Some of the best tips for exfoliating the scalp may be done easily with common household products. A variety of food products including brown sugar, oatmeal, and crushed almond may be mixed with an oil like olive or jojoba, or with regular shampoo or conditioner, and then massaged onto the scalp to loosen and dead or flaking skin. Rinsing afterwards with a mixture of vinegar and water can help completely rinse away any debris that is loosened from the scalp. For those who prefer a commercial product, there are a number of over-the-counter treatments designed for scalp exfoliation.
Exfoliating the scalp can usually be done simply with products that may already be on hand around the house. It is first necessary to find something that is slightly abrasive to help loosen any dead skin or debris from the scalp; some good options are brown sugar, oatmeal, or almonds that have been crushed into small pieces in a blender or food processor. These can then be added to an oil such as olive, jojoba, or almond, or they can simply be added to a small amount of shampoo or conditioner. The mixture should then be applied to the scalp and massaged in a circular motion for several minutes, which will loosen buildup on the scalp.
In order to ensure all of the debris is cleared away when exfoliating the scalp, it is important to make sure the scalp and hair are thoroughly rinsed and cleaned afterward. After exfoliating, one should continue to massage the hair and scalp while rinsing it with running water, usually for around 10 to 15 minutes, as this will help clear away any skin or other particles. Though not always necessary, it may also help to shampoo the hair again. Another step to ensure all exfoliant and debris are cleared away is to pour a solution of one part vinegar to two parts water through the hair several times.
For those who prefer to purchase a premade product, there are many of them available over the counter designed for exfoliating the scalp. There are shampoos, masks, and scrubs all made to be used specifically on the scalp. In some cases, these products may have other benefits as well, such as stimulating circulation or clearing away toxins, that can promote overall scalp health or help with conditions like eczema or psoriasis that lead to flaking of the scalp.