Should I exfoliate my hair?
All you need to know to improve the appearance and health of your hair with this simple gesture!
The appearance of our hair is very important for our overall look. That's why we must not only prevent scalp diseases but also take care of it to improve its appearance, just as we do with our skin. In these paragraphs, I'll tell you everything you need to know about a largely unknown step in hair care routines that, if included, will greatly improve the appearance of your hair and the health of your scalp: exfoliation.
What is exfoliation?
Skin regenerates every 28 days, creating new cells, which also requires the elimination of dead cells that remain on the surface. Undesirable substances, such as pollution particles, also accumulate on the skin's surface. The scalp is full of oil cells and their residues, as well as an abundant microbiota, which also exist and deposit on the scalp. Exfoliation is the technique by which, through physical or chemical methods, we remove debris from the skin surface. This results in a cleaner scalp and hair that itch less and can function better. If this is already important for skin, imagine how important it is for the scalp, where hair makes deep cleansing so difficult.
What benefits can scalp exfoliation have?
Removing dead cells and deposited substances from the surface offers many benefits. Eliminating accumulated oil reduces the appearance of dermatitis or the overgrowth of fungi and bacteria. It also makes hair look cleaner for longer. By removing dead cells, flaking is not observed on the scalp, which can appear as dandruff and cause itching. Exfoliation, especially when living in polluted cities, will remove pollution particles that settle on the scalp and their toxic effects. Finally, if we use treatments on the scalp or treatments or products on the hair, exfoliating will help remove all the residues they leave behind, which can worsen our hair's health. Keeping the scalp free of all these substances will make it look healthier, reduce inflammation, and allow the treatments we apply to penetrate deeper and be more effective.
And what about the hair, is it beneficial or harmful?
When we exfoliate, we primarily do so on the scalp and not on the hair, but by removing residues, the root area of the hair will also be cleaner. Both oil and residues that can make the root look matted are removed. In addition, the hair will be shinier by eliminating unwanted substances from the surface.
Regarding whether it is harmful, if done correctly, it should not be. However, it is necessary to control the frequency and the product used. If we are too aggressive, we can damage the hair, especially if it is fine, although we will never damage the root.
How should we apply the exfoliant?
The exfoliant is used as a shampoo or pre-shampoo. It should be applied to damp hair (in the shower), parting the hair to deposit it directly onto the scalp. Then, gently massage in circular motions without excessive pressure for a few minutes. Depending on the ingredients of each exfoliant, the usage time will be specified, as some contain chemical substances that help weaken residues for easier removal. Afterward, rinse thoroughly with plenty of water, ensuring all product is removed. At this point, you can proceed to use a mask or conditioner from mid-lengths to ends.
Frequency?
This will depend on your hair and scalp type. If your hair is fine (due to genetics or conditions like androgenetic alopecia), you should use it with more caution as it can damage the hair fiber.
In general, if your hair is oily, you can use it up to twice a week (but you should always start with once a week to test your tolerance). If, on the contrary, it is dry, it's better to do it less often, every 15 days.
And how do I choose the ideal product?
Nowadays, we are fortunate that there are many options available for sale in hair salons, pharmacies, and even supermarkets. We should always choose a product specifically designed for hair exfoliation, as the granules are of a specific size and the ingredients are specific. If you have sensitive skin, it is better to start with exfoliants that specify they are for sensitive scalps, as otherwise, they sometimes contain acidic substances to remove substances more specifically. In addition, if you have seborrheic dermatitis, it is recommended to use specific products for this skin type as they will be more specific. Apart from this, you can choose the one you like best.
CONCLUSIONS
Exfoliation is a very good option to improve our hair and scalp care. Done correctly, we can achieve shinier and healthier hair, as well as reduce scalp irritations. If you are using topical treatments in this area, it will also help improve absorption.
