Yes, You Need a Scalp Exfoliant. Here’s How to Use It Right.

Most of us are pretty on top of our skin care routine, maintaining a consistent and efficient regimen that’s suitable for our skin type and our lifestyle. But for many of us, this routine is limited to our face and maybe our décolletage (neck). It’s important to remember, however, that our scalp requires TLC and maintenance too, as it is an extension of our living skin.

“Over time, some people experience a ‘buildup’ of residue from hair products, shampoos and conditioners, as well as an accumulation of natural oils and dead skin cells on the scalp,” explains Erum Ilyas, MD, a dermatologist at Montgomery Dermatology in Pennsylvania. “Exfoliating or treating this buildup is important as it helps return hair’s natural luster and makes the scalp less flaky, dry and itchy.”

Further, Dr. Ilyas also mentions that if we don’t address this buildup, especially if we’re experiencing flaking, scaling and sensitivity in the scalp area, it can be immensely uncomfortable and very quickly lead to chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. Excess itchiness can result in hair breakage as well. “If dry flaky scalp is the result of inflammation, then the underlying cause of the inflammation should be treated or addressed,” she says. “If the inflammation becomes chronic, then it can interfere with hair growth and become a source for discomfort as well.”

What Are Scalp Exfoliants

Luckily, there is no shortage of products on the market formulated specifically to address scalp buildup and discomfort. “Most products marketed as scalp exfoliants use ingredients intended to chemically exfoliate the scalp similar to acne products or hydrating ingredients intended to address itching and flaking of the scalp,” says Dr. Ilyas.

Some of the most popular ingredients used include charcoal, which targets excess oil and impurities much like it does in a face mask, coconut oil, a skin hydrator, apple cider vinegar, which has anti-yeast properties, tea tree oil, which is known for its antimicrobial and antiseptic benefits, and salicylic acid, which can help remove excess dry skin and scale.

How to Use Scalp Exfoliants

For her patients who suffer from scalp buildup and inflammation, Dr. Ilyas recommends starting off using a scalp exfoliant every other week or up to once a week. “It’s best to get used to using the product to avoid overdrying, as excess use may strip your scalp of natural oils and even strip away some hair color if you are coloring your hair,” she warns. “It’s also helpful to follow up these treatments with a leave-in conditioner or regular conditioner to rehydrate your scalp and hair.”

Ready to start reaping the benefits of using a scalp exfoliant? Here are some of the top exfoliants on the market today.

1. Briogeo Scalp Revival™ Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Scalp Scrub Shampoo 8 oz

Briogeo Scalp Revival™ Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Scalp Scrub Shampoo 8 oz

254 reviews

$42.00

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[listimage brand_id=502970 prod_id=71266] This rockstar, scalp-soothing and -exfoliating shampoo features three of the top ingredients used to treat scalp buildup: charcoal, coconut oil and tea tree oil. “This is a nice product because it exfoliates and rehydrates in one product,” says Dr. Ilyas. “The charcoal helps absorb excess oil, the coconut oil hydrates and dislodges built up scaling and the tea tree oil assists with anti-yeast and antimicrobial qualities.”

2. dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Scalp Scrub (9 oz.)

dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Scalp Scrub (9 oz.)

79 reviews

$42.00

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[listimage brand_id=504667 prod_id=73743] This apple cider vinegar–based scalp scrub targets the bacteria and yeast that leads to scalp buildup and inflammation in the first place. It’s also incredibly soothing, thanks to an infusion of aloe vera and avocado oil, which boast color-locking abilities—a plus, especially for those who color-treat their hair. For those who are particularly picky about using ingredients free of harm, this product is not only clean and vegan, but it’s sulfate-, gluten- and paraben-free.

3. Briogeo Scalp Revival™ Charcoal + Tea Tree Scalp Treatment Serum 1 oz

Briogeo Scalp Revival™ Charcoal + Tea Tree Scalp Treatment Serum 1 oz

94 reviews

$32.00

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[listimage brand_id=502970 prod_id=71268] This concentrated treatment works to detoxify the scalp, remove impurities, rebalance the pH and promote new and healthy growth, explains Tina Malhotra, Stylist at L’Appartement Hair Boudoir in New York City. “Its active ingredients include charcoal, known to draw impurities from the pores, witch hazel, which normalizes oil production and helps with oily scalp, sodium hyaluronate, which balances, aloe to hydrate and calm scalp, and biotin to promote healthy hair growth.”

4. R+Co CROWN Scalp Scrub (5.5 fl. oz.)

R+Co CROWN Scalp Scrub (5.5 fl. oz.)

12 reviews

$38.00

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[listimage brand_id=504930 prod_id=74495] Salicylic acid is the main ingredient in this scalp scrub, which promises to remove excess flaking and keratin (protein) buildup on the scalp. It also contains argan oil, to restore your scalp’s natural oils, which may be lost during the exfoliation process. “If you have sensitive skin, scabs from picking or scratching, this product may be a bit milder and less irritating to try with the argan oil to help balance out the exfoliating action,” adds Dr. Ilyas.