Say goodbye to grease and product buildup — and hello to healthy strands.
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Even though shampoos are powerful cleansers to purify the hair and scalp, sometimes they just don’t cut it on their own. That’s where this genius invention comes into play: scalp scrubs. A scalp scrub is a product that is designed specifically to gently exfoliate the scalp, eliminate excess oil and break down dead skin cells and residue on the surface of the scalp, explains William Gaunitz, WTS, a certified trichologist and founder of Advanced Trichology. These exfoliators are made to be gentle enough for the scalp, but powerful enough to lift up that dry shampoo you’ve been spraying all week long.
While many tend to reach for scalp scrubs solely to get rid of product buildup, they are also great for those who have an oily scalp or are prone to excessive skin buildup such as dandruff, eczema, psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis, too, Gaunitz says. “Someone who needs a scalp scrub may have flaking on the scalp, itchiness, redness and irritation closer to the front hairline, extreme oil production, or may get a residue on their fingernail when scratching the scalp,” Gaunitz advises.
It’s best to use a scrub after washing and rinsing the hair, Gaunitz says: “Apply the scalp scrub through the part line and massage it in with a circular motion,” avoiding using your fingernails to work the product in. Once the scrub has been massaged into the scalp, rinse, condition as usual. Now, find which scalp scrub is best for your hair and scalp needs below, including picks for hair growth, thinning hair, curly hair, dry scalps with dandruff or oily hair:
1
Best Overall Scalp Scrub
Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt
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This salon-worthy scalp scrub from renowned hairstylist Christophe Robin has a cult following for a reason. The formula works with all hair types and scalp concerns and gently sloughs away dead skin, product buildup and excess oils so the scalp feels refreshed and rebalanced. Plus, the addition of sweet almond oil nourishes and hydrates the scalp before you shampoo.
2
Best Value Scalp Scrub
Nexxus Clean & Pure Sulfate-Free Scalp Scrub
![Clean & Pure Sulfate-Free Scalp Scrub Clean & Pure Sulfate-Free Scalp Scrub](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1623855368-417y9-k440L._SL500_.jpg?crop=1xw:1.00xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
If you’re new to scalp scrubs or looking for an option that doesn’t require a huge investment, this Nexxus scrub is for you. A favorite of GH Beauty Director April Franzino, the formula deeply purifies the scalp “without feeling rough or leaving any hard-to-rinse particles behind,” she says. It’s also infused with elastin protein to help to keep hair shiny and smooth, too.
3
Best Scalp Scrub for Hair Growth
frank body Caffeinated Scalp Scrub
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Add this caffeinated scrub from Frank Body to your morning shower routine to give thinning hair a boost in just minutes. Ingredients like green coffee to promote a healthy scalp and hair growth, peppermint to remove buildup and eucalyptus to reduce inflammation make this scalp treatment truly unique. Plus, users rave about how gentle the coffee granules are on the scalp.
4
Best Scalp Scrub for Dandruff
Head & Shoulders Supreme Exfoliating Scalp Scrub
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Bid flakes adieu with this Head & Shoulders scrubbing treatment from the gold standard anti-dandruff brand. Whether you’re dealing with a flaky scalp, product buildup or dandruff, this exfoliator will help rebalance the scalp for your healthiest hair yet. It’s like a two-in-one scalp treatment and buildup remover, so your scalp can get a clean start before your next styling session.
5
Best Natural Scalp Scrub
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Happi Scalp Scrub
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Drunk Elephant’s scrub is all about getting your scalp in tip-top shape, sans harsh chemicals and with natural ingredients. A blend of AHA and BHA acids help to break down unwanted gunk while natural exfoliating beads lift them off of the scalp and sweep them away. Plus, a combo of marula and mongongo botanical oils ensures the scalp and hair are moisturized after each use.
6
Best Scalp Scrub for Curly Hair
Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal and Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo
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Curly hair often requires a ton of product which is why incorporating a scalp scrub into your routine can help to avoid any unhealthy scalp conditions from product buildup. Briogeo’s exfoliating shampoo gets rid of buildup on the scalp and doubles as a shampoo, too. And since curly hair tends to be drier naturally, it’s also infused with coconut oil to help nourish and soften.
7
Best Scalp Scrub for Dry Scalps
Kristin Ess Instant Exfoliating Scalp Scrub
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If your scalp is dry, you’ll want to find a scrub that imparts moisture to the hair and scalp to avoid irritation. This scrub from celebrity hairstylist Kristin Ess removes oils and dirt without stripping the scalp dry thanks to a sugar complex that keeps moisture levels balanced. Plus, it contais technology to help mend split ends and repair damage.
8
Best Scalp Scrub for Oily Hair
Drybar On The Rocks Charcoal Scalp Scrub
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Drybar’s sugar scrub is like a reset for imbalanced, oily hair. The powerhouse ingredient, charcoal, acts like a vacuum to remove impurities and grease from the scalp and hair. And when combined with lemon and orange extracts that boost cell turnover, you’ll find that this scrub is like a reset for your scalp and strands. Bonus: It’s mild enough to use a few times a week.
9
Best Detox Scalp Scrub
Oribe Serene Scalp Exfoliating Scrub
![Serene Scalp Exfoliating Scrub Serene Scalp Exfoliating Scrub](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1625673198-uk300054272-oribe-1625673184.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
Thanks to alpha hydroxy acids and fruit extracts in this Oribe scalp scrub, you can kiss that itchy scalp goodbye. Since there’s both physical and chemical exfoliants in this formula, you’re getting double the power when removing excess sebum, product buildup and dead skin. Plus, the formula’s packaging and scent is pure luxury.
10
Best Scalp Scrub for Color-Treated Hair
dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Scalp Scrub with Pink Himalayan Salt
![Apple Cider Vinegar Scalp Scrub with Pink Himalayan Salt Apple Cider Vinegar Scalp Scrub with Pink Himalayan Salt](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1625672535-dphue-2520apple-2520cider-2520vinegar-2520scalp-2520scrub-1625672515.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
Apple cider vinegar and pink Himalayan sea salt are the stars of this dpHue scrub. ACV works to remove impurities and deeply cleanse the scalp, while the sea salt helps to sweep debris away. And since there’s a built-in color-locking technology, you don’t have to worry about this scrub ruining your dye job.
11
Best 2-in-1 Scalp Scrub
OUAI Scalp & Body Scrub
![Scalp & Body Scrub Scalp & Body Scrub](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1625672155-_104413048.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.653xh;0,0.133xh&resize=980:*)
If sloughing away dead skin from head-to-toe is your goal, snag this Ouai sugar scrub stat. It cleanses and gets rid of debris at the same time and gives the skin on both your scalp and body a healthy dose of probiotics to keep it balanced.