Tried-and-tested scalp scrubs that detoxify your mane

Trust these gritty, non-abrasive formulas to revive your scalp’s health 

You shampoo your hair frequently and condition your ends unfailingly, and yet, your hair health stands unsatisfactory? There’s a high chance that your scalp isn’t getting the TLC it requires.

Our scalp, much like our skin, can become a breeding ground for dirt, excessive sebum secretion, dandruff, flakes, dehydration, bacteria and even acne. These conditions leave your scalp compromised, affecting the overall health of your hair. The roots of the hair become weaker, inhibiting hair growth. Oil, dirt, and acne cause itching, redness, and irritation, resulting in breakage and hair fall. Using a scalp scrub, then, is the easiest and most effective way out. Scalp scrubs can exfoliate the scalp, which, in turn, regulates sebum production and prevents dirt and oil from clogging the pores. The only catch? Finding a scrub that’s not too abrasive. If you’re looking for some tried-and-tested recommendations, scroll down.

Sahascalp Wild Ginger Purifying Scalp Scrub, Fable & Mane 

Ginger is a powerhouse of anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties; it doesn’t only alleviate dandruff but also calms the scalp by reducing inflammation and itching. This Himalayan Pink Salt-based scalp scrub does just that (and more). Along with ginger, neem, amla, soapbark, sodium benzoate, and hydrolysed rice protein and quinoa, make it relieving for an itchy, oily scalp. Plus, this one lathers too, doubling as a rinse for both your scalp and hair.

Scalp Scrub, Sachajuan

If your scalp is susceptible to all the common concerns, but is also sensitive, turn to this sugar-based scalp scrub that mildly exfoliates without causing irritation. With a simple ingredient profile comprising soybean oil, shea butter, and glycerin, this scalp scrub sloughs away dead skin cells, clears build-up, and allows the pores to breathe. It also contains citric acid, making it an ideal choice for colour-treated hair. 

Purifying Pre-Wash Scalp Scrub, Moroccanoil

Have dry white flakes and dandruff become a permanent guest on your shoulders? If so, this scalp scrub from Moroccanoil might help. Loaded with natural extracts and oils from lemon, orange, sea buckthorn, rosehip, and bilberry along with argan oil, jojoba oil, menthol, glycerin, and sugarcane extract, this scalp scrub is a one-and-done solution to every scalp concern. It’s not too creamy, but not unpleasantly gritty , plus brownie points for the precise applicator.

Scrub Énergisant, Kérastase

Formulated with sea salt, vitamin B6 and salicylic acid, this scrub is ideal for those with an oily, acne-prone scalp. The scrub gently resurfaces the scalp, eliminating excess sebum and build-up, without drying out your scalp. If you have a sensitive scalp, turn to the other variant, Scrub Apaisant, which is a calming, gel-based scrub featuring jojoba seed and sweet orange peel.

Scalp & Body Scrub, OUAI

This sugar-based scalp scrub, which doubles as an excellent body scrub, comes packed with OUAI’s classic scent. Suitable for all scalp and hair types, it gently gets rid of dead skin and dry flakes, leaving you with a fresh, fragrant scalp. It contains nourishing ingredients like sweet almond oil, coconut oil, glycerin, and castor oil, but doesn’t weigh down your hair or over-condition your scalp.

Scalp Solutions Exfoliating Scalp Treatment, Aveda

Sceptical about physical exfoliation for your scalp? This liquid-based chemical exfoliant from Aveda tackles that and declining scalp health at once. Plant-based salicylic acid, menthol, Centella Asiatica, and zinc make it highly suitable for an overly oily scalp. Using it is easy too—simply massage the product on your scalp, leave it on for ten minutes, and shampoo as you would usually. Expect a clarified scalp and fuller-looking hair.

Peppermint Avocado Scalp Scrub, Philip B

Crafted under the expertise of hair expert Philip B, this scalp scrub can substitute your shampoo. The sea salt formula lathers into a rich and creamy shampoo, providing your scalp with a deep cleanse. It’s purifying and refreshing, thanks to menthol, peppermint oil, and witch hazel extract along with avocado oil, glycerin, vitamin E, and aloe vera.

Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-exfoliating Scalp Scrub, Briogeo

Packed with a complex of ingredients like charcoal, coconut oil, ginger root oil, tea tree oil, glycerin, castor oil, peppermint and spearmint oils that work hard to maintain your scalp equilibrium, this scalp scrub can replace your shampoo. If you have a flaky, itchy or oily scalp, this product will leave your scalp feeling cool, calm, and balanced. 

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