Top 15 Best Scalp Scrubs of 2024 for Healthy and Clean Hair
Easily achieve healthy and clean hair with the 15 best scalp scrubs of 2024, designed to combat dandruff, product buildup, and various hair types.
If you want to achieve healthy and clean hair, you need to start with a healthy and clean scalp. Our Team compiled the 15 best scalp scrubs of 2024, based on customer reviews, ratings, features, and price.
Is scalp scrubbing a fad or a real need? Let's delve into the detail.
What is the Purpose of Scalp Exfoliation or Clarifying Scalp
Your scalp is the foundation of your hair, and it needs regular exfoliation to remove dead skin cells, oil, dirt, and product buildup that can clog your pores and hinder your hair growth.
Scalp cleansing scrubs are the perfect products to do this, as they gently massage and cleanse your scalp, while stimulating blood circulation and nourishing your hair follicles.
"They can also help treat various scalp conditions, such as dandruff, itchiness, dryness, and inflammation, and improve the overall health and appearance of your hair." - Jenny, Hair Salon Owner
But with so many scalp cleaning scrubs on the market, how do you choose the best one for your hair type and needs?
Product Review
We shopped the Best Scalp cleaning scrubs for You!
1. Best Overall: Briogeo Scalp Revival Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo
The Briogeo Scalp Revival Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo is our top pick for the best overall scalp cleansing scrub, as it combines a shampoo and a scrub in one, saving you time and hassle.
It features ultra-fine exfoliating crystals that gently remove impurities and buildup from your scalp, while binchotan charcoal draws out toxins and excess oil. It also contains peppermint, spearmint, and tea tree oils that soothe and refresh your scalp, as well as coconut oil and panthenol that hydrate and condition your hair.
The Briogeo Scalp Revival Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo is vegan, cruelty-free, and free of sulfates, parabens, silicones, and artificial fragrances. It is suitable for all hair types and textures, and it has a pleasant minty scent that invigorates your senses.
2. Best Budget: L’Oreal Paris Scalp Care + Detox Shampoo
The L’Oreal Paris Scalp Care + Detox Shampoo is our top pick for the best budget scalp exfoliating scrub, as it offers a high-quality formula at an affordable price.
It has a creamy texture that lathers well and rinses easily, leaving your scalp and hair clean and refreshed. Micro-exfoliating particles gently scrub away dirt and oil from your scalp and kaolin clay absorbs impurities and balances your scalp.
This formula also contains menthol that cools and calms your scalp, while salicylic acid helps prevent flaking and itching. This is ideal for you if you are plagued by dandruff scalp! The L’Oreal Paris Scalp Care + Detox Shampoo is free of sulfates, parabens, and dyes, and it has a fresh and minty fragrance that energizes your mood.
3. Best for Fine Hair: The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Scrub
The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Scrub is our top pick for the best scalp cleansing scrub for people with fine hair, as it gently exfoliates and volumizes your hair without weighing it down.
With a gel-like texture that spreads easily and dissolves quickly without leaving residue or grit behind. It contains glycolic acid that chemically exfoliates your scalp and removes dead skin cells, oil, and product buildup, as well as pumice that physically exfoliates your scalp and stimulates blood flow.
It also contains castor oil that moisturizes and strengthens your hair, as well as biotin that promotes hair growth and thickness. The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating formula is vegan, cruelty-free, and free of sulfates, parabens, and silicones. It is suitable for all hair types, but especially for fine hair that needs a boost of volume and shine.
4. Best for Oily Hair: Christophe Robin Purifying Scalp Scrub
The Christophe Robin Purifying Scalp Scrub is our top pick for cleansing oily scalp, as it deeply cleanses and purifies your scalp and hair without stripping them of their natural oils.
This scrub has a thick and grainy texture that creates a rich foam and rinses easily, leaving your scalp and hair fresh and light.
It contains sea salt that exfoliates and detoxifies your scalp, and sweet almond oil that nourishes and softens your hair. The plant-derived cleansing agent in the formula removes excess oil and impurities, as well as a natural fragrance that adds a subtle scent to your hair.
The Christophe Robin Purifying Scalp Scrub is vegan, cruelty-free, and free of sulfates, parabens, and silicones. It is suitable for all hair types, but especially for oily hair that needs a deep cleanse and a rebalance.
5. Best for Sensitive Scalps: Kerastase Scrub Apaisant Soothing Scalp Scrub
The Kerastase Scrub Apaisant Soothing Scalp Scrub is our top pick for people with sensitive scalps, as it gently exfoliates and soothes your scalp without irritating it.
A soothing scalp scrub for normal to dry hair that is formulated to exfoliate even the most sensitive scalp and provide healthy-looking hair—leaving the scalp feeling soothed.
The active ingredient is salicylic acid. It also contains jojoba beads that gently scrub away impurities and flakes from your scalp, as well as sweet orange peel that refreshes and invigorates your scalp.
It is perfect calming, gel-based scrub that deeply cleanses for healthy hair. Dandruff-itchy scalps and flakiness will be instantly soothed with this scrub. The Kerastase Scrub Apaisant Soothing Scrub for scalps is free of sulfates, parabens, and silicones, and it has a delicate and floral fragrance that relaxes your senses.
6. Best Multitasker: Ouai Scalp and Body Scrub
The Ouai Scalp and Body Scrub is our top pick for the best multitasker scrub, as it can be used on both your scalp and your body, saving you space and money.
It has a sugary and oily texture that exfoliates and moisturizes your skin, leaving it smooth and soft.
OUAI contains sugar crystals that buff away dead skin cells and impurities from your scalp and body, as well as coconut oil that nourishes and hydrates your skin. The formulation also contains probiotics that balance and protect your skin, as well as a signature fragrance that blends rose, bergamot, lychee, cedarwood, and white musk.
The Ouai Scalp and Body Scrub is vegan, cruelty-free, and free of sulfates, parabens, and silicones. It is suitable for all hair and skin types, and it can be used as a pre-shampoo treatment or a body scrub.
7. Best for Curly Hair: Ouidad Heavy Lifting Bubbling Scalp Mask
The Ouidad Heavy Lifting Bubbling Scalp Mask is our top pick for curly hair scalp cleansing, as it gently exfoliates and clarifies your scalp without disrupting your curl pattern.
Ouidad's detoxifying treatment is designed to not only provide a visible difference but also leave you with a rejuvenated scalp. By working harmoniously with your scalp's natural PH balance, this unique formula effortlessly transforms from a gel into a lightweight, foamy texture. This bubbling scalp mask is packed with essential nutrients and antioxidants, improves circulation and further promotes the growth of luscious locks.
The formulation features the powerful combination of Pineapple Juice Extract and Vitamin C, which naturally exfoliate the surface of your scalp, breaking down any lingering dirt and debris. Also, a gentle yet effective White Charcoal draws out dirt, oil, and impurities, unclogging hair follicles without stripping away essential moisture. To rejuvenate your scalp, Ouidad infused their formula with Hyaluronic Acid, known for detoxifying properties that provide hydration and strengthen weak strands.
Ouidad's Linseed Extract ingredient is rich in nourishing fatty acids, pairs with vitamin E to soothe irritation and encourages healthy hair growth. The Skullcap and Red Clover Extract plays a vital role in fortifying your hair at the root, safeguarding it against free radical damage and minimizing breakage and hair fall.
8. Best Sugar Scrub: French Girl Rose Sea Polish Sugar Scrub
French Girl Rose Sea Polish is our top pick for hydrating scrub that works to gently exfoliate, detoxify, and moisturize the skin.
French Girl's exfoliating scalp salt scrub contains Atlantic sea salt and organic sugar that work together to draw out impurities and provide gentle exfoliation. All this cleansing, without the need for plastic microbeads or harsher alternatives. This formula is enriched with nourishing butters and fruit oils to lock in moisture.
Experience the clean fragrance of the rose essential oil blend, entirely free of synthetic fragrances. With scent notes featuring the captivating rose flower, invigorating citrus, and relaxing ylang-ylang, this scrub soothes and energizes your senses.
9. Best for Color-Treated Hair: R+Co Crown Scalp Scrub
The R+Co Crown Scalp Scrub is our top pick if you have color-treated hair, as it gently exfoliates and clarifies your scalp without fading or altering your hair color.
It has a creamy and foamy texture that cleanses and conditions your scalp and hair, leaving them soft and shiny.
R+Co Crown's formula contains salicylic acid that chemically exfoliates your scalp and removes dead skin cells, oil, and product buildup, as well as kaolin clay that absorbs impurities and balances your scalp. Sunflower seed extract protects your hair color from fading, as well as a signature fragrance that blends orange, cardamom, fig, guava, and amber.
This formula is vegan, cruelty-free, and free of sulfates, parabens, and silicones. It is suitable for all hair types, but especially for color-treated hair that needs a gentle and color-safe scalp detox.
10. Best for Oily Hair: goop Beauty Scalp Scrub Shampoo
This detox shampoo made of exfoliating mineral-rich Himalayan pink salt, is our top pick for nourishing cold-pressed moringa oil, and pure unfiltered rosehip oil purifies and detoxifies all at once.
goop's G.Tox scrub has been specially designed to purify your hair and scalp by eliminating product buildup, dirt, and excess oil. Its unique whipped formulation sets it apart from the rest, providing you with an incomparable experience.
As you cleanse your hair, bask in the subtle and delightful aroma of rosemary, geranium, orange, and peppermint, leaving your locks smelling absolutely amazing.
A natural shampoo, goop is meticulously crafted without the inclusion of parabens, petroleum, phthalates, SLS, SLES, PEGs, TEA, DEA, silicones, artificial dyes, or fragrances.
11. Best for Thick Hair: Amika Reset Pink Charcoal Scalp Cleansing Oil
The Amika Reset Pink Charcoal Scalp Cleansing Oil is our top pick for thick hair scalp cleansing, as it effectively dissolves and removes dirt and oil from your scalp without stripping or drying it.
It has an oil-based texture that transforms into a milky foam that cleanses and conditions your scalp and hair, leaving them smooth and hydrated.
Amika's formula contains pink clay and charcoal that exfoliate and detoxify your scalp, as well as sea buckthorn oil that nourishes and strengthens your hair. The signature fragrance blends warm vanilla, fresh citrus, and spicy clove.
The Amika Reset Pink Charcoal Scalp Cleansing Oil is vegan, cruelty-free, and free of sulfates, parabens, and silicones. It is suitable for all hair types, but especially for thick hair that needs a thorough and moisturizing scalp cleanse.
12. Best Clarifying Biotin Scrub: Viviscal Exfoliating Clarifying Scrub
The Viviscal Exfoliating Scalp Scrub, is our top pick for a revitalizing solution enriched with nourishing Biotin and Keratin. Experience the remarkable benefits of this clarifying scrub as it nurtures your scalp, promoting a healthy scalp environment.
Viviscal Clarifying Scrub is a remarkable blend of scientifically proven ingredients sourced from nature. This incredible formula comprises biotin, keratin, and seaweed extract, all meticulously tested to ensure optimal results for your hair.
You will notice an invigorating essence of their floral fresh signature fragrance. Immerse yourself in the enticing aromas of lush greens, dewy florals, and a gentle ocean breeze. This enchanting scent will leave your hair beautifully infused with a refreshing fragrance that lingers throughout the day.
As a special characteristic of Viviscal's scrub, you may notice some uneven coloration. Rest assured, this is completely normal. To ensure the best consistency, simply give the scrub a gentle stir and continue using it as directed.
13. Best Tea Tree Scalp Cleansing Oil: OGX Extra Strength Refreshing + Invigorating Teatree Mint Dry Scalp Treatment
This treatment from OGX is our top pick for a scalp cleanser with tea tree oil to help remove buildup with a burst of freshness of the tea tree combined with mint dry scalp treatment.
The scalp cleansing treatment is specially formulated with a refreshing blend of peppermint, tea tree oil, and witch hazel to provide a rejuvenating experience while effectively eliminating residue.
This powerful dry scalp treatment is designed to remove buildup without causing any damage to your precious strands or braids. Suitable for all hair types and moisture levels, this nourishing treatment consists of a lightweight formula that not only gets rid of product buildup but also restores balance and health to your scalp, leaving your hair shiny and well-hydrated.
With the infusion of tea tree oil to invigorate your scalp, peppermint extract to awaken your senses, and the natural astringent properties of witch hazel to assist in removing buildup, OGX's non-medicated scalp oil solution offers a unique and effective approach to scalp care.
14. Best for Straight Hair: Aveda Pramasana Purifying Scalp Cleanser
The Aveda Pramasana Purifying Scalp Cleanser is our top pick for the best scalp scrub for straight hair, as it deeply cleanses and balances your scalp without weighing down your hair.
It has a liquid and bubbly texture that penetrates and rinses easily, leaving your scalp and hair fresh and light.
AVEDA's scrub contains seaweed extract that exfoliates and purifies your scalp, as well as lactobacillus that balances and protects your scalp’s microbiome. It also contains tamanu oil that nourishes and soothes your scalp, and has a natural aroma that blends grapefruit, neroli, and cypress.
The Aveda Pramasana Purifying Scalp Cleanser is vegan, cruelty-free, and free of sulfates, parabens, and silicones. It is suitable for all hair types, but especially for straight hair that needs a deep cleanse and a balance. Leaves your scalp feeling fresh and alive!
15. Best Organic Scrub: Innersense Organic Beauty
A natural scalp exfoliation treatment to gently remove impurities, Innersense is our top pick for organic formulated scalp detoxing.
The Innersense scrub is a pre-cleanse exfoliation treatment that is formulated with Hawaiian Red salt, which is rich in volcanic clay and minerals. Crafted to gently remove impurities, apple fruit restores hydration to the scalp while celery seed extract and peppermint oil stimulates blood flow. Tea tree oil extracts help to soothe inflammation and irritation.
The natural properties of provide relief and soothes inflammation and irritation. This product is Grown Organically and Sustainably Without Chemicals. What's not to love!
Why You Should Try a Scalp Cleaning Salon in Japan at Least Once
Japan scalp cleaning salons are an interesting and unique concept that has gained popularity in recent years. These specialized salons offer a variety of scalp treatments, including exfoliating and clarifying scrubs.
- The exfoliating scrub helps to remove dead skin cells and buildup from the scalp, promoting a healthier scalp and hair.
- On the other hand, the clarifying scrub works to deeply cleanse the scalp, getting rid of any excess oils and impurities that may be weighing the hair down.
These different treatments cater to the specific needs of the scalp and hair, providing a customized solution for each client. The scalp is often overlooked in traditional hair care routines, but these scalp cleaning salons emphasize the importance of scalp exfoliation and treatment for overall hair health.
Scalp treatments from Japan that help keep your scalp healthy and prevent problems like dandruff, hair loss and emergence of grays are now making their way into the U.S. stores and salons and the world is waking up to the benefits of scalp health for beautiful, healthy hair. Emi Kamiya, Blog Author
Japanese scalp cleaning salons are not only a place for relaxation and pampering, but also a resource for achieving healthier and more vibrant hair. The trend of scalp care is gaining traction in the beauty industry, and Japan is leading the way with its innovative approach to scalp treatments.
Tips for Scalp Cleaning at Home
If you can’t visit a scalp cleaning salon abroad (or in your city), don’t worry. You can still achieve a healthy and clean scalp at home by following these tips:
Hair type and needs
- Shop for a scalp cleanser scrub that suits your own needs.
- Look for natural ingredients, such as sea salt, sugar, charcoal, clay, or fruit enzymes, that can exfoliate and detoxify your scalp without harsh chemicals.
- Avoid scalp products that contain sulfates, parabens, silicones, or artificial fragrances, as they can irritate and dry out your scalp.
Home remedies
- You can also make your own scalp cleansing scrub at home by mixing some baking soda, apple cider vinegar, and essential oils.
Regular exfoliation
- Use a scalp scrub weekly to remove buildup and impurities from your scalp.
- Your scalp is just like the skin on your face, and it needs regular exfoliation to stay healthy and clean.
- Using a scrub weekly can help remove dead skin cells, oil, dirt, and product residue from your scalp, as well as unclog your pores and stimulate blood circulation.
- This can improve the health and appearance of your scalp and hair, as well as prevent or treat various scalp conditions, such as dandruff, itchiness, dryness, and inflammation.
- Incorporate a scrub into your routine at least once a week, or as needed to remove residue from the scalp. Depending on your hair type and needs, you may need to use a scrub more or less frequently.
Massage gently
- Apply the scalp scrub directly to the scalp and massage it gently. You need to apply the scrub directly to the scalp, not to the hair.
- Wet your hair and scalp, and then scoop out a small amount of the product.
- Apply it to your scalp, section by section, and massage it gently with your fingertips.
- Avoid using your nails or rubbing too hard, as this can damage your scalp and hair.
- You can also use a scalp massager brush to help distribute throughout your head and enhance the massage effect to ensure your scalp is clean.
- Rinse off the residue thoroughly with warm water, and follow with your regular shampoo and conditioner.
Buy a good product
- Generally, it is recommended to buy a good product to massage into the scalp at least once a week, or every other week, to maintain a healthy and clean scalp.
- If you have oily, fine, or product-heavy hair, you may need to use a scrub more often, such as twice a week, to keep your scalp fresh and light.
- If you have dry, coarser, or color-treated hair, you may need to use it less often, such as once a month, to avoid over-drying or fading your hair.
- You can also adjust the frequency of using a scalp cleansing scrub according to the seasons, the weather, and your lifestyle.
Benefits of using a scalp exfoliator
- Enjoy the benefits of using a scalp exfoliator for your hair and scalp. Exfoliate the scalp regularly and bring many benefits for your healthy hair, such as:
- Soothe scalp irritation and inflammation, and reduce itchiness and flaking.
- Detoxify the scalp and remove impurities and toxins that can hinder hair growth and health.
- Balance the scalp and ensure is oil production and pH level to prevent excess oiliness or dryness.
- Scrubbing your scalp can help to hydrate and nourish the scalp and hair, and improve their texture and shine.
- Enhance the effectiveness of other hair products, such as shampoo, conditioner, and styling products, by allowing them to penetrate better into the scalp and hair.
- Boost your mood and well-being, by providing a relaxing and refreshing scalp massage.
By following these tips, you can achieve a healthy and clean scalp at home, and enjoy the benefits of using a scrub for your scalp and hair.
A great exfoliating scrub is a great addition to your hair care routine, and it can make a big difference in how your scalp and hair look and feel. Try it out and see for yourself!
Scalp Cleaning Can Improve Your Hair Health and Happiness
Taking care of your scalp is essential for maintaining healthy and gorgeous hair. The thickness of your scalp makes it susceptible to clogging and the accumulation of sebum, leading to potential issues.
Improper use of chemical-based styling products or neglecting the right hair care products can cause dryness and itchiness. To ensure a well-balanced scalp, it is crucial to keep it clean. A clean scalp not only promotes overall hair health but also enhances its shine and luster.
Neglecting proper scalp care, on the other hand, can result in hair loss and breakage, which none of us want. Furthermore, maintaining a healthy pH level in your scalp is vital to prevent conditions like dandruff and itchiness.
If you have sensitive skin, using natural ingredients can steer you clear of harmful chemicals that could potentially damage your precious hair and scalp, ensuring their well-being.
Remember, a healthy scalp is the foundation for strong and beautiful hair. So, why don't you also prioritize scalp care in your beauty regimen and embrace natural products that will nourish and protect our hair from root to tip.
Takeaway
Scalp scrubs are a great way to improve the health and appearance of your hair, as they exfoliate and cleanse your scalp, while stimulating blood circulation and nourishing your hair follicles.
These cleansers can also help treat various scalp conditions, such as dandruff, itchiness, dryness, and inflammation, and improve the overall health and appearance of your hair.
We hope you have found this blog post helpful and informative, and that you have learned something new about scalp scrubs and how they can benefit your hair. If you have any questions, feedback, or suggestions, please feel free to leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you.
Thank you for reading and happy scrubbing!😊
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FAQs
We answer all your questions
1. What is a Scalp Scrub and How Does It Work?
A scalp scrub is a specialized treatment designed to exfoliate the scalp. It usually contains ingredients like sea salt, apple cider vinegar, or charcoal to help remove product buildup and dead skin cells from the scalp. By massaging it into the scalp and hair and then rinsing it out, the scrub helps cleanse and purify the scalp while soothing and balancing the scalp.
2. Who Can Benefit from Using a Scalp Scrub?
Individuals with oily scalp, product buildup, itchy scalp, sensitive scalp, or flaky scalp can benefit from using a scalp scrub. Additionally, if you want to promote hair growth and maintain a healthy scalp you may find that a scalp exfoliation or clarifying scrub helps improve the condition of their scalp and hair.
3. Does Using a Scalp Scrub Help with Hair and Scalp Issues?
Yes, using a scalp scrub can help exfoliate the scalp, removing product buildup and dead skin cells that can contribute to dandruff and irritation. This can also help balance the scalp and soothe various scalp issues such as itchiness and flakiness.
