Everything You Need to Know About Exfoliation for Your Scalp

Exfoliating your scalp may boost the condition of both your hair and scalp by clearing away dead skin cells, and there are several scalp scrubs you can whip up in your own kitchen.

Although the body regularly replaces dead skin with fresh cells, sometimes it benefits from a little assistance via exfoliation. The scalp is no exception.

Scalp exfoliation uses either physical or chemical agents to lift away surplus skin flakes, oil, and dandruff. Many hair specialists believe that consistent scalp exfoliation is a cornerstone of healthier, shinier hair from root to tip.

Keep reading to discover the advantages of scalp exfoliation, simple DIY scalp scrubs you can prepare at home, and recommended products if you prefer to buy ready-made options.

What are the benefits of scalp exfoliation?

Scalp exfoliation can feel relaxing and refreshing, providing a calming ritual as it stimulates the scalp. In that sense, exfoliation can be useful for almost anyone who chooses to try it.

However, scalp exfoliation may be particularly helpful for people dealing with:

• dandruff
• dry scalp
• oily hair

While hair shafts themselves are composed of dead skin cells — which is why haircuts are painless — the scalp is living skin and needs care and upkeep just like any other area of the body.

How to exfoliate your scalp

Scalp exfoliation combines elements of scalp massage with a targeted skin treatment.

Although daily scalp massage is generally safe, you should limit exfoliation to once or twice weekly. Excessive exfoliation strips away natural oils and can trigger the scalp to produce more oil in response.

Exfoliation is typically done on wet, freshly-shampooed hair. After detangling and sectioning your hair, apply the scrub using your fingertips. You may also use a brush or glove designed for scalp scrubbing. For physical scrubs, work in gentle circular motions to avoid irritation.

Some people notice increased sensitivity after exfoliation. If your scalp feels tender, consider using a spray sunscreen made for scalp and hair to shield the area from UV exposure and reduce sensitivity.

Natural exfoliants you can make at home

Many effective scalp exfoliants can be made with common pantry items.

Brown sugar and oatmeal scrub

To prepare a brown sugar and oatmeal scrub, combine:

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons finely ground oatmeal
• 2 tablespoons of your preferred hair conditioner

The sugar and oatmeal create a physical scrub that helps dislodge dead skin. After shampooing, massage the mixture into your wet hair with soft circular strokes, then rinse thoroughly.

Aspirin scrub

To make an aspirin scrub, mix:

• 6 to 8 aspirin tablets
• 4 tablespoons warm water

Aspirin contains salicylic acid, a chemical exfoliant. For better application, you can use a toothbrush to gently work the paste into the scalp. Light scrubbing helps remove loose skin cells. Rinse completely and follow with a conditioner.

Physical exfoliants (scrubs) you can buy

Physical exfoliants include particles that create friction against the scalp to mechanically lift dead skin cells. These products require massaging onto the scalp to be effective. When browsing, look for labels that include terms like “scrub.”

Some well-known choices are:

L’Oreal Paris EverFresh Micro-Exfoliating Scrub

This budget-friendly scrub uses apricot seeds as the exfoliating medium. Being sulfate-free, it’s less likely to strip color-treated hair.

dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Scalp Scrub

This option relies on pink Himalayan sea salt for physical exfoliation and includes avocado oil and aloe vera to soothe and reduce irritation.

Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt

This sea salt formulation is pitched to those with sensitive scalps and contains sweet almond oil to calm and comfort the skin.

R + Co Crown Scalp Scrub

This sugar-based scrub is vegan and sulfate-free, praised for its fragrance and added UV protection benefits.

Chemical exfoliants (peels) you can buy

Chemical exfoliants use active components to dissolve dead skin without mechanical abrasion. Always read product instructions for recommended contact time and whether normal styling is safe afterward.

Popular picks include:

Phillip Kingsley Exfoliating Scalp Mask

Phillip Kingsley offers products designed to treat both hair and scalp. This exfoliating mask contains betaine salicylate to help break up flakes and zinc to assist in controlling excess oil.

Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Tea Tree Scalp Treatment

This treatment uses tea tree oil to help loosen dead skin bonds and promote chemical exfoliation. Peppermint and spearmint oils add cooling relief for itchy scalps.

Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Hair and Scalp Treatment

Another tea tree-based product, this treatment helps clarify and exfoliate while nourishing ingredients like vitamin E and shea butter leave the scalp soft and hair glossy.

Potential side effects and risks

You should not exfoliate your scalp if you have:

• an active infection, such as ringworm
• an open cut or sore
• lice

People with sensitive skin may find certain physical or chemical exfoliants too abrasive. If you experience pain, swelling, or irritation while exfoliating, stop using the product. Consult your healthcare provider if symptoms continue.

The bottom line

Scalp exfoliation is a useful practice for promoting healthier hair from the roots. Begin with a once-weekly treatment and increase to twice weekly if needed.

Avoid exposing freshly exfoliated scalp directly to sunlight. If you’ll be outdoors, wear a hat or apply a sunscreen formulated for the scalp and hair.