Why You Should Be Exfoliating Your Scalp

That’s right, you read that correctly: It’s time to start exfoliating your scalp…

What, you thought shampoo and conditioner alone would guarantee the health of your scalp forever? Sorry to be the one to break it to you, but you’ll need to put in a bit more work if a healthy head and hair is your end goal. After all, your scalp is skin. You exfoliate every other inch of your skin’s surface to help it breathe and regenerate, so why not do the same for the skin at your body’s north pole?

Why it works…

 Your scalp plays a big part in the health and look of your hair. If your scalp gets oily, your locks look oily. If your scalp gets too dry, your mane gets dry, brittle and potentially flakey from dry skin. So you need to give your scalp a helping hand—shampoo and conditioner can only do so much.

That delicate acid mantle you need to keep balanced on your face? It’s the same on your scalp. And similarly to the way your facial skin can be easily disrupted by dirt, pollution and residual products…yup, same thing can happen to your scalp.

When you exfoliate your scalp, you help to remove dead skin cells, dirt, dandruff, excess oil and any product that’s built up over time (looking at you, dry shampoo). In doing so, you clear the pores and follicles along your scalp, making it much easier for healthy hair to spring forth. A gentle scalp scrub will also help stimulate blood flow, which will in turn stimulate hair growth.

How it works…

If you’re not ready to invest in a product specifically made for scalp exfoliation (though there are some excellent ones out there), you can experiment with a salt scrub you already own. (Salt will soothe inflammation, balance skin and give you a whole effortless beach wave situation.) Just know that the results may not be as good since a body scrub is different than a scalp exfoliator, but it’s the same general idea and will give you a good enough sense of what to expect.

The application process is pretty straight forward. In the shower, take some product and massage it into your hair and scalp, similarly to the way you use shampoo. Scrub along the hairline all the way around, the middle and back of your head, and any patches of skin you can get to without tangling your wet hair.

“Gentle” is the key word here—your scalp is sensitive. Just like you can over-exfoliate the skin on your face, you can overdo it amongst your hair as well. Small abrasions, torn strands, etc. And also make sure to use warm water; if the water is too hot, it’ll dry your scalp out even more.

If you’re using a product designed specifically for the scalp, let it sit for a bit. Many of them also tone and moisturize to create an even healthier environment for hair growth, and include ingredients that promote cell turnover even after the physical exfoliation is over.

When you’re done getting your scalp nice and exfoliated, shampoo and condition as normal.

+Check out more beauty tips and tricks from Allie here

Photo by Jana Kirn

0 0 vote
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
9 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

I had no idea the scalp needed exfoliating. It makes sense, but the process sounds scarily risky, like I’d accidentally scrub all my hair off! That said, I should really try it, haha!

Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com

Simren
6 years ago

A great way to exfoliate your scalp is to use yogurt. It has lactic acid in it naturally and it really helps with dandruff, dry scalp & oily scalp you name it. In india women and men use this as a natural way to deal with these issues. My mum passed this down to me and as do many other indian mothers who know how to heal these issues more naturally.

Amanda Donohue
6 years ago

Wow thanks Simren!

I am also interested to know if FP sells salt scrubs that can be used on the scalp

6 years ago

I wished to say that it’s wonderful to know that somebody else also pointed out this as I had trouble finding the same info somewhere else. This was the first place that told me the answer. Appreciate it. My kindest regards.

6 years ago

I think we often forget that our scalp is what decides if our hair turns out oily or dry so treating it with the utmost care is definitely important.

Kayla | onyx + quartz

6 years ago

Before I read this Article, I have no idea about it.
Thanks so much <3

6 years ago

Oh wow !! Never thought of exfoliating the scalp,,, Thank you for the info ..Otherwise, if you don’t get time then washing your hair with organic and natural scalp care shampoo conditioner will not demand any exfoliation. You can try our range of shampoos Organic shampoos for scalp care

Varina
6 years ago

Exfoliating

6 years ago

I appreciate you sharing this blog post. Thanks Again. Great!