Can cleaning your head with a toothbrush get excess oil out?

On hair-wash day, we put in a lot of effort—oiling, masking, shampooing, conditioning—only to enjoy one or two good hair days before our tresses start looking greasy, making us hesitant to wear them down.
For those with oily skin (and yes, the scalp is an extension of the skin), this problem is all too familiar and frequent.
But as always, when there’s a beauty dilemma, there’s an Instagram hack for it. So, what’s new? Using a toothbrush to remove excess oil from the scalp. But is this technique really effective, or could it be doing more harm than good?
“Oily scalp is primarily caused by the overproduction of sebum from sebaceous glands, which can be influenced by factors such as genetics, hormonal changes, diet, and environmental conditions,” Dr DM Mahajan, senior consultant, dermatology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, tells India Today.
The doctor explains that sebum is essential for maintaining scalp health as it provides moisture and protection. However, excessive oil can lead to issues like dandruff, itching, and clogged hair follicles, which may hinder hair growth and contribute to hair loss.
Proper cleaning of the scalp is crucial to remove excess oil, dead skin cells, and product build-up.
According to Dr Mahajan, the health of the scalp is intricately linked to the health of the hair.
Dr Piyusha Bhagde, founder and chief dermatologist at Skin Ethics Clinic in Akola, Maharashtra, says, “A healthy scalp is itch-free, has no scalp pimples, and there’s no bad odour. The lustre of hair is also a sign of a healthy scalp.”

Dirty scalp can affect your hair health (Photo: Getty Images)

According to social media, cleaning the scalp with a toothbrush can be a good way of exfoliating and removing build-up.
“Using a toothbrush to clean the scalp can help unclog blocked pores and sebaceous glands. This method can promote a deeper cleaning, helping remove oil, dirt, and build-up more effectively, leaving the scalp feeling fresher,” says Dr Sanke.
She mentions that this method can be effective in thoroughly cleansing the scalp, helping dislodge excess oil and debris, and improving overall scalp hygiene. However, it’s important to use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Further, Dr Bhagde shares that brushing the scalp with a soft toothbrush, either with oil or apple cider vinegar, can help loosen dandruff and remove scalp build-up. It can also improve scalp blood circulation, but there is no scientific data for improvement in hair growth with scalp brushing.
Dr Mahajan feels, “While the toothbrush method may seem effective due to its ability to reach into the scalp’s crevices, it raises concerns regarding potential harm.”
The bristles of a toothbrush can be too harsh for the sensitive skin on the scalp, potentially causing irritation or micro-tears. Additionally, if not done gently, this technique could exacerbate existing scalp conditions or lead to inflammation.
Aggressive scrubbing could also damage hair follicles, potentially resulting in weakened hair strands or increased hair loss over time.
According to the doctor, “There are more suitable alternatives that are specifically designed for scalp care. Products like scalp scrubs or exfoliating shampoos contain ingredients that effectively remove dead skin cells and excess oil without causing irritation.”
Not just clean, you must make sure that you maintain a healthy scalp that promotes optimal hair growth. The experts recommend washing your scalp every other day to prevent the build-up of excess oil and impurities.
Also, if you apply oil, limit it to an hour before washing and avoid overnight oiling, as prolonged oil contact can clog pores. When conditioning, apply the product only to the lower three-fourths of your hair, avoiding the scalp to prevent it from becoming weighed down or greasy.
It is also vital to protect your tresses from UV damage and invest in good hair care products that suit your needs.