Everyone uses hair care products. The combination of shampoo, conditioner, treatments, gel, and more, in addition to pollution, sebum, dandruff and dust, can cause build-up on the scalp. If the hair follicles are clogged and cannot breathe, the scalp can become unhealthy and irritated. Just like the skin, the scalp requires exfoliation to remain healthy and encourage optimal hair growth.
When you regularly cleanse the scalp with an exfoliating scrub, you can help transform an itchy dry scalp into a nourished one. According to hair care experts, exfoliating the scalp can wake up the follicles, encouraging hair growth in the process. This is because the scalp requires stimulation and blood circulation, and massaging an exfoliating scrub into it can aid those two processes.
What Are The Benefits Of A Scalp Scrub?
If you have a dry scalp, which is fairly common, a scalp scrub may be very helpful. Tiny flakes that you see are dead skin cells, and an occasional scalp scrub may prevent them from accumulating. The scalp has a constant renewal process of skin cells, but using a scalp scrub can aid that natural process, especially if you regularly see those dry flakes on your shoulders or hair strands.
If you haven’t already noticed, dryness is the common theme here. If you notice larger, more oily and yellowish flakes, a scalp scrub will not fix the issue. In fact, you’ll need a dedicated anti-dandruff routine to solve the problem. If that isn’t your issue, massaging a scalp scrub into your head may improve hair growth. Research is limited on this subject; however, one study observed 340 people with androgenetic alopecia who massaged their scalps twice daily over the course of two months. Of the group that performed these massages, 69% reported that hair loss either stabilized or improved.
In a 2018 study, researchers proved the link between scalp health and hair growth/quality. The study found that scalp exfoliation increased hair fullness and reduced hair shedding, all while controlling scalp malassezia levels. Malassezia is a type of yeast that can damage hair follicles.
Are There Drawbacks To Scalp Scrubs?
The hair is in its most fragile state when wet. That reason is the primary drawback to scalp scrubs. You should use a scalp scrub mid-shower when your hair is wet. Massaging around the roots, especially if using physical exfoliation, creates a lot of friction around the hairs, which has the potential to induce damage. When the hair is damaged, you are more likely to experience breakage.
Some beauty experts suggest that a scalp scrub does not effectively remove product build-up on the scalp. This may have to do with the type of exfoliant you make the scalp scrub with, though. If you find that the scrub is irritating or too intense for your scalp, you can stop using it right away. Additionally, don’t exfoliate with a scalp scrub every day. Ideally, you should only exfoliate the scalp once or twice a week at most. Massage is perfectly fine, but exfoliating too often can cause other scalp health issues.
Deep Cleansing Sugar Scalp Scrub
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 5 drops peppermint essential oil
Instructions:
- Add all of the ingredients to a bowl, stir to combine, and then transfer that mixture to a jar.
- While in the shower, wet your hair and section it off for easy application. Take about one teaspoon or so of the scrub and gently massage it into your scalp.
- Massage in a circular motion, making sure that you do not over-exfoliate. It’s very important to treat the scalp gently because too much exfoliation can cause irritation.
- Rinse off the scrub after a minute or so and shampoo with a paraben- and sulfate-free shampoo.
