The Benefits of Exfoliating Your Scalp
5 Key Reasons to Incorporate Scalp Exfoliation Into Your Grooming Routine
If you have a skincare routine, you’re probably aware of the importance of regular exfoliation. But did you know that your scalp is part of your skin too and could benefit from the same TLC? Scalp scrubs have been exploding in popularity in the past couple of years – and men are catching on to their benefits.
According to celebrity hairstylist and PURA D'OR partner Clyde Haygood, a healthy scalp is the most important factor to having a healthy head of hair: “Scalp health is important to help promote hair growth and help prevent problems such as hair breakage, hair loss and even dandruff and flakiness.” As Haley Strickland, hair stylist and educator at Alter Ego Italy, puts it, “your scalp is like the soil for your hair to grow from.”
So, if you want thicker, stronger and healthier hair, you need to start treating your scalp as the foundation that it is. Just like a plant wouldn’t thrive in dry soil, you can’t expect your hair to do great if your scalp is clogged with buildup and dead skin cells.
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Skeptical about adding yet another step and product to the mix? Here are five benefits of exfoliating your scalp – as well as tips to get started.
The Benefits of Exfoliating Your Scalp
1. It Gets Rid of Buildup
Shampoo gets rid of some buildup, but it doesn’t finish the job like a scalp scrub. What exactly is buildup and why is it so bad? Think “dirt, debris, excessive oil, environmental toxins and pollution, old product [residue] and dead skin cells,” according to Haygood. Yikes. All of these sit on your scalp and clog hair follicles, which makes your hair look dull and unhealthy, weakens hair strands and eventually leads to hair loss and breakage.
2. It Supports Hair Growth
“Exfoliation also increases blood circulation to the scalp, helping with hair growth by delivering essential nutrients,” adds Haygood. This matters because healthy hair growth starts with your diet. “Healthy food means that less junk is expelled through your skin,” according to Strickland. Combining a nutrient-dense diet with scalp exfoliation boosts the benefits of both, giving your hair the fuel it needs from within and the right external conditions to grow.
3. It Combats Dandruff
A clinical trial conducted by hair care brand JuliArt revealed that treating the scalp with a combination of products including an exfoliating shampoo improved dandruff by nearly 75% after two weeks.
4. It Feels Really Good
Plus, let’s face it, another bonus is that exfoliating your scalp just feels good, adds Haygood.
Taking the time to use a scalp scrub at home is like treating yourself to a mini spa moment – and research shows spa treatments have a positive effect on mental health and sleep.
5. It Helps with Product Absorption
If you use products like hair serums, exfoliating your scalp before applying them boosts their efficacy. Otherwise, you’re just wasting expensive products by letting them sit on top of buildup instead of letting them sink in and do their job.
Scalp Exfoliation Tips
Now that you understand the importance of scalp health and the benefits of exfoliating your scalp, here are a few things to keep in mind for best results.
First, don’t overdo it. You don’t need to exfoliate your scalp more than once or twice a week. Strickland suggests using a scalp massager to scrub your hair while shampooing: “It’s a good way to gently exfoliate the scalp. It simultaneously stimulates the cells in your scalp to promote healthy circulation and ensures that any product buildup is fully removed.”
When shopping for a scalp massager, look for soft silicone bristles – not hard plastic ones. Exfoliating your scalp shouldn’t hurt. As for scalp scrubs, gentle is the name of the game. Some products are too aggressive and can irritate your scalp, adds Strickland: “The beads that are often in exfoliation products can damage the cell walls and create scarring. Too raw of an environment is not ideal for hair growth. I gravitate toward natural products behind the chair.”
Skip the rough scrubs with big exfoliating beads and look for clean, nourishing formulas that won’t strip your scalp. Ingredients such as apple cider vinegar (Haygood recommends it), salicylic acid, tea tree oil or charcoal help break down buildup without being too harsh.
What you do before and after exfoliation also matters. Brush your hair before hopping in the shower, to remove tangles and prevent unnecessary breakage. Wash your hair with warm water and a gentle shampoo. Make sure your head is wet before scrubbing, as it helps soften the skin of your scalp and makes exfoliation less abrasive.
Once you’re done, it’s a great time to apply targeted treatments, such as a hair serum. The best products depend on your unique needs and hair type, but your scalp will be receptive to their effects post-scrub.
Scalp care truly is similar to skincare – cleanse, exfoliate and hydrate. And your hair will thank you for incorporating this ritual into your routine.
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