How to Exfoliate Your Scalp for Healthier Hair, According to a Beauty Expert
If you’ve ever felt like your scalp could use a little TLC, you're not alone. Scalp exfoliation is a game changer when it comes to keeping your hair and scalp healthy. Not only does it help clear away dead skin cells, but it also promotes circulation and prevents buildup that can lead to irritation. As an esthetician, I’m all about caring for skin – and yes, your scalp is part of your skin too! I’m here to share the best tips for exfoliating your scalp so you can enjoy that fresh, clean feeling and a healthier scalp overall.
Meet the Expert
- Lindsay Holdorf - Licensed Esthetician
What is Scalp Exfoliation?
Scalp exfoliation is the process of gently removing dead skin cells, excess oils, and product buildup from your scalp. Just like your face or body, your scalp can accumulate debris that clogs pores and affects hair growth. Exfoliating helps to clear away this buildup, allowing your scalp to breathe and function better. Think of it as giving your scalp the fresh start it needs for healthier, shinier hair!
Benefits of Scalp Exfoliation
Scalp exfoliation removes dead skin, excess oils, and product buildup, which can clog hair follicles and cause irritation or dandruff. By clearing these away, it helps prevent scalp conditions and creates a healthier environment for hair to grow. Exfoliating also boosts blood circulation, which nourishes the hair follicles and promotes stronger hair growth. Plus, it allows your hair products to work more effectively, leaving you with a cleaner, balanced scalp and shinier, more vibrant hair.
Types of Scalp Exfoliation Products
There are several types of scalp exfoliation products to choose from, depending on your needs and preferences.
Physical Scrubs: These contain small, gritty particles like salt or sugar that manually slough off dead skin and buildup. They’re great for a more intensive exfoliation, but be sure to choose a gentle scrub to avoid irritating your scalp.
$54.00
Chemical Exfoliants: These products use ingredients like salicylic acid or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) to dissolve dead skin cells and unclog pores without scrubbing. They’re ideal for those with sensitive scalps or if you prefer a gentler approach.
$26.00
Scalp Brushes: A scalp brush can be used with your regular shampoo to gently exfoliate while massaging the scalp. This method is easy and effective for daily use and stimulates circulation.
$21.00
Exfoliating Shampoos: These shampoos are formulated with exfoliating ingredients, either physical or chemical, to cleanse and refresh your scalp with every wash. They're perfect for a regular exfoliation routine without extra steps.
2 reviews
$36.00
How to Exfoliate Your Scalp
To exfoliate your scalp, start by choosing the right product whether it’s a physical scrub, exfoliating shampoo, or a chemical treatment based on your scalp’s needs. Wet your hair thoroughly to make the process easier, then apply the product directly to your scalp. Gently massage it in with your fingertips or a scalp brush, using circular motions to focus on areas where buildup tends to accumulate. After a few minutes, rinse thoroughly and follow up with a gentle shampoo to remove any remaining product, then finish with a conditioner to keep your scalp and hair hydrated. Exfoliate once a week or as needed to maintain a clean, balanced scalp and promote healthy hair growth.
How Often Should You Exfoliate Your Scalp?
How often you exfoliate your scalp depends on your scalp type and needs, but generally, once a week is ideal for most people. If you have an oily scalp or use a lot of styling products, you might benefit from exfoliating more frequently, like every 4-5 days. However, if your scalp is dry or sensitive, once every two weeks may be enough to avoid irritation. The key is to listen to your scalp, if you start feeling dryness, redness, or discomfort, cut back on exfoliating to give it time to recover.
Potential Side Effects
While scalp exfoliation offers many benefits, it's important to do it correctly to avoid potential side effects. Over-exfoliating or using harsh products can lead to scalp irritation, dryness, or even inflammation. If you have a sensitive scalp or conditions like eczema or psoriasis, harsh scrubs or chemical exfoliants might cause discomfort, so it’s best to choose gentler options. Always be mindful not to scrub too vigorously, as this can damage the skin or cause micro tears. If you experience redness, itching, or an increase in dryness after exfoliating, take a break and reassess your routine or product choice. Proper exfoliation should leave your scalp refreshed, not irritated, so listen to your scalp's needs and adjust accordingly.
Shop the Best Scalp Exfoliants
1. Philip B Peppermint Avocado Scalp Scrub
2 reviews
$85.00
A luxurious exfoliating treatment that combines the cooling sensation of peppermint with nourishing avocado oil to cleanse, invigorate, and hydrate the scalp, promoting healthier hair growth and a refreshed scalp.
Esthetician Tip: For a refreshed scalp, apply Philip B Peppermint Avocado Scalp Scrub to a wet scalp, massage in circular motions, let it sit for 5 minutes, then rinse and follow with shampoo.
2. Act+Acre Cold Processed Scalp Detox
2 reviews
$85.00
A nourishing, cold-processed scalp treatment that uses plant-based ingredients to exfoliate, detoxify, and balance the scalp, promoting a healthier environment for hair growth and revitalized hair.
Esthetician Tip: For a healthier scalp, apply to a dry scalp, massage gently, leave on for 20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly before shampooing.
3. R+Co Teacup Anti-Pollution Detox Wash
$34.00
A sulfate-free shampoo designed to cleanse hair and scalp while removing pollutants, impurities, and buildup. Infused with a blend of natural ingredients, it leaves hair feeling refreshed, soft, and protected from environmental stressors.
Esthetician Tip: After shampoo and conditioner, apply directly onto scalp and squeeze through hair. Leave on for 1-3 minutes. Rinse. Use once a week or as needed.
4. Christophe Robin Purifying Mask with Thermal Mud
$49.00
A deep-cleansing hair treatment that detoxifies and nourishes the scalp, helping to remove impurities and excess oil. Formulated with mineral-rich thermal mud, it leaves hair feeling balanced, revitalized, and healthy-looking.
Esthetician Tip: For a more intensive detox, smooth generously through dry hair from root to tip, leave on for 15 minutes, and rinse thoroughly. Follow with shampoo and conditioner.
5. Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Scalp Scrub Shampoo
254 reviews
$42.00
A gentle yet effective exfoliator that removes buildup, excess oil, and impurities from the scalp. Infused with charcoal, coconut oil, and tea tree oil, it nourishes and balances the scalp, leaving hair feeling clean, refreshed, and rejuvenated.
Esthetician Tip: Massage into damp scalp to exfoliate and detoxify, then rinse for a refreshed, balanced scalp.
6. dpHUE ACV Hair Rinse
166 reviews
$37.00
A gentle, non-lathering hair treatment that uses apple cider vinegar to cleanse and balance the scalp while removing buildup and residue. Its nourishing formula leaves hair soft, shiny, and refreshed without stripping natural oils.
Esthetician Tip: After shampooing, use bottle tip to create small parts in hair, gently squeezing the product onto your scalp. Massage into scalp & pull through hair. Leave on 1-3 minutes, then rinse thoroughly to restore pH balance and enhance softness.
7. Seen Fragrance Free Leave-in Conditioner
1 reviews
$27.00
A lightweight, nourishing treatment that hydrates and detangles hair without the use of added fragrances. Formulated with clean ingredients, it helps smooth, protect, and enhance hair's natural shine while being gentle on sensitive scalps.
Esthetician Tip: Apply evenly to towel-dried or damp hair before brushing or styling for smooth, hydrated locks without weighing them down or adding fragrance.
8. Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo
25 reviews
$50.00
A clarifying formula that removes buildup from styling products, hard water, and minerals while maintaining hair's strength. Infused with Olaplex's signature bond-building technology, it leaves hair feeling refreshed, clean, and nourished without stripping natural moisture.
Esthetician Tip: Use once a week to remove buildup and restore hair’s natural vibrancy without stripping its moisture.
FAQs
How Do You Get Rid of Scalp Buildup?
To get rid of scalp buildup, start by using a gentle exfoliating treatment, like a scrub or exfoliating shampoo, to help remove dead skin cells, oils, and product residue. You can also incorporate a scalp brush into your routine to help lift and dislodge debris while massaging your scalp to stimulate circulation.
What Do Dermatologists Recommend for Scalp Buildup?
Dermatologists often recommend using a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo to remove scalp buildup without stripping the scalp of its natural oils. For more stubborn buildup, they may suggest using a clarifying shampoo once or twice a month, as this helps break down oils, hair products, and other residue. Many dermatologists also recommend incorporating a scalp exfoliant, such as a scrub with natural exfoliating agents or a chemical exfoliant containing salicylic acid, to help lift dead skin cells and prevent clogged hair follicles.
The Bottom Line
Scalp exfoliation is a simple yet effective way to maintain a healthy, balanced scalp and promote stronger hair growth. By removing buildup, dead skin cells, and excess oils, you create the perfect environment for your hair to thrive. Just be sure to choose the right products for your scalp type and exfoliate in moderation to avoid irritation. When done correctly, scalp exfoliation can make a noticeable difference in the health of both your scalp and hair, leaving you with a fresh, clean feeling every time.
Esthetics has been a lifelong passion for Lindsay. Growing up as a dancer fueled her love of makeup and skin care from an early age, ultimately leading her to pursue esthetics school after college. In over five years of experience as a licensed esthetician, she cultivated a diverse skill set, from running her own makeup artistry business and working in a Forbes-listed resort spa, to collaborating with dermatologists and nurse practitioners in performing medical aesthetic treatments. Since then, she has joined the Dermstore team offering virtual consultation services and more to make skin care education easily accessible for everyone, no matter where they're located.
