Scalp exfoliation is usually performed on wet, just-shampooed hair. After you comb through and separate sections of your hair, you can apply the scrub with your fingertips. You can also use a brush or glove designed for exfoliation. If you’re using a physical exfoliate, rubbing in a gentle, circular motion can help.
What is scalp exfoliation?
Although the body naturally replaces dead skin cells with new skin cells, sometimes it can use a little help in the form of exfoliation. This is true even for the scalp.
Scalp exfoliation involves using physical or chemical exfoliants to remove excess skin cells, oil, and dandruff. Many hair experts maintain that regular scalp exfoliation is the key to healthier, shinier hair from the roots to the tips.
Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of scalp exfoliation, how to make a scalp exfoliant at home, and which products to buy.
How to exfoliate your scalp
Scalp exfoliation can be one part scalp massage, another part skin treatment.
Although it’s safe to massage your scalp every day, you shouldn’t exfoliate your scalp more than once or twice a week. Exfoliation removes oil from the scalp, and more frequent exfoliation may cause the scalp to panic and over-produce oil.
Scalp exfoliation is usually performed on wet, just-shampooed hair. After you comb through and separate sections of your hair, you can apply the scrub with your fingertips. You can also use a brush or glove designed for exfoliation. If you’re using a physical exfoliant, rubbing in a gentle, circular motion can help.
In some cases, scalp exfoliation can make the scalp feel more sensitive. You may wish to apply a protective spray-on sunscreen formulated for hair to protect against sun damage and reduce sensitivity.
What are the benefits of scalp exfoliation?
Scalp exfoliation can be a soothing and stress-relieving way to invigorate the scalp. In this way, exfoliation can benefit almost anyone who wishes to do it.
However, scalp exfoliation may be especially beneficial for those with:
⦁ dandruff
⦁ dry skin
⦁ oily hair
Although the hair itself is made of dead skin cells — which is why it doesn’t hurt when you get a haircut — the scalp is a living piece of your skin. It requires care and maintenance just like the rest of your body.
Physical exfoliates (scrubs) that you can buy
Physical exfoliants contain ingredients that create friction against the scalp, which helps remove dead skin cells. Physical exfoliants require massage against the scalp to work at their best. When shopping for a physical scalp exfoliant, look for words like “scrub” to identify them.
Some popular options include:
L’Oreal Paris EverFresh Micro-Exfoliating Scrub
This scrub is budget-friendly and uses apricot seeds as a physical exfoliant. Because the scrub is free of sulfates, it’s less likely to strip color-treated hair.
dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Scalp Scrub
This scrub uses pink Himalayan sea salt as a physical exfoliant. This finely ground scrub also contains avocado oil and aloe vera to help soothe the scalp and prevent irritation.
Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt
This sea salt scrub is marketed toward those with sensitive skin and contains sweet almond oil to help soothe the scalp.
R + Co Crown Scalp Scrub
This sugar-based scrub is both vegan and sulfate-free. The product receives high marks for its smell, as well its added protection against the sun’s ultraviolet rays.