Scalp Exfoliation Is the Key to Healthier Hair—Here’s How to Do It Correctly

6 Major Benefits of Scalp Exfoliation

1. Removes Unnecessary Buildup

One of the biggest benefits of scalp exfoliation for all hair types is that it removes buildup. Similar to how you exfoliate your face and body to remove dead skin cells and clear clogged pores, exfoliating your scalp serves a similar purpose. “[It] removes buildup from oil, product, and dead skin for a cleaner scalp surface,” says board-certified trichologist Nelida D’Allesando.

2. Improves Blood Circulation, Promoting Healthy Hair Growth

Looking to grow your hair? Try exfoliating your scalp. According to Villena, it “clears follicles for optimal oxygen and nutrient delivery,” aiding in the hair growth process. HAIRSTORY stylist Victoria Schrager goes on to mention that “[Scalp exfoliation] will clear all of the excess buildup that can clog the hair follicles, which over time can hinder growth. It also increases blood circulation to your scalp, which promotes a happy scalp and healthy growth.”

3. Balances Oil Production

An especially notable benefit for those with oily hair, scalp exfoliation can help balance oil production. “Scalp exfoliation helps regulate sebum production by removing excess oils and normalizing the scalp’s pH,” says Villena. She notes that the ingredient charcoal “acts as a natural detoxifier, absorbing impurities and excess oil.” A chemical exfoliant like “salicylic acid dissolves buildup at the cellular level, helping prevent greasy roots without stripping or over-drying the scalp.”

4. It Can Reduce Dandruff

Those with dry, flaky scalps will appreciate that regular scalp treatments can reduce flaking and make their itchy scalp less irritated. D’Allesando shares that it “calms irritation and flaking, restoring comfort and clarity” to dry scalps.

5. Helps Your Other Hair Care Products Work Better

Beginning your hair washing routine with a scalp exfoliation “prepares the scalp for styling or treatment products to absorb more effectively,” says Guglielmo. This is also true of other hair care products, like shampoo, conditioner, hair masks, serums, and additional hair treatments. So if you want these products to work well, you need to exfoliate your scalp.

6. Leaves You With Shinier Hair

Schrager shares that regular scalp exfoliation can turn damaged hair into shiny strands. “It makes your hair appear shinier, lusher, and more voluminous.” That’s a good enough reason for us. How about you?

How to Exfoliate Your Scalp, Step-by-Step

Step 1: Start With Dry or Damp Hair

You may think you should shampoo your hair before you exfoliate, but that’s not the case. The experts recommend starting with damp or dry hair to let the hair product work its magic a bit better. “Applying the exfoliant on damp, unwashed hair is ideal; it grips buildup and removes it effectively,” shares Guglielmo.

Step 2: Detangle and Section Your Hair

Detangle dry hair with THE CRÈME SHOP Strawberry Cow Detangling Brush. If you’re starting with damp hair, use the KARMA BEAUTY Wet Detangle Brush because it’s gentle on fragile strands. Section your hair with sectioning clips so it’s easier to apply the exfoliant onto your scalp. You can also use claw clips if you don’t have sectioning clips.

Step 3: Choose Your Exfoliant

The experts have numerous recommendations on which scalp exfoliants to try. D’Allesando suggests the NUTRIRE T.2 Night Serum because it “makes exfoliation effortless while you sleep.” This one is a bit different from other exfoliants in that it works overnight. Gently massage it into dry or slightly damp hair before going to bed. “Leave [the product] on overnight so the lactic acid can exfoliate and nutrients can absorb gradually. In the morning, rinse and wash with NUTRIRE S-Series Shampoo and follow with C-Series Conditioner,” recommends D’Allesando.

Schrager tells us that she likes “to keep my hair care fairly simple.” Her go-to scalp exfoliating combo? The HAIRSTORY Pre-Wash and Massaging Scalp Brush. “I go in with the Pre-Wash in sections and use the concentrator nozzle to ensure that the product is on every portion of my scalp. After that, I use the scalp scrub brush to gently work the product into my scalp. I let it sit for three to five minutes; sometimes I will massage throughout that time, and then follow with New Wash,” she says of her routine.

Villena is a fan of the TARA NATURE’S FORMULA Detox Charcoal + Salicylic Exfoliating Shampoo. A two-in-one, the exfoliating shampoo works as a scalp exfoliant and a clarifying shampoo to get your scalp squeaky clean.

Guglielmo suggests the SLICK GORILLA Scalp Scrub, as it’s gentle enough for regular use. Work it into your routine weekly or bi-weekly for a healthy scalp.

Step 4: Apply Your Chosen Exfoliant to Your Scalp

Whichever exfoliant you decide to use for your scalp, make sure to apply it directly to your scalp. You want the product to pick up as much buildup, dandruff, and oil as possible, so apply it straight at the source. Villena reminds you to not to forget the back or the sides, either!

Step 5: Massage the Product Into Your Scalp

Now that the product has been applied to your scalp, work it in by moving your fingers or a scalp brush in circular motions for about two to three minutes. We know that sounds like a long time, but your head deserves the scalp massage, so don’t rush the process. Think of it more as a wellness ritual, so you feel better incorporating it into your weekly routine.

Step 6: Let the Scalp Product Sit for a Few Minutes

Before rushing to rinse out the scalp exfoliant, leave it on for a minute or two so the scalp-loving ingredients can penetrate the skin’s surface and get rid of any dirt, grime, or oil that isn’t hiding in plain sight.

Step 7: Thoroughly Rinse Your Scalp

Whether you kept the chemical exfoliant on overnight or used a physical exfoliant, you need to thoroughly rinse your scalp to not only get rid of the product, but also any scalp buildup the exfoliant wiggled loose. We recommend the BRIOGEO HAIR CARE Don't Despair, Repair!™ Super Moisture Shampoo for its moisturizing properties, which is exactly what your scalp and hair need post-exfoliation.

Step 8: Follow With a Moisture-Rich Conditioner

It’s not enough to rinse your hair with shampoo; you also need to use a hydrating conditioner to add moisture back into your strands. This will also ensure your scalp’s microbiome is at peace and undisturbed by all the friction. The NAK HAIR Hydrate Conditioner hydrates, smooths, and restores moisture for normal, dehydrated, or color-treated hair.

Step 9: Finish With Any Additional Products You Feel You May Need

Villena recommends a hair mask, should you feel you need a little extra moisture on your mid-lengths and ends. We have always loved how nourishing the EVA NYC Therapy Session Hair Mask is, thanks to argan oil and plant protein.

Don’t forget a scalp serum either, especially if you have a sensitive scalp. The MALINA Nourishing Hair & Scalp Serum (Glam & Tonic) is enriched with botanical extracts of hops and alfalfa and a revitalizing blend of amino acids to deeply nourish the hair and scalp.

3 Easy DIY Scalp Scrub Recipes

For your next at-home scalp exfoliation session, try one of these DIY recipes if you’re in a pinch. They’re great to keep in your back pocket in case you’re traveling and forget to bring a travel-size scalp product with you, too.

Sea Salt and Olive Oil DIY Scalp Scrub

This particular scalp scrub is great for those with flaky scalps, whether it’s from dandruff or psoriasis. The experts do stress that this is not ideal for those with eczema on their scalps, as the sea salt can worsen the lesions.

How to Make It:

1. Measure 2 tablespoons of sea salt

2. Measure 1 tablespoon of olive oil

3. Combine in a bowl and mix

4. Work into your scalp in circular motions

5. Rinse with shampoo and conditioner

Brown Sugar and Coconut Oil DIY Scalp Scrub

Have dry or damaged hair that you don’t want to completely destroy by using a scalp exfoliant? Brown sugar and coconut oil offer a gentle scrub, one that is also moisturizing for dry hair.

How to Make It:

1. Measure 2 tablespoons of brown sugar

2. Measure 2 tablespoons of softened or melted coconut oil

3. Combine in a bowl and mix

4. Work into your scalp in circular motions

5. Rinse with shampoo and conditioner

Coffee Grounds and Honey DIY Scalp Scrub

Coffee grounds contain caffeine. Caffeine is a natural stimulant for circulation. Increasing circulation on the scalp can help with hair growth. So if you’re struggling to grow out your hair, this may be the scrub for you.

How to Make It:

1. Measure 2 tablespoons of coffee grounds

2. Measure 2 tablespoons of honey

3. Measure 2 tablespoons of olive oil

4. Combine in a bowl and mix

5. Work into your scalp in circular motions

6. Rinse with shampoo and conditioner

Final Thoughts: A Healthy Scalp Breads Healthy Hair

Scalp exfoliation benefits include buildup removal, hair growth, flake reduction, and oil control. You should incorporate it into your hair care routine once a week, though some can do it bi-weekly if they have a healthier scalp.

Using an exfoliant on your scalp conditions allows your hair to grow healthy and strong. Because if you don’t have a healthy scalp, how can you expect to have healthy hair? You don’t have to look too far for scalp care products either, as the IPSY Shop has everything you need to start your scalp exfoliation routine today.