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The skin on my face gets a lot of attention. Maybe you relate—you are reading Well+Good, after all. Each day includes step after step of cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer, eye cream, and sunscreen. It’s a dedicated routine for those deeply committed to skin care only, and apparently not for any of my ex-boyfriends (who never understood why it took me so long to get ready for bed).
The skin on my scalp though? It’s right there, so close to my face! And yet, for years I’ve overlooked it. That is, until recently, when the first scorching day of the year led to a sunburned part. (It was a long winter and I forgot how the sun worked, okay?!) As the burn healed to annoying little flakes, I realized I’ve been neglecting my scalp. Sorry, scalp!
Now, I’ve added a new step to my hair routine: Sachajuan Scalp Scrub ($52), a deep cleansing and purifying sugar exfoliant. (I also make sure to apply SPF to my scalp to avoid flakiness to begin with—ya live, ya learn.) It unclogs the scalp’s surface from dandruff, oil build-up, and dead skin, while also promoting new cell growth. If you deal with dandruff, itchiness, eczema, or psoriasis, you’ll want to add the scrub to your collection of shower products, too. Even if you don’t suffer from a sensitive scalp, summer is in full swing, and along with it comes a lot more gunk in our hair—sunscreen, sand, and sweat, for starters. (Though, to be clear, you should absolutely not use a scalp scrub on a sunburned scalp. Ouch!)
TIP
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Sachajuan Scalp Scrub — $50.00
The reason Sachajuan’s scalp scrub works so well? It features two key ingredients. “The first is sucrose, or sugar crystals, which act as a physical exfoliant to slough away dead skin cells on the scalp,” says Geeta Yadav, M.D., founder of Skin Science Dermatology. “The second is climbazole, a common antifungal ingredient used to treat issues like dandruff and psoriasis.”
A clean scalp is great, and an exfoliated scalp that encourages new cell growth is even better. “All exfoliants, physical or chemical, help promote cellular turnover, allowing dead skin cells to shed and the new, fresh skin to regenerate faster,” says Dr. Yadav. “In the case of scalp scrubs, removing that dead skin could help decongest the hair follicle, facilitating new hair growth. Physical exfoliants like the Sachajuan scrub also promote blood circulation, which can support healthier hair growth.” While it’s unlikely that simply incorporating a scrub into your routine will transform your hair into Zendaya-level thickness, we’re always on board with anything that promotes healthier hair—and more of it.
It’s ultra easy to use, too. With wet hair, simply apply the scrub, then use Sachajuan’s scalp brush or your fingers to massage the scrub in circular motions. That will stimulate blood circulation and exfoliate dead skin cells. Rinse thoroughly, and then shampoo and condition as normal. Voila!
As for how often to use the scrub, once a week is an ideal place to start, says Dr. Yadav. “If you use a great deal of hair styling products and are prone to buildup, you can consider twice-weekly use,” she adds. For now, I’m sticking to a once a week “sorry for neglecting you” scrub session. I think my scalp has forgiven me.
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