Like most people, you probably use shampoo, conditioner, and styling products. If you go the extra mile, there’s a chance that you use a deep conditioner or apply a hair mask. Maybe, on occasion, you head to the salon for a special treatment or to clarify your hair. Have you ever thought about exfoliating your scalp, or even caring for it in the proper way? Most people do not consider scalp exfoliation, despite the fact that it contributes to a healthier scalp, and potentially, improved hair growth. 

The Benefits Of Scalp Exfoliation

By exfoliating the scalp, you can help reduce flaking and itching, remove build up, and benefit a dry or sore scalp. Minerals, products, and more in hard water can build up on your scalp the same way they build up on hair strands. If you want your hair to shine, you take the necessary steps to care for it, and that means exfoliating your scalp from time to time. Dermatologists note that the scalp needs to be healthy to ensure new hair growth. Buildup on the scalp can clog hair follicles and lead to thinning or hair loss. Additionally, the combination of environmental pollution, dirt, and oil accumulate on the scalp on a daily basis, so it is your job to remove all of that to keep the scalp as healthy as possible. 

How To Exfoliate The Scalp

You can easily exfoliate the scalp in a few simple ways. You can use a sugar scrub, add quinoa to your shampoo, or use a scalp brush. Whether you use your fingertips or a scalp brush, make sure to be gentle on your scalp to avoid irritation, especially if your scalp is sensitive. Ideally, use small, circular motions when exfoliating. 

Use A Scalp Brush

When you exfoliate with a scalp brush, all you have to do is use it with your regular shampoo. You can use it every time you wash or less often, depending on your needs. If you really want to ensure that you are cleansing your scalp, consider using a scalp brush every time you shampoo. Some dermatologists note that using a scalp brush may help eliminate seborrheic dermatitis, which is a common scalp condition characterized by yellow, greasy flakes and redness on the scalp. 

Physical Exfoliants

These act similarly to body scrubs, in that they have mildly abrasive particles that help to exfoliate the scalp. Ingredients like sugar, salt, or even quinoa act like mild sandpaper and work to remove debris from the scalp. Even though physical exfoliants have abrasive particles, you have to do the work to gently massage them into your scalp for a few minutes to exfoliate properly. 

Deep Cleansing Salt And Olive Oil Scrub

The great thing about a scrub like this is that the salt works to exfoliate, while the olive oil helps replenish the scalp with moisture. No need for synthetic additives when you have this simple scrub! This scalp scrub works to both cleanse and rejuvenate, which paves the way for improved hair health and growth. 

Brown Sugar And Oatmeal Scrub

This delightful combination helps to soothe an itchy scalp and eliminate dead skin cells. Not only is this scrub a gentle way to exfoliate, but it also helps maintain a clean and balanced scalp. The beauty of this scrub lies in the synergy that exists between the oats and brown sugar. Do these two ingredients make for a great breakfast? Yes, but when you use them on the scalp, the refined grains of brown sugar naturally scrub the scalp, gently lifting away dead skin cells that may cause itchiness or irritation. The oats work to both soothe and calm the scalp, which also alleviates discomfort or irritation. 

Chemical Exfoliants

Although we always encourage people to experiment with natural remedies, you may require additional strength, depending on your scalp issues. Chemical exfoliants work differently, in that they are represented by liquid-based treatments or serums that contain hydroxy acids, such as salicylic acid, lactic acid, or glycolic acid. Basically, these acids dissolve dead skin cells and the residue from hair products on the scalp. These chemical products can also use enzymes or natural oils. The main thing to understand is that you do not need to scrub the scalp if you use chemical exfoliants, as they work on their own.

Vincent Stevens

Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.