How To Do A Scalp Detox + 7 Signs You Need It

Your scalp is even more susceptible to product buildup than your face, given the presence of hair and all of the sticky products many people use daily. It only makes sense that you'll need to give it a good reset, aka, detox your scalp every once in a while. 

If your hair hasn't been washed for seven (or more) days, then you could definitely use a detox, Trichologist and founder of Colour Collective Kerry Yates tells mbg. This may seem outlandish for some, but to others, seven days is a typical wash schedule. 

Those with dry hair often gravitate toward heavy products in hopes they'll deliver more moisture than lightweight formulas. This could be true in some cases (like conditioner), but more often heavy products just lead to buildup. 

Not all dry shampoos are made to be tacky, but plenty of them are. If you're using one of these sticky aerosol products to ease the appearance of dirt and oil, keep in mind that it could lead to more buildup. 

If your scalp is flaky, it could be dry or you could have dandruff. They will look different, so you'll have to get up close to your flakes to see what's going on (can be cringy but necessary). 

"Dandruff flakes tend to be large, individual scale-like flakes on the scalp or base of the hair," board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D., once told us about how to I.D. your flakes. As for dryness? Those flakes look similar to traditional dandruff flecks, just a bit smaller and more white (dandruff can look a bit yellowish, especially if you have large, oily scales).  

You know the AHAs and BHAs you use on the face? Ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and the like all help to refresh the skin and slough off dead skin cells—which is why they're a great addition to scalp products as well. 

For those with oil buildup, or if you find your hair is getting oily quicker than you'd like, look for salicylic acid, like The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Treatment. This ingredient is a beta-hydroxy acid that works to plunge into the pore, clearing out oil and dirt buildup. 

Scalp scrubs are another way of exfoliating the scalp. You should be mindful when shopping for scalp scrubs and look for fine granules the size of sugar rather than large salt chunks—unless you have loads of product in your scalp (like hardened gel). 

If your scalp is sensitive, look for thick, cream-based scalp scrubs like the Christophe Robin Hydrating Cream Scrub With Aloe Vera. These formulas will help slough off dead skin cells and protect your skin barrier at the same time. 

Apply these scrubs once your hair is wet and before you shampoo. Gently massage the scrub onto your scalp with your fingertips (not your nails). You don't need loads of product, just enough to ensure each area of your scalp is touched by the scrub at some point. 

Scalp serums can also have a detoxifying function, depending on what ingredients are inside. Products like the Vegamore GRO Scalp Detoxifying Serum contain seed oils, zinc, and caffeine to gently cleanse and stimulate the scalp without stripping your natural moisture barrier. 

Or you can opt for the Carter+Jane ScalpFix, a healthier alternative to dry shampoo that will help regulate oil on the scalp, refresh the skin, and soothe irritation. 

Say your strands and your scalp feel tacky—in this case, you may want to add a clarifying shampoo to the mix. Certified trichologist Shab Caspara once told mbg that these products should be reserved for the hair, not the scalp. 

Those with color-treated hair should be extra cautious when choosing a clarifying shampoo as some ingredients will strip the color right off—just look for "color-safe" on the bottle. 

Each product is different, but in general, you should use a scalp detox product once or twice a month depending on how often your scalp craves it. This doesn't need to be a strict schedule, either. Simply listen to your scalp and deep cleanse it whenever you notice buildup or itch. 

Overusing products and skipping wash days can lead to scalp buildup. To clear out the residue and dry skin, opt for chemical exfoliant treatments or gentle scalp scrubs.