Why You May Want to Try Exfoliating Your Scalp

You exfoliate your face and body without fail, but chances are you’re neglecting one very crucial area of skin. Hint: It excludes the face but is still on your head. Yup, you guessed it—your scalp. But before we deep-dive into scalp exfoliation, let’s remind ourselves why it’s important to exfoliate, period. According to board-certified dermatologist, and Skincare.com expert, Dr. Dendy Engelman, the process of exfoliation removes dead skin buildup on skin’s surface to reveal younger skin cells. It’s simple, and when not overdone—side note: you really want to be mindful of this—can help you achieve glowing skin that’s not bogged down with buildup. Now, picture your scalp. It’s skin, after all, so it too can become a victim of clogged pores. It requires the same level of TLC as the rest of your skin. Besides, do you really want dead skin cells, dirt, and oil lingering in the area where your luscious locks grow? Nope. In addition to your ritual shampoos, hair masks, and vitamins to maintain a picture-perfect head of hair, give your scalp the attention and care it deserves with exfoliation. 

Ready to give it a try? Below, two of our favorite products for scalp exfoliation.

KIEHL’S DEEP MICRO-EXFOLIATING SCALP TREATMENT

This scalp treatment, formulated with vitreoscilla ferment—known to be rich in vitamins and minerals—and micronized apricot and argan exfoliators, helps restore a healthy balance to the scalp. It works to gently, yet effectively, loosen buildup and slough away dead skin cells on the surface of the scalp prior to shampooing. To use, apply onto a dry or moist scalp and gently massage it in—read: do not rub. Leave it on for up to five minutes and then rinse. To complete your regimen (and to stay flake-free), follow up with an anti-dandruff shampoo, like Kiehl’s Scalp Purifying Anti-Dandruff Shampoo.

Kiehl’s Deep Micro-Exfoliating Scalp Treatment, $20 MSRP

KÉRASTASE PARIS CHRONOLOGISTE THE GOMMAGE 

Rid your scalp of its woes with this powerful exfoliating scalp treatment. Suitable for all hair types, the micro-fine scrub detoxifies and activates the scalp through gentle exfoliation to provide radiant shine and deep nourishment. Apply a small amount (about the size of a quarter) to your hands and rub together to emulsify. Place it onto damp hair at the scalp, gently massage and then rinse. Follow up with your favorite hydrating shampoo. 

Kérastase Paris Chronologiste The Gommage, $151 MSRP

You have your product, but do you know how to exfoliate your scalp the right way? Yes, there is a right and wrong way to do this. Our friends at Hair.com asked a hair stylist about the best way to exfoliate your scalp, here!