We know the importance of exfoliating the face and the body, but one area that is generally neglected is the scalp. It should come as no surprise that the scalp occasionally needs a bit of attention as well, but how often does that thought occur to us?

As with any other part of the body covered by skin, the scalp is susceptible to the same build-up of dead skin cells, sebum, and styling products, leading to clogged pores, oiliness and flaking . Regular shampooing may remove the dirt from the hair but when the scalp isn't clean, you may find yourself washing more often than is necessary and drying out the hair in the process.

Products made specifically to exfoliate the scalp seem to be few and far between at the stores, so a DIY version may be a convenient way to give this a try. In addition to being a little easier on the wallet, mixing up a scalp scrub at home allows us to avoid [Link Removed] .

Start with equal parts of your favorite clarifying shampoo and cornmeal, a natural exfoliant. Add a few drops of either peppermint or lavender essential oil. Apply the mixture to the scalp, gently massage for a few minutes and then rinse thoroughly. Shampoo and condition as needed.

Exfoliating the scalp once a week to start and then moving to once a month should reap some healthy hair benefits, including:

Less oil
Less flaking and itching
Unclogging pores
Allowing hair care products to absorb and work more effectively
Increased circulation and hair growth
Exfoliate the scalp? Why not? After all, it's skin, too.

Sharmani Pillay is a Registered Pharmacist who specializes in anti-aging skin care and women's wellness. She owns and operates an online skin care store at [Link Removed].
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