If your roots feel coated from dry shampoo, styling cream, or scalp oil, a tablespoon of Epsom salt massaged into wet roots with shampoo can leave hair noticeably lighter and a bit bouncier. The reason is simple: the crystals act as a physical exfoliant that helps loosen residue, while the wash water carries it
away.
Wet your hair thoroughly, pour a small amount of shampoo into your palm, and mix in 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt. Work it into the scalp for about 60 seconds, focusing on the crown and hairline, then rinse very well and follow with conditioner on the lengths only. I’d do this no more than once a week, since over-scrubbing can make an already-dry scalp feel tighter.
Epsom salt and shampoo set out for a hair scrub
Epsom salt and shampoo set out for a hair scrub
2. Volumizing hair
rinse
For limp hair, many people like a richer treatment made with equal parts conditioner and Epsom salt. The salt helps reduce some of the heavy, coated feeling that can weigh hair down, while conditioner keeps the lengths from turning rough, so the overall result may be fuller-looking roots without quite as much flatness.
Mix 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt with 2 tablespoons of conditioner in a small heat-safe bowl and warm it slightly for 10 to 15 seconds so it blends smoothly. Work it through clean damp hair, concentrating
on the roots and mid-lengths, then leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. On fine hair, I’d use this every other week rather than every wash.
Small bowl of conditioner mixed with epsom salt for a hair rinse
Small bowl of conditioner mixed with epsom salt for a hair rinse
3. Flaky scalp soak
If your scalp feels flaky rather than heavily greasy, dissolving Epsom salt first can be gentler than rubbing crystals directly on the skin. Two tablespoons in 1 cup of warm water creates a simple
pre-shampoo rinse that may help loosen dry flakes so they wash away more easily.
Stir 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt into 1 cup of warm water until mostly dissolved, then slowly pour it over the scalp before shampooing. Let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes, massage lightly, and then shampoo as usual. If flakes are persistent, worsening, or paired with redness or hair loss, that’s a good moment to check with a dermatologist instead of trying to tough it out.
