Detoxing Your Scalp: It’s Actually a Thing

Experts have often touted balanced and flake-free scalps as the key to healthy hair, but it’s still a somewhat difficult feat to achieve when you can have around 100,000 active follicles on your head at a given time. All that work to comb through can make you want to give up on detoxing scalp treatments.

Everyone should exfoliate their scalp. The scalp is skin…there is no zipper that separates the scalp from the face. Imagine if you never exfoliated your face? You’d see clogged pores, uneven skin tone, and possible breakouts. We’ll explore all about why detoxing your scalp is a treatment you’ll definitely get behind!

What Is a Scalp Detox?

A scalp “detox” is essentially a method of massaging the scalp by brushing or using an exfoliating scrub, which helps buff away dead skin cells, unclog the pores on your scalp, and clear product buildup from the hair follicles. Detoxing the scalp can also help relieve itching, dandruff, and other forms or irritation.

How to Tell If You Need Scalp Detoxing

A scalp detox is necessary when someone has a significant amount of buildup from hair products. Your scalp is a sensitive area and you can nourish it with very little product. You might consider a scalp detox if you’re experiencing excessive dryness, itching, dandruff, or general scalp discomfort.

How to Detox Your Scalp

The most effective way to start to remove debris from the scalp is to actually do something a lot of people don’t do anymore. Brush your hair! Brushing your hair before bed, a shower, or a workout is a great start to removing debris and start the exfoliation process.

If you’re already brushing your hair (or want to go the extra mile to detox), then a scalp scrub is a great next step to take. When exfoliating the scalp, the goal is to get the product the closest to the scalp as possible. Use the pads of your fingertips to massage the product into the scalp. This will help exfoliate without knotting the hair. You can also try to meditate, do breathing exercises or 10 squats while exfoliating. 

Multitasking at its finest!

When it comes to detoxing your scalp with a scrub, you might opt for a DIY remedy, a trusted scalp scrub or mask from the market, or an in-spa treatment. Regardless of your methodology, look for these ingredients:

Aloe Vera Gel: Everyone knows aloe vera gel as a skin soother, however, it is the gel’s proteolytic enzymes that break down dead skin cells and promote healing. It also has conditioning and anti-itch properties that are beneficial for the scalp.

Apple Cider Vinegar: This liquid is rich in balancing alkaline nutrients that are ideal for the scalp’s pH level, which should be around 5.5. It also contains hair-boosting components such as vitamin B and C. Additionally, for those who experience irritation, apple cider vinegar can provide anti-inflammatory properties – aka dandruff reduction.

Bentonite Clay: It typically comes in powder form and is loaded with pore-purifying and oil-zapping minerals that are great for clarifying the scalp.

Ginger: it has thermogenic properties– or, in other words, the potential to create heat through metabolic stimulation, which helps heal the scalp.

Sugar: When it comes to scalp care, sugar is a great ingredient to look for as the key exfoliant. It gently buffs away sebum and product buildup while hydrating the scalp.

DIY Scalp Detoxing

When it comes down to do-it-yourself scalp treatments, getting hands-on with physical means is the most effective way to detoxify the skin. To detox your scalp, friction is recommended, also massage and overall agitation. These movements on the scalp help to stimulate blood vessels and remove dead skin, which in turn promotes circulation and health.

While you can certainly use a DIY scrub or bentonite clay mixture, or a ginger-lemon water mixture for anyone looking to go the natural route. Simply put a mixture of ginger, lemon, and water into a spray bottle and apply it directly to the scalp at night, massaging the contents in. You can use this mixture once a week (or as needed) for a detox, or use a lighter dose every night as a “scalp tonic.”

In-Salon Treatments

Many salons offer in-house treatments to help detox the scalp, which provides a more luxurious (and typically more effective) result. Most salons will steam the scalp to help loosen buildup, then they’ll thoroughly scrub the entire scalp with an over-the-counter option. The treatment is usually complete with a scalp-focused shampoo and conditioner. Even hot oil scalp treatments during a massage appointment would have great benefits too!

For more on detoxing your scalp at the spa, visit Botanica Day Spa for everything detoxing and invigorating for your hair, mind, and body!

Love,

Gen