In general, you will notice that your hair needs a detox if you feel your hair is dull, dull, lacklustre, limp with no volume at the roots and/or more brittle. If you look closely at the scalp, you will see clogged pores and even some flaking.
If you've noticed your scalp is flaking and feeling itchy and generally uncomfortable, it's likely a hair detox needs to be on the cards. That dryness causing the flaking is likely down to blocked pores (just as you get them on your face, you can get them on your scalp, too).
Signs You Need a Scalp Detox
Luke says that mild flaking, itching, or visible product buildup are the major signs that your scalp could benefit from a detox. But Hill says that most people should think about incorporating a scalp detox twice a year to prevent those scalp issues from popping up in the first place.
It's important to continue washing your hair frequently during this time to assist the detox process. Some may experience dryness, tangling, flakiness, and/or shedding as the scalp purges old residues. Shedding is another common symptom, so don't be alarmed.
If you've ever experienced an itchy, irritated scalp or noticed that your once-voluminous hair has gone lifeless and limp, you might be dealing with scalp buildup.
Use a clarifying shampoo: Look for a clarifying shampoo free of harsh chemicals that can strip your natural hair of its oils. Finish with a balancing ACV rinse: Mix apple cider vinegar with water and pour it over your scalp as a final rinse to restore you scalp's natural pH balance and remove any remaining buildup.
Itching and Discomfort: Itching is a common symptom of both bacterial and fungal infections. Hair Loss: Infections can damage hair follicles, leading to temporary or permanent hair loss in the affected areas. Scaly Patches: Fungal infections regularly cause scaly, flaky patches on the scalp.
Not only does your scalp have a plethora of sweat glands, but it also has an abundance of sebaceous (oil) glands, which produce oily sebum. Have you ever scratched your scalp and noticed white, waxy buildup under your nails? That's sebum mixed with dead skin cells.
But when it comes to your scalp health, a clarifying shampoo is not the same as a scalp scrub. Clarifying shampoos focus on removing styling product buildup from your hair, while a scalp scrub exfoliates, detoxes, and moisturizes your scalp.
Start by washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo to rid your locks from build-up and excess oil. You can make your own by mixing coarse sea salt with a normal shampoo, using a ratio of 3:2. Or, if you prefer salon quality, opt for a professional treatment like Nexxus Clean & Pure Nourishing Detox Shampoo.
Hair samples are tested with specific chemicals and looked at under a microscope. Hair analysis can also be used to check for poisoning caused by metals such as lead or mercury. But hair analysis alone usually is not used for this type of testing. Hair is a protein that grows out of hair follicles in the skin.
In most cases, the main symptom of folliculitis is red bumps that look like pimples on your skin. These could also look like they're white-filled bumps or they could be filled with pus (pustules).
An unhealthy scalp can show up as skin concerns on the scalp or issues with your hair. "An unhealthy scalp shows hair loss, hair breakage, dandruff, redness, pain, acne, and cysts," says Ayesh.
Summary. Baking soda as part of your hair care routine might allow you to replace commercial shampoos. People report that baking soda dissolved in water can remove excess oil and buildup in hair, restore pH levels, treat dryness and dandruff, and lighten dyed hair.
Tea tree oil can be used in shampoos and other hair products. When tea tree oil is applied to the hair and scalp, it can help strengthen hair and remove scalp residue. It also helps relieve symptoms of hair and scalp ailments like dandruff and head lice.
A regular exfoliation will help lift away build up. Try using a pre-wash scalp brush, and your fingertips (but not your nails) to massage in your shampoo. This will further help to physically remove any lingering build up. A clarifying shampoo two or three times a month can work wonders.
Aloe Vera Gel: Apply fresh aloe vera gel directly to your scalp. Its natural enzymes can break down excess sebum and impurities. Tea Tree Oil: Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your shampoo or conditioner. Tea tree oil has antifungal properties that can help eliminate dandruff and maintain a clean scalp.