Scalp scrubs are exactly what they sound like: scrubs for your scalp. Just like the body, your scalp needs exfoliation to help remove dirt, excess oil, dead skin cells, and built-up product. If you don’t regularly cleanse the scalp, all of that build-up can gather at the root of the hair and prevent hair growth.
Why Use A Scalp Scrub
The glands on the scalp have a similar function to those on the face: they produce oil (sebum) that maintains healthy skin and hair. Your regular shampoo routine may not be enough to cleanse the scalp if glands produce too much oil. That’s where a physical exfoliant enters the equation. If you think about it, scrubs help reduce potential irritation and dandruff that stems from excess oil production. In fact, a 2018 study found that a healthy scalp translates to healthy hair growth.
There are many ways to exfoliate the scalp, but you ideally want to use ingredients that are gentle and rich with nutrients. Coffee grounds work to naturally exfoliate the scalp to encourage healthy hair growth. Read on to learn more about how coffee can benefit your scalp and hair.
Exfoliation
A 2013 study suggests that the substances in coffee work to promote healthier skin by way of removing dead skin cells. Caffeic acid, a powerful antioxidant, in coffee may boost collagen levels and reduce premature aging cells. Scrubbing the scalp with coffee grounds also works to improve blood circulation. According to studies, improving circulation to the scalp encourages the growth of new hair. In order for new hair to grow, though, you have to first remove build-up that can clog pores.
Helps Restore Hair & Scalp pH Levels
The hair and scalp naturally have a lower pH value, meaning they are more acidic. Studies confirm that hair fibers have a pH of 3.67, while the scalp has a pH of 5.5. Anything below a pH of 7.0 is considered acidic, while anything above that is basic, or alkaline. If you use hair products that have a higher pH value than the hair and scalp, you may experience frizziness, dryness, or dullness. Because coffee is naturally acidic, applying coffee grounds to your hair and scalp may help rebalance the pH levels of the hair and scalp.
May Restore Hair Growth And Appearance
As mentioned earlier, coffee may help stimulate hair follicles, which may help accelerate hair growth. Caffeine helps to increase blood circulation to the scalp, allowing more nutrients to reach the scalp efficiently. Ultimately, this results in quicker and healthier hair growth. If your hair looks dull or dry, coffee can also help liven it up. The flavonoids in coffee, in addition to promoting healthier hair growth, may leave the hair looking smooth, soft, and shiny.
Coffee Scalp Scrub
Ingredients:
- Coffee grounds
- Olive oil
- Peppermint essential oil
Instructions:
- Brew a cup of coffee with coffee grounds, reserving the coffee grounds to use for the scalp scrub. You can drink the coffee if you want.
- Take one tablespoon of the used coffee grounds and add them to a small bowl or jar. Pour in one tablespoon of olive oil and 2 drops of peppermint essential oil and mix well.
- While you are in the shower, take a small amount of the scrub and gently massage it into your scalp for 30 seconds. Rinse it off and wash away with your favorite shampoo.
- If you feel that the coffee grounds are stuck in your hair after your shower, just brush your hair once it dries and the coffee grounds will come off easily.
