How to exfoliate scalp?

Do you also feel scalp being greasy, itchy, and weigh down even after hair wash? The main would be “Build-Ups”. Just like we have dead skin cells on face and skin, the buildups also sit on the scalp, when you have not washed your hair properly, excess oil secretion, and even shampoo/conditioner residues. 

Like exfoliating the skin, scalp exfoliation once in a couple of weeks should be incorporated in your haircare routine. This helps in shedding away the dust and other build-ups present in the scalp. For healthy, strong, and longer hair, scalp health is mandatory. Dig in to know about the exfoliation process, DIY scrub recipes, and mistakes to avoid in detail.

Why Exfoliating Your Scalp is Important

As we exfoliate our skin once in a week or two, shedding away the accumulation in the scalp is also important. When your hair wash days are not proper or if you don't wash your hair properly post-shampooing, the build up accumulates which tends to clog your hair follicles and gives dandruff too. 

When you are exfoliating your scalp once in a week, then the build up sheds away giving your clean scalp. Some of the benefits of scalp exfoliation are:

1. Removes oils, dirt, and other product build-ups.

2. Helps in giving clean scalp, which promotes hair growth

3. Balances oil production

4. Eliminated dead skin cells

5. Prevents hair flakiness and dandruff

How to Exfoliate Scalp at Home: Step-by-Step Guide

Exfoliating your scalp at home is possible? Yes, it is possible to exfoliate scalp at home. Here is a simple step routine for clean and refreshed scalp:

1. Choose the Exfoliant 

You can use physical scrubs which include sugar, oats, or coffee powder. Mix them with any nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, olive oil, or aloe vera. Adding a drop of tea tree oil/peppermint oil helps in extra care!

2. Prepare Your Hair

While applying, make sure to detangle, dampen/wet your hair. This helps in spreading scrub evenly all over, without hair breakage

3. Apply the Scrub

Divide into sections and apply all over your scalp using cotton or fingertips. Focus on areas where you have flakiness or oiliness. Make sure to be gentle.

4. Massage

Use your fingertips and gently massage your scalp in circular motion. This helps in boosting blood circulation.

5. Rinse and Cleanse

Now rinse off with a gentle shampoo and use light weight oils like argan / jojoba / aloe vera for keeping your scalp well balanced.

Natural Scalp Scrub: Best Ingredients for a Healthy Scalp

Here is a list of natural ingredients with benefits that you can incorporate for healthy scalp:

How to Exfoliate Scalp Naturally: DIY Scrubs for Every Hair Type

Here are some of the DIY scrubs which can be picked from the kitchen for every hair type. 

1. Dry Scalp: Sugar + Coconut Oil:

Mix the ingredients together, and apply on damp hair. Give a gentle massage, and wash off after an hour for better results.

2. Oily Scalp - Coffee & Aloe Vera

Mix both the ingredients together. Take a fresh batch according to your hair length. Let them sit on your scalp, and wash off with mild shampoo.

3. Dandruff Scalp - Sea Sale + Tea Tree Oil Drops

Combine and gently massage the scalp. Focus on areas where you have dandruff flakiness. Wash them with shampoo and use a conditioner.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Exfoliating the Scalp

Exfoliating generally means shedding away the dead skin cells or controlling the excess oil secretion. This should be done in moderation. Over exfoliating or doing them everyday leads to scalp dryness, flakiness, scalp sensitivity, and even damage the scalp barrier.

Using them once or twice a week is more than enough. When you feel the white layer on nails while scraping you can exfoliate. Make sure to hydrate post exfoliation.

Benefits of Regular Scalp Exfoliation

Adding exfoliation in the haircare routine gives a better and noticeable difference over a period of time. Here are some of the benefits in using them:

1. Healthy Scalp - Improves blood circulation and balances oil production

2. Improved hair growth – Helps in unclogging pores, which leads to better hair growth.

3. Reduced dandruff – Helps in controlling dryness and itchiness, which reduces dandruff over a time period. 

4. Shiny Hair - Promotes clean and healthy hair strands.

Never over-exfoliate and at the same time maintain the consistency for healthy scalp and hair strands.

Conclusion

For a healthy scalp, exfoliation plays a vital role. Make sure to be consistent and don’t over-exfoliate. This helps in better hair growth, clean scalp, and free from dirt and other particles in the scalp.

Start exfoliating your scalp today for healthier hair!

FAQs

Should I exfoliate my scalp wet or dry?

Exfoliate your hair when it's damp. Not wet and not dry.  Damp hair helps in making your softer and spreads the exfoliating mask easier. 

Is a 5 minute scalp massage enough?

Yes. More than enough. A gentle 5min massage helps in exfoliating. Promotes blood circulation, sheds away buildup.

Is it okay to exfoliate your scalp?

Yes, Must. You should exfoliate your scalp once or twice in a week for healthy, soft, and shiny hair.

Do dermatologists recommend scalp exfoliation?

Yes, most of the dermats recommend scalp exfoliation, if you have dandruff-prone, oily scalp, or product residues. Never over-do, yet be consistent.

Who should not use a scalp scrub?

Scalp scrubs are not recommended if you have open wounds or scalp infections. Also if you have sensitive scalp, avoid using physical scrubs.