What are the side effects of detoxing your hair?

Author: Janis Hayes IV  |  Last update: Saturday, January 24, 2026

However, it is important to be informed that this process of detoxification can bring side effects, such as a faster greasy hairline, a very dry scalp, itching or a rash.

What happens when you detox your hair?

Think of a hair detox as a zingy ginger shot for your locks. It flushes out the bad stuff — pollution, product buildup, excess oil, and so forth — and creates a clean slate for hair to reap the maximum reward from your hair products. For best results, a hair detox should be a multistep process in salon.

What are the side effects of scalp detox?

Scalp Irritation: Some people may experience irritation, redness, or itchiness on the scalp after a detox treatment. Allergic Reactions: Certain ingredients in the detox shampoo, such as essential oils or herbal extracts, may cause allergic reactions in some people.

How often should I detox hair?

Typically, if you use styling products consistently or have oily hair, you may need a hair detox as frequently as once a week. If dry hair is the bane of your existence, every two weeks is a more reasonable expectation. As for those with textured hair, you may only need to detox hair once a month.

Do toxins come out through the scalp?

However, did you know when starting the detoxing process, toxins are expelled through your pores, including the large pores on your scalp? This can lead to breakouts, which can be quite painful and bothersome.

Clarifying or Detoxifying your hair, What’s the difference?

How do you know if your body is releasing toxins?

Detoxification can give you flu-like symptoms. This is especially common in the early stages of withdrawal from substances such as alcohol, opioids, or certain drugs. These symptoms can include fever, chills, body aches, fatigue, and even nausea or vomiting.

How do you know if you have bacteria on your scalp?

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.

How do I know if my hair needs a detox?

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).

What is the 30 day hair detox?

The #30DayHairDetox is simply a mind shift and lifestyle change where we challenge you to go 30 days without raw shea butter, raw coconut oil, Eco Styler, and products that include them in the top 5 ingredients. First, we don't hate oils and butters.

Is baking soda good for hair?

According to the experts, no one should use baking soda for hair regularly. It's just too harsh to use frequently. Additionally, the only people who should even consider using it occasionally (think maybe once a month) are those who have very oily scalps or hair, cautions Brado.

Can toxins cause hair loss?

Historically, the literature linking the overdose of certain toxins to hair loss has been heavily focused on heavy metals. In the last decade, the literature still discusses heavy metals, such as thallium and mercury, but now also includes a number of non-metal toxins that are also associated with alopecia.

Can you lose hair while detoxing?

Temporary Hair Loss for Health Gains

Sudden hair loss during a detox protocol will most likely be temporary. Once patients rid themselves of the sources stressing their body, their hair will have the opportunity to grow back.

How do you test your hair for toxins?

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.

Does detox cause greasy hair?

Most all people notice that their hair will initially be more greasy. This is completely normal, but not to worry: it's just a phase! These processes are the bodies natural reaction to the toxins it is trying to get rid of and all of this will clear up once the detoxing stage is complete.

Is detox good for your hair?

When the scalp is clogged, blood circulation is not optimal, limiting the supply of essential nutrients it needs to stay healthy. Detoxification removes impurities that clog pores, promoting better oxygenation. Sebum production is also regulated, preventing hair from becoming greasy too quickly.

How do you fully detox your hair?

HOW TO DETOX YOUR HAIR AT HOME
  1. Gently cleanse with a detox shampoo. ...
  2. Remove product build-up with a scalp scrub. ...
  3. Use a hair mask. ...
  4. Protect your hair when you use heat styling tools. ...
  5. Repair split ends with a small trim.

How often should you detox your hair naturally?

While how often you should detox your hair depends on your hair type, how often you usually wash it and how many post-shower leave-in products you use, a good rule of thumb is to use a detox shampoo at least once or twice a week, or when hair is feeling a little lackluster.

What is a hair reset?

Basically, a hair reset is when you stop doing harmful things to your hair and focus solely on restoring your hair health. This means abandoning harsh styling practices like teasing, curling, and straightening your hair, as well as dying, bleaching, and getting permanents.

How do you test for unhealthy hair?

Rough to the Touch

By running your fingers through your hair, you can check for general smoothness and roughness. If at any point your hair feels rough, dry, and brittle and as if random strands are sticking out, this is a sign that your hair is unhealthy and damaged.

How do you know when you detox?

Common Signs of Detoxing

These may include headaches, fatigue, mood swings, irritability, muscle aches, difficulty sleeping, and changes in bowel movements [1]. Often one of the first signs of detox, can range from mild to severe.

What kills bacteria on the scalp?

For mild infection caused by bacteria, your health care provider may prescribe an antibiotic lotion or gel. Infection-fighting pills (oral antibiotics) aren't routinely used for folliculitis, but you may need them for a severe or repeat infection. Creams, shampoos or pills to fight fungal infections.

Does apple cider vinegar destroy scalp fungus?

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a popular home remedy. It's often added to foods,1 and some people also apply it to their skin, scalp, or hair. It's known to have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral actions,2 and it may also offer benefits for scalp flaking or thinning hair.

How do you know if you have fungus in your hair?

In the scalp, fungal infections often form circular, scaly, inflamed patches. Frequently, there can be temporary hair loss (hair returns when infection clears but if treatment is delayed and scarring results, permanent hair loss can be seen). This is a classical example of ringworm (tinea capitis) in a young child.

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