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. 

All this term means: Deeply cleansing your scalp to get rid of buildup, and dead skin, and restore the scalp to a healthy state. There's more than one way to do it, so here's what the experts recommend. 

Not sure you need this step? Here are a few signs it could be good for you: 

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. 

Silicones are another common culprit, as they can build up on the scalp and the strands. Haircare products with silicones in them may help your hair feel soft temporarily, but in the end, they're not benefiting your hair. 

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. 

Even relatively natural, powder-style formulas can build up on the scalp with consistent use, which is why it’s best to only use dry shampoo when absolutely necessary and schedule a scalp detox wash if you know you've been overdoing it. 

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).  

A dry scalp can use the classic detox methods noted below. Those with dandruff, however, will want to look to dandruff shampoos specifically formulated for this condition. 

If you haven't been washing your hair much lately and start to see shedding, you may want to consider moving up your next cleanse. "Shampoo eradicates styling product deposits, environmental pollution, and dirt," dermatology nurse practitioner Jodi LoGerfo, DNP, tells mbg. This will allow the hair follicle to be cleared and ready to grow. 

If your hair is lacking more volume than usual, especially at the root, then it may have trouble holding a style. Your hair will fall quicker than you're used to and look a bit flatter at the top. If this is the case, then you may be dealing with product buildup and thus, need a detox treatment. 

An itchy scalp is another sign that you may need a detox treatment, certified trichologist and founder of haircare brand Alodia Isfahan Chambers-Harris tells mbg. The itch could be caused by product buildup or dry skin, but a detox treatment will help restore your scalp in either instance. (For more information and remedies for an itchy scalp, read this.)

If any of the above apply to you, then consider one of the following methods of scalp detoxing below: 

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. 

For a dry scalp or itchy scalp, opt for something with AHAs like glycolic or mandelic acid as found in the Bread Beauty Supply Scalp-Serum: Cooling Greens Exfoliating Scalp Treatment. AHAs will help get rid of buildup in a gentle manner, perfect for those prone to sensitivity or a dry scalp. Each treatment will have unique directions, so follow the suggested steps closely to avoid irritation or overuse. 

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. 

Thoroughly (and we really mean that) rinse your hair before shampooing. Always follow up with a conditioner and consider adding a hydrating scalp serum to your hair after you get out of the shower to replenish moisture. 

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. 

These products aren't as strong as a scalp scrub or chemical exfoliant, but they'll get the job done for those who need upkeep between more intense detox treatments. Plus, adding a bit of hydration to your scalp is never a bad idea. 

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. 

Apply this product to your strands while your chemical or physical scalp exfoliant is in and voilà—two jobs done at the same time. 

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. 

As for clarifying shampoos, you can stick with once a month as well. You'll know you should revisit this wash if your hair looks dull, tangles easily, or you feel actual sticky buildup on the strands. 

As a refresher, this could be why you're experiencing so much buildup in the first place: 

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. If your strands feel sticky or tangle often, you may want to add a clarifying shampoo to your routine as well. For more tips on maintaining a healthy scalp, check out this breakdown.