If you’re looking to upgrade your hair-cleansing routine, you’ll want to know how to exfoliate your scalp. In fact, regularly exfoliating your scalp can help manage mild dandruff, effectively get rid of product buildup, and even help your hair look fuller and thicker without that stuff weighing it down. But scalp exfoliation isn’t something that many of us are doing regularly.

“People do not think about the health of their scalp until there is an issue,” David Adams, cofounder and colorist of FourteenJay salon, tells SELF. But exfoliating the scalp regularly can keep it healthier in the long run, preventing issues from cropping up and improving the look of hair. “Our skin and scalp are part of the same ecosystem. As we would exfoliate, cleanse, and moisturize our skin, we should do the same with our scalp.”

Below, learn more about how to exfoliate your scalp, why you might want to do it more regularly, and how to get started—without irritation.

What exactly is scalp exfoliation?

Exfoliation on your scalp works the same way it does on other parts of your body. Essentially, it helps speed up the natural process of removing dry, dead skin cells from the surface of your skin so that the newer, smoother cells underneath can be revealed.

This can be done with physical exfoliants, which are products like scrubs or brushes that manually flake away those older cells. Or this can be done with products containing chemical exfoliants, which are ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid. These acids break down the bonds between skin cells, allowing them to be removed more easily.

For many people, exfoliating your scalp isn’t essential. But it can help remove excess dirt, oil, and dead skin cells that might accumulate on your scalp, thus helping to manage issues like dandruff and product buildup, which otherwise leads to dullness.

Why should you try exfoliating your scalp?

Exfoliating may seem like an unnecessary extra step to your hair routine. But it may have some real benefits, especially for those who are prone to dandruff, product buildup, and thinning hair.

Dandruff: Just like the skin on your face, your scalp contains sebaceous glands that produce oil (sebum). In the right amount, sebum helps make your hair soft and shiny. But an overproduction of sebum, or buildup of oil on the scalp, can feed the malassezia furfur yeast that leads to dandruff. An oily scalp can also lead to flare-ups of seborrheic dermatitis, a chronic skin condition marked by red, greasy patches, itching or burning, and dandruff flakes. Occasional exfoliating can help manage the flakes.

Applying an exfoliating scalp mask once or twice a week can help quell or prevent dandruff flare-ups, Anabel Kingsley, a trichologist at Philip Kinglsey Trichological Clinic, previously told SELF. “Exfoliating masks gently lift away flakes and helps to return the rate of skin cell turnover on the scalp to a normal, healthy level.” However, Kingsley notes that the brush method can be too irritating for some scalps.

Thinning hair: Over time the buildup of dandruff and sebum can clog hair follicles, which can lead to hair loss and hair thinning. “In most cases, the follicle has two or more hairs growing from it,” Adams says. “When it’s clogged, the follicle shrinks and therefore the number of hairs growing from it are reduced.” Exfoliating the scalp can clear these blockages, which will help hair grow in better and appear fuller.

Product buildup and dullness: Hairstyling products can also pile up along the scalp and clog hair follicles, especially fan-favorite dry shampoo. Even if you shampoo multiple times a week, you may still want that extra cleansing power from exfoliating. “There is a big difference between shampooing the hair and exfoliating the scalp,” says Adams.

However, some people should not try scalp exfoliation.

The scalp exfoliation process can be a little intense, especially for those who already have sensitive scalps. That includes those with psoriasis or eczema affecting their scalps. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes patches of thickened skin or scales that often itch or feel sore. Although it’s most common on areas like the elbows and knees, it can occur on the scalp too. Eczema is a skin condition that results in dry, itchy, red patches of skin that may flake off. People with these conditions or cuts, sores, or infections on their scalps should skip exfoliation.

1. Promotes Hair Growth

Sesame oil is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6 fats. These fatty acids may help with hair growth. Deficiency of these fatty acids may lead to loss. Sesame oil also stimulates blood circulation and hair follicles, thereby promoting hair growth. It also penetrates the scalp easily and helps heal hair from chemical damage.

Sesame oil also contains oleic acid that has quick-penetrating properties.

2. May Help Treat Dandruff

Sesame oil possesses antimicrobial properties that may help treat dandruff. Massaging sesame oil into your scalp every night before bed may help soothe your scalp and reduce dandruff. However, more research is warranted in this regard.

Furthermore, sesame oil also may help moisturize the scalp/skin. It may help treat scalp flaking and itching associated with dandruff.

3. May Combat Scalp Dryness

The emollient properties of sesame oil may smoothen your hair strands. The fatty acids in this hair oil may help combat dryness. The oil penetrates deep into the hair roots and scalp and may hydrate hair. You can mix equal parts of sesame oil and lemon juice and use it to reduce scalp dryness. You can apply this oil to your scalp with your fingertips. Massage in a circular motion and cover all parts of the scalp. Leave it on overnight and wash the next morning.

For better results, soak a towel in hot water, squeeze out the excess water, and wrap it around your head. Keep it on for 30 minutes and shampoo your hair. The heat will allow the oil mixture to penetrate and condition your scalp deeply.

4. May Treat Premature Graying

Massaging your hair and scalp with sesame oil may prevent premature hair graying. In fact, sesame oil has hair-darkening properties. Regular use of the oil may help darken hair. The antioxidants in sesame oil may also help reverse premature hair graying. However, more research is warranted in this regard.

5. May Protect Hair From Harmful UV Rays

Exposure to the sun’s UV rays can cause damage to your scalp and hair. Sesame oil is a natural sun-blocking agent. It resists up to 30 percent of the UV rays. Applying sesame oil to your scalp and hair may prevent potential hair damage that could occur during extended sun exposure. The oil forms a protective coat around the hair shaft and keeps it safe from the harmful sun rays. It also saves your hair from the damaging effects of pollution.

6. Helps Soothe Hair

Anecdotal evidence suggests that sesame oil has soothing properties. Heat from the styling tools can dry your scalp by removing all the moisture. Sesame oil may help seal the moisture and protects air from further damage. Furthermore, this hair oil acts as a coolant. It nourishes the scalp from within.

7. May Make Hair Shinier

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the emollient properties of sesame oil may help boost hair shine. Rub 2 to 3 drops of the oil in between your palms and apply to your hair. You may also use the oil as a leave-in conditioner.

The two main issues that women with curly hair complain about is that it dries up easily and tends to get frizzy. Both of these things happen because your curls act as an obstruction for the natural oil from your scalp to travel down the length of your hair. Thus, your curly hair gets parched and gets in dire need of moisturization.

Benefits Of Homemade Conditioners For Curly Hair

• Moisturize: First and foremost, treating your curly hair to a natural conditioner adds moisture to your hair and makes it look healthy and happy.
• Prevent damage: When your hair is moisturized and nourished, it reduces the chances of developing split ends and becomes less prone to breakage.
• Increases elasticity: Dry and brittle hair is not very elastic and breaks at the slightest bending and tension. Conditioning it makes it more elastic and strengthens it from within.

Now that you know all the wonderful ways that a DIY natural conditioner can benefit your curly hair, let’s look at the best ones you can try out!

1. Turkish Yogurt And Coconut Milk Deep Conditioner

Turkish yogurt is one of those super refreshing treats that make for the perfect breakfast. But what I did not know was that it can also be used to make a great DIY deep conditioner for curly hair. Not only do Turkish yogurt and coconut milk intensely moisturize and repair damaged hair, they also help open up your curls and give them definition.

What You Need

• 1 tablespoon Turkish yogurt
• ¼ cup coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 4 drops lavender essential oil

What To Do

1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
2. Divide your hair into 6-8 sections for easy applications.
3. Apply this conditioner to each section of your hair, making sure you’ve coated all your hair from the roots to the tips.
4. Roll your hair up and put on a shower cap.
5. Leave the conditioner on for 45 minutes.
6. Wash and shampoo your hair as normal.

2. Egg And Olive Hair Conditioner

You may be a little grossed out by the thought of applying raw eggs to your curly hair, but hear me out. Egg makes for a great natural conditioner for curly hair because it contains vitamin A that boosts sebum production, and thus, increases your hair’s ability to moisturize itself. Olive oil also hydrates your hair. Both of these ingredients work together to eliminate frizz and make your

What You Need

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

What To Do

1. Whisk the egg and mix the olive oil into it.
2. Apply this mixture all over dry hair.
3. Put on a shower cap and blow dry it on low heat for 10 minutes.
4. Wash and shampoo your hair with cool water.

3. Coconut Milk And Honey Hair Conditioner

If soft curly tresses are what you desire, then that is exactly what you’ll get with this DIY natural hair conditioner. While coconut milk restores damaged hair, honey softens and moisturizes it. Try out this natural conditioner to get shiny and smooth curls.

What You Need

• 1 cup coconut milk
• 4 tablespoons honey

What To Do

• Beat the coconut milk and honey together until they are thoroughly mixed.
• After shampooing your hair, apply this mixture all over it.
• Leave the conditioner on for 10 minutes.
• Wash off with cool water.

4. Castor Oil And Egg Conditioner

Worried about hair fall and damaged hair? Then this natural conditioner is just for you. Castor oil is ridiculously famous for boosting hair growth and adding volume to your hair. Egg, on the other hand, contains proteins and amino acids that preserve your hair’s natural oils and makes your curls look naturally bouncy and shiny.

What You Need

• 1 tablespoon castor oil
• 1 egg

What To Do

1. Beat the castor oil and egg together in a bowl.
2. Apply the mixture to dry hair and put on a shower cap.
3. Leave it on for an hour.
4. Wash off and shampoo with cool water.

1 – Hair Loss Occurs in Transitions of the Season?

• Hair loss is a common problem in men and women and negatively affects the quality of life of patients. In fact, every strand of hair falls out when it completes its development. Although this period varies according to our genetic characteristics, it is 2-6 years on average. On the other hand, the existence of seasonal hair loss is still not clear. However, the general opinion is that the shedding increases during the seasonal transition.
• 2 – How much hair loss is normal during this period? At what stage hair loss becomes important now?
• Loss of 100-150 hair strands per day is considered normal. However, if this spill has been present for more than two months or if there is a significant opening in the scalp even if it has been for less than two months, it should be investigated.
• 3 – What are the factors that increase hair loss?
• Hair growth is a very complex process. Our genetics and hormones generally determine the density and thickness of our hair. So the first rule for healthy hair is good genetics. However, various hormonal disorders, especially goiter and polycystic ovary syndrome, increase hair loss. An important cause of hair loss is the reactive hair loss seen in most women after childbirth.
• 4 – What is the link between nutrition and hair loss during this period?
• The relationship between nutrition and hair loss continues throughout the year, not only during seasonal changes. In the absence of these, hair loss occurs and / or existing hair loss becomes more severe. These include iron, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin B complex (B2-B5-B6-B9), biotin, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin E and essential fatty acids. With the intake of these vitamins in sufficient daily doses, a decrease and / or improvement in existing hair loss is observed.
• 5 – Who is more common with seasonal hair loss?
• Unfortunately, seasonal hair loss is more common in women. Perhaps the most important reason for this may be the higher awareness of women about hair. However, women are more affected by the hormonal and spiritual changes observed during seasonal changes. It is assumed that this effect also increases hair loss.
• 6 – What should be done to prevent hair loss?
• In order to prevent shedding, the cause of hair loss should be determined first. Hair loss is generally physiological. However, it may also be a symptom of genetic makeup or an underlying disease. The cause of hair loss is determined with detailed history, physical examination, various laboratory tests and interventional diagnostic methods in the patient who applies with hair loss and treatment is planned accordingly.
• 7 – Which hair care products should be used during this period?
• I recommend sulfate-free shampoo, serums-solutions that increase scalp blood flow and contain various vitamins to my patients who frequently present with dryness, dullness and loss of hair during seasonal changes. However, I encounter many people who dry their hair due to the effect of the sun, the sea and the pool, and I recommend various moisture masks and conditioners to be used only on the ends of the hair.