What is Scalp Detoxing?

Scalp detoxing is a process that helps to remove toxins from the scalp, which can cause hair loss and other issues. It's also known as "scalp purging." Consider it akin to a facial. We cleanse our face daily, don't we? However, indulging in a facial mask and steam therapy offers a more profound purification for our complexion. The same principle applies to hair care. Detoxifying the scalp can potentially alleviate itchiness, dandruff, and various irritations. The purpose of scalp detoxing is to remove buildup on your hair follicles and make them more efficient at absorbing nutrients that promote growth. This process can take up to six months or longer depending on how long you've been using products with harsh ingredients in them or if you have a lot of buildup in general.

What Are the Benefits of Scalp Detoxing?

Scalp detoxing can help you achieve a number of benefits, including healthier hair and scalp. Here are some of the most common benefits that people experience after detoxing their scalps:

• Improves scalp circulation. The scalp contains blood vessels that provide nutrients to your hair follicles, so improving circulation in this area can help improve overall hair health by delivering more nutrients to your follicles.
• Increased hydration. The skin on our heads tends to be drier than other parts of our bodies due to its lack of oil glands (sebaceous glands). When we shampoo too often or use harsh products on our scalps, they become even drier than usual--which can lead to dandruff or flaky patches in addition to making it harder for us to style our hair because we don't have enough moisture in them.
• Removes product buildup. If you use a lot of styling products or hair color, your scalp might be suffering from buildup. This can make it harder to style your hair, especially if you have fine or thin strands that are prone to falling flat.
• Eliminates dead skin cells, dirt, and oil. If you don't shampoo your hair daily, it can get oily and greasy even faster than it normally does. This is because the dead skin cells that naturally fall off of our scalps every day can build up on our strands, along with dirt and oil from the environment. If these things aren't removed regularly, they'll start to clog pores in your hair follicles--which causes them to become inflamed or infected.
• Promotes healthier hair growth. If your scalp is healthy and clean, it will be easier for you to grow hair. Hair follicles that are clogged with dirt and oil can't absorb nutrients as well as they should, which means they won't produce new strands as quickly.
• Reduces dandruff and flakiness. Dandruff and flakiness happen when your scalp is irritated by the dead skin cells that build up on it. When these cells are removed, it'll be easier for your scalp to stay moisturized, which can prevent dryness from occurring.
• Alleviates itching and irritation. If your scalp is irritated, it can be very uncomfortable. Itching and irritation are often caused by dryness or having too much oil on your hair, which can be easily remedied with scalp detoxing.
• Prevents bacterial infections. Bacteria can cause infections and lead to long-term problems with your scalp. Regularly removing dead skin cells will prevent this from happening, which is why it's important to detox regularly.
• Balances oil production on the scalp. If you have oily hair, the scalp detox may help to balance your oil production. It can also be beneficial for people with dry scalps, since it will remove excess oils from their hair.
• Enhances hair's shine, softness, and fullness. Dermatologists often recommend scalp detoxing as a way to improve the overall appearance of your hair. It can enhance your hair's shine, softness, and fullness by removing dead skin cells from the scalp and increasing blood flow to the area.

When Should You Consider Doing a Scalp Detox?

A scalp detox becomes essential when a person experiences considerable buildup from hair products. The scalp is a delicate area that needs minimal product for proper nourishment. If you encounter extreme dryness, itchiness, dandruff, or overall scalp unease, a detox might be beneficial. Often, the buildup around hair follicles is so extensive that it obscures visibility into the area. To maintain scalp health, consider detoxifying every four to six weeks. 

It's important to note that you should only do this if your scalp is healthy enough to handle it. If there's any doubt, consult a dermatologist before starting this process.

Look For The Right Ingredients

When deciding to detoxify your scalp using a scrub or mask, consider a homemade solution, a reliable market-bought product, or a professional salon treatment. Whichever approach you choose, keep an eye out for the following ingredients:

• Aloe Vera Gel: Commonly known for its skin-soothing properties, aloe vera gel also helps break down dead skin cells and promotes healing. Additionally, it possesses conditioning and anti-itch properties that can benefit the scalp. For more uses of this ingredient in your hair care routine, refer to a comprehensive aloe vera gel guide.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: This substance is abundant in alkaline nutrients that maintain the scalp's optimal pH level, which should be around 5.5. It also contains vitamins B and C, which may enhance hair health. For those with scalp irritation, apple cider vinegar could offer anti-inflammatory benefits, such as reducing dandruff. Exercise caution when applying it to open wounds on the scalp due to its acidity. Discover further hair advantages in this extensive apple cider vinegar guide.
• Bentonite Clay: Usually available in powder form, this clay is packed with minerals that purify pores and remove excess oil, making it excellent for cleansing the scalp. For more information, consult a comprehensive bentonite clay guide.
• Ginger: According to Massey, ginger possesses "thermogenic properties," meaning it generates heat through metabolic stimulation, which aids scalp healing.
• Sugar: As a primary exfoliant in scalp care, sugar can gently remove sebum and product buildup while moisturizing the scalp. However, if your scalp is irritated, be cautious with abrasive ingredients like sugar that could exacerbate the issue.
• Salicylic Acid: Effective at eliminating product buildup, salicylic acid penetrates deeper than other ingredients, cleansing pores and unclogging hair follicles. Since it is a more potent ingredient, it can be irritating and should not be applied to scalps with visible abrasions

Steps for Applying a Scalp Detox

To get the most out of your scalp detox, follow these steps:

• Massage the scalp with your fingers or a massage brush like our TO112 Shampoo Brush. This will increase circulation and help loosen up any buildup on your scalp.
• Apply the detox mixture to wet hair and massage it into the skin of your head. For a precision and mess free application we recommend using a applicator bottle that you can find at pretty any beauty supply store.
• Rinse well with warm water until all traces of residue have been removed from your hair shafts, then repeat this process once more for good measure.
• Follow up by applying a moisturizing conditioner from your mid-lengths to ends like TO112 Conditioner for Dry Hair or opt for a moisture restoring mask like our TO112 Mega Moisture Mask.

Frequency of Scalp Detoxing

The frequency of scalp detoxing is dependent on your individual needs. Some people may be able to go once a month, while others may need to do it more frequently (such as once every two weeks). The best way to determine the right amount of time between sessions is by paying attention to your hair and scalp's response after each session. If you notice that there are still signs of buildup after one week, then it's time for another round!

Tips for Successful Scalp Detoxing

• Use lukewarm water instead of hot or cold. Hot water can cause your pores to open up and make it easier for toxins to escape, but it also makes your scalp more sensitive to irritation from chemicals. Cold water can be counterproductive by constricting blood vessels in the scalp, which is why you should avoid using ice cubes on your head.
• Avoid harsh chemicals that are known irritants, like parabens (which are found in many shampoos). These ingredients will strip away healthy oils from your hair as well as irritate the skin underneath it.
• Don't overdo it--some people find that their scalps become too dry after detoxing so they need extra moisturizing afterwards; others may need less frequent shampooing because their scalps are no longer producing excess oil due to less clogging buildup.
• Make sure hair is adequately detangled before you attempt a scalp detox. This will ensure your fingers and/or application tool will be able to get through.
• Work in small sections, so you can avoid tangling your hair in the process. You should also have an easier time targeting your scalp this way.
• Use clips or frizz-resistant scrunchies to help you keep your strands out of the way while you work. You will be more organized and capable of keeping track of the areas you went over already.

Maintaining a Healthy Scalp After a Detox

You've experienced the benefits of a scalp detox and now wonder how to maintain that healthy scalp feeling. Post-detox, it's crucial to choose a shampoo that supports and preserves your scalp's health. Opting for a paraben-free shampoo is vital, as parabens can cause scalp irritation, dryness, and rough hair, as well as allergic reactions like itchiness and bumps. Essentially, using a shampoo with parabens can negate the positive effects of the scalp detox. Instead, it's important to select a shampoo that is gentle, nourishing, and devoid of harsh chemicals that could exacerbate scalp issues.

We’ve formulated all of our TO112 shampoos to do just that. 

Our shampoos are expertly crafted to delicately cleanse and balance the scalp while simultaneously nourishing and fortifying the hair. Each formula boasts a blend of natural ingredients, synergistically working together to ensure optimal scalp health and promote healthy hair growth. TO112's selection of shampoos stands as the ideal choice for maintaining a healthy scalp following a scalp detox. These Leaping Bunny certified shampoos are enriched with natural and organic ingredients and specifically designed to gently cleanse and nourish the scalp.