The Science of Hair Detox

Discover the secret to stronger, healthier hair – it starts with science. The CLOUD NINE 9-DAY DETOX is here to get to the root of your hair woes, so you can unlock a hair health transformation. Read on to indulge in an exfoliating scalp treatment and uncover the science behind an effective hair detox, empowering you with the knowledge to look after your hair for the long term.

About the expert

Mathilde Heather is a hairstylist and salon owner operating in Bath, UK. She specialises in short hairstyling and regularly shares tutorials about achieving healthy, great-looking hair. Follow Mathilde on Instagram.

DAY 3: Scalp scrub

On day two, we used a refreshing clarifying wash to deeply cleanse your hair and scalp. The next step is to exfoliate and lift any stubborn debris and dead skin cells that have stuck around. Scalp exfoliation is a key stage in any hair detox. It removes any excess build-up to reveal a fresh layer of skin cells that are ready to absorb moisture from later hydrating products.

Let’s begin:

Choose a scalp exfoliator product designed to dissolve or buff away unwanted build-up and dry skin. This could be a physical scrub containing natural exfoliating particles like salt or sugar, or a chemical scalp exfoliant containing a BHA (beta hydroxy acid) like salicylic acid. You can even make your own scalp exfoliating scrub from sea salt, honey and olive oil.
Using your hands or a scalp massage tool, apply the product to your scalp on wet or dry hair, according to the product instructions
Massage in a circular motion to remove dead skin cells and promote blood flow to the scalp, paying close attention to the top, back, and sides of your head.
Rinse according to the product instructions, and follow up with a gentle, moisturising shampoo and conditioner. If using a homemade scalp exfoliant, leave for no more than ten minutes.

WHY DOES OUR HAIR NEED DETOXIFYING?

It’s easy to fall into bad hair habits – from overusing hair products to turning up the dial on our straighteners a little too high. When we detoxify hair, we’re addressing a range of issues caused by daily routines. This includes:

Product buildup

Dull and lacklustre hair is typically down to product buildup. From mousse and hairspray products designed to provide hold, to serums and oils intended to protect and nourish, all products can eventually cause a build-up of residue.

Without proper cleansing between uses, these products will continue to bind to the hair, weighing it down, making it look oily and more difficult to style – the complete opposite of their intended effect. When you’re due a hair detox, you may notice your fresh curls drop out quickly or your blow-dry falls flat.

But it doesn’t just look and feel bad. Build-up can actually inhibit hair growth by smothering your follicles. Scalp exfoliators revitalise the scalp, transforming your hair from dull to dazzling and encouraging your follicles back into action.

A simple hair wash isn’t always powerful enough to cut through the dirt, which is why embarking on a regular hair detox helps maintain healthier, happier strands.

Ultra-high heat styling

At CLOUD NINE, we know there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ heat for styling. In fact, we’ve found that on average Brits style their hair 41.7°C too hot. Everyone’s hair type, texture, life stage and condition are different – so why would we use 200°C for all of them?

Excessively high heat can damage the protein bonds that make up your hair and strip away the natural oils, leading to dryness, excess oil production, and a change in texture. Hair is left fragile, brittle and more prone to split ends and breakage.

Detoxifying hair can give strands a break from heat, inject a boost of much-needed hydration, and provide your scalp with a fresh start so you feel the benefits of switching to healthy hair habits sooner.

You don’t have to put the straighteners down to improve your hair health – simply adjust the heat to suit your hair. Hair changes throughout our lives, whether that’s because of styling routines or even life stage and hormonal changes. You’re unique, your hair is too – so it’s worth double checking your ideal temperature again as your hair goes through changes. Check out our Temperature Calculator to work out the best heat setting for your hair type and use the Variable Temperature Controls included on all CLOUD NINE hair straighteners to choose your perfect heat. Combined with our signature Revive Mode™, you can break the cycle of damage without giving up the styling routine that brings you confidence.

Shop CLOUD NINE Straighteners today, and start a healthier styling routine.

Poor scalp care

We often forget that the scalp is the root of our hair health, but scalp irritation can be uncomfortable and unpleasant. It can take the form of itchiness, redness, dandruff, dryness, excess sebum production, and/or increased hair fall or thinning, and can have a range of causes.

Whether your irritated scalp is caused by a sensitivity to a certain product ingredient, hormonal changes that happen at different life stages, or regular seasonal changes in the weather, a hair detox can help. It’s a great way to refresh the skin of your scalp, relieve itching and greasiness with a moisture rebalance, and leave your follicles free of any debris that could be slowing down growth.

For more information on scalp care, see our Ultimate Guide to Detoxing Your Scalp.

THE SCIENTIFIC BENEFITS OF HAIR DETOXIFICATION

Here are just some of the ways hair detoxification can help your hair thrive for months to come:

Banish build-up – Whether it’s product residue, dead skin cells, pollutants, or excess sebum, any lingering residue on the scalp results in dull, ‘heavy’ feeling hair.
Style more effectively – Because build-up weighs your hair down, it can make it tough to create styles that hold. When this product residue is removed, you can create looks that last and make the most of your favourite styling products as they can absorb better into your scalp and strands.
Stimulate hair growth – Clogged follicles can cause hair thinning, as the growth phase is shortened and hair loss becomes more noticeable. By detoxifying your hair, you encourage new hair growth by renewing your follicles and encouraging them to stay in the growth stage for longer.
Reduce scalp issues – Hair detoxes are specifically designed to target and rebalance the scalp, relieving itchiness, flakiness, and excess oil production by providing some much-needed breathing space and deep hydration.
Promote silkier, shinier hair – Shampoo advert-worthy hair can only be achieved by ridding your scalp and strands of dirt and build-up, replenishing them with hydration, and providing them with a protective layer of moisture to nourish and protect its natural shine.
Remove odour – Ever noticed an unpleasant smell coming from your hair? That’s usually down to extra bacteria, which live and feed off the build-up of oils, dry skin, and product residue on your scalp. With a hair detox, you’ll banish the bacteria and restore your hair to its healthy, sweet-smelling best.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: THE SCIENCE OF HAIR DETOX

How often should I detox my hair?

Just like heat styling, there is no ‘on-size-fits-all’ hair detoxification schedule. Your hair type, existing maintenance routine, and lifestyle all impact how often your hair could benefit from a detox. If you use lots of products often, it’s worth doing a hair detox every two to three weeks to keep buildup at bay. If your routine is more low maintenance, with fewer products and less styling, every month to six weeks should do the job.

What ingredients detox hair?

Products designed to detox hair can contain a range of ingredients designed to cleanse, exfoliate, moisturise, and hydrate your scalp and strands. Some common natural ingredients to look out for include apple cider vinegar, aloe vera gel, honey, sea salt, and oils such as argan, olive, coconut and jojoba.

How often should I exfoliate my scalp?

The scalp is incredibly delicate, and just like the skin on your face, over-scrubbing can cause more harm than good. Stick to exfoliating your scalp every one or two weeks so your follicles can flourish.

COMMIT TO THE 9-DAY DETOX

Detoxifying hair isn’t as intimidating, complex, and time-consuming as it sounds. A few simple rituals, the right products, and expert advice can help you to detoxify your hair and leave it feeling fresh, nourished, and healthy in no time, with lasting benefits that prove it’s worth the effort.

Ready to join our community of hair lovers on the ultimate hair health journey? Continue the CLOUD NINE 9-Day Detox and watch your hair go from strength to strength.

Go back to Day 2: Kickstarting Your Hair Detox

Learn more about the CLOUD NINE 9-Day Detox

Move on to Day 4: The Importance of Hair Hydration