How to Cleanse Sebum Plugs From the Scalp

Sebaceous glands on your scalp secrete natural oil called sebum. Sebum helps to moisturize and protect the scalp while also coating the hair to give it a natural glow and gloss. Some individuals may have excessively oily scalps and plugged sebaceous glands. An oily scalp may appear unattractive and may also cause itchy discomfort. Cleanse and dissolve excess oils to unplug your sebaceous glands and restore your scalp's health.

Things You'll Need

• Clarifying shampoo
• Sebum control shampoo
• Hair conditioner
• Apple cider vinegar

Instructions

1. Run your hair and scalp under warm water, thoroughly soaking the scalp skin and hair shafts. Use your fingers to rub and massage the scalp to help loosen oil deposits and increase blood flow to the skin.

2. Apply a purifying, sebum-cleansing shampoo. A standard purifying and clarifying shampoo will quickly strip the skin and hair of both sebum deposits and hair product deposits such as gel and hairspray.

3. Use a sebum-regulating shampoo as an alternative to standard purifying shampoo. This may help individuals with excessively oily sebaceous glands that are prone to clogging. Examples include Revlon Professional's Interactive Sebum Balance Shampoo and Natural Tech's Sebum Control Shampoo. Such products not only remove excess sebum, but also may help reduce sebum production over time.

4. Rinse the hair with fresh water. Run your fingers through the hair to help get out all of the shampoo. Apply a standard conditioner to replace moisture that may have been stripped during the shampooing process.

5. Rinse the hair and scalp once a week with apple cider vinegar after your standard shampooing and conditioning. The apple cider vinegar will help dissolve sebum plugs and oil on the hair shafts. It may also reinvigorate your hair's natural shine. Douse it onto your hair and massage through thoroughly. Do not rinse the vinegar away with water.

Tips & Warnings

• When shampooing your hair, avoid using your fingernails. Nails may scratch your scalp and can also increase the chance of hair breakage. Instead, use the fleshy pads on your fingers to gently massage and scrub the scalp and hair.

References

• "The Hair Bible: A Complete Guide to Health and Care;" Philip Kingsley; 2005
• "Naturally Healthy Hair: Herbal Treatments and Daily Care for Fabulous Hair;" Mary Beth Janssen; 2008

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Elle Magazine: Hair Care Tips