How to Clean Scalp With Braids Without Washing | 8 Ways

Scalp buildup can happen to anyone, regardless of how often you wash your hair. If you have braids or extensions, it’s even more important to keep your scalp clean and free of buildup. Here are a few ways to clean your braided scalp without washing your hair.

How to Clean a Braided Scalp Without Washing

Using baby wipes, clarifying shampoo, and cider vinegar are some of the best methods to clean your scalp without washing your hair. There are several you can try.

But with all of them, you should massage your scalp gently and rinse completely after finishing. Most products you can use to clean your scalp with braids without washing are available in your house.

Some effective products include:

1. Dry shampoo
2. Scalp scrub
3. Clarifying shampoo
4. Cider vinegar, preferably an apple one
5. Tea tree oil
6. Baking soda
7. Baby wipes
8. Witch hazel cleanser

Here’s a more comprehensive guide on these steps.

1. Use a Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoo is a hair product that absorbs oil and dirt from your hair without needing water. Likewise, dry shampoos are great for cleaning your scalp without washing your hair because they don’t require adding water. On the plus side, they are also quick and easy to use.

To use dry shampoo, follow the following steps:

1. Make sure your hair is dry
2. Spray the dry shampoo onto your scalp
3. Massage the dry shampoo into your scalp with your fingers
4. Leave the dry shampoo in for some minutes
5. Use a towel or brush to remove the dry shampoo from your hair

Dry shampoo is the best option if you need to clean your scalp but don’t have the time to wash your hair.

2. Make a Scalp Scrub

A scalp scrub is a type of exfoliating treatment that helps to remove dead skin cells, dirt, and oil from your scalp. Scalp scrubs come from abrasive ingredients like sugar or salt and carrier oil, like coconut oil or jojoba oil.

To use a scalp scrub, follow the procedure below:

1. Mix the ingredients in a bowl
2. Apply the scalp scrub to your dry scalp
3. Massage the scrub into your scalp
4. Rinse the scrub off with warm water
5. Shampoo and condition your hair as usual

Scalp scrubs are great for deep-cleaning your scalp and can help to prevent dandruff.

3. Use a Clarifying Shampoo

Clarifying shampoos remove buildup from your hair, which can help improve your scalp’s health and appearance. Clarifying shampoos are often used by people with oily hair or many styling products.

To use a clarifying shampoo:

1. Wet your hair with warm water
2. Use clarifying shampoo on your scalp
3. Massage the shampoo into your scalp for some minutes
4. Rinse it out with cold water
5. Shampoo and condition your hair as usual

Clarifying shampoos can dry your hair and scalp, so follow up with conditioners to keep your scalp moisturized.

4. Rinse with Cider Vinegar

Cider vinegar comes from fermented apples. It’s often used in cooking and cleaning because it has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties. In addition, this apple vinegar can function as a cleaning agent for your scalp.

To use cider vinegar made from apple:

1. Mix equal parts of water and cider vinegar in a bowl
2. Apply the mixture to your scalp with a cotton ball or spray bottle
3. Leave the mixture for some minutes
4. Rinse your scalp with warm water
5. Shampoo and condition your hair as usual

This cider vinegar can help to remove buildup from your scalp and balance the pH of your scalp.

5. Try Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is an essential oil that’s derived from the leaves of the tea tree plant. It has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, which makes it a popular ingredient in skincare and haircare products.

To use tea tree oil:

1. Mix equal parts of water and cider vinegar in a bowl
2. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to the mixture
3. Apply the mixture to your scalp with a cotton ball or spray bottle
4. Leave the mixture on for some minutes
5. Rinse your scalp with warm water
6. Shampoo and condition your hair as usual

Tea tree oil can help to kill bacteria and fungi on your scalp.

6. Use Baking Soda

Nearly every kitchen has a box of baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate. Baking soda is a type of salt used for cleaning because it’s abrasive and absorbent. This nature makes it ideal for use on the scalp.

To use baking soda:

1. Mix equal parts water and baking soda in a bowl
2. Apply the mixture to your scalp with a cotton ball or spray bottle
3. Leave the mixture on for some minutes
4. Rinse your scalp with warm water
5. Shampoo and condition your hair as usual

Baking soda can help to remove buildup from your scalp.

7. Use Baby Wipes

Baby wipes are a type of wet wipe designed for babies. They’re usually made with gentle ingredients like aloe vera and chamomile, making them safe for scalp use. Baby wipes are ideal for cleaning your scalp if you don’t have much oil or buildup.

To use baby wipes as a scalp cleaner:

1. Remove a baby wipe from the packaging
2. Gently rub the baby wipe over your scalp
3. Repeat until your scalp is clean
4. Throw away the used baby wipes
5. Condition your hair as usual

Baby wipes can help to remove oil and dirt from your scalp.

8. Use Witch Hazel

Some people use Witch hazel as a skin cleanser. But you can also use this cleanser to clean your scalp. Witch hazel has astringent properties, making it practical to remove oil and dirt from the scalp.

To use witch hazel:

1. Apply witch hazel to a cotton ball or pad
2. Gently rub the cotton ball or pad over your scalp
3. Leave the witch hazel on for some minutes
4. Rinse your scalp with warm water
5. Shampoo and condition your hair as usual

Witch hazel can help to remove buildup from your scalp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about how to clean the scalp with braids without washing:

When is cleaning my scalp with water necessary?

There are times when cleaning your scalp with water isn’t negotiable. For example, if your braids smell, it’s probably time to give them a good wash. Smelly braids signify bacteria and fungus, leading to scalp irritation.

In the same way, if your scalp itches or has a buildup, that may be a sign that it’s time to cleanse with water. Again, the reason is that when your scalp isn’t clean, the oils and sweat can accumulate and lead to irritation.

Cleaning your scalp with water is also necessary if you’ve used products not meant for use on the scalp. For example, if you’ve used hair gel or wax, it’s best to remove it before re-braiding your hair.

Can I use shampoo on my scalp without washing my hair?

If you want to use shampoo on your scalp without washing your hair, it’s best to dilute it first. Then, the shampoo cleanses the hair. But, it can be harsh on the scalp if used at full strength.

Mix a small amount of shampoo with equal water in a bowl to dilute the shampoo. Apply the mixture to your scalp with a cotton ball or pad, and massage it for some minutes. Then, rinse your scalp with warm water and condition your hair as usual.

How do I minimize the need to wash my braids?

First, try to avoid getting your hair wet. This step means avoiding activities like swimming and sweating excessively. Second, use a dry shampoo in between washes to absorb oil and refresh your braids.

Also, protect your hair at night. This step means that you should avoid sleeping with your braids in a bun or ponytail, as this can cause them to become matted and oily. Instead, use a scarf or sleep cap to keep your hair from rubbing against your pillow.

So, How Do You Clean Scalp with Braids Without Washing?

You can clean your scalp without washing your hair in a few different ways. You can use dry shampoo, witch hazel, diluted shampoo, or conditioner. Whichever method you choose, massage the cleanser into your scalp and rinse it off thoroughly.

In addition, avoid using products not meant for use on the scalp, as these can irritate. And, if your braids start to smell or itch, it’s probably time to give them a good wash.