Scalp exfoliation may be the solution if you're tired of dealing with a dry, itchy scalp and constantly brushing flakes off your shoulders. Just like the skin on your body, your scalp can benefit greatly from exfoliation. Using a scalp scrub or another type of scalp exfoliator as part of a scalp care routine can help remove buildup and dead skin.
We sat down with Hair.com consultant Sophia Emmanuel, an International Association of Trichologists Certified Trichologist, hair stylist, and creator of the blog Crown Worthy, to get the scoop on all things scalp exfoliation. If you're wondering how to exfoliate your scalp or how often to exfoliate your scalp, keep reading. We’ll answer those questions and more ahead.
What Are the Benefits of Scalp Exfoliation?
The benefits of scalp exfoliation go beyond just addressing dry skin and flakes. Here’s a breakdown of the advantages you can expect from incorporating scalp exfoliation into your routine.
- Buffs away dry spots and flakes: Just like exfoliating your skin, scalp exfoliation helps slough off dead skin cells. While the scalp naturally sheds dead skin cells, they can accumulate due to factors like product buildup, oil, or skin conditions. Exfoliating helps remove dry flakes so they won’t end up in your hair or on your shoulders.
- Prevents greasy hair: Regular scalp exfoliation can help clear away oily buildup, reducing the chances of greasy hair.
- Helps reduce dandruff: Some scalp exfoliating products can help manage dandruff. Often, these are formulated with salicylic acid, an exfoliating beta-hydroxy acid known for its use in addressing dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp.
- Healthier-looking hair: Exfoliating regularly and removing buildup can make for overall fresher-feeling, healthier-looking strands.
How Often Should You Exfoliate Your Scalp?
Each scalp has unique needs, so determining how often to exfoliate your scalp will depend on what's best for you. A trusted stylist should be able to help you come up with the ideal schedule for you and your scalp, but if you’re wondering where to start, Emmanuel has some suggestions.
“If the scalp is extremely clogged, once a week is best until you notice the scalp has improved, then you can try to exfoliate once a month to maintain it,” she explains. “Moderate buildup on the scalp can be exfoliated two times a month. If you do not have buildup, you can still exfoliate every two to three months, but a regular shampoo will work too.”
Following a proper scalp exfoliation schedule is essential because it is possible to over-exfoliate your scalp.
“Much like the skin on your face, the scalp can feel dry, tight, and a little raw if you over-exfoliate with the wrong product. Try not to use products with coarse exfoliating ingredients that can cut the skin and cause the scalp to feel sensitive,” Emmanuel explains. If you do get a little scrub happy, lay off the exfoliant and heavy hair products for a few weeks.
What Are the Different Types of Scalp Exfoliants?
Much like exfoliating your face, there are two main ways to perform scalp exfoliation: physical and chemical.
Examples of physical scalp exfoliants include scalp scrubs, brushes, and other tools that physically remove dead skin cells and buildup from the surface of your scalp via manual scrubbing.
Chemical exfoliants, on the other hand, use active ingredients like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) to break down and dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells without the need for scrubbing.
Choosing between the two types largely comes down to your own preferences, but you can also factor in your scalp type and hair concerns. Those with sensitive scalps may fare better with gentle chemical exfoliants, while people prone to lots of buildup may prefer a physical scrub. It’s also worth noting that there are some products that combine the two types; this can be a good option for those with generally balanced scalps.
How To Exfoliate Your Scalp
Now that you understand the importance of scalp exfoliation, it's time to learn how to put this crucial step into practice. The process of exfoliating your scalp is relatively straightforward, but the method you use—whether physical or chemical—will influence the specific steps you need to follow. Ready to get started? Let's dive into how to exfoliate your scalp based on the option you select.
How to chemically exfoliate your scalp
Chemical exfoliants have potent active ingredients that may cause irritation if left on too long or used excessively, so it's essential to follow the product’s directions carefully. Start by checking whether the product should be applied to wet or dry skin. Then, section your hair to ensure even coverage across the scalp and apply the product directly on the scalp.
Gently massage the scalp exfoliator in to distribute it evenly, then let it sit for the recommended time. This is usually somewhere between 5 and 10 minutes. Afterward, rinse thoroughly with warm water, and follow up with shampoo and conditioner to cleanse and rehydrate your hair.
How to physically exfoliate your scalp
When using a physical scalp scrub for exfoliation, start with damp hair to help the scalp exfoliator spread easily and prevent irritation. Section your hair to ensure the scalp exfoliating scrub reaches all areas, especially where there's product buildup or flakes.
Apply a small amount of the exfoliating product to your fingertips or directly onto your scalp. Gently massage the product over your scalp using circular motions. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this may irritate your scalp or cause damage.
Some products are meant to be left on for a minute or two after you finish scrubbing while others can be rinsed off immediately. Check your product’s instructions to see which route to take. When you do rinse, be thorough and use warm water to remove all traces of the exfoliant. You might want to follow up with your regular shampoo and conditioner to ensure your scalp is fully clean and moisturized.
If you choose a different physical exfoliation method, like a brush, you should still use it before your shampoo and conditioner. This is true for most scalp exfoliating options, as you want to wash away any dead skin, excess sebum, product buildup, and flakes that the exfoliant loosens.
Our Favorite Scalp Exfoliation Products
Searching for the best scalp exfoliant products to add to your routine? Scroll on to discover four of our top picks from the L’Oréal portfolio of professional brands.
Biolage Professional Scalp Sync Purifying Scalp Concentrate
The Biolage Professional Scalp Sync Purifying Scalp Concentrate is a great scalp exfoliator for those with oily scalps or buildup from styling products. What sets it apart is its mint-infused formula, which not only purifies but also provides a cooling and soothing effect. This concentrate leaves the scalp feeling refreshed and balanced, without the need for harsh scrubbing. To use, simply apply to your scalp before shampooing, gently massage it in, and leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing, shampooing, and conditioning.
Kerastase Symbiose Scalp Renewal Exfoliating Antidandruff Scalp Scrub
This Kérastase scalp scrub stands out for its powerful salicylic acid formula, which is great for those dealing with dandruff, buildup, and greasy hair. Salicylic acid gently exfoliates and deeply cleanses the scalp by breaking down dead skin cells and excess sebum, helping to reduce flakes and control oil without causing irritation. To use, simply apply to wet hair, massage gently into the scalp, and rinse thoroughly before shampooing and conditioning.
Shu Uemura Art of Hair Ashita Supreme Scalp Scrub
To add a touch of luxury to your scalp care routine, try the Shu Uemura Art of Hair Ashita Supreme Scalp Scrub. The indulgent scalp exfoliant is formulated with ashitaba, a Japanese botanical known for its regenerative properties. This scrub gently exfoliates the scalp, removing impurities, buildup, and dead skin cells while revitalizing the scalp for an energized feel. To use, apply to wet hair, gently massage into the scalp, and rinse thoroughly before continuing with your shampoo and conditioner routine.
Mizani Style Shifter Society Wonder Crown Scalp Foaming Pre-Cleanser
Ideal for all texture types, this foaming pre-cleanser works to remove product buildup without stripping your scalp and preps your mane for styling. It also has a targeted applicator which makes it apply to protective hairstyles.
This scalp exfoliator, which is enriched with natural oils and micro-exfoliants, gives you a deep cleanse without stripping the scalp of moisture. Apply to dry hair in 1/4-inch partings, massage into the scalp, and add water to activate the foam. Then, emulsify for one minute and let it sit for another minute. Finally, rinse out and follow with shampoo and conditioner.
Can You Over Exfoliate Your Scalp?
While scalp exfoliation can work wonders for dry, flaky scalps, it's possible to overdo it. Over-exfoliating with a scalp scrub or chemical exfoliator can strip away the scalp’s natural oils, compromising the protective barrier and leaving it unbalanced. Signs of over-exfoliation include a sensitive, dry scalp, irritation, or even flakiness—ironically, the very issues you're trying to solve!
As previously mentioned, how often to exfoliate your scalp depends on the condition of your scalp and what product you’re using. For most, once a week or every other week is sufficient, but always read the product guidelines and listen to your scalp and adjust as needed.
If you spot signs of over exfoliation, it’s important to stop using any scalp exfoliating scrubs and give your scalp time to recover. Opt for hydrating, calming products like the Biolage Professional Scalp Sync Calming Shampoo to soothe and rebalance your scalp. Adding deep hydration through the use of a mask or serum, like the Kérastase Symbiose Revitalisant Essentiel Hydrating Hair Mask or Kérastase Nutritive Nutri-Supplement Scalp Serum, can also help to restore nourishment and strength.
Next Up: Why Your Hair Is So Dry and How to Hydrate It
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