Did you know you can exfoliate your scalp? Exfoliating the face and body is common in skincare but the scalp isn’t really something one thinks about too much.
This is odd since the scalp can be just as dirty and grimy as the skin along with flakiness and a general icky feeling.
You know the one you get when it feels like a product is suffocating your scalp or you’ve been wearing extensions for too long?
What is Scalp Exfoliation?
Scalp exfoliation is the process of gently scrubbing the scalp to remove dead skin cells and product build up.
This process fosters a healthy scalp and promotes an environment for healthier hair growth. Think of it the same way you would exfoliate your face and body.
7 Reasons Why You Should Exfoliate Your Scalp
There are many benefits to exfoliating the scalp but the most prominent benefits include:-
1. Rejuvenates & Invigorates
Scalp exfoliation rejuvenates and invigorates your scalp, which gives it a clean, fresh feel. Especially beneficial before installing extensions.
2. Removes Dead Skin Cells
Scalp exfoliation removes dead skin cells. If left alone, these dead skin cells can block the pores over time and lead to stalled hair growth.
3. Removes Product Buildup
Scalp exfoliation clarifies the scalp, eliminates grime, and removes product build-up accumulated over time especially if you’re a no-poo person.
Product build-up on the scalp can also make your hair look dull, limp, and lifeless when you style it.
4. Excellent for Oily Scalps
If you have an oily scalp, scalp exfoliation is excellent for you.
An oily scalp can be irritating and greasy but with regular scalp exfoliation, you can regulate the production of sebum on your scalp.
5. Unblocks Pores & Promotes Circulation
Scalp exfoliation unblocks pores and promotes circulation, drawing essential nutrients to the follicles and leading to more effective hair growth.
6. Relieves Certain Scalp Conditions
Scalp exfoliation can help relieve scalp conditions such as dryness, dandruff, and itchiness.
7. Suitable for All Hair Types
Scalp exfoliation is suitable for all hair types – straight, curly, kinky, thin, thick, etc. In all cases, rub in gentle circles when using a scalp massage brush.
Though scalp exfoliation is a fantastic treatment for hair, if you’re suffering from more serious scalp conditions such as psoriasis or eczema, you should avoid exfoliating with a brush or scrubs.
If you also have sores or cuts on your scalp, you should definitely not exfoliate your scalp until they heal.
How to Exfoliate Your Scalp Effectively
There are a number of scalp exfoliation products out there. However, the only one I have experience with is Kiehls Deep Micro-Exfoliating Scalp Treatment.
You can also DIY your own scalp exfoliating scrub at home. It’s simple to DIY scalp exfoliation scrub and I have shared my best recipes below.
Recommended Hair Care Resources
DIY Scalp Exfoliating Brown Sugar Scrub
Ingredients
- Scalp exfoliating brush
- ½ a cup of brown sugar like Domino Pourable Brown Sugar
- ¼ cup of coconut oil like Carrington Farms Cold Pressed Organic Coconut Oil
- ¼ cup of olive oil like Bertoli Extra Virgin Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of Calendula oil like Eminence Calendula Oil
- 5 drops of tea tree essential oil or peppermint essential oil
- 5 drops of lavender essential oil
- A glass jar like this one for storage
Directions
- Pour the brown sugar into a clean bowl.
- Add the coconut oil, olive oil, and Calendula oil.
- .Mix together then add the tea tree essential oil or peppermint essential oil.
- Add the lavender essential oil. For some fragrance, you can also add a few drops of jasmine essential oil.
- Mix until all the ingredients are blended properly then pour into the jar. Your scrub is ready.
Vanity Groove Rejuvenating Scalp Massage Brush
DIY Scalp Exfoliating Salt Scrub
Ingredients
- Scalp exfoliating brush
- ½ a cup of fine sea salt like Sherpa Pink Gourmet Himalayan Salt
- ¼ cup of coconut oil like Carrington Farms Cold Pressed Organic Coconut Oil
- ¼ cup of sweet almond oil like Now Solutions Sweet Almond Oil
- 1 teaspoon of Calendula oil like Eminence Calendula Oil
- 5 drops of tea tree essential oil or peppermint essential oil (this is useful if you have dandruff. If you don’t, you can replace it with lavender essential oil)
- A glass jar like this one for storage
Directions
- Pour sea salt into a clean bowl.
- Then add the coconut oil, sweet almond oil, and Calendula oil
- Mix then add 5 drops of either the tea tree essential oil or peppermint essential oil and lavender essential oil.
- Mix all the ingredients until well blended and pour into the glass jar. Your scrub is ready.
How to Use Your DIY Exfoliating Scrub with a Scalp Massage Brush
- Shampoo your hair then apply the scrub all over your scalp.
- Use the scalp massage brush to distribute the scrub thoroughly all over your scalp taking care not to snag your hair.
- Work the scalp massage brush in gentle but firm circular motions through your scalp area for a few minutes. Do not rub vigorously.
- Rinse with lukewarm water until all the scrub granules are out then deep condition.
Vitagoods Scalp Massage Brush
Scalp Exfoliation for Hair Loss
Exfoliating your scalp with a scalp massage brush can help control hair fall and thinning hair.
Scalp exfoliation removes dirt, grime, and build up, which may be causing hair loss issues.
The process also stimulates your scalp and draws nutrients to your follicles. Of course, you should also eliminate harmful hair care practices in order for it to work effectively.
How Often Should You Exfoliate Your Scalp?
There is a possibility of irritating your scalp and making things worse with scalp exfoliation.
The key here is scalp exfoliating with a scrub only once or twice a month, gently and with the right combination of products.
Also, keep in mind that your scalp might not react as expected to the scrub. This is normal as everyone’s scalp is different.
In this case, discontinue use and create another scrub, reducing the sugar or salt content, and try again.
Finally, you can eliminate the scrub altogether and just use the scalp massage brush.
Scalp Exfoliation Video: Before and After
The video below is an excellent representation of the difference scalp exfoliation can make to hair and scalp health:-
If you’ve tried scalp exfoliating and it’s not turning out right for you, hit me up in the comments section and let us know what the experience was like.
Abi is a curly hair expert who delved into the world of natural oils after severe hair loss issues. Through her research, study, and testing, she was able to regrow her bald spots & a healthy head of hair. She is the founder of Healthy Natural Hair Products & Ade Ori Hair Care, and the author of the highly-rated Healthy Hair Care Series. She continues to study hair science, Ayurveda, and natural and healthy solutions for hair and skin. Learn more about our Editorial Guidelines…
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