I don't know that I'd give too much weight to a study referenced in a Journal from 1987. There are too many studies confirming build up hindering, even causing hair loss.
We have no problems with the idea of exfoliating our skin to get rid of dead cells and assisting in the regeneration process. Makes sense that the scalp, also skin, could also benefit by having dirt, sweat, oils and old skin cells exfoliated. The scalp skin renews itself every 28 days, btw.
I've seen some really good exfoliation recipes using brown sugar. I think I'm going to try that. I don't think the brown sugar would be comparable to sandpaper. Sugar dissolves and is actually rolled across the surface where sandpaper is fixed with the intention of tearing. Certainly a gentle scalp massage with this "scrub" would not be done with the intention of tearing. (Well...depends on who's doing the scrubbing, I guess.
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I just so happened to search this topic because of a video that I watched on youtube last night. And even tho I try to keep my scalp healthy and pores open with scalp massages and scalp-only shampoos, I use additional oils on my scalp almost daily. This thing has me thinking.
So, as with all things that I learn on the Net, I decided not to take one source as gospel and started doing research and, indeed, checking the sources referenced and personally feel that a brown sugar scrub for my scalp may be a good idea...periodically. I mean, check out
this video. Especially look starting at 2:12. Yiiiiikes!!! That mug had to have his scalp exfoliated by scaling.
And look at 4:30. (Maybe I'm replying to this for the opportunity to share this video.
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ACV can be used to thwart build up too. But you have to be careful to greatly dilute the acv. This doctor uses other herbs to clarify (for a lack of better word) the scalp. But again, I don't see the great harm in brown sugar scrubs. We use it on our body and faces. Is the scalp more sensitive?
erplexed
Side note: I was talking to a friend of mine who is a doctor who does regenerative therapies. He mentioned there being some kind of spiked roller ('k. Don't quote me on that but, it's definitely what he described) that is rolled across the scalp (I sort of see it like the thing that aerates a lawn) to allow for better penetration of a solution used in hair restoration and to increase blood circulation. I balked and cringed at the idea and he assured me that it's gently rolled across the scalp. (Google "scalp rollers hair loss" if you think I'm kidding). Based on accupuncture.
No not me, honey.
But it goes to show that something as intrusive to the scalp as that can actually have benefits. The scalp is tougher than I thought.
k. I'm done running my mouth. Thanks for sharing @
prettyhair73.
oh, P.S I better not hear anybody say NJoy recommends scalp abrasions.
I would say "gentle pressure exfoliation", like you would a facial scrub. I don't even use my nails on my scalp so, no harsh scrubbing. There! Now I can sleep.