How to Exfoliate Your Scalp for Healthy Hair

When we think of exfoliation, we often go straight for a shower scrub or a face wash. There is nothing like the feeling of rinsing off those tiny, little sandy grains to reveal soft and smooth skin.

The American Dermatology Association defines it as “the process of removing dead skin cells from the outer layer of your skin.” And dead skin cells can be anywhere—even your scalp. While not as visible as your face or hands, your scalp’s skin is just as important. And even though the skin is often hidden under hair, great care can have visual benefits. Scalp exfoliation is a key part of keeping our hair healthy, and for helping it to grow longer.

Meet Our Expert

• Rogerio Calvacante is a hairstylist and owner of The Second Floor Salon in New York City.

• Marisa Garshick, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing in New York City and New Jersey.
  

While you can’t just use a face scrub as a shampoo, there are plenty of healthy ways to exfoliate your scalp—and bolster your hair’s health in the process.

Scalp Exfoliaiton Benefits

For the hair-care obsessed, the health of the scalp should definitely factor in.

“Scalp exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, excess oil, and product buildup, promoting healthier follicles and stimulating hair growth," says Rogerio Calvacante, owner of The Second Floor Salon in New York City.

Exfoliation removes any leftover product that remains in your hair from many nights out on the town. It can take away extra oils that aren’t serving your hair and skin and remove dead skin cells that are blocking the healthy ones. When all of this buildup is blocking your scalp, it blocks the follicles from which our hair grows.

Removal means that hair can grow fresh and healthy from these follicles, and we also make way for the natural oils in our scalp. These oils are often essential for shiny, healthy hair.

How to Exfoliate Your Scalp

When exfoliating your scalp, it’s important to break down the two types of exfoliation methods: chemical and physical.

Chemical Exfoliation

Board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD says that chemical exfoliants are all about
“incorporating ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, [and] lactic acid," which “help to break down the bonds between the dead skin cells to remove dead skin, and also help to remove oil and build up.”

Physical Exfoliaiton

While chemical exfoliation relies on ingredients, physical exfoliation is about the actual process.

Calvacante defines it as “Using scrubs with fine granules, or tools like scalp brushes to manually remove buildup,” he says. “A good way to introduce this step into your routine is using a shampoo that doubles as a scrub.”

The stylist and salon owner also recommends another method: “Mechanical exfoliation," Calvacante calls it. It's "employing scalp massagers or brushes designed to improve circulation and aid in exfoliation," he explains. "We use these scalp brushes at the salon to add in a relaxing touch and also guarantee a more thorough cleanse of the scalp.”

Which Method Is Right for You?

Like all elements of skin care, scalp exfoliation is not one-size-fits-all. When choosing a method, it’s important to pay attention to your hair and scalp’s natural tendencies.

“For those with an oily scalp as well as buildup, using a chemical exfoliant such as salicylic acid can be helpful as it also helps to unclog the pores and reduce oil,” says Dr. Garshick. “Those with sensitive skin also should opt for a chemical exfoliant as these may be less irritating on the skin.”

She also recommends being careful with product choice when it comes to physical exfoliants.

“For a physical exfoliant such as a scrub, it is best to avoid a very abrasive scrub with irregularly-shaped granules, as this can be irritating and cause microtraumas on the scalp,” says Dr. Garshick.

How Often to Exfoliate Your Scalp

As with any skin-care regimen, it’s important to not overdo it.

“In general, unless otherwise recommended, it is best to limit exfoliation to 1-2 times per week,” says Dr. Garshick.

Calvacante agrees, recommending that people “exfoliate 1–2 times per week, depending on your scalp's needs.”

DIY Scalp Exfoliation Recipes

While it's much easier to buy a good scalp exfoliant, for the DIY girlies out there, we’ve got you covered. Calvacante recommends three different types of scalp exfoliation, all with ingredients that you can find in the grocery store. He also says that for an at-home scalp brush, “use a toothbrush with soft bristles as a gentle exfoliating tool.”

Apple Cider Vinegar

For what he refers to as a “deep clean,” Calvacante recommends mixing 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of water. “Use after shampooing to gently exfoliate and balance the scalp's pH,” he adds.

Coffee and Olives

Another method he recommends is 2 tablespoons of coffee grounds and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. He says the method to use this one is “Massage into the scalp, rinse thoroughly, and shampoo as usual.”

Brown Sugar and Coconuts

This next scalp exfoliant can be made with three simple — and sweet — ingredients: Mix 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, and 1 tablespoon of honey.

“Mix and apply to damp scalp, gently massaging in circular motions,” says Calvacante. "Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove the oil and use a deep conditioner treatment on the hair length after.” 

Read the original article on InStyle