London - Lots of us think we’re doing well if we make time to exfoliate our faces. Now hair experts want us to start scrubbing our scalps, too.
A number of big brands have added exfoliating shampoos and scalp masks to their ranges, while several top treatment centres offer scalp “facials”. But what do they actually do?
“The scalp is much like the skin, but with more oil glands and hair follicles,” says trichologist Philip Kingsley.
“This means that sebum and dead skin cells can build up, causing oiliness and flaking, particularly if you’re prone to dermatitis or psoriasis.”
But scalp exfoliators won’t just clear away troublesome dandruff — they could take years off your locks, too.
“A build-up of sebum and dead skin cells blocks the pores, and leads to increased shedding,” says Kingsley.
“In fact, this is one of the key reasons hair thins as we age. Cell turnover slows with age so dead cells need help to be scrubbed away. Exfoliating the scalp once a week will clear away this build-up.”
It also means your usual products will be more effective, as they’ll be better able to penetrate the follicles. Just don’t over do it.
“If you’ve got a sensitive scalp it’s best to avoid coarse exfoliants, which can be abrasive and irritate the skin,” says Kingsley.
“Look for products that contain salicylic acid or fruit enzymes, as these gently soften dead skin so it can be rinsed rather than scrubbed away.”
As someone with a dry, flaky but super-sensitive scalp, I’m a little apprehensive about putting any of these products near my hair, but the promise of glossy, younger-looking locks is enough to make me reconsider. So, which are worth trying? - Daily Mail