Just like the rest of your skin, your scalp needs a good scrub on occasion. Exfoliation is just as important for your hair as it is your face and body, and it’s even more important to do it in the summer months, when SPF, salt water and chlorine are added to the mix of potential pollutants your hair has to contend with. Shampooing alone is not enough to get rid of the build-up, so adding an exfoliation step into your haircare routine is key to maintaining scalp health. It’s not about stripping your hair of its life or shine though – rather keeping it in peak condition, and preserving your colour.
Adam Reed, the founder of Arkive Headcare, says: “A healthy scalp encourages healthy hair growth, and it’s as important to keep your scalp healthy as it is your face, as it’s an extension of the skin. As long as your scalp is healthy, your hair will also grow more healthily.” Reed recommends seeking out fruit acids, which act as natural exfoliants. “Pineapple enzyme will help exfoliate away any dead cells, get rid of any excess skin build-up, and cleanse the scalp skin nicely,” he says. “Use a brush like a Manta brush, so that you can distribute product through the hair really easily through to the ends.”
Ouai Detox Shampoo
This shampoo will help detox your hair and scalp of impurities left behind by hard water build-up, or excessive dry shampoo use. It contains apple cider vinegar to balance your scalp’s pH levels, and micellar water to lift away oil and dirt. Think of it like a facial cleanser, but for your scalp and hair.
R+Co Acid Wash Cleansing Rinse
Apple cider vinegar, a popular natural cleanser, is the main ingredient in this hair clarifying treatment. It’s great to use at the end of the summer, to remove chlorine and product residue and reinstate shine.
dpHue ACV Hair Rinse
Switch your regular shampoo for this apple cider vinegar rinse when you’re in need of a thorough cleanse. It’s super gentle, so a good choice for coloured hair. The formula is blended with lavender, aloe vera and argan oil, to help close cuticles and protect hair.
Charles Worthington Clean + Protect Hyaluronic Conditioner
Part of the Clean and Protect range, this conditioner hydrates the hair cuticles and helps to keep it moisturised and protected, using the brand’s Plex-Repair blend.
Arkive The Crown Scalp Scrub
Arkive’s The Crown scalp scrub does exactly what it says on the tube. It contains fruit enzymes and caffeine, and leaves a slight tingle from the menthol in the formula, so your hair and scalp feel instantly refreshed.
Espa Tri-Active Resilience Detox & Purify Scrub Shampoo
This scrub to foam formula uses clay to give your scalp a deep yet gentle cleanse and exfoliation, purifying your scalp and hair of pollutants and product build-up .
Rahua Scalp Exfoliating Shampoo
This shampoo uses fruit enzymes from star anise and organic passionfruit and mango, to cleanse and purify the scalp.
Ameliorate Clarifying Shampoo Product
This clarifying shampoo uses Ameliorate’s LaH6 Hydration Complex. It’s great if you suffer from a flaky or itchy scalp, as the mild pH balanced shampoo helps to balance and cleanse.
Fable and Mane SahaScalp Wild Ginger Purifying Scrub
This scrub delivers a hit of vitamin C to your scalp through ginger, neem leaf and amla. The Himalayan salt also helps gently sluice away product build-up and dead skin.
Frank Body Exfoliating Scalp Serum
Apply this serum through your parting and work it into your hair, then leave it for 10 minutes to let the lactic acid gently exfoliate away any product or pollutant build-up as well as dead skin cells. The aim is to leave hair feeling fresh and healthier.