Yes, There’s a Right Way to Clean Your Scalp (and We Found It!)
Do you know the golden rule of hair care? A clean, healthy scalp = healthy hair. It’s true, you can’t have one without the other and as of late, beauty experts can’t stop talking about what it means to have a healthy scalp. That’s why there’s been so much buzz around clarifying shampoos, scalp scrubs, anti-inflammatory ingredients like apple cider vinegar, and hair growth promoting ingredients like rosemary oil. Scalp care can very well be considered the new skin care.
But, what does it mean to have a clean scalp? Or at least take care of it on a daily basis? And besides having healthy hair, why should you be cleaning your scalp? We get it, those were our questions too when we dove into the world of scalp care products.
We spoke to board-certified trichologist Helen Reavey who told us everything we needed to know about taking care of our scalps, no matter what you’re facing: product buildup (like dry shampoo!), dry hair, dandruff, breakage, or excess oil. Read on for how to get a clean scalp and keep everything balanced and healthy.
About the Expert:
Helen Reavey is a board-certified trichologist, celebrity hairstylist, and founder of the scalp care brand ACT+ACRE.
Why You Need to Clean Your Scalp
For starters, a clean scalp is the root of all hair health! Reavey explains, “You need a well-balanced scalp/scalp biome to have healthy hair growth. I always try to tie scalp care back to skincare—can you imagine layering on makeup and leaving it on your skin for 3+ days without washing/exfoliating it? The answer is probably ‘no,’ since it would leave your skin more prone to breakouts and extremely dry—and the same goes for your scalp.”
In fact, cleaning your scalp is more important than shampooing your hair. And going back to Reavey’s comment about layering on makeup without washing your skin, shampooing your hair without paying attention to your scalp is kind of the same thing. It’s impossible to get a deep clean and create an environment suitable for healthy hair follicles without properly cleansing your scalp.
“Not properly caring for the scalp can lead to a lack of hair growth, inflammation, irritation, weakened hair health, and an increased risk of conditions such as dandruff, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis,” says Reavey. Basically, your scalp is a one-way ticket to taking care of your hair follicles. If you have blocked hair follicles, that likely means you’re experiencing dryness, hair loss, dead skin cell buildup, and perhaps are finding it difficult to grow your hair out.
How to Clean Your Scalp the Right Way
Cleansing your scalp properly is by no means difficult! There are plenty of hair care products geared towards scalp care. Plus, there’s something for every hair type.
1. Remove Buildup
Firstly, you need to break down the scalp buildup blocking your hair follicles. It’s likely causing irritation and dryness, and if you find you experience an oily scalp quickly after washing, you definitely need a scalp detox.
“I recommend incorporating a weekly chemical scalp exfoliant into your routine since they are often full of great ingredients such as salicylic acid or glycolic acid, which work to eliminate buildup and regulate sebum production,” says Reavey. Use this before you wash your hair and work it in thoroughly, separating your hair into sections and applying directly to your scalp. Let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing with warm water in the shower.
2. Use a Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Using a sulfate-free shampoo is a must! This will eliminate impurities on your scalp over time. One of our favorites is the HAIRSTORY New Wash Original, $42, which is a sulfate- and silicone-free shampoo with zero detergent, so it doesn’t lather like a normal shampoo—it feels more like a conditioner. It contains peppermint and tea tree oil (an ingredient known to increase circulation to the scalp), and both are great for promoting hair growth. If you have a sensitive scalp, you might want to consider trying this type of shampoo that doesn’t strip down essential oils yet still cleanses effectively.
3. Try a Scalp Massager
If you’re still doing your research on clarifying shampoos, dry scalp solutions, and apple cider vinegar rinses—no worries! The best way to ease into a scalp-care routine is to start with an exfoliating scalp massager at home. It’s super easy to use in the shower, using circular motions with it as you’re shampooing. We’ve rounded up a list of the best ones here. “I actually recommend steering clear of scalp scrubs with beads, as they can create tears in the scalp, leading to an increased risk of inflammation/infection,” says Reavey.
4. Double Cleanse If Needed
Just like you double cleanse your skin to make sure you remove all your makeup and SPF, double cleansing your scalp will ensure a deep clean and soothe any irritation. “Always double-cleanse your scalp when you shampoo—the first wash will ensure you remove any leftover oils, while the second actually cleans your scalp,” says Reavey. She recommends emulsifying shampoo in your hands before applying. From there, massage the product into the scalp, starting from the nape of the neck and working toward your hairline.
5. Use a Post-Shower Scalp Treatment
Reavey recommends using a hydrating serum filled with inflammatory ingredients in your hair care routine after washing to keep your scalp healthy long-term. We love this one from ACT+ACRE as well as this Apple Cider Vinegar Scalp Serum from DP HUE.
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