How to Keep Your Scalp Healthy Between Washes

A healthy scalp is the foundation of healthy hair—but taking care of it shouldn’t only happen on wash day. What you do between washes matters just as much. Sweat, product buildup, dust, and natural oils can all accumulate on the scalp throughout the week, leading to irritation, flakes, itchiness, and even slowed hair growth if left unaddressed.

Here’s exactly how to keep your scalp balanced, fresh, and thriving between wash days—without overwashing or disrupting your style.

1. Use a Lightweight Leave-In Scalp Spray

A good leave-in scalp mist can hydrate, soothe, and refresh the scalp without weighing down your roots. Look for ingredients like aloe, tea tree, rosemary, niacinamide, or panthenol.

Why it works:

• Restores hydration that evaporates between washes
• Helps calm itchiness and irritation
• Keeps the microbiome balanced
• Gives the scalp a “reset” feeling without adding buildup

Tip: Lift your braids, curls, or parted sections and spray directly onto the scalp. Massage in gently.

Three reasons you’re going to love the Leave-in Scalp Spray, click to read

2. Massage Your Scalp Regularly

Scalp massage increases blood circulation, which supports healthy follicles and can help with hair growth over time.

Aim for: 3–5 minutes a few times a week.

Click to learn about the scientifically proven benefits of a scalp massage

3. Avoid Heavy Products on Your Roots

Your scalp needs to breathe. Applying heavy butters, thick gels, and oils directly onto the scalp can clog pores and create buildup.

Always keep heavy products on the strands, not the scalp.

If you use styling products:

• Apply from mid-lengths down
• Keep the root area clean and light
• Opt for lightweight leave-ins

4. Clean Your Scalp After Workouts

Sweat itself isn’t harmful—but when mixed with dirt, natural oils, and old product, it can irritate the scalp.

If you exercise regularly:

• Dry your scalp with a hairdryer
• Use a scalp spray or toner to refresh
• Avoid tightly covering your hair while it's still sweaty

A few seconds of care makes a big difference between washes.

5. Keep Your Styling Tools Clean

Combs, brushes, silk bonnets, scarves, and scrunchies can collect oils and bacteria.

Clean weekly:

• Wash brushes/combs with gentle shampoo
• Switch pillowcases every few days
• Wash bonnets, scarves, and headbands regularly

A clean environment = a cleaner scalp.

6. Don’t Overextend Your Wash Days

Even a great between-wash routine can’t replace proper cleansing. Stretching your wash days too long can lead to irritation, flaking, and slower hair growth.

For most people, a healthy routine means washing at least every 7 days, depending on lifestyle and scalp needs.

How often should you wash your hair, click to find your perfect schedule

7. Listen to Your Scalp

Your scalp will always show you what it needs.

Pay attention to:

• Increased itchiness
• Flakes
• Tightness
• Tenderness
• Unusual shedding
• Odour

These signs usually mean it’s time to wash or adjust your routine.

Click here for 5 most common scalp care question, answered

Final Thoughts

Between washes is where scalp health is truly maintained. With the right habits—lightweight hydration, gentle refreshing, minimal buildup, and consistent cleansing—you can keep your scalp balanced and your hair growing strong.

If you want to simplify your routine, our Leave-In Scalp Spray, Scalp Elixir, and Nourishing Hair Oil work perfectly together to support a clean, refreshed scalp all week.