14 Scalp Exfoliators That Seriously Scrub Off Summer Sweat and Grease
Jul 09, 2018
We tend to think about the state of our strands by looking at our ends, but healthy hair really starts at the roots. Scrubbing, whether with a physical or chemical exfoliator, is important for maintaining healthy skin. And the same principle should apply to your scalp in order to break up buildup to grow long, thick, and strong strands. With an array of scalp-specific options hitting shelves recently, there are plenty of scrubs to choose from. Scroll on to see them all!
R+Co CROWN Scalp Scrub ($38): A sweaty scalp with piled-on product is a recipe for non-stop itchiness. Sure, shampoo cuts through the grease, but this scrub will slough off the product buildup that makes flakes worse. Your strands will feel clean and voluminous thanks to the Ecuadorian ivory palm seed powder and salicylic acid that open up pores as well as kaolin clay to balance.
Miriam Quevedo Extreme Caviar Exfoliating Scrub Scalp Mask ($50): Let’s be real; anything infused with caviar is sure to leave you feeling more luxurious. And this pre-shampoo mask certainly fits the bill, as the caviar and B5 smooth and nourish your strands and scalp after the Tahitian mother of pearl and coral sand eradicate the dead skin cells.
Keranique Micro-Exfoliating Follicle Revitalizing Mask ($45): Healthy hair follicles usually have up to three strands growing out at one time. But a clogged pore might prevent some from appearing, so this mask ensures everything’s in the clear with a sprinkling of apricot seed powder. It also works to nourish the skin and deep condition tresses to prevent breakage.
IGK Low Key Cleansing Walnut Scalp Scrub ($36): While this IGK solution is inspired by the world’s best beaches (with notes of coconut water, guava, and more), it doesn’t actually use salt to get to work. Instead, it employs walnut oil and apple cider vinegar to cut through product buildup, including your layers of dry shampoo, while leaving locks smelling like a frozen cocktail.
Aveda Pramāsana Purifying Scalp Cleanser ($35): Babassu and wintergreen combine to clear out dry flakes, but there’s a little seaweed extract to keep your sebum levels in balance. We suggest using this before a morning shower since the citrus scent is bound to leave you and your scalp feeling invigorated and energized.
Kérastase Chronologiste The Gommage ($46): Your strands will shine as bright as gold once you get your hands on this glittering hair jelly. Inspired by skincare rituals, this luxurious pre-shampoo treatment uses apricot seed powder for the manual exfoliation, and abyssine, a survivor molecule from the Pacific Ocean, soothes and detoxifies the scalp.
Oribe Serene Scalp Soothing Leave-On Treatment ($48): Most of the treatments you try will require a step into the shower, but not so with this one. The beta hydroxy acid gets rid of dead skin cells without water. The refreshing scent of peppermint and caffeine increase blood flow to the scalp, and there’s a blend of aloe, willowherb, sugarcane extract, and mullein flower to keep the scalp feeling healthy and nourished afterward.
Neuma Beauty ReNeu Scalp Therapy ($25): Sure, most of us save our masks, peels, and treatments for #selfcaresunday, but you should also turn your attention to hair care as well to start the week with a clean slate. This solution does an effective job of cleansing, but it also infuses strands with moisture and color protection from UVA and UVB rays, so it's an awesome option for when you're hanging poolside or by the beach.
L'Oréal EverFresh Micro-Exfoliating Scrub ($10): Don’t worry, budget babes; we’ve got you covered! If product buildup or a super-sweaty head is weighing down your locks and making you itch, this apricot seed-infused scrub will give you a refreshing clean before you even start shampooing.
Kiehl’s Deep Micro-Exfoliating Scalp Treatment ($20): Kiehl’s is known for its skincare and body essentials, but the brand’s hair care range is just as amazing. This treatment does wonders to give your scalp a much-needed cleanse, and the dash of rosemary oil helps to stimulate hair growth so your locks look shiny and strong from their start.
Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo ($42): Charcoal is a well-known detoxifier. So when applied to the scalp where the skin doesn’t usually get much TLC beyond shampoo, it’s bound to clear out all of the impurities and dead cells that might be making your head itch. The mask also combines coconut, peppermint, and spearmint oils to calm and hydrate the sensitive skin and your strands.
Carol's Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey Clarifying Scalp Treatment ($12): There are some styles that we need to last for more than one day, so shampooing isn’t always an option. This clarifying pick works without water or actual rubbing to effectively remove buildup with the help of mimosa flower, propolis, and a blend of clarifying oils to keep it cleansed and hydrated.
Revivogen PRO Exfoliating Scalp Cleanser ($39): You won’t have to worry about this buy weighing down your fine hair, as it’s formulated more like a gel than a heavy cream. Salicylic acid opens up pores and follicles while feeding your roots a direct dose of amino acids, wheat proteins, and biotin, so hair — whether it's old or new — has a healthy boost from the beginning.
Vitagoods Scalp Massaging Shampoo Brush ($16): You can still score clean roots even if you don’t have enough room for another bottle in your shower caddy. Keeping this brush on hand when you’re ready to wash up and it will banish all of that buildup without having to switch out your shampoo. Plus you won’t have to worry about running out of product!
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