Are you suffering from seasonal allergies? Do you find yourself constantly sneezing, sniffling, and rubbing your eyes due to pollen in the air?
Springtime brings beautiful flowers and vibrant colors, but it also brings something unpleasant—pollen. Pollen can easily find its way into our hair, leaving it sticky and irritating.

However, there are ways to effectively remove pollen from your hair without going through a full wash. As a bonus, these methods can also help reduce allergy symptoms. Here’s how to get pollen out of hair without washing it.
In this guide, we will explore simple and practical methods to get pollen out of your hair, keeping it clean and fresh throughout allergy season. Say goodbye to pollen troubles and hello to beautiful, pollen-free hair!
What Are the Benefits of Removing Pollen from Hair?
Before we dive into the methods, let’s discuss why it is necessary to remove pollen from our hair. Apart from making your hair sticky and uncomfortable, here are some other benefits of eliminating pollen:
- Reduces Allergy Symptoms: By removing pollen in your hair, you can reduce the allergens that come into contact with your face and eyes. This can help alleviate itching, sneezing, and watery eyes.
- Prevents Further Spread: If you have a lot of pollen in your hair, it can quickly transfer to other surfaces like pillows or clothes. So by removing it, you can prevent it from spreading to other areas.
- Keeps Hair Clean: Pollen can attract dirt and other pollutants, making your hair look dull and dirty. By removing it, you can keep your hair clean and healthy.
These are just some benefits of removing pollen from your hair, but there are undoubtedly many more.
What Will You Need?
There are a few things you’ll need to have on hand before removing pollen from your hair:
- Comb or Brush: This will help loosen and remove the pollen from your hair.
- Dry Shampoo: A dry shampoo can quickly absorb excess oils, dirt, and pollen from your hair without washing it.
- Hair Ties or Clips: These will come in handy if you have long hair that needs to be tied up during the process.
Once you have these items ready, you can use one of the methods to get pollen out of your hair.

10 Easy Steps on How to Get Pollen Out of Hair Without Washing It
Step 1: Brush Your Hair
Start by gently brushing your hair using a wide-toothed comb or a hairbrush with soft bristles. This helps to untangle any knots or tangles and remove loose pollen particles that may be lingering on the surface of your hair.
Begin at the ends of your hair and work your way up to the roots, careful not to pull or tug too hard. Brushing your hair also helps to distribute natural oils, giving it a healthier appearance. Clean your comb or brush afterward to remove any trapped pollen.
Step 2: Use a Lint Roller
If there is visible pollen on the surface of your hair, try using a lint roller. Gently roll it over your strands, focusing on areas where pollen is noticeable. The adhesive surface of the lint roller can pick up the pollen particles without causing damage to your hair. Be careful not to press too hard to avoid pulling on your hair.
Step 3: Shake Your Hair Outside
Step outside and give your hair a vigorous shake to dislodge any remaining pollen. Doing this outside prevents pollen from settling on indoor surfaces and minimizes the chances of it coming in contact with allergy sufferers.
You can also use your fingers or a wide-toothed comb to gently run through your hair while shaking to help remove any trapped pollen. Remember to be gentle to avoid causing damage or tangles. Once you’ve shaken your hair, you can proceed to ensure a pollen-free and refreshed look.
Step 4: Apply Dry Shampoo
Spray a light layer of dry shampoo on areas where you feel pollen has accumulated. Dry shampoo absorbs extra oil and can trap pollen particles, making it easier to remove. Once applied, use your fingers to massage the dry shampoo into your hair gently.
Step 5: Wipe Hair with a Microfiber Cloth
After applying dry shampoo, gently wipe your hair with a clean microfiber cloth. The fabric’s soft texture helps attract and capture any remaining pollen particles, effectively removing them from your hair strands. Take extra care to wipe the roots, as pollen accumulates near the scalp.

Continue this gentle wiping motion throughout your hair, paying attention to all areas where pollen may have settled. The microfiber cloth helps remove pollen and reduces static and frizz, leaving your hair looking refreshed and revitalized. Remember to use a clean cloth each time to avoid reintroducing pollen back into your hair.
Step 6: Try a Blow Dryer on the Cool Setting
After removing the excess pollen from your hair, you can eliminate any remaining particles using a blow dryer in a cool setting. Hold the blow dryer a few inches away from your hair and gently blow air through your strands, ensuring you cover all areas.
The cool air helps dislodge any residual pollen while minimizing the risk of heat damage. Remember to maintain a safe distance from your hair to avoid tangling or overheating. This step will leave your hair feeling fresh and free from pollen, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors confidently.
Step 7: Use a Comb or Brush
To thoroughly remove pollen from your hair, use a comb or brush designed explicitly for detangling. Begin by gently combing or brushing your hair from the roots to the tips, working through any knots or tangles. This process helps to dislodge any trapped pollen particles that may have settled on your hair strands.
Be extra cautious when working around your hairline and the crown, as these areas are more susceptible to pollen accumulation. By combing or brushing your hair, you effectively loosen and remove any remaining pollen, leaving your hair clean and pollen-free. Remember to clean your comb or brush after each use to prevent reintroducing pollen back into your hair.
Step 8: Dab Hair with a Damp Washcloth
After combing through your hair, take a clean washcloth and dampen it with water. Gently dab the damp washcloth over your hair, focusing on areas more prone to pollen accumulation, such as the crown and the hairline.

This step helps to remove further any residual pollen that may have been missed during the previous steps. The damp washcloth will effectively trap and remove any lingering pollen particles, leaving your hair feeling refreshed and pollen-free. Remember to use a clean washcloth each time to prevent reintroducing pollen back into your hair.
Step 9: Tie Your Hair Up
Tying your hair up is essential in preventing further pollen exposure and minimizing the risk of pollen transfer to other surfaces. By keeping your hair secured in a bun, ponytail, or braid, you reduce the surface area that pollen can come into contact with.
This helps to reduce the chances of pollen particles settling on your hair and causing discomfort or allergies. Additionally, tying your hair up can help keep it more manageable and prevent tangling while outdoors. So, before heading out, gather your hair and secure it with a hair tie or your preferred hair accessory to keep it protected and pollen-free.
Step 10: Protect Hair with a Hat or Scarf
For added prevention, wear a hat or scarf when spending time outdoors. This will shield your hair from coming in contact with pollen in the first place. Plus, it’s a stylish way to stay protected while enjoying the spring season!
With these simple steps, you can effectively remove pollen from your hair and keep it fresh and clean—without needing a full wash.
5 Things You Should Avoid
Here are five things you should avoid when trying to remove pollen from your hair without washing it:
- Rubbing or Scratching: Avoid vigorously rubbing or scratching your hair as it can further embed the pollen particles into your hair strands and scalp, making removing it more difficult.
- Using Heat Styling Tools: Heat styling tools like hairdryers and straighteners can cause the pollen to settle deeper into your hair. It’s best to avoid using these tools until you have successfully removed the pollen.
- Applying Hair Products: Avoid using excessive hair products such as gels, mousses, or hairsprays,as they can further trap and bind pollen particles to your hair.
- Brushing with Dirty Brushes: Using a brush with pollen trapped can transfer the pollen back onto your hair. Clean your hairbrush thoroughly before using it to remove pollen.
- Sleeping with Pollen-Infested Pillowcases: Make sure to change and wash your pillowcases regularly during allergy season to avoid pollen transfer onto your hair while you sleep.
By avoiding these actions, you can minimize the chances of pollen remaining in your hair and reduce the discomfort caused by allergies.

Conclusion
Removing pollen from your hair without washing it can effectively keep your hair clean and fresh during allergy season.
By following these simple steps on how to get pollen out of hair without washing it, you can effectively remove pollen and minimize the risk of allergies while still being able to enjoy the outdoors.
Remember to use clean tools and clothes for each step and avoid actions that can further spread or trap pollen in your hair. With these tips, you’ll have beautiful and pollen-free hair all season long!
So go ahead, step outside, and embrace the beauty of spring without worrying about pesky pollen in your hair. Happy styling!
About the Author
Jane Hubbard is a passionate beauty expert with a wealth of experience in makeup, hair, and overall beauty techniques. After years of working as a hairdresser specialist, she followed her entrepreneurial spirit and started her own consultancy business.
Jane has always been driven by her desire to help others feel confident in their own skin, and she does this by sharing her knowledge, experiences, and practical beauty tips. Through her consultancy, she empowers individuals to embrace their unique beauty, offering tailored guidance that boosts both self-esteem and personal style.
Professional Focus
- Specializes in makeup, hairstyling, and beauty consulting.
- Provides personalized beauty advice, tips, and techniques to help individuals feel confident in their appearance.
- Dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends and developments.
- Passionate about creating a comfortable and empowering experience for every client.
Education History
- University of Craft and Design – Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Woodworking and Furniture Design
- Woodworking Apprenticeships – Extensive hands-on training with skilled craftsmen to refine carpentry and furniture making techniques
- Online Courses & Masterclasses – Continued education in advanced woodworking techniques, design principles, and specialized tools
Expertise:
- Makeup artistry, hairstyling, and beauty consulting.
- Personalized beauty techniques to enhance confidence and self-expression.
- Educating clients on how to maintain their beauty routines at home.