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Similar to how facial exfoliating removes dead skin cells and massages ease tension in the muscles—both of which are excellent self-care practices. What you may not realize is that each of these techniques has advantages for your scalp as well; in fact, regular exfoliation and scalp massages may even result in longer, stronger hair.
What Is Scalp Exfoliation?
Facial exfoliation eliminates flakes, grease, and buildup, which is the same effect it has on your scalp. Similar to facial exfoliation, there are two types of scalp exfoliation: physical and chemical.
As hair growth begins at the scalp, getting rid of buildup (from excess oil or styling product residue) is helpful. Exfoliation, which unblocks anything obstructing hair follicles, can help with that.
The downside to exfoliation is that if the technique or product can be extremely abrasive or severe, it might damage the scalp and follicles. If they are not used together with other moisturizing products in a hair care routine, several exfoliants can also be drying.
How to Exfoliate the Scalp
Before you begin exfoliating, you need to choose your preferred method of exfoliation, chemical or physical.
I personally prefer to rotate between the two, using a clarifying shampoo to exfoliate once a month and a DIY scalp scrub to gently exfoliate every two weeks or so.
If you choose a physical exfoliation method, you will use your hands, a tool, or a mask containing granules to remove dry skin cells.
When you use chemical exfoliants look for a solution with active chemicals that are suitable for use on the scalp, I prefer to use the Verb Ghost Exfoliating Scalp Nectar.
Physical Exfoliation
Use products made with tiny granulated beads, a scalp brush, rough gloves, or your fingertips to physically exfoliate the scalp.
1. Apply your fingertips (with the product on it) or your tool of choice to your scalp using gentle to medium pressure.
2. For a few minutes, move your tool or fingertips in tiny circles.
3. Wash your hair to get rid of flaky skin cells (and any residual product, if used).
Chemical Exfoliation
1. When using most chemical exfoliants, you will apply the product directly to the scalp and massage it in with your fingertips.
2. Allow the exfoliant to sit on the scalp for 15 to 20 minutes, or whatever amount of time the label suggests.
3. Rinse completely and follow up with a moisturizing shampoo or a cleansing conditioner and then a deep conditioner to replenish lost moisture.
What Is Scalp Massaging?
Though they are somewhat similar, scalp massage and scalp exfoliation are two different processes. Massage manipulates the head and scalp muscles, relieving stress and boosting blood flow. Moreover, it activates the sebaceous glands, which release sebum, a natural oil that maintains the health of the scalp.
The benefits of scalp massages include stress relief, an increase in blood flow (which promotes hair growth), and the production of skin-nourishing sebum. They can also gently exfoliate dry, irritating dead skin while calming the scalp.
The effects of scalp massages are generally less negative than those of exfoliation. It is impossible to overdo this treatment, which encourages healthy hair development. Nevertheless, if you massage too vigorously, you risk irritating the skin, and even perhaps infecting it.
How To Massage The Scalp
It’s easy to massage the scalp, and you can do this whether your hair is wet or dry.
Press your fingertips with light to medium pressure into your scalp. Spend a few minutes moving your fingertips in little circles over tense areas. I like to do this right after I’ve applied a hot oil treatment to really get the hair oils to penetrate my scalp.
To hydrate and calm the scalp during or after your massage, apply a soft hair oil, like coconut oil.
Are Exfoliating And Massaging Your Scalp Even Necessary?
You can increase the health of your hair every day by massaging your scalp, which is a useful and important activity. An essential component of hair care is massage. The hair follicles that are in charge of hair growth require improved blood circulation.
What about exfoliating the scalp? Due to the thoroughness of the procedure, maintain a cadence of once or twice every month. While everyone can benefit from a scalp massage and exfoliation, individuals with flaky and overly oily scalps will experience the most advantages for the health and growth of their hair.
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