Unfortunately, our hair is often at risk of environmental stressors and pollutants, not to mention the harmful chemicals in the products we’re meant to use. Sometimes, it’s not enough to start using a natural shampoo. What you may need is a hair and scalp detox.
In this article, we’ll cover what a hair and scalp detox is, signs that you might need one, and how to detox your hair and scalp. By the end, you will learn the ways to keep your hair healthy and products that can help you in your self-care journey
What is a hair and scalp detox?
A hair and scalp detox is a process for removing harmful impurities from the hair: dirt, excess oil, chemicals, product buildup, dead skin, etc. The goal is to promote healthy hair from the base to the tip while nourishing the skin of the scalp. For many, hair products filled with chemicals can damage the hair and irritate the scalp, so detoxing is a great first step before transitioning to natural hair products.
A hair detox provides several benefits including:
- Improving the health and appearance of hair
- Removing harmful substances from the hair
- Reducing excess oil production
- Encouraging healthy hair growth
- Nourishing a dry itchy scalp
What are the signs you need a hair and scalp detox?
While many of us could benefit from a hair and scalp detox, there are signs that your hair is in desperate need of one. Here are a few reasons you may want to try a detox.
Product build-up: Over time, all the hair products you use, from shampoo to creams to sprays, can leave behind residue on your hair and scalp. This can prevent moisture from being absorbed, leading to dryness, irritation, and hair breakage.
Dandruff: Dandruff is a condition where dry flakes of skin fall from the scalp onto the hair and shoulders. While a common condition with several different causes, it’s a sign your scalp is unhealthily dry.
Itchiness: An itchy scalp means inflammation, which can cause damage to the skin and hair. It may be from a lack of moisture or irritation due to chemical hair products.
Excess oiliness: Your hair and scalp will produce oil—this is normal and healthy. When you observe more oil than usual, it could be a sign you need a detox. Oil attracts residue that can clog the follicles and pores.
Increased shedding: Build-up in the hair follicles can cause an increase in shedding, which can be alarming when observed. This is a sign that it may be time for a scalp cleanse.
How to detox the hair and scalp (and keep them healthy)
Now that we’ve outlined what a hair and scalp detox is and the signs you need one, let’s go over some ways you can detox your hair to leave it clean, healthy, and strong.
Remove buildup with a scalp cleansing treatment
One of the first things you should do is a scalp cleanse, whether with a clarifying or exfoliating shampoo. These products will remove the residue that’s caked on the scalp, giving your hair follicles room to breathe while allowing the scalp to absorb moisture again.
When applying a scalp cleanse, massage it directly into the scalp rather than the hair. Make sure you rinse it out thoroughly, then use your preferred conditioner. You shouldn’t need to do this often as it takes a while for buildup to accumulate.
Use a natural shampoo and conditioner
You’ve probably heard that it’s important to use a natural shampoo and conditioner. That’s because most hair products are filled with harmful chemicals that strip your hair and scalp of their natural oils, which leads to dryness and irritation. They also leave residue, leading to build-up over time.
Natural shampoos and conditioners, on the other hand, cleanse the hair without stripping the hair of the oils that keep it nourished. When choosing one, make sure it is sulfate-free and includes natural ingredients that are good for your hair, like coconut or tea tree.
Replenish with an oil-based scalp massage
If your hair is dry and brittle, it needs moisture, and oil-based treatments can assist with that. There are many scalp massage treatments out there that claim to revitalize the follicles and add moisture, but it’s typically best to use natural oils. Many oils provide different benefits for the hair
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Coconut oil: Repairs hair damage, reduces oil buildup, and adds moisture
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Olive oil: Perfect for conditioning dry hair
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Jojoba oil: Great for treating dry scalp and dandruff
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Argan oil: Works as a natural conditioner and is great for dyed hair
Whichever oil you choose, massage it into the scalp and apply it to the hair. Put on a towel or shower cap to keep it on overnight, then wash it out thoroughly the next day. For best results, apply an oil treatment to your hair around twice a week.
Try hair detox water recipes
Staying well-hydrated is incredibly beneficial for hair health. Why not switch it up by infusing your water with natural ingredients full of benefits for your hair and scalp? Give the following refreshing water recipes a try – your hair will thank you!
Cucumber and aloe vera
Delicious and refreshing, cucumber and aloe vera detox water can provide hydration and essential nutrients to promote healthy hair. Cucumber and Bioray’s NDF Detox+ both have natural silica, which can lower the rate of hair fall and strengthen hair. Aloe vera has been known to provide benefits for the scalp and healthier hair. Together, this detox water can help make your hair luscious and stronger. To make this detox water, mix 6 droppers full of NDF Plus, sliced cucumber, and ½ cup of aloe vera gel in 4 cups of water in a pitcher and allow the flavors to infuse for two hours. Place it in the fridge to chill, then enjoy the refreshing taste!
Rosemary and lemon water
Lemon juice is packed with vitamin C which can stimulate hair growth and clean the scalp naturally. Rosemary and Polygonum multiflorum, a main ingredient in Bioray’s Adrenal Lover, can help with premature graying and stimulate hair growth and blood circulation in your hair scalp. To make rosemary and lemon water, take a pitcher of water and add rosemary sprigs and lemon slices to it. Let it rest overnight and savor it throughout the day!
Strawberry and basil water
Strawberries are known for being rich in antioxidants and vitamin C which can help stimulate hair growth. The ingredients in Bioray’s Adrenal Recharge pair perfectly with these nutrients to encourage collagen production and boost hair strength. Basil is rich in minerals and vitamins that can nourish your hair follicles and make them shinier. To make strawberry and basil water, add 2-4 sliced strawberries, 4 sprigs of basil, and 8 droppers of Adrenal Recharge to 4 cups of water in a pitcher, and allow it to infuse for two hours. Keep this drink chilled and get ready to welcome naturally gorgeous hair!
Avoid chemicals, heat, and processing
Prevention is better than a cure. If you want your hair and scalp to be healthy, avoid activities and products that can harm them. This includes chemical-heavy hair products, straighteners, curling irons, over hot blow dryers, and more. While these don’t have to be removed completely, they should not be part of your daily routine, or you risk your hair becoming brittle, dry, and unhealthy.
Detoxify your body while balancing essential nutrients
Detoxing the body as a whole can have several wide-ranging benefits, helping you remove harmful toxins while balancing essential nutrients and strengthening certain organ systems. If you’re looking into detoxing your hair and scalp, you may be interested in more comprehensive detox treatments available. Luckily, Bioray has many to choose from.
For instance, our NDF® Detox formula is a detoxifier that safely removes toxic heavy metals, chemicals, and pesticides while balancing beneficial nutrient and mineral levels. It’s our strongest detoxifier and contains naturally occurring amino acids, vitamins, and minerals for your nutritional benefit.
Interested in detoxing? Bioray has an array of helpful herbal solutions
As you can see, a hair and scalp detox is a great way to strengthen and nourish your hair while removing buildup and excess oil. With a few simple lifestyle changes, you can have a happier head of hair. If you’re interested in different ways to detox and what areas may need them, you should check out Bioray’s natural remedies.
We offer a variety of herbal treatments and tinctures to help you with all kinds of concerns: sleep, stress, digestion, and more. Bioray even offers products for various age groups so you can support the health of your child as well as yourself. Check out our
range of plant-based products to learn more.
