Why You Should Exfoliate Your Scalp: Easy DIY Recipes
You’ve already heard of exfoliating your skin in the shower. Have you ever considered exfoliating your scalp though?
This may come as a surprise but scalp exfoliation is a common practice which helps to deeply cleanse the scalp, preventing buildup.
For years, hair stylists have taught you to shampoo less, fearing drying out the scalp and stripping it of natural moisture. However, it is crucial to cleanse your scalp thoroughly while also providing it with adequate hydration. Scalp exfoliation is the way to achieve this fine balance.
What is Scalp Exfoliation?
Scalp exfoliation involves the use of a scalp scrub to deeply cleanse the scalp, helping to remove excess sweat, buildup and dirt on the scalp.
This method of exfoliation for the scalp is especially beneficial if you have a flakey or oily scalp. Exfoliation can help to get rid of excess dead skin on the scalp and also serve as oil control.
Exfoliation of the scalp is also a more common practice for summer rather than winter, because that time is the height of sweat production in the year. However, for winter time, exfoliation once a week is recommended, depending on the amount of buildup you experience.
No matter what scrub you use, whether store-bought or homemade, it is meant to be used pre-shampoo. The exfoliation takes place before the cleansing stage in the shower.
If you want to start your scalp exfoliation routine today, here are 3 easy DIY recipes to begin!
3 Easy DIY Recipes for Scalp Exfoliation
1. Honey and Coconut Oil Sugar Scrub
This is the most traditional recipe for scalp exfoliation. These two ingredients, honey and coconut oil, can be found in any household’s kitchen cabinet. You’ll be able to whip it up in no time!
- Add ½ cup of coconut oil
- Add ¾ cup of sugar
- Add 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- Add 1 tbsp of honey
To this mix, you can add a drop of the essential oil of your choice. Botanic Hearth has a complete set of 6 essential oils you can use for your DIY haircare recipes. For this particular recipe, a drop of lavender essential oil will work perfectly to help boost hydration in the scalp.
2. Tea Tree and Avocado Brown Sugar Scrub
For this recipe, you’re going to have to venture out of your kitchen and to the produce section to obtain the main ingredients.
Avocado is an incredibly beneficial ingredient that provides both nourishment and hydration to the scalp. It’s no surprise that you would find it in a recipe for exfoliation.
- Add 1 slice of avocado (crushed)
- Mix with 2 drops of tea tree essential oil
- Add ½ cup of brown sugar
Mix these ingredients well and apply to the scalp with a brush. After the scrub, it would be beneficial to wash it out with Tea Tree Shampoo and Conditioner. Be sure to apply the conditioner to the ends of the hair, rather than the scalp, to avoid greasiness and buildup.
3. Himalayan Sea Salt and Coconut Oil Scrub
This recipe calls for something a little different. You could also use salt scrubs as an alternative to sugar scrubs.
Himalayan sea salt is a common ingredient in scrubs because of its exfoliant and emollient properties. It helps to restore shine and softness to the hair, while also providing your scalp with a thorough cleanse.
- Add ¼ cup of Himalayan Sea Salt
- Add 1 tsp white sugar
- Add 2 tsps coconut oil
Mix these ingredients well and apply onto your scalp with a brush. Then, using your fingers, gently massage your scalp. Wash the scrub out in the shower with the shampoo and conditioner of your choice.
These were 3 easy DIY recipes for scalp exfoliation. Visit the Botanic Hearth store to explore anything you might need for your exfoliation routine!
