“If you’re religious about exfoliating your face but have never thought about your scalp—consider this your wake-up call”, stresses renowned hairstylist Samantha Cusick.
The foundation for growth, follicle strength and strand retention, scalp care is the not-so-secret way to secure the healthy head of hair of your dreams - and yet so many of us don’t give it a second thought.
That should all change. Much like the first step in your skincare routine is to cleanse your face, so too is it important to do the same to remove product buildup, dead skin cells and grime and dirt that can leave your locks lacklustre. A thorough dissolving of the aforementioned is the missing component in the hair regimens of many but there is a simple fix. Enter the scalp exfoliator.
Why is scalp exfoliation important?
“Scalp health is hair health”, Cusick reiterates. “Over time, product buildup, excess oil and dead skin can clog hair follicles, leading to dullness, irritation and even slower hair growth. A good scalp exfoliation routine removes all that buildup, keeping your scalp balanced and your hair thriving. Think of it like skincare for your scalp—because healthy, happy hair starts at the root”.
Danielle Garner, an award-winning hairstylist, encourages us to think about it like this, “Consider how exfoliating the skin on your face works: it removes dead skin cells by breaking the bonds that hold them together, allowing fresh, new cells to emerge, which instantly revitalizes the skin’s appearance and glow. Now, apply that concept to your scalp”.
She continues, “Just as your skin needs periodic exfoliation, your scalp also requires it. It’s constantly subjected to the accumulation of products, oils and environmental debris that can clog hair follicles, affecting growth and overall health”.
What types of scalp exfoliators exist?
Cusick reveals the differences between physical and chemical exfoliation. She explains:
- Physical exfoliation: Start by wetting your hair, then take a gentle scrub, like the Authentic Beauty Concept Sensorial Cream Scrub, and massage it into your scalp using circular motions. Focus on areas where buildup tends to sit (like the crown and hairline), then rinse thoroughly before shampooing and conditioning as usual.
- Chemical exfoliation: If flakes and buildup are your biggest concern, a pre-wash treatment like the Hello Klean Break Down Anti-Flake Scalp Soak is a game-changer. It helps dissolve stubborn product residue and hard water minerals without the need for scrubbing. Leave it on for a few minutes before shampooing, and your scalp will feel like it’s had a deep reset.
How to exfoliate your scalp
Chloe Swift, hair stylist and haircare expert highlights that this shouldn’t be a painful or irritating process. “Exfoliating your scalp is actually much more gentle than it sounds, it’s definitely not taking a harsh brush and giving the scalp a good scrub (this is really not great for the scalp and will cause micro-abrasions) instead it’s all about the products and luckily scalp health has evolved so much in the last couple of years especially so we have a lot more to choose from.”
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Garner breaks it down step by step:
- Choose the right exfoliant: Look for a scalp-specific exfoliant, such as a scrub or scalp massager.
- Apply to dry scalp: For best results, apply the product to a dry scalp to break down buildup.
- Massage gently: Use your fingertips or a massager to gently scrub the scalp in circular motions for a few minutes.
- Rinse and follow up: Rinse with lukewarm water, then wash with shampoo and conditioner to hydrate the scalp.
How often should you exfoliate your scalp?
All three stylists - Samantha Cusick, Danielle Garner and Chloe Swift – are in agreement that weekly exfoliation will yield the best results. “Think of it as a detox for your hair routine”, adds Cusick.
What ingredients should you look for?
Calling on the expertise of the hairstylists, the ingredients to look out for include the following:
- Jojoba beads or pumice: natural ingredients that gently remove build-up
- Glycerin or coconut oil: to counteract that possibility of stripping by hydrating
- Aloe vera and chamomile: to soothe and calm irritation
- AHAs like glycolic acid: gently remove dead skin cells
- BHAs like salicylic acid: to unclog follicles
- Apple cider vinegar: to break down oil and build up
- Peppermint extract: to cool, refresh and promote circulation
- Tea tree oil: to soothe and balance oil
- Charcoal or clay: to absorb oil
Garner concludes by highlighting, “Exfoliating your scalp isn’t just about cleanliness—it’s about creating the best possible environment for healthy hair growth”.
So with that in mind, we have selected the best scalp exfoliators below to add to your routine.
