Taking care of your hair and scalp is important, and one way to do that is by exfoliating your scalp. This helps keep your hair and scalp healthy by getting rid of dead skin cells. The good news is that you can easily make scalp exfoliants at home. Even though our bodies naturally replace old skin cells with new ones, sometimes they need a little extra help. This is where exfoliation comes in handy, and it’s not just for your face – your scalp can benefit from it too.
Scalp exfoliation means using special scrubs or products to remove extra skin cells, oil, and dandruff. Many hair experts say that doing this regularly is the secret to having healthier, shinier hair, starting from the roots and going all the way to the tips. If you want to know more about why scalp exfoliation is good for you, how to make your own exfoliant at home, just keep reading!
Benefits of Scalp Exfoliation
Exfoliating your scalp is like giving it a relaxing and stress-relieving massage. It’s a nice thing for pretty much anyone to do.
- It removes dead cells: When you scrub your scalp, it’s like giving it a good clean. It helps remove dead cells, leftover hair products, and extra oil. This makes it easier for your hair to absorb all the good things from your hair care products. Think of it as a fresh start for your scalp!
- Boosts Blood Flow: Scrubbing boosts blood flow in your scalp, making sure your hair gets more nutrients and oxygen. This helps your hair grow better, faster, and healthier.
- Prevents Scalp Issues: If there’s any fungal infection or scalp condition, scrubbing can help prevent it by reducing dryness and dandruff.
- Aids Hair Growth: A healthy scalp is like a superhero for promoting good hair growth, potentially tackling hair loss.
- Improves Hair Texture: Scrubbing can make your hair feel and look better by dealing with dryness and other issues.
- Better Product Absorption: A clear scalp is key for products to work their magic. So, make scrubbing part of your routine to absorb products effectively.
How to Give Your Scalp a Nice Scrub?
Think of scalp exfoliation as a mix of a soothing scalp massage and a special skin treatment. You can totally massage your scalp every day if you want, but don’t go overboard with the exfoliation – once or twice a week is plenty. Exfoliating too much might make your scalp freak out and produce too much oil.
Here’s the deal: do your scalp exfoliation when your hair is wet and freshly shampooed. After combing through your hair and sectioning it off, use your fingertips to put the scrub on. Or, you can use a special brush or glove made for exfoliation. If your scrub has little scrubby bits in it, gently rub in circles for the best results.
Sometimes, after exfoliating, your scalp might feel a bit sensitive. If that happens, you can spray on some sunscreen for hair to protect it from the sun and make it feel better.
How Often to Give Your Scalp a Nice Scrub?
How often you should exfoliate your scalp depends, but the general idea is to do it once every seven to 10 times you shampoo your hair. According to De Marco, if your scalp is healthy, you might not need to do it often, unless you’ve used a lot of products or are on medication that affects your scalp.
For the best results (and to save time and effort), choose products that are good for your scalp and hair. Look for ones with natural ingredients that are gentle on both your hair and what’s beneath it.
DIY Scalp Scrubs from Stuff in Your Kitchen
You can totally whip up your own scalp scrub with things you likely have at home. Check out these easy recipes:
1. Brown Sugar and Oatmeal Scrub:
- Mix 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of finely ground oatmeal, and 2 tablespoons of your favorite hair conditioner in a bowl.
- After shampooing, apply the mixture to your wet hair.
- Gently massage the scrub onto your scalp using circular motions.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly to remove the scrub.
2. Aspirin Scrub:
- Crush 6 to 8 aspirin tablets and mix them with 4 tablespoons of warm water to create a paste.
- Apply the aspirin scrub to your scalp using a toothbrush.
- Lightly scrub your scalp and leave the mixture on for a few minutes.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly and follow up with conditioner.
3. Aloe Vera and Sea Salt Scrub:
- Combine aloe vera gel with sea salt in a bowl.
- Apply the mixture to your scalp and gently massage it in.
- Leave it on for about 15 minutes.
- Rinse off the scrub thoroughly with water.
4. Coconut Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Peppermint Oil Scrub:
- Mix coconut oil, tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and sugar in a bowl.
- Apply the scrub to your scalp and massage for a few minutes.
- Rinse off the mixture thoroughly with water.
5. Lemon and Honey Scrub:
- Mix equal parts lemon juice and honey in a bowl.
- Apply the mixture to your scalp, ensuring even coverage.
- Leave it on for 10-15 minutes.
- Wash your hair with water, ensuring all the mixture is removed.
6. Yogurt and Banana Scrub:
- Mash a banana and mix it with yogurt in a bowl.
- Apply the mixture to your scalp, ensuring your scalp is fully covered.
- Leave it on for about 20 minutes.
- Rinse off the scrub thoroughly with water.
These DIY scalp treatments can be a refreshing addition to your hair care routine, promoting a healthier scalp and hair. Adjust quantities based on your hair length and thickness. Enjoy the spa-like experience at home!
Keep an Eye Out for Possible Problems:
- Infections: If you have something like ringworm on your scalp, it’s not a good idea to scrub it. Let it heal first.
- Cuts or Sores: If there’s an open cut or sore on your scalp, it’s a sensitive area. Avoid scrubbing until it’s all healed up.
- Lice: If you’ve got lice, skip the scrubbing until those little critters are gone.
If your skin is on the sensitive side, some scrubs might be too much for your scalp. And, if it starts feeling strange or irritated, stop using it. If the discomfort sticks around, it’s smart to chat with your doctor. They can help figure out what’s going on and what’s best for your scalp. Taking care of your scalp should feel good, not ouchy!
Bottom Line
Scalp scrubs are awesome for healthier hair. Start slow – once a week is plenty, and you can go up to twice if you want. After scrubbing, keep your scalp away from direct sunlight. If you have to go outside, wear a hat or use sunscreen made for your scalp and hair.
