If you have an oily or dry scalp, you’re probably familiar with the constant itching, flaking, breakouts, and other frustrating issues. While you can address these problems as they pop up, experts agree that prevention is always the best approach—and that’s where scalp exfoliation comes in.

Exfoliating your scalp is similar to exfoliating your face or body, with just a few key differences. Below, experts explain how to exfoliate your scalp properly to keep your hair clean, strong, and healthy (plus, they’ve shared some of their favorite exfoliating products if you’re ready to shop).

### The Benefits of Scalp Exfoliation
Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, explains that exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, speeds up cell turnover, and clears buildup—and the same goes for your scalp.

Trichologist Bridgette Hill adds that scalp exfoliation improves circulation, unclogs hair follicles for better growth, and enhances the effectiveness of other scalp treatments like serums and leave-in products.

### The Possible Downsides
Scalp exfoliation is generally safe, but there are a few things to watch out for. Exfoliants with small grains can cause buildup if not rinsed thoroughly, so Hill recommends those with thick, coarse hair opt for water-, cream-, or oil-based exfoliants for easier application.

Dr. King advises against exfoliating if you have severe inflammation or open sores, as it could worsen irritation. Hill also notes that if you have a diagnosed scalp condition like psoriasis or eczema, check with your doctor before exfoliating.

### How to Exfoliate Your Scalp
Hill suggests shampooing after exfoliating to wash away loosened skin cells and debris. Some shampoos and cleansers already contain exfoliating ingredients, making it a one-step process. Exfoliation typically involves either chemical or physical exfoliants:

#### Chemical Exfoliants
Dr. King recommends gentle acids like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or salicylic acid to reduce flaking and clear follicles of buildup, oil, and debris. Salicylic acid, in particular, is oil-soluble and great for oily or acne-prone scalps.

Recommended Products:
– Nutrafol Build-Up Blocker Scalp Exfoliating Hair Mask ($49)
– Neutrogena T/Sal Scalp Buildup Control ($7)

#### Physical Exfoliants
These include scrubs and scalp massagers, which help remove product residue and boost circulation for healthier hair growth. Just be gentle—too much pressure can irritate the scalp.

Recommended Products:
– Briogeo Scalp Revival Micro-Exfoliating Scalp Scrub Shampoo ($42)
– NatureLab. Tokyo Perfect Shine Clarifying Scalp Scrub ($21)

### Homemade Scalp Exfoliators
While DIY scrubs (like those made with Himalayan salt or brown sugar) might seem tempting, Hill advises against them. “Kitchen ingredients can worsen scalp issues and disrupt the skin barrier,” she says. “Improper use can even cause new problems, so it’s best to avoid them.”

### How Often to Exfoliate
Dr. King suggests exfoliating once or twice a week, depending on your hair type. If you have dandruff, psoriasis, or other scalp conditions, Hill recommends consulting a trichologist or dermatologist for personalized advice.Dr. King suggests trying a shampoo like Garnier Fructis Pure Clean, which contains salicylic acid to remove buildup while hydrating and soothing the scalp with glycerin and aloe. Another option is Kevin Murphy’s Scalp Spa Scrub, which uses micellar water for gentle cleansing and volcanic rock to exfoliate without irritation. Ceremonia’s Scalp Scrub and Briogeo’s Scalp Revival Charcoal are also great choices.