Hair health starts at the scalp. Your scalp literally can stop successful hair growth at the root because it's a place where product residue buildup, dead skin cells and other adverse scalp conditions can form a barrier that new hair growth finds difficult to penetrate. Scalp condition is the key to healthy strands for all hair types, so it's important to perform regular scalp detox treatment for the optimal health of your scalp and hair.
Here's how to tell if your scalp is in need of a detox.
6 Signs Your Scalp Needs Detoxifying
So how can you tell if it's time to detox your scalp? Regular scalp care is important regardless of the condition of your hair. But sometimes you're in more of a need of scalp care than others. Here are some signs that might indicate that product buildup and excess oils are building up on your scalp, and it's time to detox:
1. Your Scalp Itches
Scalp itchiness is often the first sign of buildup trouble. Often an itchy, flaky scalp is a sign that shampoo or another hair product has begun to build up at the roots or you have could have dandruff.
2. Your Scalp Is Oily
An oily scalp is a sign of imbalance. Overreactive sebum glands on your scalp produce too much oil, which can cause buildup at the roots of your hair strands, attracting dirt that clogs the pores.
3. You Notice Increased Hair Fall
If you seem to be shedding hair more frequently than usual, it might be time for a scalp detox. Your hair's roots might be suffering from the decreased circulation of the scalp's blood vessels, causing it to shed.
4. You Have Dry Scalp
Scalp dryness can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. So if you notice flaking, it's likely a sign that there's some serious pore-clogging going on at your scalp. But don't despair, with regular scalp treatments, you can get relief from dryness.
5. Your Scalp Smells
A healthy scalp should never smell. If you notice an unsightly odor, it could be a sign of oil buildup that needs to be removed by a comprehensive scalp detox.
Also: Smelly Scalp? Here's What You Can Do
6. Your Scalp Hurts
If you're noticing pain or sensitivity when you touch your hair, it's definitely time to detox your scalp. Hair and scalp pain is often caused by a buildup of excess dead skin but can also be a sign of more serious scalp ailments. If you're still hurting after your scalp detox, make sure to contact a dermatologist or a trichologist for a closer look.
How to Do a Scalp Detox
All scalps are different! It's important to respond to your scalp's individual needs and find out what method of scalp detox works for you. Before you begin your detox, you need to check in with your hair habits and make sure they're not damaging your hair health, leading to the need for further detoxing down the line.
1. Use Effective Scalp Products
When it's time to detox your scalp, using a professionally formulated scalp product is the best way to start. You can use your fingers or a handheld scalp massager to work the treatment in for extra coverage.
2. Make Sure You're Using the Right Shampoo
Before you begin the scalp detox process, take time to examine the ingredients on your shampoo label. Many commercial shampoos contain harsh ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate, which can damage your hair and scalp.
Reading your labels can help you avoid overwashing your hair, leading to the increased production of sebum which can clog the pores of the scalp. Consider investing in a more gentle shampoo — it's the best way to prevent future scalp problems before they arise and also get the most out of your detox. By using a gentle shampoo, you can help support your scalp's natural functions, avoiding the need for future detoxing.
3. Try a Deep-Conditioning Scalp Massage
Scalp massage is an excellent way to exfoliate those pores while helping the ingredients of the products you use penetrate more deeply into the skin. Fingers work well, but to get an even better effect, try using a stimulating scalp massager. The massager's bristles stimulate the scalp and help assist with the removal of problematic buildup.
Pair your scalp massager with a deep-conditioning mask for maximum hydration. Choose an oil, such as olive or marula oil, and massage it deeply into the scalp to hydrate and support hair growth. Then, use a cleansing shampoo to clear away excess oil once you've finished.
4. Try a DIY Hair Detox
While you wait for your serum to arrive, preparing a do-it-yourself scalp detox mask or scalp scrub is a great way to clear out scalp buildup so you can apply your serum right to the scalp's skin for a more targeted effect. Here are a few of our favorite methods for at-home scalp treatment, using ingredients you probably already have at home.
5. Make a Mask
Mix equal parts bentonite clay powder, aloe vera gel and apple cider vinegar. Apply your DIY hair mask to your strands and let sit for 20 minutes under a shower cap to prevent drying. Rinse out with white vinegar, and follow with a clarifying shampoo to remove residue. You can wash your hair with a baking soda paste to remove oil buildup for an extra-clean effect.
6. Scrub Up
Blend two tablespoons of coconut oil with two tablespoons of sugar or sea salt and a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. Or, for an even simpler scrub, blend together baking soda and coconut oil with a few drops of water to form a paste. Massage the scrub deeply into your scalp to remove the buildup of oil and hair products.
Prioritize Your Scalp Health
All of these steps are a great way to begin your scalp detox process and, in most cases, should clear up your symptoms immediately. However, if you have more serious scalp problems that persist after trying at-home scalp detox serums, it might be time to make an appointment with a licensed trichologist or dermatologist for prescription-strength products.
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