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One of the many hair truths we’ve come to live by is that you cannot have healthy hair without taking care of your scalp, too—scalp care is hair care. Apart from a consistent hair routine with the right products for your hair texture and skin type, one of the best ways to take care of the skin on our heads is with a scalp detox.
By now, the algorithm has probably graced all your socials with soothing ASMR videos of zen waterfall scalp massages or soothing steam hair sessions. As it turns out, these detox treatments are more than just aesthetically pleasing; they can help a lot if you’re looking to remove buildup and debris. So if you’re looking for ways to boost your hair health and tend to an itchy scalp or any other pressing skin concern, you’ve come to the right place. Below, the experts break down everything you need to know about a scalp detox. Read on below before you book that hair appointment.
What Is a Scalp Detox?
As certified trichologist Bridgette Hill defines it, a scalp detox is a service that incorporates skin care to boost scalp health. This form of detox, she says, “regulates cellular turnover, reduces inflammation, regulates sebum reduction, and encourages blood flow” to ensure a healthy scalp for those with or without hair.
Janiene Luke, MD, board-certified dermatologist and clinical professor in the department of dermatology at Loma Linda University, adds that a scalp detox involves a cleanse and an exfoliation, either through massage or a use of a mechanical tool, to remove dead skin cells, product buildup, and other debris from the scalp. When done periodically in addition to your regular wash routine, you’ll experience many hair and scalp health benefits.
Who Needs It?
A scalp detox is generally for everyone. Hill says she recommends it for all hair types, but especially for those with thick, coarse, curly hair textures or anyone who heat-styles their hair frequently. She adds that it can also benefit those who have an oily scalp or are experiencing certain hair concerns such as dandruff or shedding.
The Benefits
Beyond giving your scalp a thorough cleanse, a detox can potentially help prevent pressing skin concerns that can lead to other problems. “Doing a scalp detox on a regular basis (ideally about once a month) is helpful in keeping the scalp clean and the follicles clear, and aid in providing a healthy environment for the hair to proceed with its normal growth cycle,” says Luke.
“If you’ve ever had a facial, you know that exfoliation stimulates circulation and removes impurities that may clog pores. Scalp detox works much the same way,” adds Hill. “Exfoliation removes the buildup that creates scalp conditions and allows products to fuel and feed the hair follicle [for better scalp function].”
Signs You Need a Scalp Detox
Luke says that mild flaking, itching, or visible product buildup are the major signs that your scalp could benefit from a detox. But Hill says that most people should think about incorporating a scalp detox twice a year to prevent those scalp issues from popping up in the first place.
“If the scalp is experiencing itchiness, a scalp detox is the last thing to schedule before ruling out other root causes from allergic reaction, bacteria or fungal infections,” says Hill. “Any person that uses any scalp or hair styling product is a candidate for some type of scalp detox ritual.”
The Downsides
Too much of a good thing is possible when wanting a scalp detox. Luke explains that doing one too frequently may lead to excessive dryness and cause underlying damage or inflammation. She adds that if you have persistent symptoms such as itching or thick flaking, or signs of hair loss you should seek care of a dermatologist to get to the root cause (pun intended) and treat the scalp condition the right way.
Other than that, Hill says the downsides are close to none if performed by a trichologist or salon scalp expert. If you opt for buying products and doing a scalp detox on your own, Hill warns that you might choose the wrong product or use it incorrectly and that can lead to irritation, hair dehydration, or an overall negative experience. Those with any type of medical scalp conditions, have gone through hair restoration procedures, chemically straightened or relaxed hair, or just have sensitive skin should also proceed with caution, she says, as a scalp detox may lead to more irritation. Your safest bet is to consult with a dermatologist to see if this is a treatment that will work for you.
At-Home Scalp Detox
While it may not be as thorough of a process as one you’d find in a salon, it is possible to give yourself a DIY scalp detox at home. Luke says it’s important to use a clarifying shampoo to help remove excess debris and to look for ingredients such as activated charcoal, apple cider vinegar, and exfoliating acids such as salicylic acid and alpha hydroxy acids. Something like Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo or the Verb Ghost Exfoliating Scalp Nectar are her personal picks to try. Other shampoos such as the L’Oreal Metal Detox Shampoo combats hard water and keeps hair clean of metal debris.
Once you’ve picked your shampoo, Luke says you’ll want to work in product by either giving your scalp a deep massage, with your fingers moving in circular motions to stimulate blood circulation or with a scalp brush to help lift dirt and debris. Once you’ve worked in product all over your scalp, you’re ready to rinse and follow through with the rest or your hair products in your hair care routine.
Salon Scalp Detox
The best way to experience a scalp detox is at a salon or doctor’s office. Though the process varies depending on where you get it, in most treatments, Hill says that you’ll first sit through a consultation with your specialist about your concerns and what you hope to achieve with the detox. Then, depending on what underlying concerns were discovered on the scalp during the consultation, customized oils or masks with exfoliating properties are applied to the scalp.
Next is the steaming process to help lift that debris and thoroughly cleanse the scalp, followed by a scalp massage with a clarifying agent and shampoo. Once product is washed out of your hair, she says a topical product like a serum will finish off the treatment to help restore balance and nourish the hair and skin.
Salon scalp detoxes provide a more comprehensive look at your scalp and provide professional-grade products and in-office procedures that you’re able to tack onto treatment. Luke adds that many offices provide scalp detox treatments with the Hydrafacial Keravive machine to suction out the dead skin cells and product buildup and infuse the scalp with nourishing ingredients, such as peptides or growth factors, to promote a healthy environment for hair to grow.
But if you’re on a budget or can’t easily access a professional scalp detox, Luke says that staying consistent with a good hair routine is sufficient enough to keep your scalp healthy. Her best advice is to shampoo regularly, massage the scalp regularly, and be mindful of the products you’re using and how your hair responds to them.