The healthier your scalp is, the more beautiful your hair will be. And there is no better way for you to achieve a healthy scalp other than getting a regular scrub. Scalp scrubs cleanse the area around your root hairs, ensuring that your follicles are not clogged with hair care products build-up and dead skin cells. So, have you finally decided to scrub your scalp? This article will compare chemical vs. physical scalp treatments and share with you all you need to know about scalp health.
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Should I Exfoliate My Scalp?
Everyone should use a scalp cleanser, irrespective of their hair type. But do you usually use plenty of hair care products? Is your skin type dry? Does your hair have dandruff? Or do you live in an area with an arid climate, and your scalp is prone to flakes? If the answer to any of these questions is a yes, you can benefit significantly from scalp exfoliation.
The Introduction to the Art of Scalp Exfoliation
If you have decided to start exfoliating your scalp, then you have made an important decision. But, you are probably wondering, where do I start? Let us help you with that. As you venture into the world of scalp exfoliation, you should know that there are two main types of scalp exfoliants. First, we have physical scalp cleansers that contain granular substances like clay, salt, and sugar. Then we have chemical exfoliants which contain acid solvents.
Both are ideal for various hair types, and it is essential that you know which is right for you. For instance, to get a thorough oily scalp treatment, chemical scalp exfoliants are strong enough to remove oil build-up.
Top 6 Reasons Why You Should Exfoliate Your Scalp
Scalp exfoliation can be very soothing to the hair. Not only does the massage feel good, but the hair and scalp receive plenty of benefits. Here are the main reasons why you should exfoliate your scalp.
- You can use a scalp scrub for dandruff Though not a cure for dandruff, giving your hair and scalp deep cleansereduces flakiness.
- Exfoliation of the scalp promotes blood circulation to hair follicles, thus preventing signs of aging such as hair loss and thinning.
- Scalp exfoliation also removes the build-up of oils and hair care products which may clog hair follicles.
- A scalp treatment ensures your hair can adapt to various seasons. As you already know, seasons such as winter may cause flaky scalps.
- It enhances your scalp’s ability to fight environmental factors like pollution, radiation from the sun, and smoke. Even though the scalp is covered by hair, it still encounters pollutants found in the air. These pollutants can lead to hair loss. And that’s why you should exfoliate the scalp to remove any contaminants that may have settled on the hair or scalp.
- Finally, exfoliating your scalp helps with hair loss prevention. When the scalp is massaged and cleansed, your hair enjoys a stress-free environment and grows bigger and healthier, thus putting a stop to hair loss.
A Quick Guide on How to Exfoliate the Scalp
1st step: Wash the hair and don’t dry it.
2nd step: Divide the hair into sections: the more areas, the better.
3rd step: Using your product of choice, scoop some with your fingers and rub it gently on your scalp in circular motions. Ensure that you try to reach as close as possible to the scalp.
4th step: Give it some time, and then rinse the hair thoroughly.
It’s that easy! Exfoliating the scalp is a procedure that doesn’t take up a lot of your time. So, there is no reason why you shouldn’t be doing it. However, please note that overdoing it can cause more harm than good as beneficial as cleansing the scalp. When you over-exfoliate, the scalp enters into repair mode and produces more oil. Therefore, exfoliate regularly but don’t overdo it.
Additionally, people with scalp acne, open sores on the scalp, eczema, or psoriasis should avoid scrubbing their scalps. Because scalp exfoliation involves scrubbing, you may experience discomfort, irritation, or swelling if you have the above conditions. Alternatively, you could invest in a specially formulated treatment for sensitive scalp.
How to Choose a Scalp Exfoliant?
Having understood the benefits of scalp treatments, it’s time you choose which scalp exfoliant you should use. As mentioned earlier, we have two types. Physical scalp scrub entails the removal of oil and product build-up by rubbing small particles on the scalp. You can use fingertips or a scalp brush to rub the physical exfoliant. You must be very gentle as this ensures you don’t damage the skin.
On the other hand, chemical scalp exfoliants use chemicals to remove oil and product build-up on your scalp. You don’t have to scrub or do anything. They are very effective and fast. But aren’t ideal for people with sensitive scalps.
Now that we have covered the two types of scalp treatments, let’s move on to another critical factor that you should consider when choosing a scalp exfoliant – your hair type.
For oily and thick hair, you should get a scrub regularly. This will help with the excess oil. If you have fine hair, you should go for a chemical exfoliant. Make sure that you always pick gentle ones even if you do not have a sensitive scalp. If you have a dry scalp, you need to be very picky when choosing an exfoliant. Below, we have compiled tips on how to relieve dry scalps.
How to Relieve Dry Scalp?
A dry scalp can be very annoying. When the skin under your hair gets irritated, it starts to flake off. And that’s when you realize that you have a dry scalp. Below are some of the ways you can relieve a dry scalp and stop the flaking.
Switch to scalp specific oils.
If you have a dry scalp, don’t use any oil you come across. Instead, look for one that has been formulated for a dry scalp. Scalp-specific oils often contain ingredients such as tea tree oil which lifts dead skin cells while stopping skin flaking. This ingredient soothes an irritated scalp and promotes hair growth. Other elements you should look out for include rosemary oil, jojoba oil which reduces dandruff and moisturizes the scalp.
Take hydrating hair and skin supplements.
Have you had a dry scalp for as long as you can remember? A hydrating hair and skin supplement can help promote scalp health. With so many supplements out there, you can be assured of finding one that can provide essential nutrients to your scalp. We are going to recommend some.
First off, collagen supplements do a fantastic job at relieving dry scalps. Because they are rich in amino acids, which are building blocks of keratin, the stuff that makes your hair, taking collagen supplements can ensure you have healthy hair strands. In addition, by enhancing collagen production in the body, these supplements will give you a healthy scalp. You can also use hyaluronic acid, which hydrates the skin. There is another supplement known as Biotin; it is rich in vitamin B and promotes keratin in your body for healthy hair and scalp. Vitamin E supplements are also great at easing inflammation in the scalp.
Scrub your scalp regularly.
If you have build-up in your scalp, it is easy to get irritated and flaky. The build-up could be caused by dead skin cells or product residue. When you scrub your scalp regularly, you remove build-up, allowing your scalp to “breathe.” You can use a physical or chemical exfoliant to cleanse your scalp.
Invest in a sulfate-free shampoo.
Most ordinary shampoos use sulfate as a key ingredient. It is responsible for the lather that you find in shampoos. The downside of sulfate is that it dries both the hair and the scalp. Using a shampoo with sulfate regularly will leave you with dry hair always. Switching to a sulfate-free shampoo can make your scalp healthier and prevent it from drying up.
Use a scalp mask!
If you usually use face masks to hydrate your face, why can’t you do the same for your hair? Understandably, getting a hydrating mask on the scalp isn’t easy. However, the benefits will be worth the effort. A hydrating mask is perfect for a dry scalp. You can use it as a pre-shampoo treatment. Always wear one for at least 10 minutes before showering.
Did you know that you can make a scalp mask by yourself? All you need is some aloe vera to moisturize and ease inflammation, coconut oil to promote hair growth, honey for the inflammation and retention of moisture, and avocado to stop flaking. Feel free to add other natural ingredients to your DIY scalp mask.
Massage your scalp regularly.
A good massage can do a lot for your scalp. First, it improves blood circulation, which leads to a healthier and supple scalp. There are different ways you can massage your scalp. For starters, you can use your fingertips and rub them gently in circular motions. You can also buy a scalp massage device. Alternatively, you can schedule with your hairstylists and get scalp massages whenever you visit them.
As you can see from the above, moisturizing a dry scalp isn’t tricky. Most of these solutions or products recommended are easy to get and use. So, don’t keep on enduring a dry scalp, yet there are ways to moisturize it.
Can You Use Scalp Detox for Hair Growth?
Yes, you can. Chemicals found in hair care products suffocate hair from the roots to the scalp. A scalp detox for hair growth creates the perfect environment for hair to grow naturally without being limited by harsh ingredients. A detox also promotes hair growth, treats scalp acne, and minimizes dandruff.
Our pick for Best Scalp Scrubs for Cleaner and Dandruff-free Hair
By now, you are aware of the many scalp scrub benefits. However, if you have decided to add a scalp scrub to your hair care products collection when you start shopping for some, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the many scalp exfoliants in the market. To save you time and effort you would have used doing research, here are the X best scalp scrubs for cleaner and dandruff-free hair.
1. Deep Cleansing Scalp and Hair Scrub Trio
Our number one contender is this trio that contains a deep cleansing scalp and hair scrub made with vanilla coconut and mangosteen powder, another with pear blossom and sea salt. Then the last one is also a deep cleansing scalp and hair scrub that contains green apple with sea salt.
With these three scalp exfoliants, you can be assured of getting a healthier scalp. In addition, this trio is very effective at removing build-up, thanks to carefully chosen ingredients. Designed for fragile hair, these scrubs can bring your hair back to life.
This deep cleansing scalp and hair scrub do more than purify your scalp. It creates a conducive environment for hair growth. It also balances pH levels and introduces essential nutrients and oils that promote hair growth. If you want your scalp to be cleansed and nourished, this is the right scalp scrub for you.
2. Zion Health Apple Cider Vinegar Foaming Scalp Detox
You can use this product to detoxify the scalp. It is packed with plenty of valuable ingredients such as ionic clay minerals, cucumber extract, panthenol, witch hazel, apple cider vinegar, glycerin, and salicylic acid, amongst others which all contribute towards removing the build-up of dead skin cells and haircare products residue. Other than improving scalp health, the Zion Health apple Cider Vinegar Foaming Scalp detox gives you shinier, softer, and lighter hair.
3. Deep Conditioning Intense Repair Hair Mask with Argan Oil
Remember when we talked about how great hydrating masks are at moisturizing the scalp and hair? Well, this is one of the best hair masks that repairs damaged hair. Packed with plenty of nutrients, this mask revitalizes every hair strand while adding shine. It also treats extra dry, chemical, and color-treated hair.
Some of the ingredients used in this deep conditioning intense repair hair mask include argan oil, ionic clay minerals, sweet almond oil, vitamin E, lemon essential, shea butter, and panthenol.
4. Scalp Nutrition Serum Intense Scalp Revitalizer
Having a dry scalp can affect your self-esteem, especially if you also have dandruff? The good news is, you can do something about it. This scalp nutrition serum is a powerhouse for essential oils and clay minerals. It moisturizes and hydrates the scalp.
It comprises peppermint essential oil, carrot seed oil, oregano essential oil, rosemary essential oil, olive oil, argan oil, and castor oil, amongst others.
The Benefits of Using Scalp Scrubs are Endless. Shop Zion Health and Beauty Products and Find the Best Scalp Detox for You.
Many people detox their hair because they’ve been using conventional hair care products made with chemical toxins or low-quality ingredients.
When it comes to ditching your harsh chemicals, a detox can help rebalance your scalp. It rids your hair of suffocating buildup while nourishing the scalp.
It helps stimulate hair follicles, allowing for hair growth, and clears the scalp of dandruff, acne, and scabbing. When your hair follicles begin to flourish at their ultimate potential, you should see the difference in your hair texture within a week.
We all know that natural ingredients for our skincare and beauty care products are just better. They are non-toxic and will not harm the scalp when you decide to do a scalp detox. A scalp in need of detox is already stressed enough, don’t add to it by using a scalp detox full of chemicals.
Check out the array of all-natural Scalp Detox Products produced and sold by Zion Health Products. All Zion Health and beauty and skincare products are vegan, organic, contain no parabens, toxic-free, and are cruelty-free.
The Bottom Line
A clean scalp is a happy scalp. And once your scalp is comfortable, it will pay you back by giving you soft, light, and bouncy hair. Therefore, if you were never the kind of person who exfoliates their scalp, this should be a wake-up call. Pick your scalp exfoliant of choice and give your scalp a deep scrub to remove build-up and oil. You will never have to endure a dry and itchy scalp any longer. You can as well forget about flakiness and dandruff.