For the most part, my hair is pretty healthy and manageable, but when it isn’t playing game, nine times out of ten it’s my scalp that’s to blame. The thing is, our scalp is basically an extension of our skin, and without a certain level of TLC, it’s not going to be healthy enough to support and maintain good hair health.
Indeed, when our scalp health is thrown out of balance a wide range of issues can arise—from greasy roots to dry skin, dandruff, increased shedding, and limp or thinning hair. Like the rest of our skin, our scalp health can be impacted by everything from the products we use to our lifestyle, our diets, and of course, the climate. All of which means that you may find your scalp and hair health fluctuating throughout the year.
When I first started experiencing scalp issues a few years ago, my concerns were an unfortunate combination of both oiliness and dry flakes, which meant it wasn’t super easy to figure out either what was causing them—or what to do to fix it. Fortunately, I was recommended Davines’ Solu Sea Salt Scrub by a friend, and within a few weeks of use, both the excess oil and dry flakes had cleared up. My scalp was left feeling fresh, soothed, and my roots noticeably more buoyant. Since then, I’ve always kept a tub of Solu on my shelf should any scalp care emergencies arise—if I’ve accumulated a buildup of product residue or overdone it with a hair oil, it’s the perfect solution to hit ‘reset’ on my scalp.
Refreshing shampoos, nourishing conditioners, and smoothing oils are probably already staples in your haircare routine. But if your hair still doesn’t look and feel its best then it could be time to turn attention to your scalp—which is so often (quite literally) the root of our hair concerns and issues. And fortunately, there's now an entire (and growing) category of products specifically for scalp health. "We've seen for the past five years now customers starting to understand that the scalp is an extension of the skin on the face," says Sophie Wayman, Head of Seasonal Category at SpaceNK. "Scalp is in triple digit growth and brands are introducing new products which speak to integrating scalp into their routine and hair journey."
If you too are looking to tweak your haircare routine to focus on scalp health, scroll down to shop my edit of the best best scalp scrubs, tried and tested.
The best scalp scrubs:
1. Davines Solu Sea Salt Scrub Cleanser
There’s a reason why this is still number one for me—it works every single time, and it works fast. Like an instant detox for my scalp (and one that’s enjoyable to boot), the chunky sea salt particles provide much-needed exfoliation, while the jelly-textured formula leaves my scalp feeling fresh and clean, but also gently soothed.
2. Sachajuan Scalp Scrub
Designed to be used weekly by those with persistent scalp issues, this gentle sugar-based scrub buffs away dead skin cells and product buildup while simultaneously rehydrating the scalp with a blend of shea butter and soy bean oils.
3. OUAI Scalp Body Scrub
This bestselling scrub is a true ‘everything shower’ essential, designed to be used for exfoliation from top to toe. The lathering formula makes it easy to use, no matter how thick your hair.
4. Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub
This cult classic is well worth the hype. Suitable for even the most sensitive of scalps, it uses sea salt crystals to exfoliate and bisabolol to soothe itching and irritation.
5. Susanne Kaufmann Refining Scalp Body Scrub
6. Drunk Elephant TLC Happi Scalp Scrub
Part scalp scrub and part hair mask, this intensely exfoliating treatment provides an instant reset thanks to a combination of physical and chemical exfoliants. Apply it to a dry scalp, leave for ten minutes, then massage thoroughly and rinse to remove.
7. Oribe Serene Scalp Exfoliating Scrub
Part of Oribe’s Serene Scalp range, this scrub is a 3-in-1 treatment, formulated to simultaneously cleanse, hydrate, and soothe scalps in need of some TLC. It’s less abrasive than some scrubs I’ve used—ideal for those with more sensitive scalps.
8. Ceremonia Papaya Scalp Scrub
Enzyme-based exfoliants are amongst my favourites to use when it comes to face and body exfoliation, as they offer such a gentle (but still incredibly effective) treatment. Combining papaya enzymes with Bolivian pink salt, this makes light work of removing product congestion and dead skin build up.
9. Umberto Giannini Scalp Scrub
This affordable pick is one of the best options I’ve tried for symptoms of dryness such as flaking and increased sensitivity. What’s more, it proven to be suitable for coloured, chemically treated, and relaxed hair as well as for hair extensions.
10. Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Tea Tree Cooling Hydration Scalp Mask
Oily hair doesn’t stand a chance against this charcoal-based scalp scrub, which absorbs excess oil while refreshing and cooling the scalp with a mint and tea tree complex.
11. Bumble and bumble Bb Seaweed Whipped Scalp Scrub
As its name suggests this has a delicious whipped, airy texture which not only feels amazing, but also makes this scrub super easy to use. If you’ve noticed your roots looking flat and lank, this will quickly pep them up and restore lift and volume.
12. Fable Mane SahaScalp Wild Ginger Purifying Scrub
Whether your concerns of flakey dryness or an oily scalp, this multitasking scrub targets both with a gentle pink Himalayan salt exfoliation. Plus, it’s boosted with the addition of antiseptic ginger and anti-fungal neem.
