MarieClaire
  • News
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Career
  • Bridal
  • Podcasts
  • Beyond Beauty
  • Video
MarieClaire
  • News
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Career
  • Bridal
  • Podcasts
  • Beyond Beauty
  • Video
MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows
Watch 4:43

MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows

{headline}

{headline}

Could The Root Of Your Hair Problems Be Linked To Your Scalp Health?

Could The Root Of Your Hair Problems Be Linked To Your Scalp Health?

9 Models Whose Careers Skyrocketed Thanks To A Haircut

9 Models Whose Careers Skyrocketed Thanks To A Haircut

16 Haircuts That Changed Actresses' Entire Careers

16 Haircuts That Changed Actresses' Entire Careers

Here's What Your Nightly Hair Routine Should Look Like

Here's What Your Nightly Hair Routine Should Look Like

{headline}

{headline}

The 10 Short Haircut And Style Trends To Try In 2020

The 10 Short Haircut And Style Trends To Try In 2020

The Best Salon Standard Hair Dryers In Australia

The Best Salon Standard Hair Dryers In Australia

The 7 Best Hair Salons In Melbourne

The 7 Best Hair Salons In Melbourne

{headline}

{headline}

15 Celebrities Who Have Opened Up About Having Grey Hair

15 Celebrities Who Have Opened Up About Having Grey Hair

9 Shows To Watch After 'Behind Her Eyes' For Those Who Miss Feeling Perpetually Stressed

9 Shows To Watch After 'Behind Her Eyes' For Those Who Miss Feeling Perpetually Stressed

Australia's Gender Pay Gap Shrinks As Men Join Lower Earning Roles Amid COVID-19

Australia's Gender Pay Gap Shrinks As Men Join Lower Earning Roles Amid COVID-19

'MasterChef's' Newest Season Promises To Be Its Most Diverse (And Delicious) Yet

'MasterChef's' Newest Season Promises To Be Its Most Diverse (And Delicious) Yet

California Here We Come! Rumour Has It, 'The O.C.' Could Be Getting A Reboot

California Here We Come! Rumour Has It, 'The O.C.' Could Be Getting A Reboot

Does Lymphatic Drainage Massage Actually Work?

Does Lymphatic Drainage Massage Actually Work?

Your Weekly Horoscopes Are Here! February 26th - March 4th

Your Weekly Horoscopes Are Here! February 26th - March 4th

  1. Home
  2. Beauty

8 Exfoliating Scalp Scrubs To Clear Build-Up And Enhance Hair Health

Great hair starts at the scalp - by marie claire
  • 02 Nov 2020
8 Exfoliating Scalp Scrubs To Clear Build-Up And Enhance Hair Health

Love to slather on the dry shampoo as a way to extend hair between washes? Or perhaps you're a fan of utilising a hydrating hair balm to keep things looking sleek? Well, we have news for you: build-up is real.

And it doesn't exactly just wash off.
Applying products and then solely washing with a classic shampoo and conditioner combination is a bit like applying a full face of makeup and removing it with just a makeup wipe. The surface may look clean, but residue remains.
Interestingly, an effective hair routine actually starts with the the scalp, where hair (and subsequently, hair health) actually stems from, and said routine should always start with a good scrub.
Here, we breaks down the importance of exfoliating your scalp, plus the best build-up-clearing scrubs to try.


How do scalp scrubs work?

As with any other area of skin, exfoliation is essential for keeping the scalp in optimal condition as it sheds dead skin and produces sebum in the same manner.

Applying a scalp scrub can aid in keeping flakes at bay, cleansing the skin of product buildup, and boosting circulation which then helps to enhance hair health by enhancing its shine levels and ability to grow.
theouai View Profile
View Post on Instagram

How do physical exfoliants work vs. chemical exfoliants?

As with exfoliants you would apply to your face, there are two categories within the scalp scrub realm: physical and chemical.
Physical exfoliants are microbeads or grainy elements (such as salt or sugar) added to formulas to scrub away buildup, slough off dead skin and stimulate cell renewal, whereas chemical exfoliants work to dissolve the excess oil, product residue and glue that holds dead skin cells to the scalp using ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids.
Through utilising scalp scrubs that combine the powers of both categories, you will be able to best treat a congested scalp.
randco View Profile
View Post on Instagram

How do you apply a scalp scrub?

Prior to shampoo, wet your hair and divide into several sections. Apply a small amount of the scrub directly to your hairline and use your fingers to massage into the scalp. Repeat this process all around your head until all areas of the scalp have been exfoliated, then rinse thoroughly to remove and follow with your shampoo and conditioner of choice.
It is of course possible to over-exfoliate in any area, so be wary of scrubbing too hard as this can aggravate the scalp and trigger irritation. Keep your massage technique gentle and your frequency of use to once per week.


The best scalp scrubs to shop

R+CO scalp scrub

Crown Scalp Scrub by R+Co, $56 at Adore Beauty

Ideal for sensitive and oily scalps, this zesty citrus-scented scrub harnesses the exfoliating powers of salicylic acid and kaolin clay.

scalp scrub

Cleansing Purifying Scrub by Christophe Robin, $69 at David Jones

Brilliant for easing irritation, this purifying sea salt paste is a stellar option for using post-colour refresh to soothe tingling and itching sensations.

oribe scalp scrub

Serene Scalp Exfoliating Scrub by Oribe, $82 at David Jones

Can't choose between physical and chemical exfoliants? Blend both with this congestion-clearing combination of alpha hydroxy acids and exfoliating beads.

ouai scalp scrub

Scalp & Body Scrub by Ouai, $59.26 at Revolve

Formulated with exfoliating sugar crystals, hydrating coconut oil and bacteria-balancing probiotics, it's a scrub of the soothing and smoothing variety.

drunk elephant scalp scrub

T.L.C. Happi Scalp Scrub by Drunk Elephant, $58 at MECCA

Created in collaboration with Jennifer Aniston's hair stylist Chris McMillan, this oil and AHA concoction dissolves dead skin while boosting moisture.

scalp scrub

On The Rocks Charcoal Scalp Scrub by Drybar, $48 at Sephora

A sugar scrub featuring activated charcoal, it works to purify the scalp of product build-up and impurities while also promoting cell renewal

igk scalp scrub

Low Key Cooling Walnut Scrub by IGK, $55 at Sephora

After relief? This cooling mix of peppermint oil and apple cider vinegar offers it in spades, allowing walnut shells to take care of the exfoliation aspect.

briogeo scalp revival scrub

Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-exfoliating Scalp Scrub Shampoo, $67 at MECCA

Designed for those with curly hair, this detoxifying charcoal scrub is packed full of hydrating coconut oil, working wonders on drier hair.

6 issues for $35 -

Subscribe to marie claire

Subscribe Now
6 issues for $35

6 issues for $35 -

Subscribe to marie claire

Subscribe Now
6 issues for $35

Recommended to you

MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows
Watch 4:43

MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows

{headline}

{headline}

Could The Root Of Your Hair Problems Be Linked To Your Scalp Health?

Could The Root Of Your Hair Problems Be Linked To Your Scalp Health?

9 Models Whose Careers Skyrocketed Thanks To A Haircut

9 Models Whose Careers Skyrocketed Thanks To A Haircut

16 Haircuts That Changed Actresses' Entire Careers

16 Haircuts That Changed Actresses' Entire Careers

Here's What Your Nightly Hair Routine Should Look Like

Here's What Your Nightly Hair Routine Should Look Like

{headline}

{headline}

The 10 Short Haircut And Style Trends To Try In 2020

The 10 Short Haircut And Style Trends To Try In 2020

The Best Salon Standard Hair Dryers In Australia

The Best Salon Standard Hair Dryers In Australia

The 7 Best Hair Salons In Melbourne

The 7 Best Hair Salons In Melbourne

{headline}

{headline}

15 Celebrities Who Have Opened Up About Having Grey Hair

15 Celebrities Who Have Opened Up About Having Grey Hair

9 Shows To Watch After 'Behind Her Eyes' For Those Who Miss Feeling Perpetually Stressed

9 Shows To Watch After 'Behind Her Eyes' For Those Who Miss Feeling Perpetually Stressed

Australia's Gender Pay Gap Shrinks As Men Join Lower Earning Roles Amid COVID-19

Australia's Gender Pay Gap Shrinks As Men Join Lower Earning Roles Amid COVID-19

'MasterChef's' Newest Season Promises To Be Its Most Diverse (And Delicious) Yet

'MasterChef's' Newest Season Promises To Be Its Most Diverse (And Delicious) Yet

California Here We Come! Rumour Has It, 'The O.C.' Could Be Getting A Reboot

California Here We Come! Rumour Has It, 'The O.C.' Could Be Getting A Reboot

Does Lymphatic Drainage Massage Actually Work?

Does Lymphatic Drainage Massage Actually Work?

Your Weekly Horoscopes Are Here! February 26th - March 4th

Your Weekly Horoscopes Are Here! February 26th - March 4th

MarieClaire
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • Beauty Crew
  • Home Beautiful
  • Who

Our Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • New Idea food
  • New Idea
  • Girlfriend
  • That’s Life
  • Practical Parenting
  • All Recipes
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • Airtasker
  • 7NEWS
  • SocietyOne
  • Health Engine
  • Starts at 60
© 2021 Are Media PTY LTD
Get more from Marie Claire

Magazine Subscription Offer

6 issues for $35 -

Shop This Offer
6 issues for $35