Often times, scalp care is the missing step in our haircare regimen. It’s easy to overlook what you can’t see, yet it is essential to care for the environment your hair grows from. We wash, we condition and we mask, but healthy hair starts with the scalp. Exfoliating your scalp can promote thicker, less oily, and stronger hair. Sounds dreamy, right? Read on for a breakdown of the importance and benefits of exfoliating your scalp as you age.
What is Scalp Exfoliation?
Your sebaceous glands on your scalp produce oil (sebum), which can build up to excess making it difficult to be cleansed away. Furthermore, your scalp’s skin cells are constantly dying and regrowing. Once the scalp’s skin cells die, they are supposed to shed and new cells should grow to replace the old ones; however, dead skin cells do not shed fast enough with age. Dead Skin Cell’s buildup cause a fair amount of flakes falling from the scalp. The process of exfoliation refers to lifting away dead skin cells and buildup by either a chemical or naturally-sourced product. Scalp exfoliation will slough off the gunk to make way for fresh skin and hair follicles to grow healthy, strong hair.
The Benefits of Exfoliating your Scalp
1. Say Goodbye to Build-Up
Overtime oil, dirt, and heavy hair products can build up on your scalp. Exfoliating your scalp with a deep cleanser or scrub will wash away the build-up and promote healthy cell production. Also, this process will unclog your pores to support follicle health. Think about using a cleanser with activated charcoal and lactic acid, like the one from Better Not Younger. Excess oils and dirt are absorbed by activated charcoal from the scalp, pores, and hair. It also allows your pores to take a breath after a wash while extracting toxins from your hair. Additionally, lactic acid lightly scrubs the top layer of the scalp to dissolve buildup around blocked pores.
2. Restores pH Balance
A healthy scalp range is from 4.5 to 5. The role of Scalp pH is significant in your hair’s moisture retention. An amount of acid causes the hair cuticle to recline, allowing it to maintain moisture. The cuticle opens us and your hair dries out quickly if the scalp is too basic. A pH balance is also essential to prevent bacterial and fungal growth. Hair products have the ability to disrupt your hair’s natural pH level, which can create an imbalance and negatively impact your hair health.
A scalp exfoliator has the power to balance your scalp’s pH levels. For those who have issues with flaky, itchy scalp or dry hair, you could be using products that are too alkaline.To restore your hair’s pH balance, look for exfoliators that contain natural acids, such as apple cider vinegar and aloe vera.
3. Improves Blood Circulation
Blood circulation plays a vital part in ensuring that your scalp derives the essential nutrients and oxygen to grow strong and healthy hair. A strong subcutaneous blood flow aids the hair to remain in the growing phase for a longer period of time. Residue and buildup can block blood flow under the scalp. As you age, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) appears due to hormone fluctuations and genetic factors; this hormone causes hair follicles to decrease and finally shut down into dormant follicles. The decreasing or miniaturization of follicles causes a lower blood flow to the hair bulb which forms the hair follicle base. Nutrients and oxygen cannot enter the hair due to the weak connection between the hair bulb and blood vessels, and DHT cannot be carried away. Scalp exfoliation will clarify your scalp from residue to increase blood flow and deliver nutrients to your hair follicles. Products focus on exfoliation through friction, which will boost blood flow.
4. Promotes Hair Growth
Exfoliating dead skin cells are from the scalp, boosts epidermis protection, stimulates hair follicles, and promotes stronger hair growth. When the hair follicles get clogged, they are unable to rise to the surface. This can eventually lead to thinning and hair full since the follicles aren’t able to grow as normal. Exfoliation supports balanced oil production and pH levels, and increases blood circulation. These factors are essential in supporting healthy hair growth.
5. Relieves a Dry Scalp
Sebum soothes the scalp and creates a protective layer to hydrate and protect the hair. If your sebaceous glands produce a lot of sebum, you’ll have greasy hair and dandruff. Conversely, when your sebum glands are underproducing oil a dry and itchy scalp can occur. A flaky scalp doesn’t always signal dandruff. Flakes could be an indication of a dry or irritated scalp. Exfoliation allows for the scalp’s natural oils to nourish and soothe the scalp healthy. If your scalp is prone to dryness, an exfoliant will gently remove buildup, while providing hydration.
How to Use a Scalp Exfoliator
It is important to be gentle when using your fingers or a brush to exfoliate your scalp to avoid irritation. Also, avoid using your fingernails to exfoliate as this might cause an abrasion to the scalp. Follow these steps to properly exfoliate your scalp:
- Apply the product directly to your head, avoiding the hair shaft as far as possible.
- Use your fingertips and small circular motions to lift the dead skin cells and buildup off the scalp. Ensure the product is evenly distributed over your entire scalp.
- Gently rise out the exfoliator with water.
Generally, you should exfoliate your scalp every seven to 10 shampoos. Opt for scalp-friendly products that include natural ingredients.
Conclusion
As you age you become better and gorgeous, that’s why a flourishing scalp is the key to enjoy your healthiest-looking locks. It’s time to give your scalp the proper attention and care it deserves. Exfoliating your scalp will wash away buildup, restore pH levels, improves blood circulation, promotes hair growth and relieves a dry, itchy scalp. Say goodbye to dryness, itching, flakes, and weaker hair… give your scalp the care it deserves with a soothing exfoliation.