How to exfoliate your scalp the right way for thicker, healthier hair
According to dermatologists, a dry, flaky scalp can impede new hair growth and even cause excess shedding — but there's an easy fix.
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You might think that all you need for healthy hair is quality shampoos, leave-in conditioners and other fortifying styling products, but as it turns out, there's a step many of us skip when it comes to promoting healthy growth and strong, silky strands. As it turns out, caring for the skin on your scalp is mission-critical for any healthy hair goals, and if you're looking to boost the density of a thinning mop, dermatologists say regular scalp exfoliation is a must.
"Scalp exfoliation removes oil, dead skin and product buildup," explains Dr. Divya Shokeen , board-certified dermatologist, hair transplant surgeon and owner of the OSVI Dermatology and Surgical Institute. "It can reduce flakes, itch, and congestion and helps treatment shampoos and serums work better. It's especially helpful for oily or dandruff-prone scalps."
Without proper exfoliation and cleansing, our scalps can become dry and flaky, a condition that can lead not only to dull, limp hair but also potentially impede new growth and cause excess shedding and thinning.
"Properly exfoliating your scalp can help unclog hair follicles, stimulate circulation and promote healthier hair growth," says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dara Spearman .
What's the best way to exfoliate my scalp?
"I'd recommend exfoliating one or two times per week," says Spearman. "Scalp scrubs, exfoliating shampoos, and treatments with gentle chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid are all good options. Also, using a scalp oil along with a scalp massager works well to ensure the scalp is clean so the oil can be properly absorbed."
If you're using an exfoliating shampoo, Shokeen says to "apply directly to the scalp — not the rest of your hair. Use light pressure, and let treatment shampoos sit 3–5 minutes before rinsing. Follow with conditioner on the hair lengths only." In addition, she explains, "[Products containing] chemical exfoliants are usually best and more controlled. Look for salicylic acid, glycolic acid or urea in scalp treatments."
No matter which method you choose, advises Shokeen, "Avoid harsh scrubs, aggressive brushing and over-exfoliating. Don't exfoliate broken or inflamed skin."
Overdoing exfoliation can be harmful as well: "Too much is never a good thing; it can irritate the scalp and dry it out," says Spearman.
Last, if your scalp flaking is severe or persistent, Shokeen says it's always a good idea to get evaluated by a doctor. "It could be seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis, not just 'dry scalp,'" she explains.
Top products for scalp exfoliation
You're looking at Shokeen's top pick for scalp exfoliation. "This product is great for resetting the scalp," she says. "It uses a tri-acid complex formulated with mandelic, hyaluronic and lactic acid, to exfoliate dead skin cells and remove excess build up." PS: It's sulfate-free.
File this recycled-plastic brush under "things you don't think you need until you try them."
This tool makes scalp exfoliation easy — just apply your shampoo or hair oil and go to town in circular motions for a minute or two. Not only will you unclog pores on your scalp and improve circulation, but it feels amazingly relaxing too.
This an excellent product to pair with your Kitsch brush for scalp exfoliation, and it contains a hidden benefit: Topically applied rosemary oil has been clinically proven to initiate new hair growth and help prevent further loss. In fact, a 2015 study suggests that rosemary essential oil can be as effective as minoxidil at growing new hair in mice.
Mielle Organics' formula also contains follicle-stimulating biotin, and it's color-safe, paraben-free, highly concentrated and an Amazon bestseller with more than 89,000 five-star reviews.
Beloved brand Briogeo's scalp-scrubbing shampoo has a lot going for it, including a gentle-but-potent lineup of star ingredients like detoxifying charcoal, nourishing coconut oil and cellulose, a dissolvable, vegetable-derived exfoliant.
It does double duty in both sloughing off dead cells and hydrating your scalp and hair. Best of all is the scent — a warm, marshmallow-y vanilla that's manages to smell elevated and grown-up too.
GROWTH BOMB
This clarifying serum was specially formulated with the AHA lactic acid, along with niacinamide and aloe vera and to exfoliate skin, soothe an irritated noggin and promote new hair growth.
"Effective! It's like a facial for your scalp," raved one five-star Amazon reviewer .
Though not technically a hair product, this toner is a longtime stylist hack for removing product buildup, clearing up mild dandruff and balancing natural scalp oils.
It's also easy to use: You simply apply a tablespoon's worth to a dry scalp, leave for 10–30 minutes and then wash as usual.
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