Clean hair looks, feels and smells great, but a properly cared for scalp is what keeps clean hair gorgeous. To keep your scalp healthy, you’ll want to not only wash away the buildup but also stimulate your hair follicles, keep your pH levels balanced and support the scalp’s natural protective barrier.

If you’re experiencing scalp issues—itching, dandruff, etc.—you might be in need of a detox to get your scalp back to its ideal, natural state. Fortunately, the tools for a good scalp detox are literally at your fingertips. Mastering massage techniques for cleaning the scalp will never fail, no matter what else you do.

Perhaps surprisingly, some remedies for busting scalp buildup live in your kitchen. Others are often-hyped new products designed for scalp cleansing.

WHAT IS A SCALP DETOX?

Let’s start at the root, pun intended. A scalp detox is a cleansing process that removes product buildup and impurities from your scalp. A scalp detox can be done using scalp cleansing treatments or even ingredients you might find in your own home. 

BENEFITS OF A SCALP DETOX

In addition to giving the scalp a deep cleanse, a scalp detox can also help rebalance the scalp's pH levels and allow your skin to breathe. The first step to dream hair, a scalp detox helps promote healthy hair and can curb issues like a dry, itchy scalp, odor, dandruff and inflammation.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED A SCALP DETOX?

Now that you understand the importance of scalp health and the point of a scalp detox, it’s time to determine whether you should add one to your schedule sooner rather than later. Here are the top five reasons to make a scalp detox a part of your regular haircare:

You wash infrequently

A scalp detox can help purify your hair follicles and dissolve accumulated products, pollutants, sweat and daily grime.

You are exposed to toxins (duh)

As a scalp detox sits, it can boost antioxidants to limit damage from free radicals that damage hair.

It’s a new season

As the weather changes, so should your haircare routine. Soothe a dry scalp and slough off flakes in arid heat or freezing cold.

You love your styling products

Prevent or soothe irritation from buildup brought on by polymers, silicones, waxes and alcohols found in many styling products.

You’re making a lifestyle change

If you’re on a dietary cleanse, don’t stop at your gut. Purify your scalp of toxins being expelled through your pores.

 

HAIR DETOXING WITH THE RIGHT TREATMENTS: HOW TO CLEANSE YOUR SCALP

Ready for a deeper clean? There are several tips on how to give yourself a scalp detox at home. There are also some fun cleansing tools. 

A Hairbrush

Friction and massage help to stimulate blood vessels while removing debris and spent skin from the scalp. One of the most effective tools to start the process comes from something many people use daily: a hairbrush. 

A good-quality boar bristle brush is the best way to spread nourishing sebum through your hair. Gently stroking the scalp with it feels fantastic, of course, but also helps dislodge old skin cells. We suggest you brush before you shower or go to bed. But remember, go easy on your scalp. 

To ensure the effectiveness of your brushing routine and to cleanse the scalp properly, it’s important to clean your hairbrush before detoxing and keep it clean. 

A Scalp Brush

If you don’t use a brush, a silicone-bristle scalp massage brush is a great option. Those with curly hair in particular might find a silicone shower brush a beneficial tool. Use it to get your products—from cleansers to hair masques—well-distributed through hair and roots. A shower scalp brush also offers a nice, safe massage and saves your scalp from fingernail scratches.

A Homemade Scalp Detox Treatment

The next step of a scalp detox involves applying a treatment that you can buy or make. Before you apply anything, make sure your hair is adequately detangled so your fingers or brush can reach your scalp. 

There are plenty of scalp treatments on the market today, but if you’re feeling creative—and want to make use of things you already have—you can make your own treatment at home. 

Scalp Detox Ingredients and Recipes

Creating a scalp scrub is the perfect project for the DIY beauty enthusiast. You might already have these cleansing ingredients in your kitchen or pantry. Try out several of these treatments to find the method that works best for you.

Apple Cider Vinegar:

Apple cider vinegar can kill bacteria, viruses and fungi that lead to dandruff—and its more severe form, seborrhoeic dermatitis. It can also help remove scalp buildup, and its acidity will close your cuticles and boost your shine. To avoid irritation, be sure to dilute the apple cider vinegar with oil or water before applying. Whether you want to learn how to get rid of dandruff or you’re looking for natural ways to cleanse the scalp, apple cider vinegar is a great product for your hair detox needs.

1. Mix ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar with a cup of water or oil.
2. Fill a spray bottle and mist your hair and scalp.
3. Massage into your scalp with a shower brush or fingertips, and leave on for 3 to 5 minutes.
4. Rinse with warm water and cleanse as usual.

 

Brown Sugar

When it comes to scalp care, sugar is great as a key exfoliant. It gently buffs away unused sebum and product buildup while also helping to hydrate a dry scalp. Add it to your conditioner or mix with coconut or olive oil.

1. Combine 2 tablespoons each of brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of conditioner or oil (more if your hair is very thick or porous).
2. After washing your hair, massage the scrub into your scalp in a circular motion with your fingertips or shower brush. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

 

Black Pepper

Black pepper is rich in vitamins A and C, flavonoids, carotenoids and other antioxidants that help remove harmful free radicals from the scalp. The everyday spice is also said to have exceptional growth-stimulating and dandruff-fighting abilities.

1. Mix ¼ cup ground peppercorns in ½ cup coconut, olive or jojoba oil in a bowl until smooth.
2. Store in a tightly sealed jar at room temperature for at least two weeks (refrigeration optional).
3. Drain the oil and discard the pepper.
4. Apply oil to the scalp, and cover with a warm towel for 30 minutes
5. Rinse thoroughly and cleanse.

 

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera gel—a celebrated skin soother—contains enzymes that break down dead skin cells and promote healing. It also has conditioning and anti-itch properties for those who suffer from an itchy scalp. No recipe necessary here: Apply the product directly to your scalp and let it do its magic.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is an effective solvent for sebum and dirty or oily scalp buildup, allowing your scalp to better absorb moisture from your conditioner and other products. Only use tea tree oil if (and only if) diluted with a carrier oil first.

Rosemary Oil

Rosemary oil is included in many clarifying shampoo recipes to help balance the scalp’s natural oils. The antioxidant powers of iron and calcium support collagen levels and promote shiny hair growth.

Moringa Oil

This famous tree oil is valued for its antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antifungal abilities. It cleanses the scalp and helps soothe skin cells. Blend a few drops into coconut oil and lather onto the scalp, then rinse.

Willow Bark Extract

White willow bark is excellent for those prone to oily hair or dandruff, which can go hand-in-hand. It contains a concentrated form of exfoliating salicylic acid, and its astringent tannins counteract oiliness. Using willow bark extract is a great natural remedy that really helps with oily hair and scalp exfoliation.

Bentonite Clay

Typically available in powder form and loaded with pore-purifying and oil-zapping minerals, clay is a great base mask ingredient for clarifying the scalp. Reconstitute it with water or oil and let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse. 

Ginger

Ginger has thermogenic properties (meaning it creates heat through metabolic stimulation) that can help heal the scalp. Here is an invigorating scalp tonic that you can use weekly:

1. Mix fresh ginger, lemon juice and water in a spray bottle.
2. Mist your scalp with the mixture and massage thoroughly.

Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is an astringent that can help remove buildup and residue. You can either soak a cotton ball and dab your scalp or dilute it with water to make a spray. To make the spray, combine one part witch hazel with two parts water in a bottle. Leave the mixture on for a few minutes, and then cleanse. When using this product, be sure to choose an alcohol-free witch hazel brand.

Whatever recipe you choose for your scalp detox, work in small sections to avoid re-tangling your hair.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU DETOX YOUR SCALP?

Remember that, for most hair types, deep-cleansing the scalp should be done no more than weekly. Do not over-detox the scalp, as this can strip vital nutrients and lead to further irritation.

POST-DETOX CARE

What happens after your scalp detox depends on your hair type and haircare routine. Many will move right into their normal shampoo session, followed by conditioner and styling products. Most will want to apply a conditioning mask that will add moisture back to the hair before rinsing and styling (or preparing hair for bed). 

If you want to skip potentially damaging shampoos post-detox and you are looking for a product strong enough to support your scalp yet gentle enough to use regularly, Hairstory New Wash is a perfect next step. People with lifelong scalp complaints have found a hair-loving partner in New Wash, our oil-based hair cleanser that treats the scalp the way it deserves to be treated: with tender, loving care.