Why and How to Do a Scalp Detox

Medically reviewed by Marisa Garshick, MD

If your scalp is frequently dry and itchy, you might wonder if a scalp detox might help. Scalp detoxing treatments come in different forms, but most aim to nourish your scalp and remove buildup, including from hair care products, debris, and dead skin cells.

A scalp detox is not a medical treatment, and there is limited research on its benefits. Even so, it is possible to safely do one at home or in a salon.

This article covers the reasons you might consider a scalp detox, the types of available products, safety for an at-home detox, and more.

Why You May Want to Detox Your Scalp

People who experience an oily, dry, or itchy scalp, flakes or dandruff, or scalp odor may benefit from a scalp detox. You may also benefit from a scalp detox if you use hair products or wash your hair infrequently. It is recommended that you wash your hair three or more times a week. If you wash less frequently, it may not be enough.

Oily Scalp

An oily scalp occurs when there is an overproduction and buildup of excess sebum on the scalp. Sebum is the oily substance made by the sebaceous glands in the skin.

Sebum buildup can lead to dandruff and the swelling of hair follicles. It might also promote bacteria growth and infection. 

Related: Sebum Buildup on the Scalp: Causes and Treatment

Itchy Scalp

An itchy scalp can be uncomfortable, but it is rarely a cause for concern. You might experience an itchy scalp because of an allergic reaction to a hair product or because the scalp is oily or dry.

Other causes of an itchy scalp, like scalp psoriasis (an autoimmune skin condition), are less common.

Dandruff

Dandruff is a common problem in which the skin on the scalp starts to flake. While it is not a serious problem, it can be challenging to treat.

It is considered a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis causes the scalp and other skin areas to be dry, red, itchy, and flaky.

Scalp Odor

A healthy scalp typically has no odor. Scalp odor can be the result of an underlying medical condition, a fungal infection, poor hygiene, or hair product buildup.

Hair Product Buildup

Shampoos, conditions, hair sprays, treatment masks, and other hair products can accumulate in the scalp and hair follicles. These products can create excess residue that sticks around if the hair is not washed regularly.

When to Call a Healthcare Provider

An oily or itchy scalp, dandruff, or scalp odor may require medical intervention. If you are experiencing scalp pain, burning, or sensitivity, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist—a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the skin, nails, and hair.

You should also seek medical care for unusual hair loss, sores, or a skin rash on the scalp. These might be signs of conditions that require treatment, like scalp psoriasis, eczema, or seborrheic dermatitis. 

Types of Scalp Detox Products

A scalp detox might be helpful for maintaining a healthy scalp. However, it is a good idea to do this infrequently to avoid scalp irritation.

Various product types are available based on skin and hair types. If you have sensitive skin, consider using a mild product with natural ingredients or one designed for sensitive skin.

Pre-Shampoo Cleanser

Pre-shampoo cleansers are applied to the hair and scalp before shampooing. These products are believed to hydrate and nourish hair, repair hair shafts, and promote scalp health.

Scalp Scrub

A scalp scrub can help remove excess oils, dead skin cells, and product buildup that pulls up on the scalp and the hair roots. Products are designed for specific hair types, including dry, oily, sensitive, and color-treated.

Scalp Serum Rinse

Scalp serum rinses contain hyaluronic acid, which has calming, hydrating, and anti-inflammatory properties. Hyaluronic acid also has antifungal properties that treat fungi in the scalp.

Scalp Mask

Scalp masks are designed to be used before shampooing. They can help remove excess oils and product buildup and reduce dandruff. Masks are available to treat all hair types and scalp conditions, including dandruff or an oily scalp.

Exfoliation Products

Exfoliating products, which remove dead skin cells from the top layer of skin, can help keep the scalp healthy and clean. These products might also prevent hair follicles from clogging and remove hair products, oil, debris, and dead skin buildup.

Some types of dandruff shampoo may help reduce flaking through exfoliation. For example, ingredients like salicylic acid help remove dead skin cells, while coal tar and selenium sulfide can also help reduce flakes and inflammation.

Clarifying shampoos are deep-cleaning shampoos advertised to remove hair product buildup, dead skin flakes, and excess oil. They should not be used daily and are not a replacement for regular shampoo.

Exfoliating scalp scrubs are another option for ridding your hair of debris and excess oils. They can be massaged into the scalp once a week or every other week.

Chemical exfoliants incorporate ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids or beta hydroxy acids, including glycolic or salicylic acids. Physical scrubs or mechanical exfoliators may include ingredients like oatmeal, charcoal, and sugar or tools like brushes, massagers, or gloves that can be rubbed over the scalp.

Related: How to Exfoliate Your Scalp

Salon Care

Many salons offer treatments to detox your scalp, using salicylic acid or bentonite clay. They usually start by steaming the scalp to loosen buildup and thoroughly massage the product into the entire scalp.

Salicylic acid is an ingredient in many scalp care products, including dandruff shampoos. It can remove dead skin cells and reduce dryness while increasing moisture. It is sometimes used with other ingredients like coal tar and zinc pyrithione to soften dry, scaly skin.

Bentonite clay is loaded with purifying materials, and it has been found to be helpful for clarifying the scalp. It is believed to bind to sebum and buildup in a way that allows for easy rinsing.

How to Detox Your Scalp Safely at Home

When looking for an appropriate scalp detox product, you will want to choose products containing ingredients that assist in reducing inflammation, promote healthy cell turnover, and have antimicrobial and antifungal properties. This includes products that contain mainly natural ingredients like aloe vera, tea tree oil, rosemary oil, and bentonite clay.

You might also consider using a physical exfoliant to clear away scalp buildup. Another option is to create a do-it-yourself scalp scrub at home using natural ingredients like apple cider vinegar, sugar, and lemon mixed with water.

If using essential oils like rosemary or tea tree oil, add only a few drops, and dilute the oils with a carrier oil like olive oil or coconut oil.

Once you have the solution you want to use on your scalp, you can start by liberally applying the product to your fingers and massaging it gently into the scalp.

After applying the product, you can use a scalp brush. For straight hair, use the brush in circular motions, and for wavy or curly hair, use half-moon strokes. For the best results, do the treatment for at least five minutes.

Once you are finished with the scrub, rinse your hair and go about your regular hair routine.

Precautions for Scalp Detox

You should avoid a scalp detox if you have sensitive skin or an inflamed scalp. Chemical products can burn the scalp when misapplied or overapplied, especially for people with sensitive skin. If done too aggressively, physical exfoliation can harm hair follicles and cause skin damage.

If you have an open wound, sore, or rash on the scalp, you should avoid the chemical ingredients used in a scalp detox. Some natural ingredients, like apple cider vinegar and lemon juice, can also irritate wounds and sores.

If you have itching, burning, a rash, sores, or hair loss, these may be signs of a serious medical condition. You should avoid scalp detox products until you see a dermatologist who can examine the scalp and provide treatment.

Preventing Scalp Buildup

The best way to prevent scalp buildup is to stop it before it even starts. This is especially important if you are more prone to buildup.

You can prevent scalp buildup by:

• Washing hair regularly: You do not have to wash your hair daily, but you will want to wash it at least a few times a week. When you shampoo, wash thoroughly to avoid leaving residue behind.

• Avoiding sulfates or parabens. These ingredients can lead to dry scalp and other issues. Picking hair care products free of harsh ingredients can help avoid or reduce irritation, dryness, and buildup of hair products.

• Brushing hair regularly: Brushing your hair regularly can reduce excess sebum. A boar bristle brush may help reduce hair and scalp residue. But don’t brush too hard, as this could damage hair.

• Avoiding excessive heat: Blow dryers, flat irons, and other heated styling tools can damage hair and lead to scalp dryness and buildup. When using these tools, use a heat protectant spray to reduce hair and scalp problems.

• Protecting the hair and scalp from environmental toxins: Pollutants can add to scalp buildup, but you can protect your hair and scalp by wearing a hat or scarf on days when air pollution levels are high.

Summary

A scalp detox is a process of deep cleaning the scalp to remove product buildup, dead skin cells, oil, and dirt. These factors can lead to an itchy or dry scalp, dandruff, or scalp odor. A scalp detox can be achieved using pre-shampoo cleansers, scalp scrubs, serums, masks, and chemical and physical exfoliants.

If you have sores or rashes on the scalp or sensitive skin, you may want to avoid scalp detoxing. Make an appointment with a dermatologist for scalp pain, burning, sores, rashes, or sensitivity.

The best way to prevent scalp buildup is to stop it before it even starts. You can do this by washing and brushing hair regularly, avoiding hair care products that contain harsh ingredients, reducing heat exposure from heat stylers, and covering hair when outdoors.

Read the original article on Verywell Health.