How to Properly Use Scalp Scrub to Get the Most Benefit

You’ve got your hair care down. You use the right products, stay away from nasty ingredients and treat your strands right. But your scalp needs love too. Ignoring your scalp health can lead to issues like dryness, irritation, itchy, flaky skin, even hair loss. So if scalp care isn’t a part of your routine, your hair will never reach its healthiest state. And the best way to care for your scalp is by using a scalp scrub. A scalp scrub helps maintain your scalp health and promotes healthy hair growth. Scrubbing your scalp cleanses impurities and dead skin cell build-up, unclogging your follicles, and addressing things like dandruff, product buildup, dryness, and sensitivity. If you’re ready to take your hair care routine to the next level pay attention! Because we’re telling you everything you need to know about scalp health, including how to use scalp scrub ahead!

Scalp health is the foundation for healthy hair. Your scalp is the home to your hair follicles and the hair growth process. Your scalp health refers to the condition of the skin on your scalp; including factors like moisture levels, oil production, and the presence of impurities. The scalp's natural oils (sebum) lubricate and protect the hair shaft. But they can contribute to greasiness or dandruff when produced in excess. The same goes for buildup of any kind on the scalp (like hair care products). So maintaining a balanced scalp environment supports optimal hair growth and overall hair health. A scalp scrub can help you keep your sebum levels in check, and deep cleanse any build up that may be clogging your hair follicles and impeding healthy hair growth.

Scalp issues like dandruff, dryness, sensitivity, and excess oil production all have less than ideal effects on your hair. Dandruff, characterized by a flaky and itchy scalp, can lead to scalp inflammation and hair damage if left untreated. Dryness impacts the scalp's ability to support healthy hair growth, including increased risk of breakage and dullness. A sensitive scalp can react to harsh ingredients or environmental factors, resulting in discomfort and compromised hair health. And an oily scalp means frequent washing (leading to more dryness!) and potential scalp odor. 

Your scalp health is directly related to your hair growth. A healthy scalp provides a nourishing environment for hair follicles. Maintaining a healthy scalp can promote stronger, thicker hair growth while minimizing issues like hair loss and thinning. Addressing scalp concerns proactively supports long-term hair health and vitality. Enter scalp scrub. A scalp scrub will keep your scalp clean, clear and hydrated for optimal health and hair growth

Scalp scrub is a skincare product designed to cleanse and exfoliate the scalp. A scalp scrub helps remove impurities, dead skin cells, and product buildup from the scalp to promote a healthy scalp environment. Scalp scrub typically contains exfoliating agents like sea salt, sugar, or chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid. Scalp scrub differs from regular shampoo by focusing on deep cleansing and exfoliation rather than just surface cleaning. Wondering how often to use scalp scrub? We’ll get into that a little later.

Scalp scrubs remove impurities and dead skin cells from the scalp. Scalp scrubs come in the form of physical exfoliants, such as sugar or sea salt scrub, that slough off dead skin cells and debris, promoting cell turnover and stimulating circulation on the scalp; and chemical exfoliants like alpha-hydroxy-acid and salicylic acid that dissolve excess oil, unclogging hair follicles, and promoting a balanced scalp environment. 

The benefits of using scalp scrub regularly, include improved scalp health, reduced dandruff, and enhanced hair growth. Scalp scrub can help detoxify the scalp, remove product buildup, and alleviate issues such as itchiness and flakiness. Scalp scrub can even improve the effectiveness of other haircare products by ensuring better absorption and penetration into the scalp. 

Scalp scrub is suitable for various scalp types, including oily, dry, sensitive, and normal scalps. Individuals with oily scalps may benefit from the clarifying and balancing properties of scalp scrub, while those with dry scalps may need to choose a gentler formula to hydrate and avoid further dehydration. Selecting a scalp scrub that matches your specific scalp concerns and needs will give you the best results.

When it comes to getting the best results, it’s important to use the appropriate scalp scrub for your individual hair type and scalp concerns. The right scalp scrub can address specific issues like dandruff, dryness, oiliness, and sensitivity more effectively. Let’s take a closer look at the different things to consider when choosing the best scalp scrub for your hair and scalp.

Common hair types include straight, curly, wavy, oily, dry, and combination hair. Understanding your hair type, texture, thickness, and tendency towards oiliness or dryness is crucial for choosing the most suitable scalp scrub to address your specific needs. For textured or curly hair, physical scrubs can be a challenge to wash out. The particles may get tangled in your curls, and as they require a lot of physical massage, you risk tangling your curls. Physical exfoliators are better suited to fine and straight hair. Oily hair in particular can benefit from scalp scrub, and both chemical and physical exfoliators work well.

Some key factors to consider when choosing a scalp scrub include ingredients, formula, and intended use. Always read product labels for potentially irritating or harmful ingredients, such as sulfates, silicones, and artificial fragrances. Choose scalp scrubs with natural ingredients like tea tree oil, peppermint, and sea salt for their soothing and detox properties. Or make a DIY scrub with sea salt and essential oil.

Tailor your scalp scrub to your specific hair concerns, whether it’s dandruff, dryness, or excess oil production. Use gentle exfoliating scrubs for sensitive scalps prone to irritation, avoiding harsh abrasives that may aggravate the skin. Using hydrating scalp scrubs enriched with moisturizing ingredients like coconut oil or shea butter for dry or damaged hair. And people with oily scalps may benefit from clarifying formulas containing salicylic acid or tea tree oil to regulate oil production and slough away product buildup.

Especially with conditions like psoriasis, eczema, or dermatitis, consider your scalp sensitivity when choosing a scalp scrub. Choose fragrance-free and hypoallergenic scalp scrubs formulated specifically for sensitive scalps, and conduct a patch test before applying it to your entire scalp

Let’s talk about how to use this scalp treatment effectively for your best scalp health. Wet your hair and apply scalp scrub in gentle, circular motions to avoid irritation and damage to your scalp. Focus on areas prone to product buildup or scalp issues, such as the hairline and crown. Be sure to rinse it out thoroughly to rid all scalp buildup. Wondering how often to use scalp scrub? Once a week is a good starting point. Use it more or less based on your individual scalp needs and hair type.

Incorporate a scalp scrub into your routine in the form of a pre-poo treatment. Pre-poo is short for pre-shampoo, or the process of prepping your hair before a shampoo. This could come in the form of hair masks, hair oil or a detoxifying scrub. But ultimately, it's a moisturizing and/or clarifying formula you massage into your scalp and hair. Follow your treatment with shampoos, conditioners and styling products for your hair type to enhance the benefits of the scalp scrub. Keep your scalp healthy between scrubbing sessions by using dry shampoo and avoiding excessive heat styling.

Scalp care is a must for healthy hair growth. Ignoring your scalp health can have less than ideal effects on your hair, so if you’re not paying attention to your scalp it’s time to start! A scalp scrub cleanses impurities and dead skin cell build-up, unclogging your follicles, and addressing things like dandruff, product buildup, dryness, and sensitivity. Maintain a healthy, balanced scalp and thicker, stronger hair by adding a weekly salt scrub to your hair care routine. Experiment with different scalp scrubs and techniques to find what works best for you, and remember to use only the highest quality scalp products, like the ones from Davines. Still have questions about how to use scalp scrub? Talk to a hair stylist in your area for personalized advice. And if you have scalp care tips of your own, share them in the comments!

by Morgan Hanson, featured contributor