5 Reasons Why You Should Start Exfoliating Your Scalp
Reason #1: It Promotes Hair Growth
One cause of thinning hair and breakage is an unhealthy scalp environment. Dead skin cells and dirt may clog the pores that prevent new hair growth. Regularly exfoliating the scalp promotes cellular turnover and creates a healthy environment for new cells to grow during the anagen phase.
Reason #2: Prevent Dandruff and Flakes
Dandruff or dead skin cells are those white dry flakes on your scalp that can get really itchy. Although it does not pose a serious condition and it is not contagious, it can give you an uncomfortable feeling and may cause temporary hair loss in certain cases. Exfoliation can fix your dandruff and dry flakes issues. It works by scrubbing off dead skin cells and gives you relief from the itchiness.
Reason #3: Get Rid of Buildup
Some hair products can cause build-up that can lead to clogged hair follicles. Other reasons for scalp buildup are dirt and excess oil that you accumulate all throughout the day. These buildups can contribute to greasy hair and poor scalp health. Shampooing can get rid of dirt and excess oil, however, there are stubborn buildups that can remain on your scalp thus exfoliation is needed. Check out below on how you can exfoliate your scalp properly.
Reason #4: Control Oil Production
Our scalp produces oil naturally, however, there are times when the oil gets stuck and does not equally distribute the nutrients the hair needs. A scalp scrub along with a light massage can help spread the natural oil and provide the strands with their much-needed nutrients. On another note, there are certain times when there is an overproduction of oil that may lead to buildup and dandruff. Regular scalp exfoliation can control the oil on the scalp and get rid of its excess.
Reason #5: Add Shine and Softness
Exfoliation can help detox the scalp and boost circulation of blood flow which is especially important during anagen (growth phase). This makes sure that the hair gets oxygen and nutrients that are important in hair growth and maintaining a healthy shine and softness.
How to Exfoliate
There are two ways you can exfoliate: physical exfoliation and chemical exfoliation.
Physical Exfoliation
Physical exfoliation involves manually removing dead skin cells and debris from your scalp usually using tools such as a scalp silicone brush or a scalp scrub. We recommend this scalp scrub from M3 Naturals on Amazon. This multifunctional tool can also be used as a body scrub to make stretch marks and cellulite less visible.
On dry hair: Massage the scalp in a circular motion using the scalp scrubber
On wet hair: Use shampoo and massage the scalp in circular motion using the scrubber. Rinse out the hair and scalp thoroughly.
Chemical Exfoliation
Using glycolic or salicylic acid are good chemical exfoliators that can remove excess oil buildup and deeply declog the hair follicles. Here is how you can use it:
Step 1: Grab your favorite gentle glycolic acid and apply it on your scalp.
Step 2: Massage through and make sure you cover all areas.
Step 3: Leave it on for 15-30 minutes to loosen the dried build-up.
Step 4: Wash your hair and condition with LxH Biotin and Hemp Conditioner
Check out this TikTok from @skinbyhelen on how she does it.
@skinbyhelen Lets test out more viral trends!! #theordinary #glycolicacid #glycolicacidscalptreatment ♬ Tití Me Preguntó - Bad Bunny
How often should you exfoliate?
Exfoliate once or twice a week and observe. If dandruff and buildup does not lessen after a few weeks, consult your doctor to properly address the underlying issue.
Who Should Stray from Scalp Exfoliation
People with psoriasis, eczema or seborrheic dermatitis on their scalp may benefit from exfoliation. However, you should be careful with over-scrubbing and avoid using acids and allergens that might further inflame the skin. Talk to your doctor before trying a new exfoliation method.