If you have ever struggled with an itchy scalp, dandruff (also known as flaky scalp), product build-up (very common in dry shampoo users!) and generally speaking an excess of oil production on your head, then maybe a scalp scrub is what you need. Let’s have a look together at how to exfoliate your scalp and let your head breathe again!
1. What Is Scalp Exfoliation?
If you follow a step-by-step skincare routine, you’re already aware of the fact that exfoliating is a key factor in an even, porcelain-like complexion. Not many, though, know that this is also the cornerstone of gorgeous, healthy hair.
Want to know more? Then check out our blog: 20 Haircare Tips For Healthy Hair and discover how to give your mane new life!
In a nutshell:
- Removes product build-up
- Acts against greasy hair
- Promotes the growth of shiny locks
- Acts as a hair-growth booster
- Gets rid of dandruff and flaky scalp
2. Is It Good To Exfoliate Your Scalp?
The short answer is: yes, it is! Exfoliating gets rid of dead skin cells and gives new life to your skin. The same way a good scrub refreshes your face and helps restore the skin on the rest of your body, a scalp scrub - when done properly - is always a good idea!
3. Can You Exfoliate Your Scalp With Hair Extensions?
If you’re wearing permanent or semi-permanent hair extensions, it’s always advisable to keep your products away from the attachment beads or adhesives - which, in most cases, are quite close to the scalp. The friction and ingredients in the products can permanently damage the attachments, making your hair extensions fall out.
Considering how real hair extensions are not a cheap investment, you may want to stay away from this practice - or have a hair professional do it for you.
Consider getting clip-in hair extensions instead - not only they allow you to change your hairstyle in a matter of minutes, but they can also be removed whenever you’d like so that you are free to take care of your hair without having to worry about damaging your precious new locks.
You can get your Remy Hair Extensions on our homepage. Check out our range - and if you need any help with finding your shade, our hair experts are available to help you find your perfect match.
4. How To Exfoliate Scalp
First things first, how to scrub your scalp? Well, the process it’s pretty simple; to make it easier, I worked out a step-by-step guide for you. Let’s have a look together!
- After your shampoo routine, gently comb your hair with a large-toothed comb to separate it.
- Place the product directly on your scalp (for example, on top of your head) or spot-apply it to the zones of your scalp that feel like they need a little work.
- Work the product on your skin with gentle, circular motions. You can either use your fingertips or a scalp-specific gadget!
- Finish with an abundant water rinse. Et voila!
- Pro tip: never use your fingernails to scratch away any dandruff or build-up. This can actually damage your scalp more, tying you to using anti-dandruff shampoo for an extended period of time.
Alternatively, you can also resort to an apple cider vinegar rinse, to give your locks a shine boost. If you’re looking for a deep detox treatment for your hair and scalp, a combination of apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, and bentonite clay powder is a powerful hair mask to give your hair and scalp new life. Find the recipe and read more about detoxing your hair on our Hair Detox 101: How To Detox Your Hair At Home blog.
5. How Often Should You Use A Scalp Scrub?
Well, there’s no precise answer here - but ideally you should keep it every 7 to 10 shampoos. It obviously depends on the conditions of your scalp - if you’re unsure, speak to a hair professional. There are many factors to take in consideration - your hair and scalp type for example - and this makes it quite hard to find a schedule that meets everyone’s needs.
Try to limit your scalp scrub to once a week or even once every two weeks.
6. Do Scalp Scrubs Cause Hair Loss?
Like with everything related to scrubbing, exfoliating your scalp can potentially do more harm than good. As long as you use a good product, stick to the instructions correctly and don’t overdo things by scrubbing your scalp too harshly and too often, you should be safe.
An aggressive scrubbing can lead to scalp irritation, dandruff and sometimes even bleeding - all conditions that can indeed contribute to hair breakage. But generally speaking, a scalp scrub will dislodge a hair that was already coming to the end of its cycle. When used properly, a scalp scrub won’t damage healthy strands.
Over-exfoliating your scalp can instead make it produce more sebum - your hair’s natural oil - in order to stay moisturised and protect your strands from the aggression. Go easy!
7. What Is The Best Scalp Scrub?
My, my, I’m so glad you asked! I do have a list of personal favourites, and although there’s no secret recipe that ticks all the boxes for everyone, there are different scrubs that you can try. Sea salt, glycolic acid and active charcoal are the most popular ingredients.
Make sure you stick to paraben-free and silicone-free products, as these ingredients are counterproductive in the battle against build-up on your scalp. Some examples? Here’s three great scalp scrub recommended by yours truly…
Perfect Shine Clarifying Scalp Scrub - By NatureLab Tokyo
This is the definition of a “heavy duty scrub”. With its thick, paste-like texture, a small amount of product goes a long way, foaming up nicely on wet hair and helping you get rid of all the nasties hiding up in your hair (including any excess of natural oil)! It contains sugar crystals, giving it a gritty consistency that will help scrub your scalp without being too harsh. Get it now on Amazon.
Solu Sea Salt Scrub Cleanser
This option gives up the sugar crystals for pure sea-salt gritty realness, coming in recyclable packaging and a Millennial-pink hue. This product is extremely serious about purifying and leaving you with that squeaky-clean sensation after your shampoo routine. Buy it now, on Amazon.
Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Scrub - By The Inkey List
This brand is all about backing their products up with good old science, and this is why I love them. No fancy nicknames or marketing titles: pure science that will make your hair go “wow”! Instead of using sea-salt or sugar beads to physically scrub on your scalp, this product features glycolic acid to chemically dissolve all the build-up and oil. Shop it now from The Inkey List website.
8. Conclusion:
Whilst finding the perfect product for you might take a little longer - don’t worry, I have a post cooking up for you! - know that scrubbing your scalp is, in most cases, a perfectly safe and useful habit to incorporate in your hair care routine.
