The Best Way to Exfoliate Your Scalp (Plus, What to Use)

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Expert-approved ways to remove excess oil and prevent product buildup

Co-authored by Aly Rusciano Reviewed by Jasmin Todd

Last Updated: November 3, 2024 Fact Checked

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• Best Scalp Exfoliation Technique
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• Exfoliating Benefits
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• DIY Treatments
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• Exfoliating Products
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• Video
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• Expert Interview
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• Tips
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• Warnings

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You’ve got your hair care routine down pat. You know exactly what you're doing, from the first shampoo to the leave-in conditioner, so why is your scalp itchy and dry? Well, if this is the case, it may be because you’re skipping exfoliation. Exfoliating your scalp can do wonders for your skin and hair’s health. So, what does it entail, and how often should you do it? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about scalp exfoliation (plus which products you can use and make).

Things You Should Know

• Aim to exfoliate your scalp once a week or once a month. Those with oilier skin may need to exfoliate more often, while those with sensitive skin might exfoliate less.
• Use an exfoliating brush, scrub, or shampoo treatment to massage dead skin cells and excess oils away.
• Try a leave-in exfoliating chemical treatment to gently dissolve excess skin and oils while treating dry, itchy skin.

Steps

Section 1 of 4:

Best Scalp Exfoliation Technique

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1. 1
   Wash your hair with shampoo. Exfoliating your scalp works best on freshly washed hair. So, hop in the shower or bath and give your head a nice scrub. Make sure all the suds are washed out before you get out.

   • Some products work as a pre-shampoo treatment, so always check your exfoliant’s label before hopping in the shower.
   • If you’re using a DIY treatment, it’s most likely best to wash your hair first and exfoliate after.
2. 2
   Comb your hair to remove tangles. While your hair is wet, use a wide tooth comb or wet brush to detangle any knots. This way, you won’t have to worry about any tangles while you exfoliate.
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3. 3
   Massage your scalp with product and rinse thoroughly. Being too rough on your scalp or over-exfoliating can lead to hair loss and damage. So, to avoid this, start slow. Use gentle circular motions to massage your chosen exfoliating product (scalp scrub, serum, etc.) into your hair for about 5 minutes.

   • Place your scalp scrub or serum on your fingertips or massage it in with an exfoliating hair brush.
   • Rinse the product out when you’re done, and you’re good to go.
   • When in doubt, follow the product’s instructions on how to apply the specific product.
4. 4
   Exfoliate your hair once a week or month. Depending on your hair type, you may need to exfoliate once a week or once every month. Start by exfoliating once every 2 weeks, then try once a week if you don’t see results. If exfoliating every 2 weeks hurts your scalps, wait another 2 weeks before exfoliating again.

   • Avoid exfoliating your scalp before a chemical or color treatment, which could cause skin irritation.
   • If you have eczema, consult your dermatologist before exfoliating to find the best schedule for you and your skin.
5. 5
   Consider applying a spray-on sunscreen before exfoliating. If you have sensitive skin or a sensitive scalp, adding an extra layer of protection between your skin and the exfoliant may be wise. Add a few pumps of spray-on sunscreen to your scalp to help reduce sensitivity.

   • While there’s no evidence backing up this hack, many hairdressers and exfoliators swear by it.
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Section 2 of 4:

Why should you exfoliate your scalp?

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1. 1
   Removes and prevents product buildup. One of the main benefits of exfoliating your scalp regularly is that it easily removes any excess product on your scalp. Not only does this help your hair look and feel great, but it also prevents clogged hair follicles.
2. 2
   Alleviates dandruff, eczema, and dry scalp. Doctors will most likely recommend scalp exfoliation for dry skin conditions. The exfoliation scrubs excess skin away while reducing itchiness, making it an excellent and easy treatment to maintain.
3. 3
   Controls oil. Believe it or not, exfoliating your scalp regularly can lessen the amount of oil in your hair. Exfoliating prevents sebum or oils from buildup around your hair follicles. If you have naturally greasy hair, this is a great way to gradually slow down oil production.
4. 4
   Helps other hair products work better. The less oil buildup and dry skin on your scalp, the better your other hair products will work. Hair masks, conditioners, and serums tend to be more effective after a scalp scrub.
5. 5
   Stimulates hair growth. Scrubbing the scalp regularly is an excellent way to stimulate hair growth. Blood flow rises to the scalp's surface, which can help hair follicles grow faster. Along with this, removing any excess buildup makes the hair healthier and stronger as it grows.

   • Exfoliating can also help prevent hair and scalp problems.
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Section 3 of 4:

Ways to Exfoliate Your Scalp At Home

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1. 1
   Aspirin scrub Aspirin is a chemical exfoliant, thanks to its ingredient salicylic acid. Mixing a small amount of crushed-up aspirin with water can make a wonderfully soothing exfoliant that can be applied directly to the scalp. Here’s what you’ll need:

   • 6 aspirin tablets
   • 4 US tbsp (59 ml) of warm water
2. 2
   Brown sugar and oatmeal scrub Believe it or not, these natural products can do wonders for your hair, and they can probably be found in your pantry right now! Combine these ingredients in a bowl and apply the scrub to wet, freshly washed hair in circular motions, rinsing thoroughly when you’re done. Here’s the recipe:

   • 2 US tbsp (28 g) of brown sugar
   • 2 US tbsp (28 g) of quick oats
   • 2 US tbsp (28 g) of hair conditioner
3. 3
   Clarifying baking soda shampoo Clarify, massage, and remove dead skin cells with this DIY exfoliator. Baking soda is often used to clarify curly hair, thanks to its high pH level. However, baking soda should always be balanced with something of a low pH, which is why this scrub is perfect. Here’s how to make it:

   • 1 US tbsp (14 g) of baking soda
   • 2 US tbsp (28 g) of shampoo
   • 1  tsp (4.9 ml) of olive oil
   • Use clarifying shampoo to detox the hair and scalp of hard mineral deposits and to remove buildup.
4. 4
   Cooling sugar scrub Aloe vera, honey, and peppermint have naturally soothing and anti-inflammatory properties that can help fight dandruff and dry scalp. Combine these ingredients to help remove dry skin from your hair:

   • 2 US tbsp (28 g) of sugar
   • 2 US tbsp (28 g) of aloe vera
   • 2 US tbsp (30 ml) of honey
   • 1  tsp (4.9 ml) of castor oil
   • 1  tsp (4.9 ml) of peppermint oil
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Section 4 of 4:

The Best Scalp Exfoliating Products

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1. 1
   Physical exfoliants There are 2 kinds of exfoliators: mechanical and chemical. The type of exfoliator you use is entirely up to you and your skin type. Physical or mechanical exfoliation uses a tool (your hands, exfoliating brush or glove, etc.) to physically remove dead skin cells. Take a look at these popular physical exfoliants you can buy online or in-store:

   • Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo: This shampoo strengthens hair and removes dead skin with each wash. ($42)
   • Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt: This scrub uses natural ingredients to treat oily scalps and remove product buildup. ($53)
   • dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Scalp Scrub: This scrub uses pink Himalayan salt and avocado oil to exfoliate and soothe your scalp. ($37)
   • L’Oreal Paris EverFresh Micro-Exfoliating Scrub: This scrub uses apricot seeds to remove flaky skin and is less likely to fade color-treated hair. ($15)
   • Neutrogena Exfoliating Healthy Scalp Clarify & Shine Shampoo: This shampoo is designed for oily hair to remove product residue and oil buildup. ($10)
   • Pacifica Beauty Rosemary Detox Scalp Scrub: This scrub uses charcoal and sea salt to remove dead skin. ($12)
   • R + Co Crown Scalp Scrub: This scrub is sugar-based, vegan, and sulfate-free. Plus, it may add extra UV protection. ($38)
   • Sun Bum Revitalizing Detox Scalp Scrub: This scrub uses apple cider vinegar, sugar, and blue agave to cleanse and rejuvenate hair. ($16)
2. 2
   Chemical exfoliants or peels Chemical exfoliants use chemicals like alpha and beta hydroxy acids to dissolve dead skin cells. These products may not be best for those with sensitive skin, but they can help those with oily hair. Here are some products you can try:

   • Aveda Scalp Solutions Exfoliating Scalp Treatment: This treatment is sulfate-free and helps remove excess oils and dry skin. ($40)
   • Hair ResQ Scalp Treatment: This treatment uses hyaluronic acid, apple cider vinegar, and zinc to moisturize a dry scalp. ($17)
   • Nioxin Scalp Recovery Purifying Exfoliator Treatment: This treatment goes on before you shampoo and can help remove debris and buildup. ($24)
   • Oribe Hair Care Serene Scalp Soothing Leave-On Treatment: This treatment nourishes your hair while breaking down dead skin cells. ($48)
   • Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Hair and Scalp Treatment: This hair mask exfoliates and clarifies with tea tree oil for shinier and softer hair. ($22)
   • Philip Kingsley Exfoliating Scalp Mask: This mask uses betaine salicylate to break down dead skin cells and zinc to reduce oils. ($30)
   • Sunday Riley’s Clean Rinse Clarifying Scalp Serum: This serum uses a low-pH acidic formula to lift away dead skin cells. ($48)
   • The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Treatment: This serum uses salicylic acid to remove excess oil and itchiness. ($18)
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Tips

• Wash your hair regularly with shampoo and use water-soluble styling products to prevent buildup on the scalp and maintain good scalp hygiene.
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Warnings

• Avoid exfoliating if you have open cuts or wounds, as this could cause pain and/or infection.
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• Skip exfoliating if you have psoriasis, as this can irritate your skin and worsen the condition.
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