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 haircare. 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 skincare 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 .”
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.