So You Want the Best Hair of Your Life? It Starts With this Undervalued Step

Great hair is on pretty much everyone’s wish list, but it wouldn’t surprise me if a great scalp didn’t quite make it onto the vision board. (I get it—the pics just aren’t as #aesthetic.) But TBH, it should, and from where I stand, your scalp deserves just as much attention as both our skincare and haircare routines. 

“The reality is that healthy hair begins at the scalp, which is why having a weekly scalp exfoliation as part of your hair routine is so crucial,” says Babba Rivera, founder and CEO of Ceremonia. And many haircare brands, including Ceremonia, are formulating products specifically with the scalp in mind. From shampoos that address scalp dryness to scalp treatments that aim to boost hair growth, the area is no longer an afterthought.

Scalp exfoliation products in particular are having a long-awaited moment. And with good reason—they can help with everything from hair thinning to flaking. “There are many benefits of exfoliating the scalp that all contribute to the overall health of your hair and scalp,” says Jeannette Graf, MD, a dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. 

Ahead, I’m breaking down just what those benefits are with the help of Rivera and Graf, as well as Gulf Coast–based dermatologist and Neutrogena healthy scalp ambassador Lindsey Zubritsky, MD, FAAD. Plus, find out how often to exfoliate for optimum results and exactly how to do it.