Scalp exfoliation scrubs, as the name says, are the scrubs for your scalp. It makes most of you wondrous to hear and rethink if we need scrubs even for a scalp. Yes, we do! In addition to picking the best shampoos and conditioners for lustrous and healthy hair, you also need these scrubs for removal of scalp build-up including dirt, excess oil, and hair care product sediments.
Through intense research and after gleaning many reviews, we gathered the best scalp exfoliation scrubs that can break your doubtful thoughts. But, if you wish to purchase one, keep in mind these important things.
Scalp and hair type: Your scalp and hair type may be dry, oily, sensitive, or normal. And its characteristics, requirements, care, and maintenance often differ. So, consider your hair and scalp time and then choose the right scalp exfoliation scrub that’s suitable and effective as well.
Key ingredients: Like you check the composition of your shampoo and conditioners, it’s mandatory to consider the key ingredients of the scalp exfoliation scrubs. Clay, charcoal, nuts, salt, and plant extracts are some of the common integrants of these scrubs.
Apart from these, there are even other crucial aspects which are given under the ‘Buying Guide’ below the product reviews.
Best Scalp Exfoliation Scrub 2023
| Scalp Exfoliation Scrub | Weight | Suitable for | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| L'Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Detox Scrub | 8 oz | All types of scalp | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| M3 Naturals Himalayan Salt Body Scrub | 12 oz | Oily, Normal scalp | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal Scalp Scrub | 8 oz | All types of scalp | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Head and Shoulders Supreme, Exfoliating Scalp | 3.3 oz | Dry scalp | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| NatureLab Perfect Shine Scalp Scrub | 8.1 oz | Dry scalp | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Scalp Scrub | 9 oz | Dry scalp | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| OUAI Scalp & Body Scrub. Deep-Cleansing Scrub | 8.8 oz | Dry scalp | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Kopari Coconut Crush Scrub | 10 oz | Dry scalp | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| R+Co Crown Scalp Scrub, Rebalancing Scalp | 5.5 oz | All kinds of scalp | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Oribe Serene Scalp Exfoliating Scrub | 130 g | All kinds of scalp | CHECK ON AMAZON |
Best Scalp Exfoliation Scrub Reviews
1. L’Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Detox Scrub
This is an exfoliating scrub by L’Oréal which is sulfate-free. It uses apricot seeds to gently exfoliate the scalp and is affordable too.
This exfoliating scrub uses tiny apricot seeds to exfoliate the scalp. Also, the seeds are so tiny that it does not get caught up in your hair. The particles are non-abrasive and it is also suitable for all scalp types.
It removes the dirt, impurities, and excess oil from the scalp. This prevents you from weighing down your hair and adds volume to your hair. This product fits your budget and targets the specific needs for your hair.
It controls the oil secretion on your scalp and it’s best for flaky oily scalp. It can prevent flakes for up to three days and enables your hair to feel fresh and clean.
This scrub comes in a twist cap pack. It is free of sulfates but helps to break down oil, dirt, and build-up. Please remember, this is not the replacement for shampoo and conditioner and can be used once or twice a week.
Product Details:
Weight: 8 oz
Suitable for: All scalp types
Brand: Loreal
Pros:
- Good quantity.
- Soothes the dry scalp.
- Hydrates the scalp.
- Softens your hair.
- Non-abrasive ingredients.
Cons:
- Not a replacement for shampoo or conditioner.
2. M3 Naturals Himalayan Salt Body Scrub
M3 Naturals is a well-noted brand for high-quality men’s and women’s beauty products in the USA. Its Himalayan Salt Body Scrub can be your ideal and affordable choice for healthy skin and scalp. It acts well on the body, scalp, body, face, and foot, and so, you need not separately purchase a scrub especially for your scalp.
With the most efficient ingredient, Himalayan Salt, it exfoliates the scalp build-up without any abrasive irritation. Also, it is rich in moisturizing agents and antioxidants. So, it scrubs away the unwanted toxins and dead skin cells from the scalp and restores the natural skin. Besides, its collagen and fruit stem cell infusions enhance natural collagen production and skin cell longevity.
Moreover, its awesome ingredients like sweet almond oil, grape seed oil, grapefruit peel oil, Himalayan salt, jojoba seed oil, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, sunflower seed oil, and others relieve you from acne, scars, cellulite, and other issues.
Overall, it is an excellent solution for hydration, rejuvenation, and exfoliation of your skin.
Coming to its use, it is easy to apply though it seems to be oily. You can just wet your hands with the scrub and apply it over a little damp scalp for better results. And remember, as it is free of harsh chemicals, you can use it twice a week. Besides, it has a grapefruit scent and so it is comfortable to apply and you also feel refreshed.
Product Details:
- Weight: 12 ounces
- Suitable for: All scalp types
- Brand: M3 Naturals
Pros:
- Cleans off the dead skins easily
- Non-abrasive scrub
- It makes your skin soft and smooth.
- Immediate results in the first use
- Ideal even for sensitive skin
- Ease to spread c
- Superb scent
Cons:
- It seems a bit oily initially.
- Expensive
3. Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal Scalp Scrub
If you are facing troubles with your dry and itchy scalp, this micro-exfoliating shampoo or scalp scrub treatment is your solution. This shampoo come scalp exfoliator has a creamy texture that removes the impurities and dead skin from the scalp.
The scrub shampoo gently removes the dirt, oil, dandruff, dead skin cells from your scalp. It restores the moisture and prevents irritation. Enhanced with natural ingredients like coconut oil, binchotan charcoal, tea tree oil, and peppermint oil hydrates while giving a gentle scrubbing to the scalp.
It has antimicrobial qualities which reduce flakiness and scalp infection and promotes healthy hair. The pH-balanced formula helps to maintain a healthy pH level of your scalp thus reducing excess oil production and scalp build-up.
It is suitable for all scalp types. It has a very mild and pleasant smell. It comes in a plastic pack with a twist cap. It is a little on the expensive side.
Product Details:
Weight: 8 oz
Suitable for: All scalp types
Brand: Briogeo
Pros:
- 98% natural ingredients.
- Does not have silicones or parabens.
- Make your hair fresh and clean.
- Ideal for
Cons:
- Expensive
4. Head and Shoulders Supreme, Exfoliating Scalp
If you don’t want to spend too much on a hair scrub, Head and Shoulder is the brand to go for. The Supreme Exfoliating scalp scrub by Head & Shoulders will do just fine at exfoliating the dead cells off the scalp and promoting a healthy scalp health.
Even though it’s low on budget, the scalp scrub is enhanced with Argan oil and Vitamin E. Argan oil is considered one of the most expensive hair oils. It nourishes and moisturizes the scalp while giving it a gentle exfoliation.
It detoxes the scalp by removing dead skin cells for promoting healthy hair. It acts as a scalp treatment and buildup remover all in one. It soothes the scalp and does not cause any irritation which is why it is best for dry and irritated scalp.
You need to use this product as a leave-on cream and follow it up with the regular shampoo and conditioner. It also helps to remove dandruff.
You should avoid direct contact with eyes, in case of contact rinse immediately. The product comes in a tube pack for convenient use.
Product Details:
Weight: 3.3 oz
Suitable for: Dry scalp
Brand: Head and Shoulders
Pros:
- Deeply exfoliates the scalp, promotes healthy hair.
- Soothes the scalp and does not irritate.
- Helps to remove dandruff.
- Smoothes the hair.
- Gentle on the scalp.
Cons:
- Small for the pack.
5. NatureLab Perfect Shine Scalp Scrub
This scalp scrub is a blend of traditional Japanese beauty rituals with cutting-edge Japanese technology. This is an invigorating and buildup eliminating exfoliant that provides a 3-in-1 treatment that gently clears the debris which leaves your scalp and hair feeling fresh.
It has phenomenal hair care properties which cherish the scalp and support healthy hair growth. This product is enhanced with nutrient-rich plant stem cells which promote follicular well-being and transform your hair with supercharged plant-derived nutrients that encourage and heal hair growth. The light-foam scrub boasts sugar crystals to exfoliate dead skins and clears the debris and enhances volume. The probiotic sake water maintains the balance and rejuvenates the hair.
It is suitable for treated hair like colored hair, bleached hair, or Permed hair. It is free of all kinds of sulfates and parabens. It protects the natural texture of the hair.
It has a pleasant fragrance enhanced with almond and violet. It comes in a plastic bottle with a twist cap.
Product Details:
Weight: 8.1 oz
Suitable for: Dry scalp
Brand: NatureLap
Pros:
- It exfoliates dead skin and clears skin.
- Encourages and heals hair growth.
- Suitable for treated hair.
- Promotes follicular well-being.
- Suitable for treated hair.
Cons:
- Irritates your eyes.
6. dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Scalp Scrub
dpHue has come up with an apple cider vinegar scrub. It is specially formulated with natural ingredients to remove dead skin cells. Additionally, it also prevents product build-up. This scalp scrub naturally exfoliates and cleanses the scalp.
The natural ingredients also unclog the pores and leave the scalp healthy and fresh. Natural components like the Himalayan pink salt, avocado oil, and aloe vera help to soothe the scalp and nourish and moisturize the hair. This scrub is organic and maintains the pH balance of the scalp. It improves the overall health of the scalp. It also prevents dandruff. The scrub also provides shine to the hair.
The scrub also has antimicrobial properties which lower the chances of it causing allergies or reactions. It also has color-locking technology which is suitable for colored or treated hair. It enables the color to stay intact for months.
The product comes in a plastic pack with a twist cap. The smell of the scrub is favourable. It is particularly suitable for dry scalp.
Product Details:
Weight: 9 oz
Suitable for: Dry scalp
Brand: dpHue
Pros:
- Suitable for colored hair.
- Provides shine to your locks.
- Clears dandruff.
- Prevents itchiness.
- Has antimicrobial properties.
Cons:
- Has large granules.
7. OUAI Scalp & Body Scrub. Deep-Cleansing Scrub
This is a gentle scalp and body scrub presented by Ouai. It can exfoliate in all parts of your body from head to toe. Therefore, the product saves shelf space and is highly effective for both the body and the scalp.
Both the scalp scrub and the body scrub are mostly similar. Therefore, Ouai has combined the features of both and come up with the amazing exfoliating scrubs which can be used at all parts of the body except the face. This sugar-based has a probiotic blend to protect the skin against natural aggressors like sunlight and heat. Besides, coconut oil hydrates and nourishes the scalp and the skin. The physical exfoliators are small in size and do not create any mess in the washroom.
The scrub promotes natural well-being of the scalp. It is especially recommended for dry scalp and for fine hair types. It can also be used for treating psoriasis. It is free of all kinds of harmful chemicals like parabens and sulfates.
The product comes in a cylindrical pack with a twist cap. It has a strong rose scent.
Product Details:
Weight: 8.8 oz
Suitable for: Dry scalp
Brand: Ouai
Pros:
- Small granules of exfoliators.
- Contains probiotics.
- Promotes natural well-being of the hair.
- Hydrates the scalp.
- Treats psoriasis.
Cons:
- Very strong scent.
8. Kopari Coconut Crush Scrub
If you are looking for a hydrating scrub, then this should be your pick. This scrub is enhanced with coconut crush which is amazing for sensitive skin. It can be used on both the scalp and the body.
It gently exfoliates the scalp to provide smooth and silky hair. It also repairs the damaged hair. The product contains small pieces of Tahitian coconut shell which help to scrub away the impurities and dirt from the scalp. It is made of 100% natural coconut oil and contains Coconut milk and Vitamin E which helps to moisturize the scalp. The scrub also contains restorative proteins and antioxidants which soothes the dry scalp.
The scalp and body scrub also softens the dry strands of the hair. It does not contain any harmful chemicals like sulfates and parabens. It is also silicone-free.
It has a pleasant fragrance. It comes in a very easy to grip pack with a twist cap.
Product Details:
Weight: 10 oz
Suitable for: Dry scalp
Brand: Kopari
Pros:
- Softens the dry hair.
- Repairs the damaged hair.
- Pleasant fragrance.
- Free of parabens and silicone.
- Non-GMO.
Cons:
- Can weigh your hair down.
9. R+Co Crown Scalp Scrub, Rebalancing Scalp
This is a purifying and soothing scrub from R+Co. It gently exfoliates and cleanses your scalp to leave your hair feeling refreshed and clean.
The product is powered with the blend of rare botanical extracts of aloe Vera, ginger root, passionflower, and mango. All these ingredients nourish and moisturize the scalp and the hair. It also adds strength to the hair and increases the lustre.
You will notice evident smoothing of the hair from the first use. The product is bettered with the use of vitamins and antioxidants as key ingredients. It promotes the natural glow and growth of the hair.
It does not contain harmful chemicals like parabens and silicones. It is required in small quantities and goes a long way. It comes in a tube pack with a normal cap for convenient use. It needs to be rinsed off thoroughly after use.
Product Details:
Weight: 5.5 oz
Suitable for: All kinds of scalp
Brand: R+Co
Pros:
- Helps hair to retain moisture.
- Softens your tresses.
- Promotes natural healthy hair.
- Required in small quantities.
Cons:
- Difficult to rinse off.
10. Oribe Serene Scalp Exfoliating Scrub
Oribe has come up with a Serene Scalp Exfoliator scrub which purifies and refreshes the scalp. It is enhanced with polymer beads and alpha hydroxy acids which enables it to remove the dirt, build-up, and oil gently. It is also infused with watermelon, lychee, and Edelweiss flower extracts. These elements defend the hair from photoaging, oxidative stress, and deterioration of the natural keratin of the hair.
They also work to protect from the drying, damaging, and coloring effects. The soft polymer beads act as the gentle exfoliator. The alpha-hydroxy acids purify and exfoliate the scalp without stripping the natural oils from the scalp. Glycolic acid gently exfoliates the scalp while conditioning, moisturizing to improve the manageability.
The soothing flower complex further nourishes and hydrates the scalp while protecting it from breakage. The product has to be used after shampoo.
It comes in a tube pack with a twist cap. The design is compact and travel-friendly. It is free of all kinds of harmful chemicals like sulfates and parabens.
Product Details:
Weight: 130 g
Suitable for: All kinds of scalp
Brand: Oribe
Pros:
- A unique blend of chemical and physical exfoliants.
- Cleanses and detoxifies the pores to purify the scalp.
- Hydrates, nourishes, and softens the hair.
- Promotes healthy scalp and hair.
Cons:
- Not suitable for sensitive scalp.
Things to Consider When Buying Scalp Exfoliation Scrub
Among many essential hair care needs, scalp exfoliation is one that is overlooked by many. Yet, it’s important to consider scalp care too for healthy hair growth and outlook by the use of appropriate scalp exfoliation scrub. But, when purchasing one suitable for your hair, you have to look for some important factors listed here.
Scalp Type
Do you know what your scalp type is? Yes, firstly you have to determine your scalp type to purchase the exfoliation scrub. Your scalp can be oily, normal, dry, or sensitive, and its characteristics and requirements vary too. So, based on its needs, you have to pick the scrub which is good enough for your scalp. Otherwise, you have to face uncertain hair problems.
Oily Scalp
The scalp remains oily in this type due to excessive sebum produced by the sebaceous glands. This may be due to genetic nature, hormonal variations, or other medical conditions. But, whatever the reason, the oily scalp is often evident with dirt and dust deposits and hair dye accumulation. Upon improper scalp cleaning, it gets filled with scale-ups that can lead to irritation and other skin issues.
So, grab the genuine and suitable scalp exfoliation scrub to drain off the greasy over sebum. Usually, the scrub with BHA-based chemical exfoliants and zinc works superbly on the extra oils.
Normal Scalp
Any normal scalp looks healthy, but if left untreated and uncleaned, becomes dirty and problematic. Therefore, ensure the use of a proper scalp exfoliation scrub with essential nutrients and cleaning agents. This can maintain a healthy scalp and thereby a healthy hair growth.
Dry Scalp
If your scalp doesn’t hold the required moisture levels, it becomes dry. And so, this raises the deposition of dirt flakes onto the hair. So, you have to frequently massage the scalp with oils and yes, you have to clean it with a perfect exfoliation scrub to remove dandruff and flakes. Scrubs with vitamin B5 act well on dry scalps.
Itchy or irritated scalp
Often, due to dirt, lice, or other health factors, your scalp remains itchy and irritated. Then, it’s required to address the associated flakes and soothe them as and when required. Therefore, we suggest you use an exfoliation scrub that contains coconut oil, charcoal, spearmint, peppermint, tea tree oil, and other natural ingredients. While some of them scrub away the flakes, others soothe the itchiness and irritation.
Sensitive Scalp
Guys have sensitive scalp due to frequent chemical treatments, hair dyes, and other genetic factors. If yours is sensitive too, then you have to use a specific scrub that avoids harsh physical exfoliants. This is because the scalp gets seriously affected and wears off if treated unwell and harmfully.
To satisfy the cleaning requirements of all the scalp types, different brands have come up with specific formulations and designations. A few formulations work individually for each of the dry, sensitive, normal, and oily scalps. Whereas others are suitable for all scalp types.
So, if you are able to determine your scalp type, choose the appropriate one. However, if you cannot find its type and texture, take help from hair professionals and then pick the righteous scrub. Or else, go for one which can clean all scalp types without any hassles. So, you can get relaxed even if you are worried about the inappropriate or wrong choice.
Hair Type
Not only the scalp, but you should also even check your hair type when choosing the scalp exfoliation scrub. The hair may be coarse, thick, fine, thin, curly, or straight. Yet, the action of the scrub may change the hair texture and structure even when you are using it, especially for the scalp.
Finer hair types tend to trap the product depositions much faster when compared to other hair types. So, it’s requisite to use a slightly coarse exfoliant scrub like sugar that removes such pileups.
In coarse hair types, the scalp remains oily and the ends look dry. Therefore, you have to use a scrub that maintains both the needs. Ensure that your scrub has a multitasking formula that hydrates the hair and also exfoliates the scalp. Also, those who have curly and coily hair have coarse hair which needs superb exfoliation scrubs like coconut oil and white tea.
Color-Treated Hair
Color-treated hair, bleached hair, and permed hair by using synthetic dyes or chemical treatments are a favorite for many. However, you have to be more cautious when finding the appropriate scrub to tidy your scalp. This is because the acidic ingredients and other harsh chemicals in the scrubs can alter your dye. But, there are even some scrubs specially made for colored hair and they can keep the color-dye intact without getting scrubbed off.
Key ingredients
The scalp exfoliation scrubs are infused with certain key ingredients that scrub the scalp physically on the surface of the skin or the scalp. Some of them are –
- Sugar – It unclogs the hair follicles and washes away the product build-up.
- Charcoal – Adsorbent charcoal scrubs off the flakes and dirt on dry hair.
- Plant extracts – They moisturize and maintain the pH balance of the scalp.
- Nuts – They work better on sensitive skin and scrub the dirt and impurities from the scalp. Some of them also work well as moisturizing agents.
- Clay – Grounded clay removes the dirt and other product gunks from the scalp.
- Fruit pits – They exfoliate the unwanted accumulations of the scalp and also moisturize it.
- Salt – It takes off the chunks of dust and hair care products from the scalp with better hydration and nil side effects.
While some of these substances are smaller, others are larger in size. If you use the larger pieces of exfoliants, the scrub becomes more aggressive and hurts your skin. And moreover, if you use them rigorously, then they can create micro-tears and slight cuts on the scalp. So, make sure to use smaller physical ingredients like ground sugar and clay which will be gentler on the skin.
When using these physical-based scrubs, you can pair their use with an oil base to reduce the abrasiveness. Oils like coconut oil, argan oil, jojoba oil, and sweet almond oil will help you in this process. Some people also use honey to lessen any irritation that arises upon scrubbing.
Chemical Exfoliants
Certain chemical components of the scrubs work well on the scalp to remove dirt and other debris. Some of them are –
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA)
- Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA)
- Lactic acid
- Salicylic acid
- Glycolic acid
Ingredients to Avoid
Though the scalp exfoliation scrubs have physical or chemical exfoliants, some of them are hard and harsh on your sensitive skin. Here are some ingredients to avoid.
- Overly coarse or thick nuts, seeds, and salts can cause micro-tears
- Undiluted oils which may cause irritations or burns
- Acidic ingredients like lemon can change the color of your dye in the colored hair.
- Chemicals like sulfates, parabens, and other dyes may also harm your scalp.
So, be away from scrubs that have these compounds for comfortable and safe cleaning.
Consistency and Rinsing Nature
Though this seems to be unimportant, you can feel its impact differently and troublesome sometimes. And you may feel uncomfortable when using it in the shower. You can check the consistency by reviews or by looking at the labels on the product. Some of them are thick while others remain watery. So, choose one based on your preferences.
Moreover, you can also consider the rinsing nature of the scrubs. Certain scrubs get rinsed off easily after applying, and it is hassle-free to use them. But, there are some scrub varieties that are difficult to rinse off.
Reviews
As reviews include practical experiences, they may have much more useful information on the scrub products. So, you’ll have a better idea of the product that will be more suitable for your hair and scalp.
Pro tip:
We remind you to look for specific ingredients and reviews before purchasing the right scrub. Or else, consult hair specialists and professionals to get the best fit.
Benefits of Scalp Exfoliation Scrubs
Though most of us neglect this scalp exfoliation, in fact, it is essential for healthy hair. Look at the significant benefits of scalp exfoliation scrubs to understand their importance.
- Scalp scrubs alleviate the problems like flakes, drying, and itching that are caused due to the continuous scale-up of dead skin cells and dirt.
- They provide a healthy environment for hair growth.
- As they remove the excess oil on the scalp, they prevent the occurrence of acne scars.
- With effective scalp cleaning, the skin can better absorb nutrients from brewing and spraying creams.
How to Apply A Scalp Scrub?
While applying a scalp seems simple, it has to be done the right way for favorable results. And yes, we insist you follow the instructions given on the particular product. Anyhow, here are some common steps to apply a scalp scrub.
- Use the scrub before you have a shower or while shampooing.
- Firstly, take a small amount of the scrub and apply it over the scalp.
- Start massaging the scalp with the fingertips. Ensure that you focus on the roots of your hair.
- Maintain the time limit as per the instructions given in the scrub product. This applying time may vary from the brand due to the type, amount, and concentration of the ingredients used.
- Later, rinse it off with water. It’s difficult to remove some scrubs easily, so take your time to rinse them properly.
- It’s better to follow up the scrub with a conditioner or a hair mask.
Frequently Asked Questions
The larger exfoliants, when used rigorously, prove to be abrasive and irritate the scalp. And, if you use it continuously it can cause acne or eczema.
This depends on how often you clean or wash your hair. If you wash it regularly, you can use the scalp exfoliation scrub only once every few weeks. But, if you do not wash it often, or if you use too many hair care products, then there will be more scale build-ups. So, you have to use the scrubs at least once a week.
However, we suggest you not exfoliate more than twice a week as you will have irritation in the scalp.
To enhance the results of exfoliation, you can use an exfoliating brush. It cleans the dead cells easily, and so the scrub can easily penetrate better into the scalp.
There won’t be any side effects of exfoliation if you use a suitable scrub the right way. However, sometimes, there may be irritation, inflammation, and burning sensation due to over abrasion or inappropriate scrub usage. However, to soothe these effects, you can apply coconut oil or honey. And you can consult a physician if it is more severe.
Yes, they are completely safe if you use them as directed.
The scalp scrubs may not have ingredients that promote hair growth. But, upon using them, there will be a healthy environment for better hair growth. When used regularly, the scalp remains healthy for a long time, and you can evidently see short hair growing slowly.
Scalp exfoliation is not suitable for those who are suffering from medical conditions like:
*Psoriasis
*Acne
*Open cuts or sores
*Infections
*Eczema
*Dermatitis
Final Word
Scalp exfoliation distinguishes healthy hair from good-looking stylish hair. The removal of dead skin cells and other product heaps marks the ideal hair care and maintenance by availing the best scalp exfoliation scrub. Just handpick the L’Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Detox Scrub that washes off the dirty scalings from all types of scalps.
Also, we persuade you to go through our best product reviews and buying guide for a better understanding. If you find our scrutinized products, thoughts, and considerations useful and favorable, please write to us here in the comments section below. We are also ready to clear your queries, doubts, and confusions if any.