According to "The Science of Hair Care," hair is susceptible to residue build-up from the use of styling products. Luckily, the remnants from gels and sprays can be safely removed at home with a vinegar mixture that loosens the debris, making them easy to rinse out. This treatment can be used as often as you feel necessary most people see favorable results with monthly use.
Mix 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar with 1 cup water by shaking them together in a bottle. According to "Hair Care: An Illustrated Dermatologic Handbook," apple cider vinegar is the most effective type of vinegar at removing residue in hair, though other types of vinegar will produce favorable results and can be used if apple cider vinegar is unavailable.
Shampoo your hair the way that you typically do. Gently wring the excess water out of your hair after rinsing the shampoo out of your hair.
Apply the vinegar mixture to your scalp. Gently massage the mixture into your roots, working your way down to the tips of your hair. Allow the vinegar mixture to sit in your hair for at least three minutes, which according to "The Science of Hair Care," is the minimum amount of time required for the vinegar to break up the molecular structure of the residue, mobilizing the residue to allow it to be rinsed away.
Rinse the vinegar mixture from your hair with cool water. According to "Hair and Hair Care," cool water constricts the hair's cuticle, allowing it to better withstand daily exposure to pollution and styling products.