Scalp Scrub – What It Is and Why You Need It

Every time you turn around there’s a new hair product on the market. Now I’m not complaining since I’ve got a lot of hair, but sometimes there comes a product that I’m not sure how to use despite the directions. Such was the case when I received my most recent subscription box where I received a scalp scrub. With an eyebrow raise, I quickly read how to use it so I could try it out on my next wash day.

The directions on it are quite simple, they tell you to wash your hair and then scrub your scalp with it. Having super long locks, I felt like this was easier said than done. Turns out, it just takes patience. After shampooing, begin parting your hair and applying a bit of the scalp scrub on your roots, and gently massage. Continue this process until you’ve applied the scrub to your entire scalp. 

Now, I should mention that these scalp scrubs feel kind of like facial exfoliators. The texture is a soft beaded or sugary texture which is what scrubs away the excess product, dirt, and oil that accumulates on your scalp. Bye-bye dry shampoo build-up! 

When you’re done, rinse it out (this isn’t an easy task if you have a lot of hair) then you can take a second while letting your arms relax by your side. LOL. If you’ve got short hair, you lucked out on this process. Is it just me or is it tiring to wash and condition your hair? It’s an arm workout for sure! Once you’ve rinsed all the scrub from your hair, you can move on to your hair mask or conditioner. 

You might be wondering why using a scalp scrub should be worked into your wash day routine since for years all we’ve ever used is shampoo and conditioner sans the occasional hair mask. I’m not knocking shampoo, but sometimes even a good shampoo could use a bit of help. Just as you wash, exfoliate, and moisturize your face, your scalp could use the same attention. This little magic add-in helps your hair grow stronger and longer since there will no longer be anything clogging up your hair follicles. Team this new step up with some biotin vitamins and you’re well on your way to the enviable mane you’ve been longing for. 

There are some cons in incorporating this step into your hair care routine that I should mention. First off, these little grains are not easy to get out of your hair. Scrubs can also cause snarls in your hair, and when those tangles are at the root, they’re not easy to get out without stressing out your hair. If you’re not gentle when you’re massaging your scalp with these little beads you can damage your hair follicles and that will make your hair brittle and this is exactly the OPPOSITE of what we’re looking for.

Another thing you should be aware of, though everyone’s scalp is different, is that you can also end up inadvertently stripping your scalp of the natural oils it’s supposed to have. Before you whisper “yes” to yourself, let me explain. If all your natural oils are stripped from your skin (be it under your hair, on your face, or anywhere else on your body) it can cause itchiness and flaking. Flaking on your head is dandruff. Again, the opposite of what we want. Ranging anywhere from $5 all the way up to $60, there is one for every budget.

Assuming you promise to be gentle and patient with your scalp when using a scrub, read on for where you can pick up a jar or tube of one of the top 5 scalp scrubs for yourself.

Head and Shoulders have a long history of taking care of scalps. With a formulation for every type of hair, they’re also right on top of it when it comes to scalp scrubs. With argan oil and vitamin E, it also has a great scent that will fill your bathroom. Amazon has got you covered with this one.

Ouai Scalp & Body Scrub packs a punch by multi-tasking it’s way into your shower routine. It boasts a probiotic blend that supports your skin’s natural defenses, coconut oil that moisturizes, and sugar that unclogs your pores. Click on over to Ulta and pick one up!

Christophe Robin makes a scrub that cleanses your skin and scrubs away the grime with sea salt! Use this once or twice per week and feel the hydration and soothing sensation you’ll feel after this spa-like treatment. Available now at https://bit.ly/2JymqZF

L’ange’s Purifying Scalp Scrub is gentle and designed to take care of your hair and scalp using apple cider vinegar, Himalayan salt, and charcoal powder to get rid of the build-up, flakes, and dirt. With over 3000 reviews, it sells out fast so get yours if/when you can! 

Nexxus Clean & Pure scalp scrub is conveniently available at everyone’s favorite store, Target. It’s paraben-free, sulfate-free, and dye-free. It’s so gentle that it can be used daily and in place of your shampoo. So, you can be sure that your sensitive skin is going to be alright.