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We devote so much care and attention to the skin and carry out various routines to maintain flawless skin free of all forms of blemishes. And despite the use of skincare body wash products, we go the extra mile to exfoliate the face and the body – from head to toe. What about the hair? Shampooing and conditioning are not enough. The skin on the scalp has just as much dead cells buildup as the rest of the body. Shampoos and conditioners do not eliminate these dead cells and buildup on your scalp (1). You may need to remove them by exfoliation. Yes, exfoliating your scalp with scrubs to detoxify and cleanse extensively. Only a healthy scalp can grow healthy hair. Let’s explore the scalp exfoliation processes and homemade DIY brown sugar recipes you can try out today at the comfort of your home.
What Does Scalp Exfoliation Mean?
The skin cells are naturally renewed as part of their life cycle. The older cells are replaced by newer skin cells, and this includes the skin on the scalp. After the skin cell replacement, there may be a need to exfoliate the skin – to help remove the dead skin cells, accumulated oil, and dandruff (2). These dead cells may be removed using chemical products or using naturally sourced products. These products are called exfoliants. Proper scalp exfoliation may visibly improve hair luster and health – thicker, shinier, with less oil. It unclogs the hair follicles and allows for the growth of healthy hair. When your hair is not exfoliated, you may notice clogged hair follicles, itchy, flaky skin, and a dull hair appearance (3). Regular scalp exfoliation is needed for healthy hair.
Also Read – Control Sebum Production On Scalp Naturally With These Tips And Tricks
Reasons To Carry Out Scalp Exfoliation
There are various reasons why you should exfoliate your scalp. They include
1. Stimulates Blood Flow to the Scalp
Exfoliating the scalp involves some intentional massage of the scalp. This improves circulation and ensures adequate nutrients are supplied to the hair follicles.
2. Removes Dandruff and Reduces Dryness
Scalp exfoliation helps eliminate dandruff flakes; it also hydrates the scalp, preventing further dandruff growth (4).
3. Balances Oily Scalp
Scalp exfoliation helps get rid of excessive sebum.
4. Reduces Hair Thinning, Greying, and Loss
Exfoliating the scalp improves blood circulation and ensures nutrients are supplied to the hair follicles. These nutrients rejuvenate the scalp and renew hair growth.
5. Removes Hair Buildup
The haircare products used over the years may accumulate to a buildup on the scalp. This buildup clogs the hair follicles and restricts hair growth. Exfoliating the scalp will dissolve all buildup and get rid of them (5).
6. Improves Hair Shine
Exfoliating the hair gets rid of hard water buildup and improves hair shine.
7. Removes Toxic Chemicals and Particles
The scalp gets exposed to toxic chemicals and particles as a result of environmental factors. These may include dust, pollution, cigarette smoke, dirt, and particulate matter.
8. Removes Dead Skin Cells
The scalp gets rid of the dead cells and opens up sebaceous glands to adequately lubricate the hair and scalp.
When You Should Carry Out Scalp Exfoliation
You should exfoliate your scalp when your notice the following situations
- When you see flakes on your hair -This may be a result of dry hair, dandruff, or product buildup.
- When your hair hurts – This hurt may be caused by inflammations at your hair roots. This inflammation may be a result of dirt accumulation around the hair follicles, hindering growth of new hair and suffocating the hair root.
- When you feel buildup on your scalp, you may feel a gunky, waxy substance when you touch your scalp despite washing with shampoo and conditioner. That’s a blend of dead cells and oils and needs to be exfoliated.
- When your scalp would not stop itching – You keep reaching up to scratch your scalp; you may need exfoliation.
Also Read – 7 Onion Masks To Treat Dandruff, Dry & Itchy Scalp
How To Exfoliate Your Scalp
How you exfoliate your scalp may depend on factors, including your scalp type, your intended results, and your hair type. But generally, the procedure involves
- Washing your hair with clean water and preferred shampoo (hair products).
- When your hair is still damp (not wet), use an appropriately-sized comb to comb through and divide your hair into manageable sections.
- Apply your exfoliating scrub generously on your scalp; this is easier when your hair sections are manageable.
- Massage gently for 5 to 10 minutes in a circular motion.
- Leave the exfoliant in the hair for several minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with water.
How Often Should You Exfoliate Your Scalp?
How often you exfoliate may be dependent on some underlying conditions. For example, you may exfoliate once a week or once every 7 to 10 shampoos. However, you must pay attention to how your skin reacts to the exfoliation process and take further actions based on your observation. It is also preferred that you make use of natural exfoliating scrubs. Here is how to make your scrub…
11 Brown Sugar Scrub Recipes for Scalp Exfoliation
You may make any of these scrubs today using the ingredients in your kitchen.
1. Brown Sugar and Oatmeal Scrub
Ingredients
- Finely ground oatmeal – 2 tablespoons
- Brown sugar – 2 tablespoons
- Preferred hair conditioner – 2 tablespoons
Method of Application
- Mix all three ingredients into a fine blend
- Wash your hair with shampoo
- Use a wide-tooth comb to section your damp hair into manageable sizes
- Apply the mixtures generously on your scalp
- Massage gently using your fingertips
- Leave the exfoliant in your hair for few minutes
- Wash off with clean water
2. Brown Sugar and Jojoba Oil Scrub
Ingredients
- Jojoba oil – 2 tablespoons
- Brown sugar – 2 tablespoons
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Lemon juice – 2 tablespoons
Method of Application
- Same as 1
3. Basic Brown Sugar Scrub
Ingredients
- Brown sugar – 2 tablespoons
- Moisturizing herbal conditioner – 2 tablespoons
- Finely ground oatmeal – 2 tablespoons
- Essential oil (maybe jojoba oil, rosemary oil, tea tree oil, or lavender oil) – 15 drops
- Preferred herbal shampoo
Method of Application
- Same as 1
4. Brown Sugar and Quinoa Scrub
Ingredients
- Raw Quinoa – 2 tablespoons
- Brown sugar – 2 tablespoons
- Preferred moisturizing hair conditioner – 2 tablespoons
Method of Application
- Same as 1
5. Brown Sugar and Olive Oil Scrub
Ingredients
- Extra virgin Olive oil – 3 tablespoons
- Brown sugar – 3 tablespoons
Method of Application
- Same as 1
6. Brown Sugar, Tea Tree Oil, and Avocado Oil Scrub
Ingredients
- Avocado oil – 1 teaspoon
- Brown sugar – half teaspoon
- Tea tree oil – 2 drops
Method of Application
- Same as 1
- If your hair contains tea tree oil, you may take it out from the recipe mix and use the avocado oil and brown sugar only).
7. Brown Sugar and Favorite Hair Oil
Ingredients
- Extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil – 2 tablespoons
- Brown sugar – 2 tablespoons
Method of Application
- Same as 1
8. Brown Sugar and Favorite Hair Conditioner
Ingredients
- Warm water – 4 tablespoons
- Brown sugar – ¼ cup
- Favorite hair conditioner – ¼ cup
Method of Application
- Same as 1
9. Brown Sugar, Honey, and Olive Oil Scrub
Ingredients
- Extra virgin olive oil – 1 ½ tablespoon
- Brown sugar – 3 tablespoons
- Raw organic honey – 1 tablespoon
Method of Application
- Same as 1
10. Brown Sugar and Milk Scrub
Ingredients
- Raw milk – 2 tablespoons
- Brown sugar – 4 tablespoons
- Extra virgin olive oil – 2 tablespoons
Method of Application
- Same as 1
11. Brown Sugar and Baking Soda Scrub
Ingredients
- Preferred shampoo – 1 tablespoon
- Tea tree oil – 3 drops
- Baking soda – 1 teaspoon
- Brown sugar – 1 teaspoon
Method of Application
- Same as 1
Also Read – Cinnamon For Hair – 5 Ultimate Masks To Stimulate Scalp & Hair Growth
Benefits of Homemade Brown Sugar Exfoliating Scrub
Brown sugar scrubs are gentle on the scalp, inexpensive, and can be made at home using available kitchen ingredients. Brown sugar exfoliating scrubs may offer various benefits. Some of these include
- Improve blood circulation
- Disinfect the scalp
- Eliminate scalp buildup
- Moisturize the scalp
- Reduce hair loss
- Enhance hair growth
Precautions
- You should consult with your dermatologist before scalp exfoliation if you have conditions such as psoriasis or eczema.
- Do not over-exfoliate, pay attention to your scalp response, and take precautions in the frequency of exfoliation to prevent scalp inflammation.
- Hydrate the scalp after exfoliation.
- Avoid direct exposure to excessive sunlight after exfoliation.
Do not exfoliate your scalp if you have
- An infection, for example, ringworm
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Hair lice
- Open cut or sore
Possible Side Effects
Frequent exfoliation may result in some side effects. Such as
- Inflammation – Excess exfoliation may rid the scalp of essential oils and result in inflammation
- Excessive oil production. The scalp may panic and start producing excess oil
- Swelling
- Scalp sensitivity
You may have to reduce the frequency of exfoliation or change the base ingredients in your scrub.
Summary
The skin on the scalp has just as much dead cells buildup as the rest of the body. Shampoos and conditioners do not get rid of these dead cells and buildup. There may be a need to exfoliate the scalp – to help remove these dead skin cells, accumulated oil, and dandruff. These dead cells may be removed using chemical products or using naturally sourced products such as brown sugar. Such products are called exfoliants. Brown sugar scrubs are gentle on the scalp, inexpensive, and can be made at home using available kitchen ingredients. Proper exfoliation of the scalp may visibly improve hair luster and health – thicker, shinier, and with less oil.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does scalp exfoliation improve hair growth?
Yes, it does. Exfoliating your scalp may help unclog the hair follicles. It also gets rid of hair flakes, dirt, and buildup. These actions give room for new hair to grow and improve hair growth.
How often should you exfoliate your scalp?
Start with once a week, and pay close attention to monitor your scalp’s response to the process. Based on your discoveries, you may change your routine to twice a week, once in two weeks, or once a month.
References –
- “How to Exfoliate Your Scalp for Healthier Hair, According to Dermatologists” – prevention.com
- “Everything You Need to Know About Exfoliation for Your Scalp” – healthline.com
- “How to Exfoliate Your Scalp (and Why You Should)” – byrdie.com
- “How to Get Rid of Dandruff Fast, According to Experts” – cosmopolitan.com
- “Scalp Scrubs May Seem Like a Nuisance, but Hairstylists Swear by Them” – byrdie.com
