Why not indulge in an at-home spa treatment during a relaxing weekend evening? Exfoliating your scalp is as essential as taking care of your skin. A good scalp scrub can slough off those dead, dry cells and give your scalp the benefit of rejuvenation, just like any other beauty pamper session designed to unwind and treat yourself.
Whether you opt for a DIY recipe or a store-bought version, haircare basics include more than shampoo, conditioner, and the occasional hair mask. Integrating a scalp scrub into your routine can improve the overall health of your hair, acting as the foundation of a healthy regimen.
You might think it’s just another product to buy, but you can create an effective scrub right at home with ingredients from your pantry or local grocery store.
How to Make a Scalp Scrub? The Quick Answer
Scalp Exfoliation: Is It Really Necessary in a Perfect Hair Care Journey?
When thinking about exfoliating, most only consider their face or body. However, scalp exfoliation plays a crucial role in maintaining hair health. Just like skin, your scalp loves attention too! It’s covered with glands that produce sebum, an oil crucial for healthy hair.
Buildup from styling products, leave-in treatments, and even regular washing can leave a residue that clogs these glands. This can make your hair look dull and flat, and may even prevent growth. A good DIY scalp scrub can cleanse deeply, removing sweat, product build-up, and other residue that regular washing misses.
Hairstylist Robin Emtage suggests using a scalp scrub if your hair products are less effective, or if you’re battling dandruff or a flaky scalp. Regular exfoliation helps to prevent such issues, supporting hair growth and preventing inflammatory skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis and folliculitis.
Integrating scalp exfoliating into your hair care regimen—alongside oiling, shampooing, and conditioning—can help your hair care essentials penetrate better, reduce dandruff, hair fall, and breakage, and ultimately lead to a healthier scalp and hair.
So What Are At-Home Scalp Scrubs?
At-home scalp scrubs are DIY treatments that use physical scrubs made from common ingredients you likely have in your home. Items such as salt, sugar, honey, and avocado are mixed together to create a scrub that helps buff away excess oil and product build-up, while also working to nourish the scalp. These simple yet effective scrubs are perfect for anyone looking to enhance their hair care routine right from the comfort of their own bathroom.
So How to Make At- Home Aka DIY Scalp Scrub?
Scalp Scrub for Hydration and Moisture
Material Required
- Brown Suger
- Oatmeal
- Hair Conditioner
How To Make
- Making a scalp scrub that hydrates and moisturizes is simple and can be done on a budget. Start by gathering your ingredients from the kitchen. You’ll need two tablespoons of brown sugar, which acts as a gentle exfoliant, and finely ground oatmeal, known for its soothing properties. Add your favorite hair conditioner to bind everything together, creating a luxurious, homemade scrub.
- Mix all the ingredients well until they form a uniform blend. Apply this scrub to your scalpand gently massage to distribute it evenly.
- and The sugar dissolves completely, helping exfoliate the skin on your head, removing particles and grit without leaving any residue. After massaging, rinse your hair thoroughly and follow up with your regular shampoo and conditioner routine.
In my experience, this scrub not only cleanses but also leaves your scalp feeling refreshed and nourished, thanks to the natural ingredients used.
Scalp Scrub for Buildup
Material Required
- Natural Suger
- Coconut Oil
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Honey
- Rosemary Oil
How To Make
- Using too many hair products like dry shampoo can cause buildup on your scalp. To combat this, a clarifying scalp scrub is a great solution. Make this effective scrub with just a few ingredients.
- You’ll need 2 tablespoons of natural sugar and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Mix these with a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, which helps break down the buildup.
- Next, add 1 teaspoon of honey and 3 drops of rosemary essential oil for extra care and fragrance.
- This blend not only deeply exfoliates the scalp but also leaves it feeling refreshed and thoroughly cleaned. Just apply, scrub gently, and rinse off. You’re all set with a clean, healthy scalp!
Scalp Scrub for Stronger, Healthy Hair
Material Required
- Coconut sugar or Granulated sugar
- Coconut / Olive /Jojoba Oil
- Honey
- Rosemary Oil / leaves
How To Make
- For a scalp scrub that promotes stronger, healthy hair growth, you’ll want to combine natural ingredients known for their nourishing properties. Start with brown sugar or a variety of sugar types like coconut sugar or granulated sugar—all provide the grit needed to exfoliate the scalp gently.
- Mix these with nourishing oils such as coconut, olive, or jojoba oil, all excellent for different hair types whether fine, oily, or thicker, drier hair.
- Add a teaspoon of raw honey for its soothing effects and a few drops of rosemary essential oil, which is particularly good for hair growth. Mash the ingredients in a small glass dish or jar until the scrub forms.
- To apply, use your fingertips to massage the scrub into damp hair using a circular motion, avoiding fingernails to protect your scalp.
- Allow the scrub to set on your scalp for up to 20 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with shampoo. This routine not only cleanses but also increases circulation, helping to stimulate hair growth and ensure your scalp remains healthy.
Scalp Scrub for Itchiness and Dandruff
Material Required
- Unrefined Coconut Oil
- Peppermint Oil
- Tea-tree Oil
How To Make
- When temperatures fall and you find yourself prone to an itchy and flaky scalp, a DIY scrub is just what you need. For relief, combine 2 tablespoons of unrefined coconut oil with 3-4 tablespoons of raw sugar, which helps remove dead cells and keep your scalp clean.
- Add 4-5 drops of peppermint oil and 3 drops of tea tree oil, both known for their natural anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties. These essential oils work together to promote a healthy scalp and relieve flakiness.
- Apply this mixture with a hairbrush or comb, clip your hair, and let it sit for 10 minutes. Rinsing off with cool water afterward ensures your scalp is refreshed and nourished.
Scalp Scrub for Curly Hair
Material Required
- Brown Sugar
- Avacado Oil or Tea tree oil
How To Make
- Creating a gentle scalp scrub can help manage scalp health without harsh effects for those with textured hair. Use brown sugar for a mild exfoliant that won’t be too rough on your twisty treasure.
- Avocado oil and tea tree oil provide moisture and antibacterial benefits, making them perfect for curly hair care.
- Mix these ingredients well, then gently apply them to the scalp. Keep messaging for about 10 minutes to enhance circulation and effectiveness. Afterward, wash with a gentle shampoo, and always remember to use conditioner to keep your curls hydrated.
Scalp Scrub for Sensitive Scalp
Material Required
- Coconut Oil
- Plain Yogurt
- Aloe vera
How To Make
- If you have a sensitive scalp, creating a DIY scalp treatment that is gentle is crucial. Mix coconut oil, plain yogurt, and aloe vera—ingredients known for their soothing properties.
- Coconut oil helps to soothe and nourish dry or irritated scalps, while the lactic acid in yogurt and natural salicylic acid in aloe vera work together to chemically buff away dead skin cells without being abrasive.
- Apply this mixture to your scalp, and keep massaging gently for 10 to 15 minutes. This process not only soothes but also promotes healthier skin renewal.
- Afterward, wash off the scrub with tap water and a mild shampoo to ensure all residue is removed, leaving the scalp refreshed and less irritated.
Some Ever-lasting Scalp Care Products
L’Oreal Paris EverFresh Apricot Seed Scrub
For those with color-treated hair, finding a scrub that doesn’t strip away moisture or color is crucial. L’Oreal’s EverFresh line includes a budget-friendly, sulfate-free scrub that uses apricot seeds as a physical exfoliant. This gentle yet effective formula ensures your scalp feels refreshed without harsh chemicals.
Nexxus Clean & Pure Scalp Scrub
The Nexxus Clean & Pure Scalp Scrub is infused with nourishing ingredients like marine minerals and elastin protein. This scrub not only helps rebalance the scalp but also nourishes the hair. It’s one of my favorites because it’s free from sulfates, dyes, and parabens, making it a great choice for sensitive skin.
SheaMoisture Aloe Butter Scalp Moisture Cream
SheaMoisture Aloe Butter Scalp Moisture Cream is a powerhouse for hydrating and soothing the scalp. This cream is infused with aloe butter, vitamin B3, and antioxidants, making it perfect for those looking to relieve a dry, damp scalp. I recommend using it daily as it really helps keep the scalp healthy and moisturized.
Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt
When I first decided to try a sea salt scrub for my scalp, I chose the Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt. This product is specifically marketed towards those with sensitive skin.
It contains sweet almond oil, which really helps to soothe the scalp. I found it to be incredibly effective at removing buildup without being too harsh. For anyone looking to revitalize their scalp care routine, this scrub is a must-try.
Do Scalp Scrubs Work for Any Hair Type?
Yes! Of course, however, when crafting a scalp scrub, it’s crucial to keep an eye on the ingredients to ensure they suit your hair type. For example, ladies with 4C hair should avoid scrubs that are too harsh, like those rich in salt, as they can be drying.
Instead, opt for moisturizing and gentle ingredients. The best practice is to use the scrub once every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on your preference. Be careful not to over-exfoliate, as it could damage your hair in the same way that over-exfoliation can damage your skin.
The Bottom Line
Scalp scrubs can be particularly important before shampooing, helping to remove buildup and ensure cleaner, healthier hair. As a fan of at-home treatments, I’ve learned it’s crucial to research and learn which ingredients work best for your scalp condition and goals. Whether your scalp needs vary or you require a scrub for occasional use, there’s always a perfect formula just waiting to be mixed in your kitchen.
FAQs
How Do You Make Homemade Scalp Scrub?
For a refreshing DIY scalp scrub, mix one tablespoon honey, one tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 5 to 10 drops of peppermint oil, 3/4 cup of sugar, and 1/4 cup of coconut oil. Apply this mask to your wet scalp, gently brushing it through to help it penetrate the hair follicles.
How to naturally exfoliate your scalp?
To naturally exfoliate your scalp, mix ingredients like sugar or sea salt with a nourishing oil like coconut or olive oil, and gently massage the mixture into your scalp before rinsing thoroughly. This helps remove buildup and promotes healthy hair growth.
How to Make Your Own Scalp Scrubber?
To craft your scrub, blend equal parts cornmeal and ground almonds with your favorite shampoo in a bowl. Add a few drops of peppermint or tea tree oil—both stimulate the blood and act as natural antiseptics. Massage this mixture into your scalp for three minutes using your fingertips to deeply cleanse and refresh.
What to Use Instead of a Scalp Scrub?
If you’re looking for alternatives to a traditional scalp scrub, consider using a mixture of apple cider vinegar and honey. Simply melt a tablespoon of coconut oil, add half a cup of salt, and blend it with the vinegar and honey for a soothing scalp treatment.
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