How to exfoliate your scalp: a step-by-step guide
Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
Beauty & skincare
Reading time: 6 minutes
It’s an expert-approved way to get rid of product build-up & excess oil, & encourage healthier hair growth, too
Off the top of your head, you might not know why exfoliating your scalp could be beneficial for hair health. But as online searches for ‘scalp' have grown by over 11% and 'scalp exfoliation' by 27% over the past year, it seems under-hair skincare is coming to the fore.
Scratching your head about scalp care? We asked some of the leading hair experts how to exfoliate your scalp most effectively, how it may help encourage healthy hair growth and which products are really worth adding to your routine.
What are the benefits of exfoliating your scalp
Turns out the skin just north of your forehead also needs regular TLC. Adam Reed, celebrity hairdresser at Adam Reed London and founder of Arkive, says: "Your scalp is an extension of the skin on your face and body. Exactly as you would care for the skin on your face, you can also exfoliate for scalp health.
“Exfoliating eliminates product build-up and prevents a dry and flaky scalp. This, in turn, can help you achieve a healthier scalp for healthier hair growth."
Angela Onuoha, a trichologist and expert advisor for Rhyme & Reason adds: “Removing dead skin cells improves the absorption of moisture.
“If you have dandruff, exfoliating with salicylic acid (a beta hydroxy acid or BHA), for example, can help remove flakes and dead skin cells, and reduce excess natural oils.”
Adam points out that scalp care is key since the hair and scalp are so intrinsically linked. “As soon as you start looking after your scalp, you’ll start to see the difference in your hair health,” he says.
Can I use a face exfoliator on my scalp?
Sorry, this is not advised. When it comes to a healthy scalp, doubling up won’t work. “The exfoliating ingredients in skincare can be particularly difficult to wash out of hair,” says Adam.
How often you wash your hair can also impact your product choice. “Many face products are designed to be applied at night and rinsed off the next morning,” says Angela.
“Most people don’t wash their scalp daily, which can cause scalp sensitivity and even more flaky residue when the product used is an exfoliant.”
Everybody – and every scalp – is different
How often should I exfoliate my scalp?
It all depends on your hair and scalp type, as well the product you’re using. “In general, I’d suggest one to two times a week before shampooing,” says Angela.
Adam adds: “Like your face, do it when you feel it needs it. Everybody – and every scalp – is different.
“For a dry, flaky scalp, try using an exfoliator every third time you shampoo your hair to keep your scalp healthy. It’s best to get into a routine.”
Should I use a chemical exfoliant or physical exfoliator?
“If your scalp is sensitive, try a chemical rather than physical exfoliant (such as a scalp massager or scrub) to gently remove the build-up of dead skin cells, excess oil and dandruff,” suggests Angela.
“The grit found in a physical exfoliant – and how harshly you apply it – could cause micro-tears or scratches on the scalp and do more harm than good.”
Not sure if you have a sensitive scalp? If you notice any burning, stinging, dryness or vague discomfort, then these are pretty good flags that your scalp might err on the sensitive side. There are a number of reasons why this could happen, including conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis, eczema or psoriasis. If you’re concerned, speak to a pharmacist or GP.
Should I cleanse & moisturise my scalp too?
“Just like skincare, you can make scalp exfoliation part of your hair care regime,” says Angela. “Follow up by rinsing away any residue. Use a conditioner to add moisture to the hair and scalp to prevent further flaking.”
Two of Angela’s top picks are Rhyme & Reason Nourish & Gloss Shampoo and Rhyme & Reason Nourish & Gloss Conditioner+. Their blend of coconut water, wild rosella flower and hyaluronic acid can help improve hydration and soothe and nourish the scalp.
Is your scalp flaky? We also love Head & Shoulders Derma XPro Soothing Anti Dandruff Dry Itchy Scalp Shampoo and the Head & Shoulders Derma XPro Soothing Dry, Itchy Scalp & Hair Conditioner. This calming duo can help relieve itchiness.
Should I exfoliate my scalp before or after shampooing?
It really depends on how much you need to exfoliate. Angela says: “You can exfoliate a wet or dry scalp before shampooing. But always follow the usage instructions of your chosen product.”
“If you have a lot of flakes or product build-up, it’s okay to shampoo the hair first,” says Adam. “Exfoliate, then do a second shampoo to wash everything away for a deeper clean.”
He adds: “If you already shampoo every day, one wash is enough – although I wouldn’t recommend shampooing every day.”
Scalp exfoliation step by step
Angela walks us through her exfoliating regime:
1. Apply the scalp scrub directly onto a wet or dry scalp (according to the product instructions)
2. Apply enough to cover the entire scalp and massage in. Start with a small amount and increase gradually to avoid overloading
3. Leave on for the suggested time and relax
4. Rinse and apply shampoo. Massage it in to cleanse your scalp of dirt, product build-up and pollution
5. Rinse and apply conditioner. Concentrate on your mid-lengths and hair ends as these tend to be the driest parts of your hair
6. Rinse and apply scalp serum or toner, if needed
7. Apply leave-in conditioner. This is great if your strands have been feeling the effects of too much sun or heat
8. Leave wet hair to air dry or use a hairdryer, if you prefer. Apply styling products as usual
10 of the best scalp exfoliators to try
From a does-it-all scalp brush to scalp scrubs and exfoliating acids, here’s our edit of products that’ll take your next hair wash to the next level.
Shop more top scalp care in our full range.
For a BHA scalp exfoliator
Try: Boots Ingredients Exfoliating Scalp Serum With Salicylic Acid
• Size: 50ml
• Use once or twice a week
This 10-minute hair serum brings fuss-free-yet-effective skincare to your hair care regime. Enriched with salicylic acid, it gently exfoliates the scalp without stripping it to leave hair looking healthier. This is under-hair skincare made super simple.
For a scalp massager & exfoliator
Try: Tangle Teezer Scalp Exfoliator & Massager
• Dual teeth
• Suitable for all hair types
• Cruelty free
Recommended by The International Trichology Congress*, this multi-tasking, ergonomic and slip-resistant marvel will give your scalp the TLC it’s been itching for. With two types of teeth, it not only helps clear product build-up, but also stimulates pressure points for added bliss.
For a tingling treat
Try: Arkive The Crown Scalp Scrub
• Size: 180ml
• Vegan friendly
• B Corp certified
Suitable for all hair types, this use-weekly, pre-shampoo scrub contains an invigorating blend of oils, fruit enzymes, lactic acid, menthol and caffeine to awaken your scalp – and your senses – for optimal scalp health.
For an oily scalp
Try: The Inkey List™ Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Treatment
• Size: 150ml
• Silicone free
• Vegan friendly
• Cruelty free
If your scalp is oily or flaky, this lightweight serum uses salicylic acid to gently exfoliate, slough away flakes and help balance oil production. For scalps that feel itchy and irritated, panthenol helps reduce redness and boosts hydration. Inner peace is restored.
For a scrub & shampoo in one
Try: Umberto Giannini Grow Scrub Scalp Scrub
• Size: 250g
• Silicone free
• Vegan friendly
• Cruelty free
This double-duty intensive scalp treatment can be used in place of your shampoo. Infused with caffeine, sea salt granules and seaweed, its exfoliating and follicle unblocking action is like a rejuvenating seaside trip for your scalp. Use once a week.
For a mix of physical & chemical exfoliators
Try: Drunk Elephant TLC Happi Scalp™ Scrub
• Size: 180ml
• Silicone free
• Fragrance free
• Cruelty free
A ‘happi’ scalp is a healthy scalp. Apply for 10 minutes to dry hair and a supercharged AHA/BHA blend brings effective skincare to your scalp – and your body. Biodegradable, plant-based beads dissolve dead skin cells before sweeping them away, revealing a freshly revived scalp.
For an irritated scalp
Try: Cantu Guava and Ginger Scalp Exfoliator
• Size: 180ml
• Suits all hair types
• Cruelty free
Lift away hair-hindering oil and dirt and give follicles a purifying exfoliation with guava, ginger, turmeric, tea tree and apple cider vinegar. Apply generously before shampooing and massage with fingers or a fine-tooth comb to give your scalp – and hair – a stimulating, tropical boost.
For an exfoliating shampoo
Try: Bouclème Scalp Exfoliating Shampoo
• Size: 250ml
• Good for waves, curls, coils
• Cruelty free
Scalps prone to flaking will love this exfoliating shampoo which cleanses and energises. Hydrogenated castor beads stimulate hair follicles and melt away unwelcome residues as it gently invigorates your scalp. Contains rebalancing spearmint, grapefruit and frankincense.
For thinning hair
Try: Lee Stafford Hair Growth Scalp Scrub
• Size: 100ml
• Pre shampoo
• Helps strengthen hair
Grainy, pink exfoliating particles gently massage away dead cells and product build-up. Thanks to its strand-strengthening protein complex, hair damage and breakage is minimised and repaired. This nourishing pre-wash complex helps lay the foundation for healthy hair growth.
For scalp stimulation
• Soft, flexible bristles
• Silicone
• Cruelty free
If you love a multi-tasking gadget to amp up showertime, simply unscrew the cap of this palm-sized scalp tool, fill it with shampoo, scalp/hair treatment or oil, then press the top as you treat your scalp to a stimulating yet cleansing massage. Great for dry heads, too.
