Support, Rejuvenate & Protect Your Hair with a Scalp Detox

by Madeline Kim on Jun 27, 2022

When we think of hair care, we think of conditioning our locks, using sulfate-free shampoo and protecting our hair from other chemical or heat-based damage. However, we might not know as much about caring for our scalp, or about how essential the scalp is to the overall health of our hair.

Our scalp and hair are intimately connected: if our scalp is healthy, then it can provide a nutrient-rich blood flow to our hair follicles so that our hair grows strong and radiant. The reverse can also be true: if our scalp is undernourished or if it accumulates bacteria, our hair will also be negatively affected. As dermatologist Francesca Fusco, M.D., tells Violet Grey, “If the scalp is traumatized through chemicals, excessive heat, or physical traction it will have an effect on the hair follicles and, ultimately, hair growth.”

In Ayurveda, all parts of the body, mind, spirit and external environment are interconnected, and they all should be nurtured and accounted for in order to achieve true health. This also includes hair and scalp care. At UMA, hair care is an essential part of our beauty philosophy—we’ve written extensively in the past about what foods to eat for strong hair, home remedies for hair growth, the best essential oils for hair and more. Many of the remedies we write about also apply to the scalp, too.

Scalp, like any other parts of our skin, should be cared for regularly. But while many of us have rigorous routines when it comes to caring for hair itself, we might not know where to start when it comes to our scalp. Here, we hone in on the scalp to offer some targeted tips for nourishing, hydrating and rejuvenating the scalp—and for promoting luscious, radiant hair as a result.

Tips for Detoxing the Scalp

Use a Soft, Gentle Hair Brush

Hair brushing isn’t just good for detangling and smoothing out hair—it also helps to stimulate hair follicles on the scalp, leading to an increased blood flow and thereby healthier, more vibrant hair. To reap the maximum benefits of hair brushing on both scalp and hair, opt for a soft-bristled brush rather than a metal one, which can be rough and damaging on the hair, and brush your hair in gentle movements.

In addition, be sure to brush your hair when it is dry. Though you may want to save time by brushing your hair after getting out of the shower, doing so can lead to breakage and apply undue pressure on the scalp.

Avoid Scalp-Irritating Hairstyles

As hairstylist James Pecis tells Violet Grey, “Braiding your hair or wearing it up in a super secure ponytail every day can cause tension to the scalp making it feel sore to the touch, look slightly red and can even cause hair loss.” While it’s okay to have your hair in tight braids, a bun or ponytail every so often, make sure to give your hair time to rest in the meantime. When you do need to pull your hair out of your face, using a soft scrunchie and tying your hair more loosely will be ultimately more beneficial to your scalp and hair health.

Shampoo Your Scalp Regularly

While popular beauty wisdom tells us that it’s better to shampoo your hair less, that’s not always true for the scalp. Like any other part of the skin, it accumulates bacteria, debris and toxins throughout the day that should be cleansed in order to avoid clogging and oiliness. A good way to balance between detoxing and exfoliating your scalp and not over-washing your hair is to apply shampoo only to the scalp and reserve conditioner for the rest of the hair whenever necessary.

Apply Nourishing Essential Oils

In addition to avoiding shampoos and conditioners with sulfates, an even more natural, Ayurvedic approach to nourishing the scalp is by using essential oils. There are a number of potent Ayurvedic ingredients revered for their ability to stimulate hair growth, provide essential nutrients to the scalp and hair and promote circulation and radiance.

Moringa: Nutrient-rich moringa offers potent hydrating, strengthening benefits for the hair. Its high antioxidant content enables it to protect the hair and scalp from free radical damage. In addition, when massaged into the scalp, moringa oil infuses it with deep, long-lasting moisture while simultaneously balancing sebum production, thus preventing the hair from becoming oily. As a result, moringa oil powerfully combats conditions like dryness, dandruff and brittleness while also promoting radiance and hydration.

Indian Gooseberry: Indian gooseberry is renowned for its immense antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which allow it to effectively heal and rejuvenate dry or damaged hair. When massaged into the scalp, it provides deep hydration and sebum regulation. Thanks to its Vitamin E content, Indian gooseberry may also contribute to cell regeneration and revitalization in the hair.

Hibiscus: Hibiscus is a soothing, calming and revitalizing ingredient that promotes hair growth and anti-aging. In terms of its benefits for the scalp, it can combat and soothe redness, itching and irritation. It also hydrates while balancing sebum production, thus combating oiliness and promoting overall radiance.

If you’re looking for a targeted formula that incorporates all of the above ingredients and more, check out our UMA Intensely Nourishing Hair Oil. This carefully-crafted, lightweight oil provides deep hydration to the scalp and hair, stimulates hair follicles, imbues the scalp with essential nutrients and more.

Try Your Own DIY Hair Mask

There are also several DIY hair mask recipes that you can easily whip up with common ingredients from your kitchen to detox and exfoliate the scalp and hair.

Coconut milk + olive oil: High in Vitamin E, coconut milk stimulates hair follicles, boosts circulation and helps stimulate hair growth, while olive oil locks in essential moisture and combats breakage. Applying a mixture of both to your scalp and hair can promote healthy hair growth while also repairing and preventing damage.

Apple cider vinegar + honey + olive oil: Apple cider vinegar is a great detoxifying agent for the scalp, as it balances the scalp’s pH levels and combats itchiness and dandruff. Honey not only moisturizes the hair, but it also prevents hair follicles from clogging and stimulates dormant follicles, thus promoting effective detoxification and growth. Combine these two with deeply-hydrating olive oil and you have a mask that promotes shiny, radiant and thick hair.

As you can see, there are a number of simple, yet effective ways to care for our scalp. Such an essential agent in our overall hair health deserves our care and attention—and a few simple changes in your hair care routine can make a big difference.

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