Table Of Content
An exfoliant is generally a good idea for all hair types, according to the experts we spoke with, but the one that suits your needs best depends on your hair density and scalp’s oil production. Consider adding a scalp exfoliant to your hair care routine, especially if you’ve got product buildup, sweat a lot, or your scalp feels a little itchy. Below, hair care experts explain all the nitty-gritty (pun intended) details about scalp exfoliation, and share the best products to make your shower feel more luxurious.
Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Scalp Scrub Shampoo
Charcoal is used to draw out impurities such as dirt and pollution, which can linger in the hair. While some of the scrubs on this list need to be used in conjunction with a shampoo, Bouclème's version combines both – woohoo. This is possibly the most gentle 'scrub' on the list, thanks to hydrogenated castor beads which are less abrasive than, say, sea salt. If you struggle with scalp conditions, this could be one for you – the formula is specifically designed to reduce the bacteria on your scalp and in your hair.
ColorProof Evolved Color Care Scalp Cleansing Brush
Most of the formulas on our list favor natural ingredients, but the folks at L’Oréal are not afraid of synthetics. We don’t mind this at all since, as a rule, we don’t think natural ingredients are necessarily better. This ultra-luxurious scrub from Oribe is also our top choice for sensitive scalps. It’s designed specifically with dandruff in mind as part of a full anti-dandruff collection. The packaging is especially stunning with a convenient applicator, which we appreciate considering the cost. Scalp scrubs tend to be on the more expensive side, but this formula by Yes To is, thankfully, affordable.
Kerastase Fusio Purifying Scalp Scrub
When it comes to achieving your best hair yet, don’t sleep on the best scalp scrubs. “Scalp scrubs are part of a complete hair care routine that is required to attain one’s healthiest and strongest locks,” notes trichologist Shab Caspara. “They allow for a deeper clean and removal of buildup that can block and hinder healthy hair growth. He adds that by cleansing pores, they can also help boost the effectiveness of other topical treatments—such as your favorite hydrating masks and frizz-fighting serums. “Choosing the right exfoliants also will make a difference,” says Korab. Caspara adds that options featuring chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid and glycolic acid are great for gently exfoliating, removing buildup, and balancing out excess sebum.
For color treated hair
Whether you’re dealing with greasy hair or a dry, flaky scalp (or just about any hair-related woe), a scalp scrub can be the key to a total hair and scalp reset. After all, a dollop of shampoo every few days isn’t enough to cut through the layers of product buildup, oil, sweat, and dead skin cells that pile up on the scalp's surface. As an exfoliant, it's designed to break down buildup prior to washing and cleansing the hair with shampoo. Pretty much everything you could want for an effective at-home scalp exfoliant can easily be found in your pantry or at your local grocery store. A good scrub calls for physical grains—typically sugar and salt—that work to buff away dead skin cells, flakes, and product buildup. Plus some kitchen ingredients, such as yogurt and aloe vera, double as chemical exfoliants, too.
Sephora Collection Cleansing Scalp Scrub Cleanse + Purify
Exfoliating scalp scrubs are another option for ridding your hair of debris and excess oils. They can be massaged into the scalp once a week or every other week. In addition to considering the condition of your scalp, you should also take note of how each scrub will work with dyed hair. Salt-based scrubs, in particular, are important to avoid if your hair is color-treated, especially if they’re not advertised as color-safe. Instead, look for conditioning formulas with sugar or other exfoliants that will help keep your hair color intact. Those with sensitive scalps also need to be a little careful with scrubs, although scalp exfoliation can actually be quite helpful.
Head & Shoulders Supreme Exfoliating Scalp Scrub
This is especially useful if you have curly hair since you won’t have to worry about the salt drying out your curls. It’s also a nice choice for dry or sensitive skin since it’s fragrance-free and quite moisturizing! Those gritty bits are embedded in a clarifying formula that cleanses the scalp and hair thoroughly. It removes oils as well as product build-up quite easily, although, for those with dry scalps, it might be a little stripping, despite the inclusion of almond oil. If you haven't introduced a scalp scrub to your haircare routine yet, you don't know what you're missing out on.
Beyoncé Cécred Hair-Line Products Review - The Cut
Beyoncé Cécred Hair-Line Products Review.
Posted: Mon, 22 Apr 2024 21:50:46 GMT [source]
Unless you have very dry skin, you’ll probably have to follow it up with shampoo. Exfoliation helps to remove flakes and dead skin on your face, but what about your scalp and hair? The best scalp scrubs for dandruff are specifically designed for scalp exfoliation and removes product build-up, boosts moisture, and reduces flakes.
Virtue Labs Exfoliating Scalp Treatment
This includes products that contain mainly natural ingredients like aloe vera, tea tree oil, rosemary oil, and bentonite clay. Almost any scalp scrub will work, but we especially recommend salt-based formulas that’ll help remove excess oil and then dissolve easily. Charcoal, like in the Briogeo scrub, will also work, especially as an alternative if you find salt irritating. The rice powder is a very mild physical scrub that works with the chemical exfoliants to lightly remove dead skin. This means that it can be used on a regular basis, although for some, it might not offer dramatic enough results.
Oily hair should opt for a clarifying shampoo twice per month, whereas dry/textured hair should opt for once per month. It’s no secret that scalp treatments have been around for a while—especially as an add-on service at the salon. But recently, brands have done a great job of making and selling scrubs to already loyal consumers, and they're also relatively easy to make on your own (more on that below). She writes and edits for various lifestyle and beauty publications, with bylines at Refinery29, Byrdie, MyDomaine, and bareMinerals. When not typing away, you can find Jen practicing yoga, diffusing essential oils, watching Food Network, or guzzling a cup of coffee.
Trust us when we say that if you rely on dry shampoo, it's definitely worth investing in a scalp scrub to deep clean those clogged follicles. Scrubs, both physical and chemical, slough off the product buildup, excess oil, and dead skin cells that shampoo isn’t able to. “For example, those with curly or thick hair will also benefit from a scrub with moisturizing ingredients,” advises Korab. Another two-in-one—consider swapping out your standard sudser for this formula if our other suggestion isn't the best fit. The salt-based shampoo not only deeply cleanses and purifies your hair but also has the added benefit of thoroughly removing residue and dead skin. It’s a great choice for those with fine hair, as it adds a beautiful texture and volume in the process, too.
The only issue with sugar is that it can feed the yeast that’s the cause of dandruff for some people. If you have issues with fungal infections, you may want to avoid sugar altogether or be careful to rinse-off sugar-based scalp scrubs soon after using them. Frank Body is a brand that knows body scrubs, so it’s no surprise that they expanded their range to include scalp exfoliation. The formula isn’t too different from their body scrubs, with walnut shell as the main exfoliating ingredient, along with various emollients and oils that nourish the scalp.
When mixed with water, it transforms into a foamy texture that helps remove product buildup and leaves hair feeling refreshed. Plus, it smells like a summery sea breeze, which makes using this a delightful sensorial experience. No matter your scalp concern — be it dryness and flakes or excessive oil production — the scrub addresses both, and it’s safe to use on color-treated hair. The unique texture takes a few tries to get used to, especially since the formula needs to be fully emulsified to rinse away. But, the learning curve aside, this scrub is a panacea for a clean, rejuvenated scalp.
Instead of salt, it’s a sugar-based formula, which makes it more moisturizing than many of the other options on our list. There are no other exfoliants – just sugar, which melts in water and rinses away very easily! However, unlike other scrubs, it’s not particularly cleansing, so you will need to follow it up with shampoo. The exfoliating ingredient is sugar, which also has some humectant properties to load the skin up with water. Other moisturizing ingredients include glycerin, almond oil, and coconut oil. It’s sulfate-free but still contains some cleansing agents that foam up to clear both scalp and body from product residue and oils.
