Stylists Say a Scalp Scrub Could Be the Key to Healthier Hair

Ready for a hair reset? If your strands are looking limp, dull, or don’t have the bounce they normally do—or you just can’t get that “clean feeling” no matter how many times you wash your hair, a scalp scrub may be exactly what your mane needs.

“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.

Scrubs clean your scalp with physical exfoliating ingredients (like sugar or salt) or chemical exfoliants, like hydroxy acids (such as glycolic or salicylic acids). Think of a scrub as a necessary step in your healthy hair routine. “Just like you would use an exfoliator for your face, a scalp treatment helps hair follicles to remain healthy, clears away build-up, reduces residue, and promotes hair growth,” says Matilde Campos, a Los Angeles-based celebrity hair stylist.

Now is actually the perfect time to start using a scalp scrub, especially if you live in a colder climate. The dryness of the winter months leaves many people with a flaking scalp that they think is dandruff, but many times just it’s dry skin, says Aguirre. (If you notice flakes when wearing a black shirt or a sweaty workout makes your head itch, you could be dealing with a dry scalp.)

That said, scrubs are not right for everyone, cautions Marcela Silveira, a hair stylist and VaultBeauty member. If you have skin conditions that affect your scalp, such as psoriasis, acne, eczema, or cuts or sores, avoid scalp scrubs, she says, as they can be too abrasive on sensitive areas and make these conditions worse.

How to choose and use the best scalp scrub

Narrow down your goals: Before buying a product, “check to see what your scalp is in need of. There are many different products and natural options for all hair types,” says Campos. Do you need more moisture? Is your hair fragile? Do you dye your hair, and therefore need a color-safe product?

• If you use a lot of hair products: A physical scrub with salt or sugar may be more efficient at breaking up and removing build-up, says Marusco.
• If your scalp is sensitive: Choose gentler exfoliating products, like plant extracts, polymer beads, or glycolic acid, recommends Aguirre.
• If greasiness is a problem: A charcoal scrub is a great option for greasy hair types, as it helps absorb oil, says Marusco.

Find your right texture: Some scrubs only exfoliate, so you’ll need to wash them out with a separate shampoo. On the other hand, others are a scrub-shampoo hybrid, and they lather up nicely. This allows for an all-over treatment, but it’s ultimately a texture preference. Think about what you’d prefer.

Follow the directions: Don’t overuse a scalp scrub, says Campos. The product label will advise how often to use these, and it’s typically a weekly treatment.

Skip it before the salon: If you color your hair, don’t use a scalp scrub before your appointment, as it can leave you prone to irritation from the coloring process, says Aguirre.

Now that you know what to look for, check out the following expert-approved and top-rated exfoliators: