8 DIY Scalp Scrubs To Make At Home For Healthy Hair & Scalp

These gentle exfoliating remedies will ensure your scalp is clean and well-stimulated.

Reviewed by Madison Dufour, Barber & Cosmetologist
July 29, 2022 By Arshiya Syeda

8 DIY Scalp Scrubs To Make At Home For Healthy Hair & Scalp

We often use face scrubs to remove dead skin cells and dirt from the skin pores. Similarly, your scalp also needs a scrub to remove the product buildup, dirt, excess oils, and dead skin cells. You can now make your DIY scalp scrub at home without any hassle. These natural scrub recipes can deal with many scalp and hair problems, like excess product buildup, which can otherwise lead to itchiness and hair damage.

This article explores certain easy recipes and how you can use them. Keep reading.

In This Article

What Is A Scalp Scrub?

Hair specialists have been pushing the use of dry shampoo and hair powders to minimize the use of conventional, oil-stripping shampoos. However, less shampooing leads to buildup on the scalp. This may, in turn, affect the growth of hair (1).

The good news is you can easily cleanse your scalp without visiting a salon with the help of scalp scrubs. These exfoliants are gently massaged onto the scalp to scrub away any impurities and dead skin cells.

But, just how good is scalp exfoliation for your hair? Why should you make it an important part of your hair care regimen? We explain the benefits of scalp exfoliation below.

How Does Scalp Exfoliation Benefit You?

Exfoliating your scalp removes dandruff, product buildup, sweat, and other residues. A clean scalp is necessary to prevent inflammatory skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis (2).

Deeper cleansing may also promote the growth of hair. It is because scalp care is directly related to the health of your hair (3). So, if you notice excess oil or a flaky scalp, it is time to exfoliate it. The kind of scrubs you use depends on whether your scalp is overly flaky or oily.

Scalp scrubs are easily available to purchase. But, finding the right products that suit your skin can cost you time and money. Instead, you can make your own DIY scalp scrub at home! If you need the right combination of nourishing and exfoliating agents for your scalp, try the following DIY scalp scrub recipes.

Easy DIY Scalp Scrub Recipes To Cleanse Your Scalp

Let us walk you through some easy-to-make DIY scalp scrubs:

1. Honey And Coconut Oil Scrub

Ingredients

1 tablespoon of honey
1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (ACV)
5-10 drops of peppermint oil
3/4th cup of sugar
1/4th cup of coconut oil

This scrub is good for inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema. Plus, it has antibacterial and antiseptic properties, thereby protecting your scalp from infections.

Sugar, which is a natural exfoliant, gets rid of all the buildup of products and dead skin cells on your scalp (4). Peppermint oil, which has a calming effect on the scalp, also promotes hair growth and acts as a skin conditioning agent (5).

Apple cider vinegar (ACV), on the other hand, maintains the skin’s pH balance (6). However, more research is required to fully know the benefits of ACV.

2. Himalayan/Sea Salt And Avocado Scrub

Ingredients

1 teaspoon of coconut oil
1 teaspoon of avocado oil
1 teaspoon of raw sugar
1 teaspoon of Himalayan or sea salt

Let us break down the purpose of each ingredient for you in this DIY scalp scrub recipe.

Coconut and avocado oils have moisturizing elements that nourish your scalp, while salt and raw sugar serve as exfoliators (7). Plant oils such as olive oil, argan oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, and rosehip oil have anti-inflammatory properties (7).

3. Tea Tree Brown Sugar And Avocado Scrub

Ingredients

1 teaspoon of tea tree oil
1 teaspoon of avocado oil
1/2 teaspoon of brown sugar

Tea tree oil (TTO), derived from an Australian native plant, has immense benefits for the skin – including your scalp. Besides being a strong antioxidant, it has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties (8).

Apart from bacteria, it is effective against protozoal, fungal, and viral infections on the skin (8). Similar to the previous recipe, avocado oil is used for moisturization.

Brown sugar allows you to remove dead skin and is mild in nature. Moreover, it is less abrasive and finer than regular granulated sugar (9).

4. Brown Sugar And Oatmeal Scrub

Ingredients

2 tablespoons of finely ground oatmeal
2 tablespoons of hair conditioner
2 tablespoons of brown sugar

This DIY scalp scrub increases circulation, provides moisture, and exfoliates the scalp. In fact, colloidal oatmeal is used in a wide spectrum of personal care products for treating itchiness and dryness of the skin (10).

Even though oatmeal has low irritant potential, you should talk to your dermatologist if you have doubts about your allergies. A study conducted on 2291 participants found that 1% of them reported low-level reactions (10).

5. Brown Sugar And Jojoba Oil Scrub

Ingredients

1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice
2 tablespoons of brown sugar
5-10 drops of jojoba oil

Jojoba oil is claimed to moisturize the scalp skin while lemon juice fights inflammation. This scrub also contains brown sugar that is gentler on the skin.

Before applying this scrub, shampoo your hair to remove any styling products. While applying it to your scalp, move your fingers in a circular motion for effective distribution.

6. Clarifying Shampoo Scrub

Ingredients

1-2 tablespoons of clarifying shampoo
2-3 drops of tea tree oil (optional)

A clarifying shampoo is good for removing excess oil or product buildup from the scalp. You can add tea tree oil to the scrub to benefit from its antiseptic and antifungal properties (11).

To achieve the desired results, massage it gently into your scalp for a few minutes.

7. Deep Cleansing Salt And Olive Oil Scrub

Ingredients

1-2 teaspoons of olive oil
1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice
2 tablespoons of sea salt

This scrub is particularly useful for dry scalp. You should know that you can have a dry scalp and not have dandruff. The latter may require professional treatment.

Olive oil is an excellent hydrating agent thanks to its rich fatty acid content. It moisturizes your scalp and prevents hair damage. However, more scientific research is required to support the effects of olive oil on the skin since most studies are based on animals.

8. Olive Oil, Honey, And Sugar Scrub

Ingredients

1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar diluted in 1 tablespoon of water
2 tablespoons of sugar
1 teaspoon of honey
1 tablespoon of coconut oil
3 drops of rosemary oil

Rosemary oil is known for treating the acne caused by the bacterium P. acnes (12). Its antibacterial activity may be useful for treating the scalp as well since it is good for your skin.

In fact, when it comes to hair, rosemary oil is also used for treating androgenetic alopecia (13). If you add it to the scrub, it may help clear clogged pores and sebum.

Besides, it may encourage blood flow, thereby promoting the growth of your hair (14). Therefore, by combining rosemary oil with ACV, sugar, honey, and coconut oil, you can cleanse your scalp.

These were a few effective DIY scalp scrub recipes. Next, we will look at the frequency and method of application.

What Is The Frequency Of Applying The Scrub?

The frequency varies with the type of scalp. Most people apply it twice a month. However, even once a month is enough for people with a sensitive scalp.

You should note that this is purely based on anecdotal evidence. It is best to consult your doctor to figure out the frequency that suits your scalp.

How To Apply Scalp Scrubs

Scalp scrubs are not only easy to make but also easy to apply.

The first step is to shampoo your hair and divide it into multiple sections.

Take the DIY scrub in small amounts and move your fingers in a circular motion to apply it directly to your scalp.

Repeat this process until you have applied the scrub to all the sections. Remember not to go overboard as it can leave your scalp irritated.

The final step is to rinse off the scrub thoroughly.

But before you use these DIY scalp scrubs, it is important to know the difference between a clarifying shampoo and a scalp scrub.

How Is A Scalp Scrub Different From A Clarifying Shampoo?

Clarifying shampoo is not to be confused with scalp scrubs. The former is meant for deep cleaning your hair, while the latter is focused on promoting a healthy scalp via exfoliation.

One can safely say that scalp scrubs are comparatively more intense than clarifying shampoos. Besides, one cannot use a scrub too frequently as it may make the scalp tender and sore. Both scrubs and clarifying shampoos should not be used on a daily basis.

Note: There is not enough research to support this claim. For this reason, it is best to discuss with your dermatologist, especially if you have a sensitive scalp.

Infographic: DIY Scalp Scrubs

Scalp scrubs are a great way of removing dead skin, product buildup, and oil from your scalp. Since commercial scalp scrubs may contain harsh chemicals that may do more harm than good, make your DIY scalp scrub at home. Once you make your homemade scalp scrub, keep a few tips in mind while using them.

Check out the infographic below to know more!

Less shampooing can lead to a buildup in your scalp and cause hair loss. Using your DIY scalp scrub at home will deeply cleanse your scalp of excess grime without making a trip to the salon. It also prevents inflammatory conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis and boosts hair growth. Instead of purchasing commercial scalp scrubs, you can use sea salt, avocado, olive oil, or honey to make your scalp scrub. You can apply this once or twice a month to keep your scalp clean and healthy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is coffee scrub good for the scalp?

Coffee scrub is known for its exfoliating properties. From reducing dead skin cells to dandruff, dirt, oil, and buildup, it can do a lot to open up clogged pores. However, use it only if recommended by a dermatologist.

Does scrubbing the scalp cause hair loss?

Scalp scrub usually dislodges weak hair that is set to fall anyway. However, it does not cause your healthy hair to fall.

Is coffee scrub better than sugar scrub?

Both coffee and sugar scrubs have their benefits. While the former provides intense exfoliation, the latter is suitable for a sensitive scalp.

Key Takeaways

Scalp scrubs are exfoliants that help remove buildup and impurities from the scalp.
Scalp cleansing is crucial for your hair health and keeps inflammatory scalp conditions at bay.
To prepare DIY scalp scrubs, you can use natural ingredients like sea salt, brown sugar, and oatmeal.
Do not use scalp scrubs daily as frequent usage may cause scalp soreness.

Sources

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