Meet Scalp Exfoliators: The Secret to Weirdly Perfect-Looking Hair

Okay, yes—we're fully aware of that fact that scalp exfoliators sound like another bullshit product that virtually nobody needs, but these gritty scrubs actually serve a purpose: to keep your hair looking kickass, while helping your scalp stay healthy.

Though you may think you're cleansing your scalp each time you wash your hair, your 15-second shampoo massage isn't making as much of an impact as you think, especially if you have super-thick or curly hair. (Ever wonder why your hair looks especially voluminous and shiny after a haircut? It's largely due to the hardcore scalp cleaning at the beginning).

And when all of the sweat, oil, and product buildup from your dry shampoos and styling products meld together without being exfoliated away, they form a follicle-blocking barrier that can irritate your scalp, leading to ingrown hairs, extra greasiness, itchiness, hair loss, and even some yeast growth. Yep.

"In some cases, scalp inflammation from accumulated oils and dirt can promote the growth of yeast on the scalp," says dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, effectively terrifying us all. "Either way, chronic inflammation may interfere with healthy hair growth," he notes, which is the opposite of what you want when you're trying for a good hair day.

So to keep your curls and waves in their bounciest form, we rounded up the best new scalp scrubs on the market that are infused with natural exfoliators, like apricot seeds and walnut shells, along with follicle stimulating oils, like peppermint, for supremely excellent hair.

By Chloe Metzger for Marie Claire

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Introducing: The Gommage by Kerastase

Inspired by skincare, a breakthrough micro-fine pre-treat scrub that detoxifies, activates, and stimulates from scalp to ends to prepare the hair for Bain and Crème Chronologiste.

• Purifies and stimulates the scalp and hair fiber through gentle exfoliation
• Provides radiant shine, and deep nourishment
• Delivers total scalp and hair revitalization with lightweight results

KEY TECHNOLOGY

• • Abyssine: a precious and powerful molecule that regenerates and detoxifies the scalp
  • Apricot Seed: refined beads that gently exfoliate and activate the scalp

Timothy Pamment Salon, 22 Durham Road, Madison, CT. (203) 245-7707. Call to purchase, or stop in!

5 Foods for Healthier Hair

We all know hair products are a quick solution for damaged hair, but if you really want to improve the health of your hair, it may be time to change up your diet. Here are the best foods to eat for stronger, healthier hair. 

Dark Green Vegetables
Dark green vegetables like broccoli, kale and spinach are high in vitamins A and C, which help produce healthy oils in your hair that strengthen and add shine, basically like a natural conditioner.

Walnuts
If you have dry hair, add walnuts to your diet. They’re high in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E that help hydrate your hair from the inside out.

Bean Sprouts
If your hair breaks easily, add some bean sprouts to your diet. They contain silica, which strengthens your hair and also prevents breakage.

Carrots
This root vegtable contains beta carotine, which can help your scalp produce hair-sustaining oil. 

Eggs
Not only are they delicious, but eggs can help combat thinning hair because they contain sulfur, which promotes hair growth and improves blood circulation to the scalp. Plus, they contain other healthy hair vitamins like biotin and B12.