Scalp facials are designed to deep cleanse, scrub and remove pollutants as well as product buildup—but they’re also not for everyone to try at home. Here’s the lowdown on what this practice can do for you—and the scalp facial products we recommend.
What is a scalp facial?
Think of it as a traditional facial but focused entirely on the scalp, advises trichologist Dr Sravya C Tipirneni of Manipal Hospitals, Bengaluru. “It’s essentially a deep cleanse and pampering session for your scalp—similar to what a facial is for your skin,” she explains. The payoff comes in the form of a healthier scalp and luscious locks. Here are the benefits you can expect:
- Healthy hair growth: By removing buildup and stimulating blood flow, a scalp facial can create a healthy environment for hair follicles to thrive.
- Reduced dandruff and itchiness: Exfoliation and targeted treatments can soothe irritation and remove flakes associated with dandruff.
- Balanced oil production: Scalp facials can help regulate sebum or oil production on the scalp, leaving hair neither greasy nor overly dry.
- Relaxation and stress relief: The massage component of a scalp facial is not only invigorating, but can also promote relaxation and reduce tension-induced headaches.
Should you try a scalp facial at home?
It helps to understand whether you are an ideal candidate for this haircare ritual or if you need to avoid aggravating your scalp. In Dr Tipirneni’s experience, scalp facials are helpful for those who experience dandruff, dryness, oiliness, hair loss, itchy scalp or dull and lifeless hair. However, she cautions against trying this if you have any boils, psoriasis, open wounds, sores or severe inflammation on your scalp.
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Your step-by-step guide to doing a scalp facial at home
If you’re ready to curate your scalp-care routine, here’s how you can give your tresses some extra TLC this weekend:
Pre-wash treatment: The first on your shopping list of scalp-care products is a scalp scrub or oil, depending on your needs to loosen dead skin cells and buildup. Massage gently for a few minutes and then rinse it out.
Tira recommends:
Plum Tea Tree Build-up Control Scalp Scrub
Brillare Tea Tree & Salicylic Oil Shots and Tea Tree Oil Dandruff Scalp Combo
Shampoo: Next, you choose a clarifying or scalp-balancing shampoo to remove dirt and product buildup. Think of it as a deep cleanse for getting rid of product residue and environmental aggressors.
Tira recommends:
Olaplex No. 4C Blond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo
Scalp exfoliation: To ensure that you have a squeaky-clean canvas after the facial, use a gentle scalp scrub to further remove flakes and stimulate circulation.
Tira recommends:
Thriveco AHA BHA PHA Exfoliating Scalp Scrub
Condition: Apply a nourishing conditioner to the hair lengths, avoiding the scalp. This will ensure that your tresses are easier to detangle after the shower with minimised breakage.
Tira recommends:
L'Oreal Paris Hyaluron Moisture 72H Moisture Sealing Conditioner
Leave-in treatment: Finish with a leave-in scalp serum or oil to add moisture and address specific concerns like dryness or irritation.
Tira recommends:
