. The first time, it worked fine, no complaints, the second time, I rinsed my hair, used the conditioner (as I did before) and then dried it. My roots were so greasy and matted...I honestly thought I must have not rinsed well enough (which shocked me b/c I am fanitical about getting all of it out of my hair each time I dye it). So, didn't worry. The next day, when I washed and conditioned normally, and then dried it I still had the same greasy, matted roots! I was horrified. I have long straight dark hair, that I always get complimented on, and then I got this! It's definitely that Clairol Perfect 10 - my hair has ALWAYS been healthy where even my hairdresser comments on it.

So, this morning, I saw this site, ran up stairs and washed with Dawn, and IT WORKED!!! But I still have an appointment with my salon tomorrow to strip this horrible product out of my hair - I am NEVER EVER going to use another Clairol Product again, including Shampoos, etc...because this has been horrifying! And I will never do my own coloring again either....
Dish washing detergent works!
by: Anonymous

I had the same problem as everyone else, greasy hair at crown of head. Used Palmolive and it worked like a charm. Thank goodness!!!
My solution
by: Kate

This problem first occurred for me around 3 years ago after I used a Pantene deep conditioning mask.

After washing my hair I was left with a thick strip of hair along my parting that felt sticky to touch and looked very greasy. It was only the inch of hair closest to my scalp, not the full length. Washing it again didn't help, in fact I think it got worse.

I used lemon juice. Just rubbed lots of the juice straight into my hair and left for five mins before washing it out (using shampoo only, no conditioner). It worked well and once I'd repeated that process once more it was normal again.

Since then I have used Herbal Essences conditioner and it has happened again 3 times. Each time solved by using lemon juice. I thought it must just be something unique to my hair type that was causing it. I do have quite fine hair.

It happened again yesterday and after reading these posts I tried lemon juice, followed by washing with fairy liquid (just the normal UK lime one). That worked a treat and my hair is perfectly soft again.

I'll avoid Clairol products (including Herbal Essences) from now on, as lots of people seem to have had similar problems with them, and see if the problem ever comes back.
Clairol!
by: Anonymous

Same thing... I've been dying my hair for about 15 years - not a problem (except maybe using purple dye on blonde hair as a teenager haha). I died my hair the day before Christmas, ended up with this horrid oily patch on the top and back of my head which I just can't get rid of.

Guess what brand I used? Clairol!

I thought maybe it was me but now I think I'll be putting a complaint into Clairol.

I'll try some of the suggestions above - fingers crossed!
Addition from the above...
by: Anonymous

Went home and poured a good amount of palmolive dish washing liquid right on it, rubbed it all through, left it on for about 20-30 minutes then washed it all out. Problem solved!
Clairol Nice n Easy & Pantene
by: Anonymous

I agree with so many of you. It MUST be the Pantene conditioners in Nice n Easy after color and Pantene regular conditioner. It's very unconventional, but I use lighter fluid to get the residue out. Make sure there are no open flames nearby and just squirt it on and rub it around. This is an amazing solvent and gets it right out. Make sure to wash thoroughly afterwards. One treatment and my hair's back to normal!
MIRACLE IN A BOTTLE
by: Anonymous

I am an 18 year old female that was having the waxy hair crown problem. This problem just arose for me about a week and a half ago. I had no idea why my hair felt to waxy and why everything I had tried was not fixing it. I kept thinking I was over conditioning so I then stopped using conditioner as I washed my hair every night. As I'd wake up in the morning I still had the waxy problem so then I tired blow drying my hair every time after I got out the shower yet the problem was still there.

It wasn't until today that I started to google this problem only to find that no one had a solution. My boyfriend explained to me that every time he had dandruff he would wash his hair with APPLE CIDER VINEGAR which he called "A miracle in a bottle!" He suggested that I try using it and so I did. The waxy junk came out with such ease. All you need to do it buy one bottle and massage it all throughout your DRY hair. LET IT SIT FOR 10 MINUTES BEFORE WASHING! After doing that take your shampoo of choice and wash the vinegar out of your hair and then wash it one more time with your shampoo of choice. I used Head & Shoulders.

I hope that this works for anyone who tires it because it really did work for me. The only down side to using apple cider vinegar is that it does stink but with just a few washes your hair will eventually lose the smell! ENJOY! & GOOD LUCK!
Herbal Essences Conditioner
by: Anonymous

I am having the same problem and guess what: I started using herbal essences conditioner. I won't be using that anymore.
Thanks all.
Dishwasher liquid! Way to go!
by: Anonymous

Herbal essence hair conditioner messed up my hair!!!
But thanks everyone for suggesting the dishwasher liquid! AWESOME! It's all gone and my hair feels super clean!
Selsun Blue
by: Anonymous

Selsun Blue Shampoo is the remedy! What you've got is caused by a fungal infection or a yeast. I have had it myself too. Apple cider vinegar also helps, but Selsun Blue is a medicated shampoo which you can buy at CVS or any pharmacist. Be aware that you wash your pillowcase in the washing machine and put your hairbrush in a bowl with water and a little bit of Selsun Blue shampoo too. Good luck!
LOREAL Superior Preference
by: Christina

I dyed my hair once with LOREAL Superior Preference and I've never had a problem with that brand, its actually really good. But i decided to use the conditioner. I'm not sure if the conditioner was the cause or not but it left it gooey, looking wet but not wet and overall oily. yuck! when i touched my hair it was all oily like some nasty slimy liquid. I tried DAWN and it seems to be working. I'm letting it dry now so im not sure if it will solve my problem. Thanks guys!
Sticky hair near scalp- SOLUTION!
by: Jac

I used Clariol Herbal Essence 2 in 1 shampoo/conditioner and afterwards, the top of my head near my scalp, the hair was sticky, seemed like product buildup except I never use product. It was like this for about 3 days. I tried vinegar, nothing. Tried Neutrogena clarifying shampoo, nothing. Finally, used plain old drug store brand dish soap- SIGNIFICANT change. Will use again tomorrow to get the rest out. I really think it was because of the Clariol shampoo now that I read all the posts!!
Dawn Original worked for me!
by: quinnsab

I've had the greasy/sticky hair issue for just a couple of days.

All started 3 days ago. Initially I thought, "maybe I didn't rinse my hair enough" But the problem continued despite how many times I lathered or how thoroughly I rinsed.

Greasy patch was localized the front-center portion of scalp. Don't use ANY products. Been using Herbal Essence approximately 6 months.

Dawn Original worked wonders for me. Squeaky clean after first wash.
Hair peril.
by: Anonymous

I have been noticing my hair with this greasy patch right at the side of my part for the last few days now. I started wondering if it was stress related. I've recently gotten on birth control in the last 2 months and I started a new job 3 days ago. I tried extra shampooing and conditioning tonight but to no avail. I knew as I washed that it just felt wrong. Like it wasn't getting clean. I'm gonna rock the side part tomorrow at work to get by... but I have no idea what's causing this. I use Head and Shoulders shampoo for Dry Scalp since its winter and my skin gets pretty dry. I don't color my hair or anything, ever.
Something everyone everywhere has access to... Garlic.
by: Gertrude

The reason the Listerine has been so successful is because it's and antiseptic, and will kill disease forming organisms. So is garlic. I have been trying to figure this out for months now, and have discovered that waxiness is a waxy form of dandruff! I never had dandruff in my life!

Those people who are just suddenly getting an oily patch, waxy is where it's heading.

So here's the kicker.... Dandruff is caused by a fungal infection. Chances are it's not just in your hair follicles either, so Google "fungal infection" and check the symptoms to make sure you don't have a full on systemic infection.

Okay, so here's what I did....

Since I had a systemic infection, I ate organic garlic for three days (9 cloves per day, raw).

For my hair, I also washed my hair with garlic (2-3 crushed cloves) in olive oil (made the night before), let it sit in my hair for 15 minutes, then did a vinegar rinse (1/3 apple cider vinegar - or white - to 2/3 water). Then I washed my hair with my shampoo twice, then put in the conditioner. I did this two days in a row. My hair is beautiful again, and I no longer have any other symptoms.

Of course I did this over the course of a weekend when I planned not to see anyone, and yes, I stunk, the garlic made me sweat, but it cleaned out everything.

Good luck everyone, I know how this can play on your self-esteem. Not fun. :-/
nothing helps
by: Lili

It all started about 6 month ago and I thought it is because of tanning, I thought sun somehow spoiled my hair, it was so bad that I even cried several time, then I did not wash my hair about 3 or 4 days and it was gone completely. just a week ago I have used this fancy mask on my hair and it started again, I cannot go out, cz ppl might think I am not washing my hair. I have tried everything now it does not help:(( I am so depressed. do you thing not washing my hair for 10 days will help, cz I heard that it might. I know it's difficult but now I am washing it every day and still have the feeling that I washed it bazillion years ago.
Omg finally i have found out what could be my problem
by: Mel

So its 4:22 am and im sitting here on my phone googling why i have greasy hair when i wash every other day and its suddenly come on last two weeks and only at the back at the top. So i run to my bathroom and what do i find my shampoo is ( yes i swap and change alot so can never remember) herbal essences smooth and soft shampoo and conditioner herbal essences silk and shine conditioner. I'm pretty sure its now could be the conditioner as im sure iv used the shampoo before. I'm gonna bin these now.
FINALLY SOMETHING WORKED
by: Me

So i went on holidays to Perth and since i came back i had sticky residue on my hair..i washed it 15 times and tried 4 different types of shampoo
nothing worked!!!! i didn't ever have the clean just washed shiny hair i usually had after having a shower.
So i checked out this website and saw that dish-washing liquid may be able to work..
so i gave it a go and it actually worked. Im sooo happy. Feels great having my clean shiny hair back!
Oiled my hair
by: Anonymous

I oiled(Almond oil) my hair on sun night and washed it off and then realized that the oil had not gone from my hair. I was too lazy to go wash in again, so i dried my hair with the dryer and straightened my hair. ever since my hair has been sticky and oily, and no matter how many times i wash my hair, it just doesn't seem to go.. Please HELP
So glad I'm not the only one!
by: Anonymous

I've had this sticky residue on my hair after coloring it with Nice'N'Easy for the last year or so. It's only on the newly colored hair (roots). The stickiness usually went away after a couple days but now it's a week later and worse than ever. Going to try the dishwashing liquid and hope it works. Getting tired of washing my hair. Also, will have to find a new hair color brand.
Me Too
by: Anonymous

So I have this problem also.. i used to dye my hair when it started and it would dry it up.. dye my hair anyway, so not an inconvenience. It started happening recently and I used Perfect 10.. and it's been a horrible week of washing hair with everything i can think of.. but I have used left over conditioner from hair dye (i live with 3 women) several times this week. So although I used to love the feeling they gave my hair I will not be using them again.. and will def not use perfect 10 again. Nice to know I'm not the only one with this problem though cause I need a haircut and didn't want to look crazy explaining the feeling to the stylist.
Hedrin Residue
by: Anonymous

My Brother had nits and he passed them onto me, so I used Hedrin nit removal serum to get rid of them. It worked but it left a horrible sticky patch on the top of my scalp. It felt like i hadn't washed out my conditioner properly and looked like i had really greasy hair!

Im a teenager so i'm very obsessive over how i look and i was so upset that people at my school were going to think i was disgusting and didn't wash my hair. On Monday morning I scraped back by hair into a tight bun and hoped nobody would touch my hair...

That I tried the backing soda trick (making a paste out of shampoo and baking soda and using it like shampoo) and it completely got rid of all of the residue!

Thank you to everybody who recommended doing that, I was so worried about what i was going to do.
Clairol
by: Anonymous

The same thing is happening to me right now! I'm so happy i found this site because it happened to me before a few months ago and i ended up having to dye my hair again and that seemed to work, but this time it seems like every time i wash my hair and dry it, it gets worse and worse, and i just went to see what brand i was using for conditioner.. it was Clairol! I must not of gotten it all the way out on my scalp where my hair is parted because it looks all greasy, so tomorrow when i shower I'm going to the dishwash soap and i hope it works!
Greasy, sticky, disgusting hair!!
by: kns

For the first time ever I box dyed my hair. I went to sally's and the girl helped me pick everything out. The color turned out fine and we washed all the dye out and I started to blow dry it. I started to notice it was like greasy and sticky so I figured we just didn't wash it out good enough. I got home and washed it again but I could still feel the greasy-ness so I washed it a couple times in the shower. Woke up this morning and my hair is extremely greasy on the crown and down the back. I have NEVER had a problem with greasy hair and I don't know what to do! I leave for vacation in 5 days and my hair better not look like this!! I'm going to the store right after work today and will try some of tips I've read on here. Hopefully it works.
Trying dish washing soap tonight
by: Anonymous

I am having the same problem. It started yesterday out of nowhere. It was small but then it grew today. I am living in China though so I couldn't buy some of the exact products but I am going to try some tonight to see what works. I will let you know if anything works for me
BTW I don't color my hair. But I have been using cheap shampoo and conditioner...I think it's Loreal.

What is causing this? Could it be hormones?
Grease defeated!
by: West coast

I had the same problem as all of you. Thought it was stress or something weird because i don't dye my hair and i don't use product. Come to find out it was because of my dove shampoo and conditioner. It is the damage therapy edition. Bought it at Costco. Anyways, couldn't get the grease to stop then choose to follow the easiest cheapest advice from this thread and used dish soap. Worked like a charm! My hair is back to squeaky clean and shiny. No more dove for me! Thanks for all the help ladies I thought my hair was going crazy!
Stop using Dove Shampoo and Conditioner
by: Anonymous

I used dove shampoo and conditioner for the first time last week and thats when my problem started. Sticky oily mess at the top of my head, and I do not color my hair. I noticed a couple of other people mentioned dove, so I will stop using that and try dish-washing soap.
dishwashing liquid!!!!
by: Anonymous

My 11yr old daughter has had a problem with a tacky residue in her hair at the crown. I thought she wasn't rinsing her hair properly. Tonight I shampooed her hair 11 times, conditioned it twice and had her lie in a tub full of water in the hope it would 'rinse' the stickiness out. Nothing worked. In desperation I googled the problem and found many people used dish-washing liquid. I tried it once and her hair is beautiful and soft! AMAZING. Thank you so much people.
Dawn dish soap works!
by: Esti

I was freaking out because all the sudden i had an oily patch of hair at first I thought it was the heat protection I had sprayed.. after 2 days of oily hair i thought it a comb i used that had left over hair dye, and began freaking out.. but actually it was the dove conditioner i had been using after reading this thread and saw people complaining about dove products, i decided to use dawn dish soap and it WORKED!!
It's definitely Clairol!
by: Anonymous

I died my hair with Nice 'n Easy on Sat. Today is Thurs., and I'm having the same issue on the crown. I have used the after-color conditioner every day since Sat. Today, when I started drying my hair I thought I just hadn't washed my hair out good enough, so I washed it again using a different conditioner. But to no avail. It's still really sticky right at my bangs. I will try Dawn dish soap as it sounds like that unanimously helps.
Contacted P&G - problem known
by: Anonymous

I contacted Procter & Gamble who makes Clairol products. Here's what they told me:
It's the color seal gloss that builds up. Many people's hair may only need the richer conditioning on the ends and middle, but not near the crown or scalp.
Dishwashing soap method
by: Anonymous

I tried using dishwashing soap, and it worked like a charm! I only had to use it once and I could tell the difference right away.
Dawn dish soap solved my problem
by: Anonymous

Its been a few days my hair had this sticky feeling and greasy looking.
When I saw this dish soap helped a lot of people I decided to give it a try and was amazed to see how immediately the stickiness was all gone.
I'm so thankful to this forum!!
Sticky hair after coloring
by: Anonymous

I have been using Clairol Natural Instincts for 12 years and the last time I used the product on my roots my hair came out sticky and shinny at the root part of my hair and it will not go away. I will never buy another Clairol product again. I have had beautiful hair my whole life until now. The only thing I can think to do is cut it all off and start growing it out again. I have tried everything to get rid of the residue it does not work.
Sticky Hair
by: Anonymous

For the third day in a row i have washed my hair today only to find a sticky residue in my hair around my parting. I had just switched my shampoo and conditioner to herbal essences which I think was the problem. I was at my wits end and after reading these posts i just tried fairy liquid on my hair which worked a treat, so I just wanted to say thank you!!!
hair
by: Anonymous

I have spoken to nice and easy whom have confirmed the conditioner is much richer, so they have changed it, chance is they have changed all their products. She advised me to use a clarifying shampoo but also advise it could take weeks to remove it, so I'am gonna try fairy liquid if doesn't work I'am gonna use baking powder and finally will try zwarfega a de-grease used for hands. By the way they will refund all the money I have spent on all the stuff to try and remove the sticky wax from my hair.
Glad to have some helpful comments
by: Anonymous

I ALSO HAVE HAD THE GREASY HAIR IN SECTIONS MOSTLY MY BANG AREA I have tried the Listerine and have had some help..will try the dish soap next with baking soda...just glad I'm not alone...hang in everyone we are not alone
Sticky/greasy hair after washing + dishsoap
by: Anonymous

I had the same problem. Three weeks ago, I washed my hair and when I started to blow dry it, I noticed that the crown of my hair on top was sticky/greasy. Like a lot of you, I thought I didn?t properly rinse my hair after using shampoo. I use Head & Shoulders shampoo and conditioner for dry hair and been using it for at least a year without any issue. I do not dye my hair nor do I have any highlights and never use any products other than the shampoo and conditioner. I only wash my hair 3 days a week so it?s not because I wash them too often. And I don?t have greasy hair.

I washed my hair again and was very careful to wash it properly on top. The same thing happens: when I blow dry it, the sticky/greasy stuff was still there. No matter how many times I was washing my hair (sometimes washing it once, rinsing, then washing it again) it didn?t change anything. I even stopped using conditioner and it did nothing. I was getting so frustrated that I did a little research and found this forum. I decided to try using dishsoap (a generic apple-smelling product) and it immediately got rid of EVERYTHING that was sticky and greasy. It worked perfectly. So thank you for the tip! But my scalp was very dry which is normal since dishsoap is a pretty strong product.

That was 2 days ago and I have not washed my hair yet. I will do so tomorrow but with my regular shampoo and I am keeping my fingers crossed. As soapdish is a strong product normally not recommended to use in hair since it gets radically rid of all grease (and if put in hair and scalp gets rid of the good natural oil in your scalp that keeps the hair shiny and moisturized), I am not planning on using this every time I wash my hair. However, I am curious to know from all of you who used dishsoap: did it ?cured? the problem after one use? Did you get back to your regular shampoo and conditioner afterwards?

This all started out of the blue and I have no idea what caused it. I did not change anything in my routine (ie: different shampoo, diet, medication, etc.) The dishsoap worked very well for me after one try but hopefully, this thing is gone for good.
STICKY HAIR
by: Anonymous

You say you use Head & Shoulders,this too is made by PROCTER & Gamble, they also make herbal essences, Wella products, Pantene, wash & go and Aussie, they also make Wella hair dye, Clairol hair dye, Boen blonde, Nice & Easy and Perfect 10. They have change their product beware.
Dawn, selsun blue-medicated, garnier fructis-pure clean
by: Anonymous

Well this too happened to me..I have really long black hair down to my waist and about two weeks ago i used Nice n easy .. and then i used the conditioner that came with it. Used it twice in one week and i believe that is what caused the greasy patch at the crown of my head.. the gloss stuff .. well anyways i used dawn, rinsed then selsun blue-medicated, rinsed then Garnier fructise-pure clean, rinsed. Repeated all three steps.. all in one shower.. don't add conditioner..You can do without for one day ..Let hair air dry don't blowdry .. and it was ALL GONE .. THANK GOD .. I thought i was gonna die lol.... trust me it will work!
Proctor & Gamble formula change = problem
by: Anonymous

I Used to use Herbal Essences years ago and thought itchy sticky residue was down to having greasy hair. Trying a different shampoo made me realise it was HE to blame so I have never bought that brand since. It took me ages to find a good alternative shampoo - I use Phytoneutre eucalyptus rebalancing shampoo as my regular shampoo (not cheap but worthwhile, and you only need to use a tiny amount each wash). I then used to use Head & Shoulders citrus conditioner. This combo worked a dream (i should add i have very fine hair) - until Procter & Gamble changed the formula recently ('new improved formula' etc). I don't know how exactly they changed it but ever since then it has been leaving an icky mess on my hair. back to square one - or it would be but at least I have a shampoo that works.

If anyone can recommend a rebalancing conditioner that might be ok for fine hair pls let me know
Nice n Easy
by: Anonymous

Thanks for all of your comments, I have used the Nice n Easy hair dye and I have been battling this issue for over a week now.
I have used the conditioner but I have never used it on my crown (Only the ends) yet my crown has the sticky greasy residue.
I have shampooed three to four times every day since this started and nothing is helping....I tried head and Shoulders and also the dish soap...I will try the dish soap again and leave it in for a little while and Ill also buy the Aussie since a couple of you said it works.
Im freaking out, I usually have such nice soft hair.

Once its gone has it come back for any of you?
I really hope that my scalp/hair aren't ruined for good.
Follow-up re: Sticky/greasy hair after washing + dishsoap
by: Anonymous

Thanks for the information. I never realized that Head & Shoulders was by Procter & Gamble. After washing my hair with dishsoap, I went back to Head & Shoulders and although the greasy/sticky appearance was less visible, it came back. So I bought Neutrogena Anti-residu shampoo and it worked like a charm. I use this once a week. For the other times I wash my hair, I bought a non-Procter & Gamble shampoo: Treseme and so far so good. My hair is very clean and shiny. I will not be using any Procter & Gamble products ever again!
How i got rid of it
by: Anonymous

I had the same problem - used my partner's Joico after colour conditioner as I ran out of my own conditioner and straight after using it the top of my hair developed a sticky residue that I just couldn't get out. After washing it numerous times with no joy, I read your comments and tried washing it with some dishwashing liquid we had in the house... one wash and it was gone! Who would've thought? :-)
Sticky residue on hair
by: Anonymous

You are all wonderful, I don't usually add to comments, but I am so grateful! I have been dying my hair for years using nice and easy by Clairol and occasionally using the conditioner. It's only in the last month that I have experienced such a sticky residue no matter how much I washed and rinsed my hair. I am in the UK and so I have just tried fairy liquid, I think I will have to re-wash in fairy liquid as it is better but I have very thick hair. I will stop using any Proctor an Gamble products from now on; they must have changed the ingredients in their products. If it is so difficult to wash out the residue, they have a lot to answer for!
Sticky residue on hair
by: Kelly

I too for the 1st time ever got the sticky residue on my hair after dying it with perfect 10 (which i have used for the past year) but I also wash my hair with Herbal Essences Hello Hydration...did not think it was either two products as I have been using these products for awhile. But then my 17 year old daughter at the same time also got the sticky residue and she does not color her hair, but uses the same shampoo. I found this site after googling...thank you everyone for your comments! I tried the Dawn dishwahing soap and it did get rid of some of it, but not all. I changed my shampoo to Fructis Fortifying shampoo and after a couple of washes over 4 days, my hair is back to normal, and so is my daughters' hair! We still use the HE hello hydration on our ends (we both have long hair) and it is fine that way....so I'm thinking, in our case, it was the actual HE shampoo.

Good luck to everyone with this problem...it is an awful experience!
Seventh Generation dish soap worked... Wohoo!!
by: Anonymous

I had the same problem from last 2 weeks and it was annoying. Finally reading about using Dawn detergent. I thought I should try. I did not have Dawn but I do have Seventh Generation Natural dish liquid. It's all natural, so I used it last night and couldn't believe my stickiness all gone!!! I rubbed in for god 4 min!!Thank u guys:) I was about to take Dr.'s appointment!!
waxy / greasy hair
by: Anonymous

Been using herbal essences smooth and soft shampoo and conditioner and overnight am now suffering the same plight as many others. Feels as if my hair needs a good wash all the time!
Sticky from Clairol Nice and Easy Conditioner
by: Anonymous

I do think it is a problem with the conditioner as well as the water that we're using. I live in NJ and used this hair color for years. Never had a problem. I moved to TN 6 years ago and the very first time I experienced it was the first shower I had down here and dyed my hair for a job interview. I noticed a sticky, dry, greasy type feeling on the crown of my head that would no go away!! It doesn't always happen even though I have continued to use the same color for years!! It did however, happen after the last color treatment and 3 weeks later my hair was the same!! I had to keep putting it in a pony tail because it looked greasy!!

I have long straight hair and normally it falls naturally but with this greasy stuff I could toss if over my head and it would stay there!! Anyway, thank you for the Dawn dishwashing soap suggestions!! I had to wash it twice to make sure I got it all out, but it worked!!! Now I know to stay away from the hair color and I know what to do if it happens again.

Thanks Ladies!!
Hair care
by: baby gurl

I have the same problem, - My hair is like sticky up at the roots and no matter how much I wash it, it won't go away. It looks awful, oily and dirty. I too used (Nice n Easy) hair dye, that was around 2 weeks before this problem started happening although I did notice hints of the problem starting after using the condition treatment that came with the hair dye. Although things seemed to get really bad after using head and shoulders shampoo as well, so I don't know which is the cause. I hate having this problem, it honestly looks as if I just don't wash my hair, even though I've washed it 5 times the last 2 days. I will start treatment using washing up liquid, then maybe a hot oil, hope this is going to work.
Get rid of sticky residue
by: Anonymous

I had the same problem. Sticky hair near roots, and no amount of shampooing or rinsing got rid of it, it even got worse. Then I read somewhere it is because products like Pantene have silicone wax in them and coat the hair, make it shiny but this silicone wax is not water soluble, so it builds up into this sticky residue.

I got rid of it with a vinegar rinse...is sounds smelly/hippy but it really isn't too bad and leaves my hair softer, shinier and with out the gunk.

I fill a basin with warm water and add a bit of apple cider vinegar, white vinegar or red wine vinegar then wash it through the hair and gunky bits, then rinse really really well. Then I use a baby shampoo that seems to have the least wierd chemical ingredients.

It works for me, hope it does for you too. (the yucky stickiness was driving me mad before I tried this)
Clairol Herbal Essences!
by: Amy

I've been having the exact same problem!!! A few days ago I switched to the Long Term Relationship brand of Herbal Essences and discovered a gross, tacky, sticky feeling on the roots of my hair. Like everyone else here I thought I hadn't rinsed well enough, but that's clearly not the case anymore as it's been like this for days. Weird thing is I've used this conditioner before and not had this problem. Maybe they changed the ingredients? Anyway, I'm so glad I found this site! I don't have time to try the dish soap thing right now but tonight I definitely will. Crossing my fingers!
Thanks girls!
Add me to the list...
by: Jane

I've been using Clairol Natural Instincts for over a decade...this started happening about a year ago. This time is the worst so I started googling and discovered this thread. At least I have an answer! Will go home tonight & wash w/ dishwashing liquid. I also wrote to Clairol and sent them this thread.
Join the gamg
by: Anonymous

Wow so many people with the same problem! Its awful! I coloured my hair with as you guessed nice n easy and yep thought I'd not rinsed conditioner out so rinsed again... still sticky and tacky, I tried the vinegar it didn't work for me and only tried washing up liquid once but I'm going to have another go with it, going to buy some dry shampoo too until its cleared up, heard somebody say try peanut butter...makes sense as its what you would use to remove gum or something sticky from hair, I just want to say I feel bad for everyone who is having the same trouble as me, I'm actually a hairdresser believe it or not! Usually I buy my colours from Sally and mix them myself but thought while shopping in the supermarket I'd get a box colour...big mistake! Good luck people fingers crossed for washing up liquid :-)
Herbal Essences
by: Anonymous

I've been using herbal essences for 2 years and have loved it, but the past month I've has also been getting a sticky residue in the crown of my head. they must have changed something in the formula or something. I washed my hair with vinegar and baking soda but nothings worked. I'm going to try using Aussie products tonight.
OMG I'm so releived
by: Anonymous

I too used Nice and Easy colour on my hair and have been baffled for the past few weeks as to why my crown is suddenly so disgusting. I've tried a number of different shampoos but none have worked, Everyone around me thinks i have gone crazy as i keep getting them to inspect the problem. After reading all of your messages this evening i quickly reached for the fairy and gave it a go. My hair now feels much better and I feel much more confident going to the hairdressers tomorrow. I was dreading going with my greasy mop!!!! Thanks ladies.
Dawn did not work:(
by: Cindy

Dawn did not work for my hair but Garnier Fructis Fortifying Deep Conditioner 3 Minute Masque did (i was only able to find this at Walmart)! I am in heaven.

The problem started when I began using a combo of Pantene, Fekkai Glossing Cream and Suave hairspray everyday. I'm going to start washing my hair every 2-3 days with Bumble and Bumble hair products. I figure I could justify the expense if I cut down on washing.
Garnier is evil!
by: Devon

I recently used Garnier Hair Dye for the third time (after YEARS of using L'Oreal Hydrience Creme) and immediately noticed the back part of my hair was a big knotty slimy mess. I will DEFINATLEY try the Dawn tonight-- thank you so much for the tip. It makes so much sense, we use this on animals for the oil spill, why not on our own hair? Thanks!
So glad i found these postings
by: Anonymous

I also have been experiencing the same problem after using the conditioner that came with hair coloring. I am going to try the dish soap. hopefully it will work.
Not Clairol, but Garnier Nutriesse
by: Nikki

Hey, I have exactly the same problem! My red hair had got extremely faded so I dyed over it with garner Nutriesse casting creme. I washed it out with the conditioner, and then dyed over it again two days later as I wasn't satisfied with the coverage. Once again I washed it out, using the conditioner. I now have a patch behind my left ear that is continuously greasy no matter how much I wash it.
I will definitely never use the conditioner from hair colourings again!
Gooey Hair
by: Linda

I used Perfect 10 too.. and it left my hair a gooey mess. I was desperate until I found this website. Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you! I used dish-washing detergent and have noticed a major change.. a couple more washings and I hope my hair will be back to normal.
BEER
by: Iris Epping

I have the exact same issue. I know it seems random. But I tried beer on my hair. I poured in 3 heineken bottles and rubbed it in, then i let it sit for like a minute. Then I rinsed it. It feels much better now. I will write again once its dry. :)
Clairol After Colour Conditioner must be tainted
by: Grace C

My family couldn't believe that what has happened to my hair has happened to so many others! I am so lucky I Googled after only two days to see all the recommendations. Last night I tried morning fresh dishwashing liquid but that didn't work. I then tried vinegar but that also didn't work. This morning i used baking powder mixed in with my usual shampoo and it made some difference then did it again and the stickiness has gone! I also now suspect it was the Clairol after colour conditioner ( even though I have used Nice 'n Easy many times before ). It seems strange that so many of us are experiencing the stickiness to only a certain part of our head. I think that where we place the first blob of the conditioner is where the stickiness is at its worst. In my case, the only section of the hair affected was from the front of my scalp, about 12cm wide and down to nearly the middle of the back of my head. That is how I first apply conditioner, and then I massage it all over. Thank you to everyone who has shared their experience and for your recommendations.
Vinegar works!
by: Anonymous

I don't recall how this 'tacky' thing on my roots began but it looked like my hair hadn't been washed in a long while.

Changed shampoos tried L'oreal, Garnier, Head & Shoulders, Vaseline (brand shampoo not vaseline the petroleum jelly) didn't work.

Tried olive oil, dishwashing liquid (not Dawn, didn't have it around), hand soap, body wash etc etc

Vinegar mixed with hot water seemed to do the trick, as soon as i dipped my hair in it, immediately felt soft without the tackiness... so happy.
Nice and Easy sticky hair residue
by: Anonymous

I have med length baby fine blonde hair. I had been having it colored as I am graying (59 yrs young). I thought I would save some money and go back to Nice and Easy that I used in the past. I used neutral med blonds shade. ... Read more
Nice n Easy did it to me!
by: Jo

Glad I found this page - I used nice n easy to dye my hair at home about about a month ago and ever since the front patch of my hair and fringe has been greasy no matter what. As soon as i get out of the shower i can feel it, I've tried different shampoos including head & shoulders and it just won't go, I am washing my hair every day!! I am sick of it as it being at the front I think it makes it look like I have never washed my hair! tomorrow I am trying fairy liquid definitely and will let you know how it goes!
Definitely Caused by Hair Colour Conditioner
by: Anonymous

The same thing happened to me,after using the conditioner that comes with hair colour. Hair dryer made it a million times worse. Tried washing hair with Sunlight and that worked but had to do it 5 times and it still didn't get it all out. After I found a shampoo at a hair salon that takes out residue. That did the trick.
Perfect 10 from Clairol
by: Rebecca

I too have this problem as we speak. The back of my hair has about a 4 inch spot that is noticeably nasty, like a sticky, greasy dry serum has been gobbed on. I have always kept the extra tubes of conditioner that come with the color, and used it last night as a deep conditioning. I have been frazzled all day trying to figure out what I put on it to make it like this, and after reading this page, now I know.

This has happened in the past, right after I color, I use the cond. and when I start to dry it, there is the spot again. I thought I wasn't getting all the color out, so I would wash 2 or 3 times with shampoo. I am now convinced this is the problem. I used their new foaming color with wonderful results and the smell is heavenly, even the day after. It has a sweet, vanilla fragrance to it. BUT, now I'm afraid that it too is going to start the same crap.
Thank you for all you guys help on this;) This page is absolutely awesome.
Clairol After Color Gloss!
by: DIon

I have NEVER had this problem. I have always had silky, bouncy hair. And for ten years or more I have colored with Nice and Easy once or ever twice a month. One week ago I colored and IMMEDIATELY noticed a "waxy" sort of film. The more I blow dried it--the worse it got. I spoke with a Clairol representative who told me infact it WAS the conditioner. However, she assured me the conditioner (that I have used the EXACT same way for 10 years or more) was NOT defective but that my hair had "changed" and was absorbing it differently... (which is total bull**) She suggested I go out and PURCHASE Clairol Clarifying Shampoo, and Clairol purifying conditioner...I DID NOT. I ran some Dawn dish liquid through my hair and threw away the remainder of the Clairol Gloss. Hmmmm: Would feel better for Clairol to have had a little more ownership of this problem...

By the way, The dish liquid took care of the problem.
coincidence or defective product!
by: DIon

I am amazed by the number comments made by Clairol users:All with the same problem... I would be interested to see the dates on all these comments. Are all the comments/posts recent? I have never had this problem and now I see HUNDREDS of people with the exact same problem. hmmmm, makes me curious... 7/5/2011.
Perfect 10 conditioner for sure
by: heather

The same thing happened to me after using perfect 10 conditioner. I have been mind boggled on what caused this. i thought i might have some kind of medical condition. I am so happy I came across this page!!
Clairol coloring conditioner or user error?
by: Anonymous

I have had the same localized tacky feeling in my hair around the forehead for over a week now after coloring two weeks ago. I was using the conditioner every day (oops) not once a week as the directions stated, so it may be my own fault. However, after reading many of the dozens of posts on this site, it is likely not me and is the product. I will try some of your suggestions, and thank you all for posting, I am relieved I found this website. I could not figure out what was going on with my hair all of a sudden!
UPDATE FOR CLAIROL USERS
by: Anonymous

I have commented on this page earlier. The reason I am back, is because I called Clairol and got the run around, like she thought I was losing my mind. After a few minutes of describing to her my problem and that I knew it was in fact the Per10 conditioner, she is sending me coupons and a voucher for a reimbursement for a salon treatment for my hair to remedy this. My husband has come to the conclusion that he thinks Clairol is now getting their supplies from China or something like that, and I am beginning to think he's right. With the economy being crappy right now, think about it, Clairol hasn't really skimped on the size or the price, which is both pretty much the same. So how are they breaking even? Probably using cheaper ingredients. But let me make something clear, I have used Pantene for years and noticed the other night after using the conditioner, that my hair had some tackiness, like was left from the Perfect10. Both are made by Proctor and Gamble....go figure
Sticky Hair problem solved
by: Anonymous

Thank you to all on this thread. This problem was driving me crazy!

For me sticky hair happened in one city - San Antonio. Whenever I came to our condo here, I got sticky gummy hair, using the same products I use elsewhere. I'd go to Austin or chicago, and the problem went away.

I just tired the dishwashing detergent trick (Palmolive for me) and it worked. I think it must be something in the aquifer water here.
It's the water!!!!
by: Marina

Thank goodness I found this post. Last week I spent a day at a thermal mineral springs resort and since then my hair has this oily heavy texture at the roots and down about 2 inches. I'm guessing it has to do with all the minerals in the water! I wash my hair daily and haven't been able to get rid of it. I'm going to try dishwashing liquid and hope it works!
Dishwashing liquid is the key
by: Anonymous

I've been facing this problem for weeks until I came across this forum just about an hour ago. I immediately went to try my house dishwasher (mama lemon) and it works instantly. Thanks for the advice (:
Having same issues but nothing is working
by: Brittany

I noticed the sticky sap feeling film a couple weeks ago. Thought maybe it was my shampoo and conditioner. So i threw those away and bought a different brand. Still had the issues. Found this forum and tried clarifying shampoo and no conditioner, dawn dish soap, and baking soda mixed with shampoo. Nothing has helped it, using the baking soda mixture made it 10x worse. Now it went from just being on a small section on the top of my head to all over my head! Please help!
Mama Lemon Soap
by: SingaporeGal

I love the sleek look of a pony tail as it makes me look more sophisticated. I just blow dry my hair for a straight pony tail, pull back my hair, hide the hair band with a piece of hair and tame my annoying wiry hairs with my husband's Matt Clay-Do (texturizing clay). I have very oily scalp (annoying if you want to wear your hair down in humid Singapore. My hair freezes out and regardless how much I try to straighten my hair it will end up looking wiry and messy. So I had been pulling back my hair and using this clay for about a year without issues until about three weeks ago I felt my hair was too sticky even I had washed it with shampoo. So I washed it for a second time. When my hair dried out, it still felt dirty and had no choice but wear a pony tail every day to hide it. However, each day became more apparent regardless I tried an apple vinegar product mixed with twice the amount of water after shampooing but it gave me no results. Then I started applied the product without water directly on my scalp and let it work for about 7 min. Again with no results.

Yesterday my hair look absolutely disgusting, even I had just taken a shower 20 min earlier. So before heading to my salon, I browsed and found this blog, which saved my hair. I read about users who washed their hair with their clear Down soap. So I went straight to the kitchen and took out my Mama Lemon (available in Singapore and rest of South East Asia I believe) and gave a good wash to my scalp and the roots of my hair without touching the ends. I worked sections of my hair at a time to make sure I covered all the crown area where my problem was. I Let the product rest for one min and then rinsed. After blow drying my hair, I was very pleased with the result. The sticky feeling had disappeared. I just applied Pantene Night Miracle Creme to my ends. Today, I will wash it one more time with my dish-washing soap to make sure no residues are left. I will not do it as thoroughly as yesterday to avoid over drying my hair.
Thanks for the users of this website for their advise.
to get rid of sticky hair !
by: Angelia

One awful day I put 3 tubes of deep conditioner on my hair when it was dry, I used the tubes that come with the hair dye you buy at the store. I had done it before with great results but this time my hair turned into a sticky mess I called the 800 number for what i had used and they had no answers so after crying so hard on what I had done to my hair I remembered they used dawn for dishes to remove the oil from the birds caught in the oil spill so I tried it and its working I used the one with renewal its gentle for your hands and my hair is looking beautiful after every wash. I won't use it from now though! I also have very blonde dyed hair.
good luck if this ever happens to you!
Herbal Essence
by: Anonymous

I have this also. Happened right after I used Herbal Essence Long relationship shampoo. This happened one time before with Aussie shampoo. I am in my 3rd week of it. I did Dawn dish detergent, vinegar, even a mud detox, and about 10 shampoos with no effect. I am going to try baking soda, vinegar, and listerine today.

I WILL get rid of it today if I have to buy everything in the store. Also in order for me to have went out on a date night without having my head look nasty after washing I added alot of mousse to have a wet look. I NEVER use any kind of hair product. It looked okay for the night. Still would have rather have my clean gorgeous straight long brunette hair back and not this greasy clumped up sticky mess!

Also sounds like it could be in shampoos, etc we are using! I will stick to Pantene and tresemme from now on even if i do get a free bottle of herbal essence!!!
Clairol
by: Anon

Having the same problem the last week or so, and have also used Nice'n'Easy. Going to try dish washing liquid now. My scalp is sore from washing so much. Pls God it works. Just wondering has anyone contacted Clairol about this, i plan on sending an email to them. I am furious!!! How dare they sell a product that has this side effect...Had I not found this site I don't know what I would have done.
Thanks Girls
Sticky greasy looking hair
by: Linda

I too coloured my hair 8 weeks ago and I noticed when I got out the shower the day after that my hair felt funny, kind of greasy even when still wet, after drying it still felt greasy at the crown but the rest looked ok. I assumed I had not rinsed it correctly. By the end of the day the rest of my hair (which is long and fine) was lank and hanging in rats tails. I changed shampoo and conditioner a couple of times but it just won't go away. I again dyed my hair 2 weeks ago thinking that this would sort the problem but even on washing out the dye I could still feel what felt like a sticky dirty residue. My hair looks wet at the crown and greasy and dirty down the length. I don't use any product on my hair so I knew it could not be build up of hairspray or mousse. Tomorrow I will definitely be taking my Fairy Apple dishwashing liquid into the shower with me.
Wish me luck.
Clairol
by: Anonymous

Omg what a nightmare Clairol should be sued!!!! This is a travesty. I am glad I came across this page too. its devastating reading these comments and feeling like it may not be cured for weeks? I used the dishwashing liquid as well as baking soda and vinegar. it helped but my hair is still gross. It makes me so depressed and I hate it.

Has anyone tried dying their hair again with like fructis box dye and seen it help after?
Dawn will remove the sticky!!!!
by: Anonymous

Dawn Dawn Dawn! my hair feels like when i was 13 and shines and i'm blonde not easy to do with blonde hair thank God for DAWN!!!!!!!
Dishwashing liquid sort of helped
by: Linda

I tried washing in washing up liquid 2 or 3 times and it sort of helped, not entirely clean and glossy again but certainly not as gross. Used my husbands Vosene then Alberto Balsam this morning and it is still a little greasy from the crown down about 4 inches but certainly nowhere like it was before. I used Pantene Colour Protect shampoo and conditioner before, am now too scared to use it again in-case I end up back at square one. Also scared to dye my hair again in-case it happens again, maybe try one that is not made by Proctor and Gamble.
I USE to have the same problem
by: Anonymous

I had the exact same problem as everyone else did on this forum. I've been using Pantene and Head & Shoulders on and off for about a year now and always had wonderful light weight shiny hair. When I ran out of the Pantene, I switched over to Aussie and used that. After the first wash, I loved how my hair felt soft and shiny BUT after the second time after blowed dried my hair, my hair had a sticky waxy feeling right around the crown of my head. I like most of you guys on this forum thought I didn't wash out the conditioner properly so I washed my hair again making sure I rinsed everything out. Again my hair had that waxy sticky residue to it. I tried countless shampoos and even tried the vinegar trick which did not work. This lasted about a week. So I went to Trade Secrets and asked the lady there about my problem. I told here I don't use any products in my hair, don't go swimming. I just have oily hair that comes sometimes. She told me I didn't need a clarifying shampoo. She recommend me either TREE TEA OIL SHAMPOO and this brand called NIOXIN for fine
hair. I bought the "NIOXIN for Fine Hair 1" trial set which came with a shampoo, conditioner, and a scalp treatment. If I liked it I could go back an buy the full size bottles. I tried it the night I got it and I knew it worked while I was washing my hair. It lathered up nice and had a tingly sensation all over my scalp. After I blow dried my hair, my hair was back to normal! I was so happy I got my shiny non
waxy hair. I definitely recommend this brand!! Even though it says on the box it's meant for fine hair, it removes toxins, residues and DHT (Dihydosterone). I absolutely recommend this product! :)
Sticky hair
by: Anonymous

I used herbal essences for forever and just recently bought a new bottle of "long term relationship" and got this sticky problem. None of the above thinks worked for me.
PALMOLIVE DISH SOAP worked! Dawn did NOT. Must use ORIGINAL GREEN palmolive dish soap use apple cider vinegar and lemon juice to lather INSTEAD of water! Let sit for a few minutes then rinse out in shower. 100% gone the first time!!!!
Greasy roots?
by: Allieson

I have had this issue for almost a week now I thought I was going crazy. I noticed last Friday after I got out of the shower, the crown of my head seemed like there was residue in it still, I have blond-dyed hair, and my roots are dark probably a few inches now so the top of my head looks and feels like a grease pod and its embarrassing even though I KNOW its clean. I can't figure out what started it, but every-time I washed the past few days I couldn't get rid of it. I use head and shoulders dandruff shampoo and herbal essence conditioner..seeing all the posts about herbal essence and Clairol products being the possible culprit I think I'm going to stop using these and try the liquid dish-washing soap next time and go back to using the nutrisse conditioner that I usually use. I was about to make an apt with my dermatologist about this, but I will take your guys' suggestions first and hope to see a change soon.
Sticky hair
by: Anonymous

I have had this sticky residue in my hair, at the crown and temples. I have had enough and I went to my local hairdresser and asked them about this issue. They gave me a tea tree treatment. it helped. I bought the stuff she used (Paul Mitchel Tea Tree shampoo and cond.) and have noticed a slight difference.

This problem occurred Near the end of August after i colored my hair with Nice N' Easy. I normally use one box this time I used 2 and had this residue. I am going to try again and see what happens.
No longer using Perfect 10 - what would you recommend?
by: Anonymous

I've used Perfect 10 for the past two years and just started noticing this sticky build-up on my crown since May 2011. I've tried several different brands of shampoos and conditioners and some temporarily helped but I still end up with the same problem. I just got so fed up tonight and I'm SO glad I found this page! I'll be using dishwasher soap right now and tossing my last box of Perfect 10 and Herbal Essences shampoo and conditioner. Any new hair color brands anyone would recommend for brunette?
I was getting depressed!
by: Monica

Thank God I found these comments! The hair on the top of my head was a sticky, greasy looking disaster! I was using a combination of Head and Shoulders and the Aussie smoothing conditioner, so it was either one of those. Now I'm going to go home and use my Dawn! Thanks!
Nice n Easy
by: Anonymous

Yup mine started right after using the after coloring conditioner, I won't make that mistake again.
Clairol ??
by: Anonymous

I have the same sticky/greasy residue from my bangs to the crown of my head. I have tried different shampoos and conditioners and make sure I am rinsing all of it out but nothing I try seems to work.
I have been coloring my hair with Clairol Nice 'n Easy for at-least 2 years and have never had any problem with my hair until recently. After seeing several other posts about Clairol products, it makes me wonder if this is the culprit. Maybe they recently changed the formula, which could be why us Clairol users have never had an issue before?!?!
Listerine
by: Julie

I have the same waxy patch of hair problem after using Pantene and Aussie... after much research online, I found the CURE!! Go out and buy Suave Clarifying shampoo and original brown Listerene. Shampoo and rinse your hair TWICE with the Suave and then pour 3 capfuls of the Listerene over the waxy area. Massage it in with your fingertips for a minute and then let it sit for at least five minutes, then rinse. Voila! Your hair should be cured. If it is only 95% cured, do the process all over again and it will definitely be back to normal. I am living proof that this works because I get the oily/waxy hair patches about twice a year and the Suave/Listerene combo has yet to fail me!!!
SOLUTION!!!!
by: Anonymous

Greasy/tacky residue on crown of scalp, excessive hair loss and a slight burn on the crown of my head.
I used Clairol Nice 'n Easy w/color gloss conditioner and Herbal Essences shampoos and conditioners for years and have never had this problem. I have read so many complaints, and it seems to not be one product individually. I AM BOYCOTTING ALL Proctor & Gamble products! ALL!

My SOLUTION!
1. Throw out Herbal Essences, Pantene, Clairol etc.. (basically anything distributed by P&G goes in the trash)
2. Neutrogena Anti Residue Shampoo (2-3 washes and residue is gone). $5
3. Organix Tea Tree & Mint shampoo and conditioner (natural/organic ingredients) $5-6 a bottle (find it at Target, Wal Mart, CVS, etc...)

REASON?
by: Anonymous

I had the same problem. I changed my shampoo, blamed the hard water but not worked. Finally I found this forum. Just tried a 1:3 white vinegar and water rinse followed by Johnson's baby shampoo. My hair feels 80% better. Will repeat the process tom morning once again.. If anyone comes across a cogent reason as to why this happens please let us know.
Sunlight dish detergent worked
by: Anonymous

I have been using a shampoo bar for about 2 months. Sometimes I get a waxiness while my hair is wet but it dries fine.

Yesterday, I left the suds on for a couple of minutes and my hair felt very waxy and matted.

I rinsed with water and a touch of lemon juice--it was worse.

I tried baking soda and vinegar to no avail.

Today, I washed my hair as usual and it was still sticky and waxy from top to bottom. It looked as if I put an overload of mousse in it. It could stand on its own, and felt filthy!

I went to the kitchen sink and used my Sunlight dishwashing liquid in a foam dispenser (not the super concentrated formula, I just refill the bottle with the regular one). I wet my hair with hot water and then used 3 squirts, rubbing my hair between my palms. I didn't massage it into my scalp.

I rinsed well, no conditioner or anything else.

Right away I felt a difference. My hair is springy, feels lighter and very clean.It is shiny and soft. I figured I had nothing to lose since it felt like straw right before I tried it.

I don't dye my hair or use products more than a couple of times a month.

Good luck!
No more Clairol for me!
by: Anonymous

I am so annoyed with Clairol. How they can put such a terrible conditioner in with their hair dyes is beyond me, especially when it's apparent they know it sucks. It's actually all over the web.
I used Nice 'n' Easy SB2 about 4 days ago which is a shade I've been using for over a year. I would always use my regular conditioner afterwards, but decided to use the box one this time- WOAH! Big huge fat mistake!
My hair felt so heavy, limp and weird while it was wet. I had rinsed it for at least ten minutes, so it wasn't that I hadn't rinsed it out properly.
I thought blow drying would help, but it didn't, it amplified it. I had a stringy, greasy, glue-like mess. It wasn't just the crown either- it was all of my hair.
I have since used clarifying Shampoo, a Schwardzkopf professional one, which helped a bit.
I've still found I need to use a dry shampoo to mask the grease- although I've just washed my hair!
I went to the supermarket tonight and got a Garnier Sulphate Free shampoo, Head & Shoulders 'Clean & Balanced' Shampoo and a couple of lemons.
I plan to put lemon juice on the greasiest bits and let it sit for a while before I shampoo with the Garnier.
I'll rinse with vinegar and then see how it feels.
If that doesn't work I'll try some Head 'n' Shoulders mixed with bi-carb.
Although dish soap sounds good in theory, I wouldn't put it in my hair. Especially since it's very light blonde and dish soaps contain colours that would discolour my hair. Would be okay for brunettes I guess.
Good luck ladies! I hope you're all able to sort your hair out.
I'm glad we have this site to let others know not to use Clairol.
4/11/11
Sticky hair using Clairol ColorSeal Conditioner
by: Maggie

After coloring my hair, I too (and this happened twice) got sticky, waxy hair near the scalp mostly but all over after using the conditioner in the box I don't know if this stuff gets old or what, but my hair wouldn't even dry completely and I only used less about the size of a quarter on my shoulder length hair. This happened last year too...always after using the conditioner (Color Seal) in the Clairol box! It took 5 shampoos or so to come out!
dishsoap on blonde hair
by: Anonymous

It is okay...only very occasionally...if you use the yellow or even better, colour-free, scent-free ones. I've never had a problem for removing bad buildup.
tips
by: Anonymous

I have the exact same problem, it started about a week ago and I have tried everything. But what really helps, is after you wash it put baby powder throughout the crown of your hair where it's sticky and comb it through then blow dry it dry and it makes it so soft and silky.
clairol and sticky hair
by: Anonymous

Thank you thank you, I used Clairol Nice and easy and ended up with awful sticky hair so at 0500a.m. this morning when i couldn't sleep having washed my hair about 5 times since dying it, i got up and put olive oil on it for 1/2 hour and then mixed some baking powder in some fairy liquid and used that- brilliant, nearly all of it has gone and I am soooo grateful.
December 2, 2011
Christmas has been ruined thanks to nice & easy!
by: Anonymous

Having dyed my hair with this product for 12 years, I have never had any real problems. I dyed my hair on Christmas eve much to my despair as I now have horrible sticky hair that looks greasy! I have tried fairy washing liquid, which has slightly helped, but still have the problem! I can't believe this has happened. Thankfully this site has helped & hopefully after trying some more suggestions the problem will go. Otherwise New Year will be spoiled too. Best tip don't use the conditioner!!
Clairol...... oh my
by: Anonymous

Well since my last post a few months ago, I have found out that it is in fact not only Clairol products, but even conditioners made by Proctor and Gamble, which makes Clairol too. I have had this happen from using Pantene and Herbal Essences conditioners. The haircolors that made it happen are Perfect10, Herbal Essences, and Nice and Easy. I had to call Clairol, and make them reimburse me for the color correction and to get that gunk spot out of my hair. They make you pay for it out of pocket, which really stunk, and then sent me a check for the amount, but only up to 75.00, which is less than what most salons charge to correct a problem like this. I would advise people to be careful when using and conditioner product from Proctor and Gamble. I cannot stress enough, READ THE BACK LABEL AND SEE WHO MAKES THE PRODUCT....
Ugh, nasty oil slick hair--dish soap
by: Callie

So, I went home for Christmas to my mom's house. On the 24th I washed my hair and dried it. While I was drying it, it became apparent that there was a nasty sticky, greasy streak on my part. The next day I washed it several times, even using baking soda and vinegar, and it was still horrible looking. I came back home, and today the grease looked like it was spreading down the sides of my hair, and at the part it was still oily and stiff. So I looked online for help figuring out this problem and came across this website. And I noticed how many people found this problem after using a Clairol after-color conditioner. I think that's what happened to me too. See my mom colors regularly with Nice&Easy, but stores up the tubes of conditioner and I use them up when I come home, without issue. But the must've changed the formula, because I used them exactly as before and now I have a nasty mess of hair. Anywho, I followed the advice of others here, and plopped a bunch of olive oil on my head for 30-45 min, then shampooed twice with dish soap and lemon juice. My part looks 1000x better, and the sticky stiff mess is gone. There are a few oily streaks left, but I think one or two more dish soap treatments should do the trick. Moral of the story; Clairol really effed up and should remove its products apparently, and if it's already too late for your hair, use dish soap!
(12/27/11)
Clariol
by: Anonymous

I had the same problem and tried every single different hair product, soap, vinegar, beer, olive oil, clarifying shampoo, baking soda, you name it I tried it. As I tried all of those different solutions I ended up stripping my hair so bad that I had to shave it all off.
Clairol
by: Anonymous

Hi all, I too have this waxy tacky glue like feel to my hair at the crown of my head and I too used a Clairol conditioner! I used their intensive colour lock conditioner which they sell in one off treatments - I think its the same product as they include with their hair dyes. I used it three days ago and again this morning and voila my hair is a sticky disaster. This happened to me years ago when i was in Thailand and it nearly ruined my holiday i was obsessing about it so much as i didn't know the cause - I thought it was the water. But i did suspect the Clairol shampoo and conditioner (Herbal Essences) I had brought with me as I never had used them before. Back then I tried clarifying shampoos, professional wash and blowdrys, coaltar shampoo, stopped using conditioner - all to no avail.

I believe washing up liquid worked but its so many years since that I cant be sure. I'm definitely going to give it a go on the strength of comments left here. What did we ever do before the Internet!!! Ta for the advice.

January 12, 2012
Thank goodness
by: Anonymous

This has happened twice to me, both times using Nice n Easy hair dye. The first time the hairdresser washed my hair and on the third attempt muttered 'This will do the trick' but never told me what she used. I contacted Clairol who gave no reason and I just thought it must be a bad batch of conditioner. This time I read this website. 10 minutes soaking olive oil on the hair then washing up liquid (we cant get Dawn but I used Down to Earth which is phosphate free and Ph neutral). No conditioner at all. Worked a treat. So thank you - and now I am going to contact Clairol again....Dione
Happens to me!
by: Anonymous

I have used all of the products listed as well. Herbal essence long term, hydrating, Pantene, and perfect 10. I think that when companies are saying they will "repair damage" or "hydrate" they use a silicone in their products to coat the hair and make it look shiny. It's basically a plastic. Which leaves me to believe thats why it's waxy. The hair dryer makes it worse because it melts the wax together and fuses it into clumps.
The only shampoo I end up reverting back to every time is herbal essence in the orange bottle for body. I think they don't add the silicone ingredient to that otherwise it would weigh hair down. Just my opinion. But I'm going to work right now with a sticky greasy head because I tried a new shampoo yesterday.
Sticky residue after shampooing with L'oreal paris
by: Dee

Same problem when I dyed my mother's hair using Loreal preference superior. She's used this for years, but this time it burned and this HORRIBLE greasy/sticky residue appeared during the rinse out. I used Nabori detoxifying shampoo to get it out followed by a conditioning shampoo. If it had not worked, I, too, would have used a grease-removing dish-washing liquid.

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