Hair detox: 15 ways to do scalp cleansing & look after your hair
Is your hair feeling frazzled from too much styling, heat, or product use? If it’s looking tired and lifeless, it might be time for a hair detox.
Why do we need a hair detox and scalp cleanse?
Giving your scalp a thorough cleanse is one of the best ways to refresh your hair. A scalp detox removes grime, product buildup, dead skin, and excess oil. It also helps to clear clogged hair follicles, which may support balanced oil production and a healthier scalp environment.
Regular detoxing can breathe new life into your hair, support healthier follicles, and potentially boost growth.
How do I deep clean my scalp?
Your usual shampoo-and-condition routine might clean the surface, but it rarely addresses the scalp deeply. Here’s how to go further:
1. Massage your scalp
Instead of just applying shampoo, take time to gently massage it into your scalp. This boosts circulation, encourages hair growth, and helps distribute natural oils.
2. Comb your scalp
Using a gentle brush, comb your scalp to loosen buildup, remove dead skin, and prep for cleansing treatments.
3. Use an oil treatment
Apply oils to your scalp, let them sit, then wash thoroughly. This helps lift dirt and buildup. However, those with blonde or oily hair might want to skip oil treatments, as they can leave residue.
How do you get rid of scalp build-up?
The key is to choose products suited to your hair type, wash regularly, brush daily, and include exfoliation and scalp massage.
Apply your own DIY baking soda shampoo
Mix one part baking soda with three parts lukewarm water to create a paste. Apply it to wet hair, leave on for 1–3 minutes, then rinse.
Give your hair an apple cider vinegar rinse
Combine a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar with water. After shampooing and conditioning, pour it over your scalp, massage briefly, then rinse out.
8 natural scalp cleansers
Beyond baking soda and vinegar, here are other natural options to cleanse and refresh your scalp:
- Sugar
- Wooden comb
- Tea tree oil
- Coffee
- Oats
- Rice water
- Salt
- Lemon juice
5 tips for looking after your hair
1. Ditch your straighteners
Heat tools can weaken hair over time, causing puffiness, split ends, and dullness. Try an avocado mask to deeply moisturize: mash 1–2 avocados and apply from root to tip. Wrap in a towel for an hour, then wash out.
2. Trim and detox
If your hair’s looking flat or heavy, get a fresh cut and follow with a detox shampoo. Use minimal conditioner and let your hair breathe. This can give your mane a reset.
3. Clean up your diet
Hair needs protein to grow well. Add nuts, seeds, lentils, chickpeas, and eggs to your meals. Eggs also provide biotin, while spinach boosts iron and zinc—both essential for healthy hair.
4. Beyond the plate
Try to get 30 minutes of sunlight each day to maintain your Vitamin D levels, which may help hair growth. On darker days, a Vitamin D supplement can help fill the gap.
5. Massage your scalp
Daily scalp massages using circular fingertip movements can improve circulation and help deliver nutrients to your hair follicles. Over time, this could improve shine and thickness.
Other ways to give your hair some TLC
- Wash hair regularly
- Use natural hair products
- Let hair air dry when possible
- Use a wide-toothed comb
- Keep styling natural
- Get regular trims
- Try pre-shampoo treatments
- Use nourishing hair masks
- Swap plastic bands for fabric ties
- Protect hair from sun damage
To recap
Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. Take a little time to care for it—whether that’s through a detox, massage, gentle cleanser, or nourishing diet. Small changes make a noticeable difference in how your hair feels and looks.