Credit: Stylist
6 min read
Should you be using a scalp scrub? The answer is probably yes. From shifting product build-up to washing away pollution, here’s everything you need to know about the humble hair scrub.
From body scrubs to skincare acids, the collection of exfoliators occupying bathroom real estate spans far and wide. But when it comes to the skin atop of our head, we’re often guilty of scrimping this key step.
Designed to purify and refresh the skin on our heads, scalp scrubs are a great way to unclog blocked hair follicles and cleanse away any leftover hair product, dirt and pollution (you know, that leftover dry shampoo residue).
Like facial exfoliators, scalp scrubs work to slough away dead skin cells and product build-up. Some use physical, grainy exfoliators like salt, sugar or walnut shell powder while others employ chemical exfoliants like glycolic and salicylic acid.
Does my hair need a scalp scrub?
We often don’t see much of our scalp but that’s not to say it doesn’t go through a lot. Everything from seasonal weather changes to hormones, hair products and diet can cause issues for our scalp. An unhappy scalp can lead to dryness, dandruff, sensitivity, itching and over-producing oil as the skin tries to react and adapt to these fluctuations.
While scalp scrubs aren’t a prescribed solution for skin conditions like dandruff, they can help with symptoms and prevent scalp issues from coming to a head in the first place.
As well as thoroughly cleaning the scalp and shifting any leftover product build-up and dirt your shampoo may have missed, a good scalp exfoliation can also boost circulation and blood flow to the scalp resulting in healthier-looking, stronger hair. If you suffer from fine or limp hair, a scalp scrub is also a great way to refresh your locks, boosting volume from the root.
“Laborious though they may be, I’ve used a scalp scrub on a monthly basis for the last few years. My scalp is perpetually dry (that’ll be those scorching showers, then) and I’ve found that when it hits peak flakiness, buffing with a particularly coarse scalp scrub followed up by soak in some nourishing scalp oil (Fable & Mane’s is the best) is enough to remedy the dryness for another month,” says Stylist beauty director, Shannon Peter.
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How to use a scalp scrub?
A scalp scrub needn’t be used every single day. Instead, it’s best when worked into your hair care routine once or twice a week.
Most scalp scrubs are designed to be used in the shower but some chemical scalp exfoliators can be applied to dry hair and scalp before you wash your hair.
For physical, grainy scalp scrubs: once your hair is wet, work the scalp scrub into your roots in small sections. Massage gently for 30-seconds to a minute before rinsing thoroughly away. After your scalp scrub is completely washed out, follow with conditioner.
6 benefits of using scalp scrubs
• Exfoliates and removes dead skin cells
• Boosts circulation and blood flow
• Encourages hair growth
• Removes product build-up
• Promotes stronger, healthier hair
• Prevents dandruff
13 best scalp scrubs
Ameloriate Clarifying Scalp Exfoliant
This clever scalp exfoliator uses an infusion of lactic acid to help dissolve the bonds between old cells, revealing the healthier layer of skin beneath.
Shop Ameliorate Clarifying Scalp Exfoliant at Cult Beauty, £20
Bumble and Bumble Seaweed Whipped Scalp Scrub
This light and airy scalp scrub is both gentle on your scalp and highly effective at purifying. Infused with Dead Sea Salt and a trio of nutrient-rich seaweeds, it creates the ideal environment for healthy-looking, balanced hair.
By drawing out impurities such as dirt, excess oil, and product buildup, it refreshes and invigorates your scalp. Not only does it leave your hair with a polished appearance and soft shine, but it also gives it a radiant glow. Ideal for scalp exfoliation, this product is responsibly packaged with 100% recycled materials.
Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt
An oldie but a goodie, this is one of the OG scalp scrubs. The best-selling and award-winning Christophe Robin scrub features a hybrid formula to soothe even the most sensitive scalps.
It uses sea salt to cleanse, purify and restore balance to the scalp and is a particularly good one if you suffer from greasy locks.
Shop Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt at Lookfantastic, £42
Coco & Eve Deep Clean Scalp Scrub
Crafted by the duo known for the beloved Super Nourishing Coconut & Fig Hair Masque, Coco & Eve introduces their latest innovation: the Like A Virgin Deep Clean Scalp Scrub.
Infused with cooling peppermint, Balinese volcanic ash, coconut shell and a combination of AHAs and BHAs, this seriously jam-packed formula sloughs away excess product and flakes – leaving hair silky, smooth and light.
Drunk Elephant T.L.C Happi Scalp Scrub
Designed to be massaged into the scalp and left for five to 10 minutes before washing off, this scalp treatment uses biodegradable cellulose beads to help exfoliate and detoxify the scalp. It’s a great option if you’re after fuller-looking hair from the first use.
Shop Drunk Elephant T.L.C Happi Scalp Scrub at Space NK, £35
Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo Scrub
Infused with cleansing charcoal, this scalp scrub is cooling and balancing, helping the skin stay unclogged and healthy.
Ideal for those with dry, irritated and flaky scalps, this blend of spearmint, peppermint and tea tree oils help to reduce irritation and calm any inflammation, too.
Frank Body Caffeinated Scalp Scrub
Everyone’s favourite coffee scrub, now for your hair. Made with natural ingredients like coffee, peppermint and rosemary, this vegan exfoliating scalp scrub removes product build-up and helps to detoxify your scalp. It also smells seriously refreshing.
Grow Gorgeous Scalp Care Scalp Detox Scrub
Perfect for anyone living in polluted cities, this detoxifying scalp scrub helps to clean away stagnant pollution from your hair and scalp. It’s also gluten-free, vegan, SLS, alcohol and sulphate free.
Ouai Scalp & Body Scrub
Don’t want to add yet another product into your bathroom cabinet? Double up with Ouai’s scalp and body scrub.
Designed to be used all over, this deeply cleansing and gently exfoliating sugar-based formula is the perfect weekly treatment for your scalp, hair and body.
Sunday Riley Clean Rinse Clarifying Scalp Serum
With its expert nozzle, this makes scalp exfoliating easy. Simply section your hair and apply the glycolic and salicylic acid-packed formula directly onto your scalp. Massage well before rinsing off in the shower. Rose clay, witch hazel, jasmine essential oil and vitamins F and B also work to keep your scalp in harmony.
This serum can be used on wet or dry scalp, and is safe for color treated hair. It’s packed with the good stuff and is sulfate-free, paraben-free, gluten-free, soy-free, phthalate-free, fragrance-free, vegan.
Shop Sunday Riley Clean Rinse Clarifying Scalp Serum at Space NK, £42
Sachajuan Scalp Scrub
More gentle than other scalp scrubs, Sachajuan’s sugar-based formula unclogs hair follicles and buffs away dead skin, it’s ideal for anyone up against product build-up, dandruff, excess oil or itchy, irritated scalps.
Use it weekly to get on top of these scalp issues and discover how Sachajuan’s natural emollients help to rehydrate and balance moisture levels, too.
The Body Shop Tea Tree Purifying & Balancing Hair & Scalp Scrub
Perfect for anyone prone to oily hair and scalp, this Body Shop scrub will instantly refresh your scalp and zap away excess oils.
Certified by The Vegan Society and made with 90% ingredients of natural origin, it harnesses Community Fair Trade tea tree oil from Kenya and exfoliating salt crystals to slough away impurities like dust, smoke, sweat and styling residue - leaving your hair soft, shiny and super clean.
Shop The Body Shop Tea Tree Purifying & Balancing Hair & Scalp Scrub, £18
Umberto Giannini Grow Scrub Scalp Scrub
Perfect for those wanting to grow their hair, this caffeine-rich formula helps to unblock hair follicles, remove product build-up and accelerate hair growth. Your scalp is left fresh and clean, while your hair is nourished, soft and ready to grow.
Shop Umberto Giannini Grow Scrub Scalp Scrub at Boots, £9.95
Main image: Stylist
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