Lustrous hair is a direct result of a well-maintained scalp. To achieve lengthy, robust, and attractive hair, it’s essential to maintain a clean, hydrated, and nourished scalp. The significance of scalp exfoliation cannot be overstated. Like caring for the skin on our body, periodic exfoliation of the skin above our hairline is crucial to sustaining the health of our locks. This post explores the importance of scalp exfoliation and provides easy-to-follow home practices. (1)
Why Is Scalp Exfoliation Necessary?
We all know how essential it is to exfoliate our skin periodically. Likewise, the exfoliation of our scalp is also vital as it impacts the health of our locks in the long run. Here are the benefits that one can enjoy by exfoliating her scalp consistently:
- It helps eliminate dead cells, dirt, dust, excess sebum/oils, etc., from the scalp and makes it squeaky clean to breathe in oxygen.
- It removes all sorts of buildups, including the residues of hair styling products (hair sprays, hair gels, hair serums, etc.) from the scalp and keeps the hair follicles unclogged.
- It is essential for preventing scalp dehydration, which can help us avoid flakiness, dandruff, and itchy scalp.
- It protects our scalp from breakouts (acne, pimples, whiteheads, etc.) and infections so that our hair remains healthy always.
- As mentioned earlier, it can keep all hair problems at bay, thereby making our scalp healthy, which makes hair stronger and averts premature hair loss eventually.
- Last but not least, it stimulates the follicles in our scalp and significantly increases blood flow. These result in a fast and healthy growth of hair.
How To Exfoliate Your Scalp At Home?
While the pros of scalp exfoliation are extensive, the process is easy. You do not need to burn a hole in your pocket to buy expensive scalp scrubs or exfoliators. Some super easy homemade recipes can help you exfoliate your scalp much faster and cost-effectively. Check them out below:
Brown Sugar + Shampoo
As cleansing is one of the indispensable parts of exfoliation, you can exfoliate your scalp while cleansing your hair with shampoo. For this purpose, you will need just a tablespoon of brown sugar and your favorite shampoo (quantity should depend on the length and volume of your hair). Mix them and apply them to your scalp. Exfoliate gently with your fingertips in small circular motions and continue for 5 minutes. Rinse it off with plain cold water.
Cornmeal + Essential Oil + Clarifying Shampoo
The cornmeal shampoo scrub can also help you exfoliate your scalp and cleanse it thoroughly at the same time. However, make sure to replace your regular shampoo with a clarifying one. Take (1/4) cup of cornmeal in a small mixing bowl, pour the required amount (as per the length and volume of your hair) of clarifying shampoo into it, add a few drops of each peppermint oil and tea tree oil to the bowl, and mix everything. Massage your scalp with this mixture in a small circular motion and wash off after 10 minutes.
Brown Sugar + Essential Oil + Conditioner
Scalp exfoliation can also be done at the time of hair conditioning. You must prepare a thick scrub by blending two tablespoons of brown sugar with two tablespoons of your favorite conditioner. Add a few drops of essential oil (as per your preference) to it and apply it all over your scalp. Massage gently with your fingertips in a circular motion, and keep doing it for 5 to 10 minutes. Wash off with tepid water, followed by a cold-water rinse.
Brown Sugar + Coconut Oil + Essential Oil
Opt for this simple homemade scrub recipe to keep scalp exfoliation separate from shampooing and conditioning. Make a thick paste by combining three tablespoons of brown sugar, two tablespoons of coconut oil, and a few drops of your favorite essential oil (jasmine/lavender/ tea tree), and exfoliate your scalp gently for 5 minutes. Let the paste sit for 15 minutes, and then rinse with a mild shampoo and conditioner.
Brown Sugar + Olive Oil
A brown sugar-olive oil mix is also pretty good for exfoliating our scalp. Mix (1/4) brown sugar with (1/4) olive oil, and massage your scalp thoroughly for 5 minutes. Move your fingertips in small circles and be gentle during the whole process. Wait a few minutes, then wash off with shampoo, conditioner, and lukewarm water.
Weekly scalp exfoliation is necessary if you are into too much hair styling. Otherwise, you can go for it once or twice a month. If you ever find a particular scrub irritating your scalp, immediately switch to another option.
Also Read – Know These Ultimate Benefits of Jasmine Oil for Health, Hair, and Skin
Summary
A clean and healthy scalp is crucial for vibrant hair. Regular scalp exfoliation removes dead cells, excess oils, and product buildup, promoting oxygenation and preventing flakiness and infections. It also stimulates blood flow for healthy hair growth. Homemade exfoliants offer cost-effective solutions, such as brown sugar with shampoo or essential oils, cornmeal with clarifying shampoo, and brown sugar with conditioner. Weekly exfoliation is ideal for frequent hair styling; others can practice it once or twice a month. Switching options are advised if irritation occurs.
