4 DIY Scalp Scrubs to Try in 2024 + Our Favorite Scalp Products
We love this practical (and super-sweet!) way to indulge in #SelfCareSunday.
Ahh… it’s the weekend, which means many of us now have time to indulge ourselves the way we couldn’t during the week. If a beauty pamper evening is just what you need to unwind, we’ve got an at-home spa treatment idea you will love. You may know that exfoliating your skin is essential for sloughing off dead and dry cells. But did you know that you scalp could benefit from a little exfoliation too?
All you need is a DIY scalp scrub (or a store-bought version) and a few extra minutes in the shower to give your scalp the treat it deserves.
Read on to learn the benefits of using a scalp scrub, how to use it, how you can make your own, and some of our favorite store-bought scrubs.
Why Should I Use a Scalp Scrub?
Benefits of using a DIY Scalp Scrub
When it comes to using a scrub, many people only think about exfoliating their face or body, and it often doesn’t even cross their mind that their scalp needs the same kind of love too. The glands on your scalp work similarly to the ones on your face, producing oil (sebum) that maintains your skin and hair health.
These glands can get clogged due to product buildup (like leave-in treatments and styling products). Washing your hair doesn’t always do a good enough job at deep cleaning the scalp. That’s where a DIY scalp scrub comes handy. It helps get rid of dead skin and any product build-up.
Regular scalp exfoliation can help your hair appear less dull and flat, prevent dandruff and support hair growth.
How to Make a DIY Scalp Scrub
Sugar Scrub for Moisture
DIY scalp scrubs are great for exfoliating your skin on a budget. And often, the key ingredients you need for a luxurious homemade scalp scrub are already in your kitchen. One star ingredient, for example, is sugar.
According to Dr. Francesca Fusco, “sugar will gently exfoliate and it dissolves completely, without leaving behind any grit or particles.”
To make this simple sugar scrub you only need two tablespoons of each ingredient:
- Brown sugar
- Finely ground oatmeal
- Your favorite hair conditioner
Simply mix all ingredients, apply to the scalp, rinse and follow up with your shampoo-and-conditioner routine.
Homemade Scrub for Itchy Scalp
Sometimes, when the temperatures fall you might be more prone to have an itchy and flaky scalp. The perfect mix to relieve flakiness combines coconut oil with essential oils. Peppermint oil and coconut oil are natural anti-inflammatories, tea tree oil is antibacterial and anti-fungal, and promotes a healthy scalp. Finally, sugar helps remove dead cells and keep your scalp clean.
For this DIY scrub, you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons of unrefined coconut oil
- 3-4 tablespoons of raw sugar
- 4-5 drops of peppermint oil
- 3 drops of tea tree oils
Combine the ingredients and apply the mixture to your scalp and hair using a hairbrush or comb. Clip your hair and let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing it off.
Clarifying DIY Scalp Scrub
Do you find yourself using a lot of hair products, especially dry shampoo? It’s a good idea to use a clarifying scalp scrub every so often. This will deeply exfoliate and break down any buildup on your scalp. Here is what you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons of natural sugar
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
- A teaspoon of apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- 3 drops of rosemary essential oil
To make the scrub, mix the sugar, coconut oil, and vinegar together until the scrub forms. Next, add the honey and essential oil, and you’re all set.
DIY Scalp Scrub for Hair Growth
Hair growth is a hot topic this season, with a newfound love for natural ingredients like rosemary tea and oil on all platforms. In this homemade scrub , we’re going to use another cupboard ingredient: apple cider vinegar. ACV has been shown to help stimulate blood circulation and hence hair growth and it’s combined with sugar, coconut oil and honey that provide hydration and nutrition to your scalp.
To concoct this apple cider vinegar scalp scrub, you will need:
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil each
- ½ cup of salt
- 1 teaspoon of honey
Mix all the ingredients and apply the DIY scalp scrub on damp hair. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water. Proceed to shampoo and conditioner, as per usual.
How to Use a Scalp Scrub
Scalp scrubs should be applied right before shampooing. Gently apply a dollop of the scrub on your scalp, using your fingertips. Gently massage the scrub into your scalp, using small circular motions. To finish, rinse out the scrub and then follow with your shampoo and conditioner.
Are scalp scrubs good for any hair type? The answer is yes, but you should keep an eye on the ingredients. For example, ladies with 4C hair should avoid scrubs rich in salt (as they can be drying) and opt for more moisturizing and gentle ingredients.
It’s best to use a scrub once every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on your preference. Be careful not to over-exfoliate, as this could damage your hair, in the same way over-exfoliation can damage your skin.
Our Favorite Scalp Care Products
Keep scrolling to find out more about our favorite scalp care products that help keep the scalp (and therefore the hair) healthy.
1. Nexxus Clean & Pure Scalp Scrub
This scrub is one of our favorites because it helps to rebalance your scalp without being too harsh. It also is infused with a PROTEINFUSION blend with elastin protein and marine minerals. Plus, it nourishes your hair and doesn’t include any sulfates, dyes, or parabens.
2. Michiru Scalp Tonic
This powerful tonic is infused with niacinamide, an antioxidant that regulates ceramides and protein production while balancing the microbiome. It penetrates deep into your scalp to promote moisturization, without leaving your hair oily or greasy.
3. SheaMoisture Aloe Butter Scalp Moisture Cream
This cream is a powerhouse for hydration. Infused with aloe butter, vitamin B3 and antioxidants, it instantly hydrates and helps relieve a dry scalp. You can use it daily on a damp or dry scalp.
4. Dove Dermacare Scalp Thickness Recovery Anti Dandruff Shampoo
Finally, if you’re looking for a gentle shampoo to get rid of itchiness and danfruff, try Dove Dermacare Scalp Thickness Recovery Anti Dandruff Shampoo. Its formula will give you healthy-looking and fuller tresses from first use.
The Verdict
Exfoliating your scalp is just as important as shampooing it! Whether you love using a DIY scalp scrub or you prefer a store-bought product, there’s an option out there that’s perfect for what your hair needs. Have fun experimenting with different recipes and find the perfect DIY formula for you.
