Ladies how do you exfoliate your scalp

dee-nature · 11-12-2012, 02:37 AM

Okay so I have been natural for 3 years and 3 months and I'm comfortable with saying that I have mastered everything I need to know to take care of my hair; from dry ends, keeping it moist, even fairy knots. I know exactly what my hair needs at the appointed time, BUT 1 thing I cannot figure out is how to properly cleanse my scalp.

On average I have healthy scalp but when I put my hair in weave protective style for months at a time I tend to get dry flaky scalp which is normal because the hair is not kept up with its regular hot oil treatment routines when its not in protective styles. When I first take my hair out it's really dry and brittle so I do a quality deep treatment and sit underneath my steamer for about an hour and the hair is restored. but when styling i still see the thickened flake on my scalp. it seems like no shampoo or clarifying conditioner rid of the excess build up. so as a last resort I decided why not treat my scalp like i do my face? There both sensitive and fragile. So i didnt the unthinkable and applied face exfoliant on my scalp.....to my surprise it worked! The flake build up was completely gone. The only problem is i had a hard time getting the little rocks out of my hair completely.

So my question: is there a method out there that can give me the same results without the the tedious little rocks?

Just to inform you it seems like i have tried everything under the sun like the baking soda, brown sugar and other methods none of them have worked, not even apple cider vinegar rinse

*gasp* i swear by acv rinse but it doesnt gets the scalp build up out. It cannot be plain cream it has to have some type of exfoliat in there to get rid of the extra stuff.If i must i will make the exfoliant work even if its a pain

but im curious if there can be another way?

What works for you guys? Thanks ladies!

Reeky · 11-12-2012, 01:42 PM

I use a shampoo brush like this http://m.drugstore.com/swissco-delux...0?catid=183397 quick and easy peasy

dee-nature · 11-12-2012, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reeky

I use a shampoo brush like this </title></head><body></body></html><!DOCTYPE html> <html> <head> <title>Buy Swissco Deluxe Scalp Massage Shampoo Brush & More | drugstore.com quick and easy peasy

this may be a useful

. didnt know shampoo brushes existed. and its affordable. thanks sis

adthomas · 11-12-2012, 03:21 PM

You might try adding Teatree or Peppermint EOs to your shampoo. They do wonders to my scalp. You can feel the tingling. If you don't want to buy oils you can get products with it. I use TJ Teatree Tingle Shampoo.. Bentonite clay is good at purifying the scalp. I mix it myself or buy SM purification mask.

Knotty_Maddy · 11-12-2012, 05:08 PM

I use Epsom Salt to exfoliate my scalp, I put about a tablespoon in with my 'poo and really give it a good scrub once a month. It dissolves out when you rinse, and gives as good a scrub as your little rocks do

You can also use Epsom Salt in your facial wash to exfoliate your face, or in liquid soap for the whole body.

The Epsom salt does not dry out the hair, and it leaves hair very, very soft

added bonus, it helps with curl definition and is really easy to find (any drugstore) as well as inexpensive. Epsom Salt is also used as a body detox treatment, so while you are exfoliating, you will be drawing out any toxic substances adhering to your skin, like exhaust, pollution etc. Hth!

puppitypup · 11-12-2012, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reeky

I use a shampoo brush like this http://m.drugstore.com/swissco-delux...0?catid=183397 quick and easy peasy

I second this!

got mine from Sally's for like $2

dee-nature · 11-12-2012, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knotty_Maddy

I use Epsom Salt to exfoliate my scalp, I put about a tablespoon in with my 'poo and really give it a good scrub once a month. It dissolves out when you rinse, and gives as good a scrub as your little rocks do

You can also use Epsom Salt in your facial wash to exfoliate your face, or in liquid soap for the whole body.

The Epsom salt does not dry out the hair, and it leaves hair very, very soft

added bonus, it helps with curl definition and is really easy to find (any drugstore) as well as inexpensive. Epsom Salt is also used as a body detox treatment, so while you are exfoliating, you will be drawing out any toxic substances adhering to your skin, like exhaust, pollution etc. Hth!

omg thats the first time ive heard this and im excited to try bc its only 99cnt @ the dollar store. yay thank you!

Knotty_Maddy · 11-12-2012, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dee-nature

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knotty_Maddy

I use Epsom Salt to exfoliate my scalp, I put about a tablespoon in with my 'poo and really give it a good scrub once a month. It dissolves out when you rinse, and gives as good a scrub as your little rocks do

You can also use Epsom Salt in your facial wash to exfoliate your face, or in liquid soap for the whole body.

The Epsom salt does not dry out the hair, and it leaves hair very, very soft

added bonus, it helps with curl definition and is really easy to find (any drugstore) as well as inexpensive. Epsom Salt is also used as a body detox treatment, so while you are exfoliating, you will be drawing out any toxic substances adhering to your skin, like exhaust, pollution etc. Hth!

omg thats the first time ive heard this and im excited to try bc its only 99cnt @ the dollar store. yay thank you!

lol! Glad I could help

here is a link for more uses of Epsom salt:
Epsom Salt Uses & Benefits | SaltWorks

cocodej · 11-13-2012, 08:10 AM

When I have flakes/scales on my scalp I like to use a light oil that penetrates (grapeseed, coconut, etc.). The scales are caused by a build up in sebum and dead skin cells, so using something similar to our natural sebum, like oil, helps to dissolve/loosen them so they can be removed by a shampoo brush or by gently scratching the scalp.

I load up my scalp with a light oil mixed with whatever essential oils sooth my scalp and leave this on overnight or a couple of hours. I then use a medium tooth tailed comb to "scratch" my scalp before shampooing, as LHDC describes in the video. I find that just shampooing without manually loosening the flakes does not work as well.

ETA: I am also hesitant of using something as abrasive as salt on my scalp. I have never tried this method because my scalp can be tender at times. @Knotty_Maddy,have you noticed any increased sensitivity? Does the salt dissolve quickly enough that it really is not as abrasive as I think?

dee-nature · 11-13-2012, 11:08 AM

Ladies these are all great points i plan to incorporate a little of everything to see what i get.

@cocodej: good idea. i always do hot on scalp the nite b4 wash days

! but i use castor oil. Jojoba oil is a great sebum oil so i will mix it with coconut oil, apply it to scalp the nite b4. however i have sensitive scalp

so using a medium tooth comb to scratch may be to harsh on it

.

I also plan to add epson salt to my shampoo for washing. Finally use shampoo brush.

@adthomas i have tried adding peppermint oil to my conditioner before and it works for the tingle feel but it also keeps me cool during the summer

. Now that its cooler i wont revisit for sake of not catching a cold. although it didn't remove thick build up it did get my blood flow moving which promotes hair growth yay

.

I may focus on what works best based on how my scalp reacts, luckily the shampoo brush is cheap so no major investment..another plus

.

Ladies I cant thank you enough for all your tips! Your tips exceed my expectations. I didnt know there was a solution to my problem but now i can say; I got 99 problem and flaky build up scalp aint one

. THANK YOU ALL

Knotty_Maddy · 11-13-2012, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cocodej

ETA: I am also hesitant of using something as abrasive as salt on my scalp. I have never tried this method because my scalp can be tender at times. @Knotty_Maddy,have you noticed any increased sensitivity? Does the salt dissolve quickly enough that it really is not as abrasive as I think?

I only used a tablespoon with my 'poo, cocdej - and I only do this once a month. You could use less, like a teaspoon of it? It isn't a harsh salt, and I didn't rub excessively - just gently massaged it in. My scalp felt clean, refreshed and tingly without feeling raw or sore...and yes, some of it dissolves on contact with water and shampoo. Most of it dissolved by the time I was done massaging, and it all left my hair on rinsing. My hair felt really soft after it dried. I have also used it on my face to exfoliate gently, and it did no harm on my delicate skin. Just left it feeling clean and soft.

Of course, everyone is different, all I can tell you is my experience with it...no doubt there might be variables, such as your type of hair, your type of water, etc.... hth!

dee-nature · 11-13-2012, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knotty_Maddy

Quote:

Originally Posted by cocodej

ETA: I am also hesitant of using something as abrasive as salt on my scalp. I have never tried this method because my scalp can be tender at times. @Knotty_Maddy,have you noticed any increased sensitivity? Does the salt dissolve quickly enough that it really is not as abrasive as I think?

I only used a tablespoon with my 'poo, cocdej - and I only do this once a month. You could use less, like a teaspoon of it? It isn't a harsh salt, and I didn't rub excessively - just gently massaged it in. My scalp felt clean, refreshed and tingly without feeling raw or sore...and yes, some of it dissolves on contact with water and shampoo. Most of it dissolved by the time I was done massaging, and it all left my hair on rinsing. My hair felt really soft after it dried. I have also used it on my face to exfoliate gently, and it did no harm on my delicate skin. Just left it feeling clean and soft.

excited to try this on my face too. Headed to dollar store now

Sent from my MB612 using CurlTalk App

Knotty_Maddy · 11-13-2012, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dee-nature

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knotty_Maddy

Quote:

Originally Posted by cocodej

ETA: I am also hesitant of using something as abrasive as salt on my scalp. I have never tried this method because my scalp can be tender at times. @Knotty_Maddy,have you noticed any increased sensitivity? Does the salt dissolve quickly enough that it really is not as abrasive as I think?

I only used a tablespoon with my 'poo, cocdej - and I only do this once a month. You could use less, like a teaspoon of it? It isn't a harsh salt, and I didn't rub excessively - just gently massaged it in. My scalp felt clean, refreshed and tingly without feeling raw or sore...and yes, some of it dissolves on contact with water and shampoo. Most of it dissolved by the time I was done massaging, and it all left my hair on rinsing. My hair felt really soft after it dried. I have also used it on my face to exfoliate gently, and it did no harm on my delicate skin. Just left it feeling clean and soft.

excited to try this on my face too. Headed to dollar store now

Sent from my MB612 using CurlTalk App

Good luck, let us know how you liked it! Oh and, make sure you don't get it in your eyes ;p

dee-nature · 11-14-2012, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reeky

I use a shampoo brush like this </title></head><body></body></html><!DOCTYPE html> <html> <head> <title>Buy Swissco Deluxe Scalp Massage Shampoo Brush & More | drugstore.com quick and easy peasy

Quote:

Originally Posted by puppitypup

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reeky

I use a shampoo brush like this </title></head><body></body></html><!DOCTYPE html> <html> <head> <title>Buy Swissco Deluxe Scalp Massage Shampoo Brush & More | drugstore.com quick and easy peasy

I second this!

got mine from Sally's for like $2

Quote:

Originally Posted by cocodej

When I have flakes/scales on my scalp I like to use a light oil that penetrates (grapeseed, coconut, etc.). The scales are caused by a build up in sebum and dead skin cells, so using something similar to our natural sebum, like oil, helps to dissolve/loosen them so they can be removed by a shampoo brush or by gently scratching the scalp.

I load up my scalp with a light oil mixed with whatever essential oils sooth my scalp and leave this on overnight or a couple of hours. I then use a medium tooth tailed comb to "scratch" my scalp before shampooing, as LHDC describes in the video. I find that just shampooing without manually loosening the flakes does not work as well.

ETA: I am also hesitant of using something as abrasive as salt on my scalp. I have never tried this method because my scalp can be tender at times. @Knotty_Maddy,have you noticed any increased sensitivity? Does the salt dissolve quickly enough that it really is not as abrasive as I think?

thank you here is what i brought today. tomorrow is my wash day so i will do the oil treatment tonite. I'm super excited

. will be back for updates. 11/13/2012 1:148pm

this what i brought:

11/14/2012 UPDATE: IT WORKED

!! I dont know which one did it but im just glad my scalp is clean and not itchy. such a refreshing feeling

Knotty_Maddy · 11-14-2012, 12:54 PM

Yay!

that's awesome good news! Probably a combination of all of the products, that made it super-effective? (my DH has one of those little combs you bought and he loves it...)