You take care of your hair, and you take care of your skin. But have you put much thought into caring for the skin that is underneath your hair? If you haven’t, you probably haven’t used or even heard of a scalp scrub. So, allow us to make the formal introductions and show you why you should consider using a scalp scrub as a part of your regular self-care and hygiene routine.

 

What is a scalp scrub?

 

Obviously, it’s a scrub for your scalp, but what does that actually mean? Well, it is a product that you can use in your hair to exfoliate the skin on your head at the roots of your hair. It usually uses granular ingredients like sugar or salt to remove any extra dirt, oil, or hair product from your skin. Although some scrubs use chemicals to do the job instead. It also helps to lift off dandruff-causing dead skin cells on your head.

 

Who should use a scalp scrub?

 

A scalp scrub is a great product for many people. It is particularly helpful for those that use a lot of hair products, and more specifically dry shampoo. Since these tend to build up with repeated use, and don’t always get cleared away with shampoo, you should consider using a scalp scrub every so often. Finer hair gets this build-up even easier than those with thick hair. So, if you have fine hair, there is a really good chance that a scalp scrub will be beneficial for you.

However, if you have any kind of skin conditions or damage to your scalp you should hold off on using a scalp scrub until you’ve consulted with a medical professional. You wouldn’t want to unintentionally cause harm to your scalp.

 

How do I use a scalp scrub?

 

Using a scalp scrub is pretty simple. Just apply a little of the scrub at the roots of your hair and start to massage. Gently massage your head with your fingertips (not nails) until you have gone over your entire scalp. Once you are done scrubbing you should rinse your hair with warm water. You can use a scalp scrub before you shampoo your hair in the shower. You may even just use it in place of shampoo that day, since it cleans around your roots already.

For best results and moisture-locking power, follow your scalp scrub up with a hair mask, conditioner, or other moisture treatment. If you use lots of hair products, you should use a scalp scrub once a week. If you don’t use as many products, you can do it less often.

 

Which type of scalp scrub do I need?

 

Just like other hair and skin products, there are different products made to best work for different types of scalps. You will want to use a scalp scrub that matches your needs. First, you should determine if you want to use a physical exfoliant or a chemical peel exfoliant. After that, you need to take a look at what your scalp really needs and make your decision based on that.

 

1. Oily Hair

 

If you get a lot of oil on the roots of your hair by the end of the day, then you have an oily scalp. For an oily scalp, you should look for a product that helps to absorb and remove the excess oil. Products with charcoal or clay in them are a great option for you.

 

2. Dry or Itchy Skin

 

If your hair never gets too oily, you should look for a scrub to remove dead skin and restore moisture to your dry scalp. You can even pick a scrub that removes excess skin flakes and soothes your scalp if you have an itchy head.

A scrub with salt or sugar will help to rub off those flakes with ease, and ones with essential oils like peppermint and tea tree oil will soothe your itch. You also will want to find a scrub with moisturizers to restore your skin. Try looking for a scalp scrub with an oil such as coconut or argan oil to replenish your skin’s moisture like the famous T.L.C. Happi Scalp Scrub:

3. Sensitive Skin

 

For those with sensitive skin, you will want to stick with physical exfoliant scrubs, because the chemical kind will probably irritate your skin. Thankfully there are scalp scrubs that use natural ingredients and avoid harsher chemicals, so your scalp can still get a good scrub.

Additional Read: Scalp Scrub For Anti-Aging

 

4. Curly Hair

 

If you have curly hair, you no doubt want to protect it and keep those curls bouncy and full. You would probably benefit from using a moisturizing scalp scrub. The good news though, is that you don’t need something different from those with straight hair, since this goes on the skin at the roots and not through the whole hair. Just be sure to use conditioner after you finish to lock in moisture.

 

What Are The Benefits Of Using a Scalp Scrub?

 

1. Scalp Scrub Exfoliates The Skin

 

Your body is constantly producing new skin cells to replace the old ones as they die and fall off. So, getting rid of dead skin cells happens naturally, but sometimes our skin could use a little help. Exfoliating your skin removes the old skin cells and reveals the new ones. This is believed to help circulation and keep your skin smoother, softer, and younger-looking. All of this still holds true for the skin on your head where your hair grows. You don’t need to be aggressive or exfoliate too often, but an occasional scrub can help your skin stay healthy.

 

2. Scalp Scrub Removes what Shampoo Can’t

 

You already wash your hair with shampoo, so why isn’t that enough. Well, for some people it might be, but a scalp scrub helps remove the things that shampoo can’t. This means dead skin flakes and excess oil, but it also means any product that has built up on your skin or around your hair. This leaves your hair and skin even cleaner than before.

 

3. Scalp Scrub Might Help You Achieve Longer, Stronger Hair

 

Having a clean scalp means that there isn’t anything blocking the hair follicles, so your hair can grow stronger and longer. It won’t have to fight for space and moisture that was previously wasted on dead cells. Plus removing all of the extra stuff will leave your hair looking shinier and more vibrant.

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Wow, with all these beautiful benefits and super-easy use, there’s not a single reason not to try a scalp scrub in your next shower session. We tried it with the girls on our team and our hair is shinier, bouncier and cleaner than ever before. We hope you will give scalp scrub a try too!

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