During the past few years, hair care and hair washing guidelines have appeared everywhere. And still, in 2018, pieces about how often to wash one’s hair regularly pop up in my beauty newsfeed. It’s a hotly debated topic.
Although I’m still intrigued with new and improved hair care tips, I was happy to see a new “head” care management topic recently crop up. The topic? Scalp exfoliation.
What is scalp exfoliation?
Regular scalp exfoliation can actually make a person’s hair shine and help it stay healthy. “Exfoliation is essential for keeping the hair and scalp in top condition,” Lucy Vincent, beauty expert and founder of Sans [ceuticals], told Byrdie. “Exfoliation removes scalp buildup, allowing our natural oils to keep the hair and scalp nourished and healthy.”
Vincent explained that, although the human body’s sebum, the oily secretion of the body’s sebaceous glands, helps prevent dry scalp, it can build up if the body overproduces it. This “build up” on the scalp can feed Malassezia furfur yeast, which can lead to dandruff, Vincent shared — hence, exfoliation is key.
Vincent added that exfoliation, in general, can help remove dead skin cells and can encourage cellular turnover.
How to exfoliate your scalp
First, let’s look at the stuff you can buy.
Scalp yeast buildup? Never fear! Byrdie editors suggest a wide range of products.
First, you could use a scalp brush. All you have to do to reap the brush’s benefits is massage its bristles into your scalp when your hair is dry. “Use circular motions, pressing firmly but gently—too much pressure can irritate the scalp,” Byrdie reported.
Byrdie editors suggest using Aveda’s pramāsana exfoliating scalp brush. Priced at $20.
In addition to buying a scalp brush, you could also invest in a scalp treatment, cleanser or exfoliator.
Marie Claire suggests using Kiehl’s Deep Micro-Exfoliating Scalp Treatment. The product is dermatologist tested and proven “to help loosen flaky buildup and stimulate healthy turnover on the surface of the scalp.” Its main ingredients are micronized apricot and Argan exfoliators. Priced at $20.
DIY your scalp exfoliating system
If you don’t feel like shelling out your hard-earned cash for products, try some DIY options (though I suppose the supplies here do cost a little money — you get the idea!)
A simple apple cider vinegar hair wash can help clean your scalp. This type of vinegar can remove product buildup and can help restore a person’s hair and scalp to its natural pH. Raquel Minwell, blogger and former salon stylist, explained all this to Bustle.
Another great at-home treatment is lemon juice. It also can remove buildup, get rid of dandruff and cleanse a person’s scalp. If you choose to use either of these treatments, make certain to use a four-to-one ratio of water to apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.
Baking soda also could be used as a scalp exfoliant. Minwell told Bustle that a paste made of baking soda, water, conditioner and a few drops of an essential oil like peppermint rose, or lavender will do the trick.
“Run the mixture through wet detangled hair during your shower and follow it up with a good conditioner,” she shared.
So there you have it — it’s not about scalp washing anymore. In 2018, it’s all about the scalp exfoliating.
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Abbie Stutzer is a writer and editor from Lawrence, Kansas. Find her on Twitter at @abbiestutzer and on Insta at @abbiestutzer. Email her at abbie@ynotcam.com.
Image via Maria Amelia Paiva Abrão
