Are you struggling with hair growth? You are not alone. A lot of people experience hair shedding as they age. Our hair follicles also tend to dry out sooner than expected and our scalp can appear irritated. If you wish to change this or if you are wondering what you can do, start thinking about exfoliating your scalp. We offer you some tips as to how to exfoliate the scalp for hair growth.
What Is Scalp Exfoliation?
Your body produces new skin cells every day. This is especially true for your face and scalp. Sometimes, your dead skin cells will appear in small white flakes and you will want to exfoliate your scalp in order to remove these flakes. You should use an exfoliant (a natural or chemical-based one) to remove these dead skin cells. This will help you get a shinier and healthier scalp.
What Are the Benefits of Scalp Exfoliation?
The most common reasons why you may want to exfoliate your scalp are:
- Dandruff removal
- Dead skin removal
- Neutralize oil production
- Boost your natural hair growth
How to Exfoliate Your Scalp at Home
You can do this with any exfoliant that you may have. You should massage your scalp every five to seven days while your hair is still semi-damp.
Make sure that your hair is washed and shampooed before you exfoliate your scalp. Use a bean-size amount over your entire head. Apply your favorite conditioner afterward. Then, dry your hair and style to your preference. Try to massage your scalp every day. This will relax your mind and body, but it will also boost your hair growth.
Top 4 Exfoliants That You Can Make at Home
Brown Sugar and Oatmeal Scrub
You probably have these ingredients already in your home. Make sure that you use 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of oatmeal and 2 tablespoons of your favorite hair conditioner.
Apply the mixture with circular motions and make sure you add it to your wet hair. Then, rinse it out thoroughly after you are done. This scrub will do the most and will create the biggest difference in women with drier skin and a dried-out scalp.
An Aspirin Scrub
You will need six aspirin tablets and 4 tablespoons of warm water. Mix these two directly in a cup or a glass. Although it may seem like an unusual combo, aspirin actually contains salicylic acid, which is a great chemical exfoliant. Add this paste to your head and really brush it in. If you do not have any other ingredients around your house, this one will work just as fine.
A Sugar and Honey Scrub
A sugar scrub may suit women who have sensitive scalps the best. This is also an affordable method that you can easily do on your own and at home.
Just use 2 tablespoons of sugar, along with your favorite conditioner, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Mix these together and gently scrub the scalp. You can leave it on top for 15 minutes, just so that it truly sinks in and then rinse it out later.
A Cinnamon Scrub
Make sure you have 2 tablespoons of powdered cinnamon along with 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. Add two drops of rose water to your mixture and massage directly to your scalp. The scent may be a bit overpowering for some people.
Leave this product on top for 15 minutes. You should rinse it out with lukewarm water and comb through your strands with a brush. Style as per usual.
Hair Exfoliation Tips
Use an Exfoliating Brush
If your hair is thin, fine and damaged, you should use an exfoliating brush. Make sure you are gentle enough since heavy rubbing or hard motions can irritate your scalp. These exfoliating brushes are affordable and easy to find at any bigger stores or drugstores.
Use the Right Cleanser
You should purchase the right cleanser at a drugstore, or create the one that suits your skin and hair type. We highly recommend going for any of our top four scrubs, especially if you are on a budget.
Are There Potential Side Effects to Exfoliating Your Scalp?
In some cases, you should not exfoliate your scalp. This applies to people who have:
- An infection
- An open cut or wound on their head
- Lice
- If you have super sensitive skin
- If you are prone to allergies or redness
In other cases, you should freely exfoliate your scalp and enjoy all of its benefits. Everyone can enjoy a healthier hair, shinier scalp and smoother skin with our tips and tricks.