Ever find yourself constantly scratching your head and noticing white flakes falling on your clothes? It might not just be dryness. Buildup from sebum, dead skin cells, and hair products can linger on your scalp. Without proper cleansing, this buildup can throw your scalp off balance, and for some, it may lead to dull hair or even increased shedding.
These issues aren’t uncommon. But for those with seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis, concerns like itchiness, flaking, and hair shedding can be more persistent, as their sensitive skin is more prone to inflammation, dryness, and scaly patches.
Regardless of whether your problems stem from buildup or an underlying medical condition, finding the right solutions is key to keeping your scalp balanced. Hair detox is among the methods people turn to for relief—but is it a myth or miracle? Let’s find out by reading more.
What is Hair Detox?
Have you heard about the trend of using clarifying shampoo once a week? That’s essentially a form of hair detox; the process of cleansing the hair and scalp from sebum, dead skin cells, products, and pollutant buildup.
Aside from using clarifying agents that help remove stubborn residue that regular shampoo may not effectively remove, hair detox often includes soothing agents as well. Soothing agents help calm down inflammation and scaly skin, promoting an overall healthier scalp.
What is The Process of Hair Detox Like?
The process of hair detox differs depending on whether it’s done at home or in a clinic. The at-home method focuses on using the right shampoo to cleanse without stripping natural oils, while in-clinic treatments offer more targeted solutions for specific scalp concerns that at-home detox may not effectively resolve.
At-home Hair Detox
At-home hair detox is all about removing buildup from sebum, dead skin cells, products, and pollutants to maintain a healthy, balanced scalp and hair. Without proper cleansing, these impurities can accumulate and lead to itchiness, dandruff, greasy hair, and even hair fall.
The key to an effective at-home hair detox lies in choosing the right shampoo. It should be gentle and free from harsh chemicals that can strip natural oils. Look for formulas like ammonium lauryl sulfate, which offers milder and less irritating cleansing compared to harsher ingredients such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES).
Opting for one formulated with glycyrrhetinic acid, like MediPRO™’s Aromase hair care products, can also be beneficial. This helps calm dry and sensitive scalps, particularly for those with seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis.
Another alternative like The Golden Ratio Shampoo is also worth considering. Enriched with various ingredients, The Golden Ratio Shampoo makes the right choice for those looking for a balanced scalp environment. Among other beneficial ingredients, It also contains 0.0033% of melatonin compounds, which can help improve hair loss, according to studies conducted on patients with androgenetic alopecia.
Outside of Singapore, where tap water is strictly regulated for quality, some countries may have higher-than-normal heavy metals and sediment content in their water — commonly known as “hard water.” In such areas, installing a shower head filter can benefit your hair.
In-clinic Scalp Treatment
In some cases, severe scalp conditions or underlying skin issues can make at-home hair detox less effective. Impurities like flakes, grease, or dead skin may not be completely or sustainably eliminated, as they often require medicated shampoos or in-clinic treatments.
For those with seborrheic dermatitis, an in-clinic hair detox treatment like Terra ScalpCleanEx offers a more targeted approach to deep cleansing and scalp care. The process includes:
- Scalp masque: Involves a hypoallergenic, 4% glycyrrhetinic acid formula applied to the entire scalp to hydrate and exfoliate dead skin cells and clogged pores.
- Purifying shampoo: Targets and deeply cleanses the scalp with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties from the organic sodium usnate to help reduce itching and flaking.
- Simply fresh shampoo: Provides a final cleanse for both the hair and scalp using a gentle, lathering formula that maintains a scalp-friendly pH level of 5.5, while being free of alcohol, SLS, and parabens.
- Low-Level Laser Light Therapy: Improves hair follicle metabolism and eradicates excessive harmful bacteria on the scalp using photobiomodulation and photodynamic technologies.
- Simply fresh scalp spray: Provides longer-acting anti-inflammatory, soothing, and moisturising effects on affected areas. It is also massaged into the entire scalp to help prevent flare-ups from spreading.
Another treatment that our doctors might recommend, depending on your hair condition, is HydraFacial Keravive. It involves using Keravive’s proprietary serum to exfoliate, hydrate, and nourish the scalp, promoting a healthier and more balanced environment. Here are the three steps of the treatment:
- Step 1 – Cleanse + Exfoliate: It involves using a vortex vacuum suction to cleanse buildup from dirt, sebum, and dead skin cells. It’s a painless and relaxing suction that cleanses and exfoliates your scalp while promoting healthy scalp circulation.
- Step 2 – Stimulate + Nourish: It delivers a proprietary blend of 5 growth factors and 2 skin proteins to promote a healthier scalp environment, preparing for stronger, more optimal hair growth.
- Step 3 – Extend + Enhance: The treatment ends with Keravive Peptide Complex spray, designed for daily use to provide ongoing nourishment for scalp health.
Benefits of Hair Detox Treatment
When it’s done appropriately, either by choosing the right formulated shampoo or opting for in-clinic treatments, hair detox offers several benefits for both the hair and scalp health, including:
- Promoting a healthy scalp: Removing dirt, sebum, and dead skin cell buildup helps create a healthy scalp environment, essential for optimal hair growth while promoting better well-being as well.
- Calming down irritation: Irritation often occurs due to clogged pores that trap bacteria and yeast. Hair detox helps remove these culprits, gradually reducing irritation.
- Reducing oiliness: One of the primary goals of hair detox is cleansing sebum buildup, which in turn can reduce oiliness and promote healthier hair and scalp.
- Preventing hair damage: A clean scalp environment helps regulate sebum levels and prevent excess oiliness or dryness, both of which contribute to preventing hair fragility and split ends.
Can Hair Detox Treat Hair Loss?
Hair loss often occurs due to one or a combination of factors like genetics, diet, and hormones. There’s little to no evidence that hair detox can treat hair loss.
However, maintaining a clean scalp may help reduce oxidative stress, a key factor linked to premature hair thinning. A review article published by the International Journal of Trichology suggests that oxidative stress from buildup and pollutants can affect hair follicles before hair even emerges, potentially accelerating hair loss.
So, while hair detox doesn’t treat hair loss, it can contribute to a healthier scalp environment, which is essential for supporting hair growth.
Potential Side Effects of Hair Detox
Hair detox is generally safe. It offers several benefits for the scalp and hair health. However, when done improperly or too frequently, there are some potential side effects that may occur, including:
- Dry scalp: Over-cleansing the scalp can strip away the natural oils, which leads to dryness.
- Itching and flakiness: Stripping natural oils can cause dryness, triggering itchiness and leading to dead skin buildup, which appears as flakes.
- Tangled hair: Excessive hair detox can also strip natural oils from your hair, causing dryness and increased tangling.
Additional Insights Into Hair Detox and Scalp Health
The role of hair detox in promoting scalp health is undeniable. Choosing a shampoo that is gentle, free from harsh chemicals, and ideally formulated with glycyrrhetinic acid is a good start, it’s only one part of the process. Below, we’ll explain why the right shampoo formulation matters, along with other considerations and what to avoid for optimal scalp and hair health.
The Harm of Toxins Found in Some Shampoos
Not all shampoos are formulated the same. Some contain synthetic surfactants like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), which can be effective for oily scalp but may be too harsh for those with sensitive skin. Other ingredients, such as parabens and alcohol, are also commonly used as preservatives, while fragrances are added to enhance scent.
Studies on synthetic shampoos and their effects on health suggest that these ingredients are harsh and can trigger allergic reactions, irritation, and contact dermatitis, particularly in individuals with sensitive skin or impaired skin barriers.
To minimise these risks, choosing a shampoo formulated with milder surfactants and skin-friendly ingredients is recommended. Amino acid-based surfactants, for instance, offer a gentler alternative to conventional options like SLS and SLES. They are less irritating and lower in toxicity while still effectively cleansing the hair and scalp.
A shampoo with a gentle, scalp-friendly pH of 5.5 is also preferred. Research suggests that shampoos with a pH above 5.5 can create an alkaline environment. This increase in alkalinity can negatively impact the hair by causing hair friction, which leads to cuticle damage and hair fibre breakage.
The MediPRO™ series of Aromase is specially formulated with amino acid-based surfactants, providing a gentler cleanse that reduces the risk of irritation and allergic reactions often caused by SLS and SLES. It maintains a balanced pH of 5.5 and is free from parabens, alcohol, and fragrances, making it ideal for those with sensitive scalps.
The Role of Glycyrrhetinic Acid in Promoting Scalp Health
Glycyrrhetinic acid, a compound derived from licorice root, has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic properties. Its use in shampoo formulations has gained popularity, particularly for addressing scalp seborrheic dermatitis, which is often linked to sebum imbalance and the overgrowth of Malassezia yeast.
A controlled study conducted at En Chu Kong Hospital, Taiwan, evaluated the efficacy of a 6% glycyrrhetinic acid complex shampoo (5α Juniper MediPRO™) in 34 patients with scalp seborrheic dermatitis. Results showed significant improvements, with participants experiencing reductions in both the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI)* and Adherent Scalp Flaking Score (ASFS)** at weeks 2 and 5 of use.
* Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) measures the impact of skin conditions on a patient’s daily life, including symptoms, emotional well-being, and social interactions. It consists of a 10-question questionnaire, with higher scores indicating a greater negative impact on the patient’s quality of life.
**Adherent Scalp Flaking Score (ASFS) quantifies the severity of scalp flaking and scaling. A higher score indicates a greater extent and persistence of dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis-related flakes.
Essential Oils in Shampoo: Are They Necessary?
Adding essential oils to shampoo is a popular DIY hair detox method. However, their benefits are questionable. In fact, they may not be good for your hair at all. Some essential oils can be harsh and may trigger allergic reactions or contact dermatitis, especially among individuals with sensitive skin.
To minimise these risks, it’s best to avoid adding essential oils to shampoo, as shampoo comes into direct contact with the scalp. However, adding them to the conditioner can be fine as long as they’re used in moderation.
The Benefits of Deep Scalp Cleansing
Impurities like flakes, excess sebum, and dead skin may become stubborn, sometimes requiring more than just regular shampooing to address. In this case, getting a deep scalp cleanse can be worth it; it involves the use of vacuum suction to exfoliate the scalp, preventing clogged follicles or dryness that may lead to irritation.
HydraFacial Keravive takes this step further by infusing the scalp with a proprietary blend of growth factors, promoting a healthy scalp environment. Additionally, the suction motion also boosts circulation, further improving scalp condition and supporting stronger hair growth.
When to Consult a Doctor
It’s always best to consult a doctor if scalp issues like itching, flaking, and excessive sebum persist, or when you experience significant hair loss—even after you have practised at-home hair detox and gone for in-clinic scalp treatments. Additionally, if these concerns start to affect your daily life or mental well-being, seeking professional advice can help address both the physical and emotional impact.
A clinical examination with Terra Medical can help uncover underlying health conditions that may be affecting your scalp and hair health. Based on the diagnosis, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes or a Holistic Hair & Scalp Wellness Programme to combat the root cause of your issues.
Is it a Myth or a Miracle? – The Final Thoughts
The benefits of hair detox, which involves thoroughly cleansing your scalp and hair to get rid of buildup, are in fact not a myth. As long as you use the right shampoo; one that is gentle, and free from harmful toxins like sulfates, parabens, and alcohol, the process can gradually improve your scalp health for optimal hair growth.
However, note that hair detox can’t treat hair loss. Hair loss is often a result of one or a combination of factors like genetics, diet, and hormones, requiring different approaches to resolve, beyond this scalp and hair clarifying method.
Consultation with a doctor is also recommended if scalp and hair issues persist. Your doctor can conduct a clinical examination and recommend the right solutions based on the diagnosis.
Should you have any further questions, we’re here to help. Contact us today!
FAQs
How do I know if my hair needs a detox?
You may need a hair detox if you experience persistent flaking, greasy scalp, or dullness, despite regular washing and conditioning.
How long does it take to completely detox the hair?
The time it takes to completely detox the hair can vary from one person to another. However, based on research conducted on 34 seborrheic dermatitis patients treated with 6% glycyrrhetinic acid complex shampoo, positive results were seen after 5 weeks.
Are there any products to avoid during hair detox?
You should avoid using products that contain harmful toxins like sulfates, parabens, alcohol, and fragrances. These ingredients have been reported to trigger allergic reactions and irritation, especially among individuals with sensitive skin.
