You lovely readers had a lot of questions about our blog on salicylic acid which lead to a general conversation about scalp exfoliation so we thought we'd delve a little deeper on this topic today.
Why exfoliate your scalp?
Scalp exfoliation can come in many forms and we'll cover them all today. But first, why do it at all? Your body naturally replaces dead skin cells with new, live ones, but those on your scalp can tend to get a little more trapped or clogged because of the presence of your hair. If you've ever exfoliated any other part of your body you know the difference it can make to the softness and cleanliness of your skin. Exactly the same is true of your scalp.
Scalp exfoliation is also an excellent way to invigorate your scalp and add a bit of mindfulness into your hair care routine. It can be an enjoyable experience for almost anyone however, scalp exfoliation may be especially beneficial for those with the following conditions:
- dandruff
- dry skin
- oily hair
Scalp exfoliation can be part of your regular hair care routine, but not part of your daily routine. Just as you wouldn't want anything too abrasive on your skin every day, you don't want to over-exfoliate your scalp. We wouldn't recommend more than once a week.
You should exfoliate your scalp just after shampooing, when the hair is still wet. Separate your hair into sections and apply your exfoliation scrub using your fingertips. You can also use an exfoliation brush or glove should you wish. If using a physical exfoliant, rub gently in small circular motions with your finger tips - do not scratch with your nails.
Here are a few of our favourite DIY scalp scrubs. We've suggested different ones for different hair and scalps, but it isn't a one rule fits all, so play around and figure out which one suits you best!
1. Salt, ground oats and olive oil scrub (best for dry hair)
To make this exfoliator mix:
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 2 tablespoons oats, finely ground
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
The sugar-oats combination creates a physical exfoliant to help thoroughly clean your scalp. Use on dry hair before shampooing as the olive oil will repell the water. Gently massage into scalp and leave for 10-15 minutes. The olive oil will help lock in moisture and sooth your scalp. After rinsing out, shampoo (probably twice) to make sure all the oil is removed.
2. Aspirin scrub (best for finer or oilier hair)
To make an aspirin scrub, mix:
- 6 to 8 aspirin crushed to a powder
- 4 tablespoons warm water
Aspirin contains salicylic acid, a chemical exfoliant. Crush the aspirin and dissolve in warm water. Gently rub the past over your scalp after shampooing and before conditioning. Leave for 5-10 minutes and rinse thoroughly.
Exfoliating can be a little stronger than your standard hair care routine, so take care with it. Your scalp might feel a little more sensitive after an exfoliating treatment and you may want to keep out of strong sunlight straight after.
You should also avoid exfoliating your scalp if you have any of the following:
- an active infection, such as ringworm
- an open cut or sore
- lice
Always use DIY treatments with caution, especially if you have a sensitive scalp.