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It has a strong formula with some intense ingredients, like salt, salicylic acid, and sodium laureth sulfate. His simple sea salt formula is both effective and gentle on the scalp, removing any product build up that's accumulated. This affordable scrub promises to speed up hair growth by unblocking hair follicles and removing product build up.
A Gentle Reviewer Favorite
Plus, it’s safe for all hair types and textures and can be applied to both your roots and ends. In fact, it features the brand's signature Alpha Keratin protein to help repair damaged tresses. A scalp scrub can help remove excess oils, dead skin cells, and product buildup that pulls up on the scalp and the hair roots. Products are designed for specific hair types, including dry, oily, sensitive, and color-treated. Scrubs clean your scalp with physical exfoliating ingredients (like sugar or salt) or chemical exfoliants, like hydroxy acids (such as glycolic or salicylic acids).
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How to Find the Right Scalp Scrub — and Why You Should
An oily scalp occurs when there is an overproduction and buildup of excess sebum on the scalp. Sebum is the oily substance made by the sebaceous glands in the skin. In a bowl, add 1 tbsp used coffee grounds and 2 tbsp any oil of your choice to make a hair scrub. Let the coffee grounds soak in the oil for 1-2hour before you use. Mix it well and use this to scrub very gently on damp scalp for 60 secs.
TPH by Taraji Never Salty Sugar Hair & Scalp Scrub
If you're new to scalp scrubs or looking for an option that doesn't require a huge investment, this Nexxus scrub is for you. A favorite of GH Beauty Director April Franzino, the formula deeply purifies the scalp "without feeling rough or leaving any hard-to-rinse particles behind," she says. It's also infused with elastin protein to help to keep hair shiny and smooth, too. Simply squirt out a dollop of the mousse-like texture and leave it on damp or dry hair for up to five minutes for a thorough exfoliation that leaves both your scalp and hair feeling totally fresh and clean. The exfoliation comes from polymer beads, which are incredibly soft – much softer than most salt or silica-based exfoliants. They exfoliate less aggressively, so they’re a nice choice if your scalp gets easily irritated.
Other hydrators in the blend include probiotic sake water, which helps fortify the scalp’s microbiome, and hydrating hyaluronic acid. There are also some skin-soothers with antimicrobial effects to help with acne and fungus, like willow bark extract and tea tree oil. It has a really beautiful scent, although it might be an issue for some. Finally, we really appreciate that it’s much more affordable than most of the other scalp scrubs available! This Japanese scalp scrub has an unusual formula that’s ideal for dry scalps.
Kristin Ess Instant Exfoliating Scrub
We rely on it anytime we need a super deep clean and are always impressed with how full and bouncy it leaves our hair. As the name suggests, expect an instantly purified and rejuvenated scalp after using this scrub. Formulated with a special sugar complex and multiple plant oils, it removes product buildup and dandruff without drying out the hair.
It comes with a duo-touch applicator, which you can use directly on your scalp to really work the product in. Apple cider vinegar clarifies, sugar crystals break up build-up, and squalane oils offer much-needed moisture. The major chemical exfoliants you’ll find are alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). Shoppers rave that this drugstore hero helps detoxify the scalp and provide immediate relief from redness and irritation. Not only does the sea salt scrub help whisk away product buildup, but it’s also fortified with a complex of proteins and minerals to help strengthen strands. Bid flakes adieu with this Head & Shoulders scrubbing treatment from the gold standard anti-dandruff brand.
If you have a skin condition, talk to your doctor or derm before use
The dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Scalp Scrub isn’t like most scrubs, though. Infused with color-locking technology, it keeps hair color vibrant while rebalancing the scalp, so you can go longer between dye jobs. Between the acids, flower extracts, and polymer beads, the formula is surprisingly creamy and gentle for a scrub, which makes it easy to rinse off, unlike others that can leave gritty chunks hidden between strands. We also appreciate the mess-free tube format and the bright citrusy scent.
Ouai Scalp & Body Scrub (St Barts)
This scrub fits the bill as it transforms from a gel to foam as you work it into your scalp. By letting it bubble up for two minutes before rinsing, the pineapple extract and white charcoal deeply cleanse and get rid of impurities that can lead to flakes and dryness. Meanwhile, hydrating hyaluronic acid and vitamin E ensure that it doesn’t dry out your curls. Exfoliating products, which remove dead skin cells from the top layer of skin, can help keep the scalp healthy and clean.
As well as exfoliating the scalp, it also gently cleanses your hair and is ideal to use as a once a week clarifying treatment. Good, because we gathered the best scalp exfoliants to add to your hair care routine below. You’ll see options from top brands like Drunk Elephant, Amika, R+Co, and more, with picks for every hair type and price point.
Those who regularly color their hair will want to stay away from scrubs that use harsh chemical exfoliants or sulfates that could dull color. Not to mention, some ingredients that work for oily scalps might not be the best for those with dry scalps. We asked doctors about the differences between physical and chemical scalp scrubs, what they’re made from and how they work. According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough scalp scrubs from Black-owned and/or Black-founded businesses to meet this percentage.
These products might also prevent hair follicles from clogging and remove hair products, oil, debris, and dead skin buildup. The rest of the formula is more akin to conditioner than shampoo, with silicones and oils, so it helps to soften and smooth the hair. This makes it a solid choice for those with sensitive or dry scalps. Unlike many other options on our list, the fragrance blend is mint- and menthol-free, so it’s wonderful if you’re not a fan of that tingling, cooling effect. That being said, here is our edit of the best scalp scrubs on the market.
The results are so good, however, that we’d only recommend using this scrub if your scalp is very oily. For those with occasional mild oiliness or a relatively normal scalp, it very well might leave you with dry, straw-like strands. “A scalp scrub exfoliates any dead cells and breaks up product build-up that may be a problem for some people,” says Shelly Aguirre, a stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. For those with thick hair or coarse curls, you might find that your scalp gets oily while the ends of your hair remain dry. The R+Co Crown Scalp Scrub uses ultra-fine Ecuadorian ivory palm seed powder to physically exfoliate, plus salicylic acid for further prevention. If you tend to notice flakes at the root of your scalp and rarely get oily, you probably have dryness.
If you know of one we should consider, please email us at and we will evaluate the product ASAP. For your scalp scrub to be effective, pick the right formula for your hair type and concerns. The main drawback is that it’s harder to rinse the apricot seed powder out of the hair when compared to other exfoliants. If you have very dense or tightly coiled hair, it’ll be a bit of a pain to use. For thin, fine, or straight hair, it’ll be easy enough, so you might be willing to spend the extra time rinsing for the lower price. You can always trust L’Oréal to make quality drugstore products at reasonable prices.
Scalp scrubs are great for scalp stimulation, but be sure not to overuse them as this will make the scalp sore and tender. “Neither product should be used daily," says Bergamy. "It’s like going to a spa to get a facial. For those with a more sensitive scalp, aim to use a hair scrub once a month,” she adds. “Because these products can be drying, it is important to moisturize the hair afterward,” he explains. “Follow with a moisturizing hair mask to nourish the mid-lengths and ends of hair." He recommends Shu Uemura's Urban Moisture Hydro-Nourishing Treatment ($72). Use your fingers to lightly massage the scrub at the roots of your hair and rinse out with water.
