How to Exfoliate Your Scalp

Many of us want thicker, fuller hair but it’s challenging to know where to start. We’re going to let you in on a little hair secret: the key to a healthy scalp and the cornerstone of your care for scalp, is scalp exfoliation. Just like your skin, a healthy scalp requires a specific regimen and that starts with how to clean your scalp, how to exfoliate your scalp, and how to get rid of scalp buildup. Here we reveal the many benefits of scalp exfoliation, how to moisturize scalp, and how to exfoliate your scalp.

What causes scalp buildup?
Firstly, scalp buildup is completely normal. Sebaceous glands produce oils that moisturize scalp and your hair and sometimes this oil can accumulate, resulting in limp and flat hair. From a dermatological point of view, Dr. Yolanda M. Lenzy, a board-certified dermatologist, and Dove Scalp + Hair Therapy Density Boost Co-Creator, says, “Buildup on the scalp can be a sign of dandruff, a condition called Seborrheic Dermatitis, or hair product residue.”

Additionally, the scalp goes through everything the face does and more. It encounters pollution and dirt, but we also apply a multitude of styling products, including waxes, and mousses to help us style our hair. They work in the moment, but they too can add to buildup. The solution is consistent scalp cleansing and scalp exfoliation. “Caring for your scalp is essential for healthy, thicker, hair,” explains Dr. Lenzy. “Your scalp requires the same level of attention and diligent skin care with a routine focused on moisturization and exfoliation.” 

What is scalp exfoliation?
You’re likely familiar with facial exfoliation, either with a chemical exfoliator (such as an acid) or a physical exfoliator that uses texture to buff away buildup and dead cells from the skin’s surface. The process is the same for your scalp.

Scalp exfoliation helps to unclog pores and eliminate excess sebum and buildup from products and dead skin cells. This is why regular scalp cleansing and scalp exfoliation can help to maintain a healthy balance for optimum growth.

How to exfoliate scalp and get rid of scalp buildup
Initiate your scalp care routine with gentle exfoliation to eliminate dead skin cells and product buildup,” recommends Dr. Lenzy. “Massage the scrub onto your damp scalp to stimulate circulation while simultaneously removing scalp buildup,” she says. “This vital step promotes a clean and balanced scalp, creating an optimal environment for scalp health. I recommend Dove Scalp + Hair Therapy Clarifying Foaming Scrub as an excellent pre-cleansing scrub, with exfoliating sugar crystals to remove excess buildup before gently dissolving.

If you haven’t used a pre-shampoo treatment before, the process couldn’t be simpler. Dampen your scalp before massaging in Dove Scalp + Hair Therapy Clarifying Foaming Scrub. Use your fingertips and a medium/firm pressure to massage the sugar crystals into your scalp, making sure to focus on areas that are typically dry, such as the nape of your neck, your parting, and your hairline where makeup can sometimes accumulate. Then rinse thoroughly and follow with a hydrating shampoo and conditioner duo such as Dove Hair + Scalp Therapy Hydrating Shampoo and Hydrating Conditioner.

How to maintain a healthy scalp for thicker, fuller hair
Using a clarifying shampoo on the days you’re not exfoliating your scalp will help maintain a clean and fresh scalp, free of product buildup, sebum, and dead skin. Try Dove Hair + Scalp Therapy Clarifying Shampoo. This gentle but effective scalp cleanser delivers a daily detox and clears excess sebum without stripping your scalp. In testing, 90% of participants with fine hair said their scalp felt more balanced after using it.^[1]

For thicker, fuller hair, follow with Dove Hair + Scalp Therapy Strengthening Conditioner to nourish the hair and protect lengths from premature breakage. 75% of testers told us their hair felt thicker after conditioning with this nourishing formula.^[1]

To complete your routine, apply Dove Scalp + Hair Therapy Fullness Restore Scalp Serum to your scalp at least three times a week. Infused with vitamin B3, vitamin E, zinc, and peptides it moisturizes and fortifies the roots and is clinically proven to deliver thicker, stronger hair.^[2] To use, divide your hair into sections and apply one to three droppers directly to damp or dry scalp and gently massage in.

References:
[1] Salon study with 40 women with thin, fine hair, 2023.
[2] An independent clinical trial with 74 women over 90 days