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. Using such scrubs in your hair care routine improves self-care and helps you relax and take care of your scalp.

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

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

may remove dandruff, product buildup, sweat, and other residues. A clean scalp is necessary to prevent inflammatory skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis ⁱ  A common skin condition that causes itchy and scaly red patches, inflamed skin, and dandruff usually on the scalp. (2).

Scalp care is directly related to the health of your hair (3). Deeper cleansing may also promote the growth of hair. A clean scalp helps hair care products get absorbed more effectively. Clearing away buildup improves hydration and nourishment, both of which are key for promoting healthy hair growth.

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

Honey is packed with antioxidants that aid in repairing hair damage and maintaining a healthy scalp and hair. Its antibacterial properties can help prevent scalp infections and alleviate problems such as dandruff and eczema (4). Coconut oil can help improve the strength of hair strands and reduce the likelihood of breakage (5). This scrub will make a good addition to your hair care routine if you have inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasisⁱ  An autoimmune condition that causes itchy, dry, and scaly patches on the skin due to the build-up of skin cells. or eczemaⁱ  A general skin condition, more prone among children but affects people of all ages, that causes inflamed, red, dry, rough, and cracked skin.

. Plus, it has antibacterial and antiseptic properties, thereby protecting your scalp from infections. Sugar, a natural exfoliant, may reduce product and dead skin cell build up on your scalp (6). Peppermint oil, which has a calming effect on the scalp, may promote hair growth and acts as a skin conditioning agent (7).

Apple cider vinegar (ACV), on the other hand, maintains the skin’s pH balance (8). However, more research is required to fully know the benefits of ACV.

Quick Tip

You can replace peppermint oil with other essential oils of your preference, like lavender oil, rosemary oil, or sage oil. You can also use other carrier oils instead of coconut oil, such as sweet almond oil or olive oil.

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 (9). Plant oils such as olive oil, argan oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, and rosehip oil have anti-inflammatory properties (9).

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 (10).

Apart from bacteria, it may be effective against protozoal, fungal, and viral infections on the skin (10). Similar to the previous recipe, avocado oil is used for moisturization.

Brown sugar may help remove dead skin and is mild in nature. Moreover, it is less abrasive and finer than regular granulated sugar (11).

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 may help increase circulation, provide moisture, and exfoliate the scalp. In fact, colloidal oatmeal is used in a wide spectrum of personal care products for treating itchiness and dryness of the skin (12).

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 (12).

Quick Tip

Some people may suggest using cinnamon as an alternative for brown sugar. We do not recommend doing this as cinnamon may cause scalp irritation or burning. Stick to sugar!

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

may help 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.

When it comes to brown sugar, its granules may leave little scrapes on your scalp when massaged too harshly. However, there is a fix! Toshia, a blogger, shared a DIY scalp scrub recipe to address various scalp issues, like dryness, flakiness, and product buildup. The ingredients included raw brown sugar but she added in a tip to use it properly. She writes, “I blend the brown sugar before making the scrub just for a few pulses because I have a sensitive scalp and do not want to scratch it with rough sugar granules (i).”

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 (13).

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

Massage your scalp with this scrub if you have a dry scalp. You should know that you can have a dry scalp and not have dandruff. This scrub deeply cleanses the scalp without leaving it stripped dry, leaving you with a healthy scalp.

Olive oil is an excellent hydrating agent thanks to its rich fatty acid content. It may moisturize your scalp and prevent 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 (14). 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 may also be used for treating androgenetic alopecia (15). If you add it to the scrub, it may help clear clogged pores and control excess hair sebum.

Besides, it may encourage blood flow, thereby promoting the growth of your hair (16). 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 at which you need to scrub your scalp depends on the type of scalp. Here’s a quick guide:

• Oily scalp: 1-2 times a week
• Dry scalp: Once every two weeks
• Normal scalp: Once a week
• Sensitive scalp: Once a month

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. Also, some of these ingredients may cause allergic reactions in some people. Therefore, always do a patch test before applying these remedies.

How To Apply Scalp Scrubs

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

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

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

3. 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.

4. 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: Tips To Keep In Mind When Using A DIY Scalp Scrub

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!

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Can scalp scrubs help with dandruff?

Yes, scalp scrubs can help with dandruff. They remove dead skin cells, excess oil, and product buildup that contribute to dandruff. The exfoliation helps keep the scalp clean, reducing flakes and itching.

How often should I use a scalp scrub if I have colored hair?

If you have colored hair, use a scalp scrub once every two to three weeks. Over-exfoliating can strip the color and dry out your hair. So, be gentle and infrequent.

What should I do if I experience irritation after using a scrub?

If you experience irritation after using a scalp scrub, stop using it immediately. Rinse your scalp thoroughly with cool water and apply a soothing treatment like aloe vera or a mild conditioner. If the irritation persists, consult a dermatologist. To prevent this from happening, it is always wise to perform a patch test before use.

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.

Illustration: DIY Scalp Scrubs To Make At Home For Healthy Hair & Scalp

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Scalp scrubs are helpful to get rid of dirt and product buildup on your head while giving your hair the nourishment it needs. Watch the video below to learn how to make an amazing coffee scalp scrub to boost scalp health.

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Madison DufourBarber & Cosmetologist

     

Madison Dufour is a licensed and practicing barber and cosmetologist with 10 years of experience, as well as an entrepreneur running several hair businesses, including MadisonD Barbering and The Exquisite Find Hair Blog. After working behind the chair for several years, she felt the calling to start the non-profit Barber in a Bag that teaches basic hair cutting skills in street and slum communities in South America.

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Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief

 

Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

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Ramona SinhaEditor

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

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Medha DebCommerce Editor

Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.

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