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Beauty/Hair/Styling Products & Treatments/Scalp Treatments

Top 10 Scalp Scrubs

Healthy Hair Starts With A Healthy Scalp—These Are The 10 Best Scalp Scrubs You Can Buy

Image credits: ouai

Whether you wash your hair once a week or once a day, at some point in your life, you've likely looked in the mirror and felt like your roots were weighed down by sweat, oil, or product (maybe even all of the above). Finding the right shampoo can help with this, for sure. But if your follicles are aching or your scalp is itchy, it's time to take your hair routine up a notch with a scalp exfoliator. 

Scalp exfoliation helps gently remove dandruff, oil, and buildup from your roots. It also stimulates blood flow to your hair follicles, promoting growth and leading to vibrant, healthy-looking strands. Sounds great, right? It is, but in order to make sure you're ready to start scrubbing, let's talk about how to make scalp exfoliators work for you.

How to Use Scalp Scrubs

Typically, scalp exfoliators come in the form of pre-shampoo treatments you can incorporate into your routine once a week (max, twice a week). However, each product is different and some scrubs are actually shampoo replacements. 

To use a scalp scrub, wet your hair, then part it into sections. Apply a small amount of the scrub or exfoliator directly to your scalp, then use your fingertips to massage it into your skin in circular motions (alternatively, you can use a scalp massager or brush for this). After thirty seconds or so, rinse thoroughly with water, then follow up with the shampoo and conditioner of your choice. 

With this micro lesson in mind, you're ready to go forth and find the scalp scrub that's sure to solve your weighed-down woes. 

How We Found The Best Scalp Treatments

The 10 products you're about to discover were chosen by our data-powered ranking algorithm. Using information from social media, best-seller lists, reviews, and more, this tool scours the web in an effort to find the best products in a given category. From scrubs invented by seasoned celebrity hair stylists to cult faves founded by clean beauty brands, get ready to meet the 10 scalp exfoliating treatments that will help you wash away your worries.

Tip: Exfoliation can make your scalp extra sensitive, so consider investing in a scalp sunscreen if you experience this.

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March 8, 2023

Written By:Sierra Rogers

Product Expert:Georgia Jones

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Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.

The Rankings


10
Image credits: ulta
Rank & Style Approved

ulta

Kristin Ess Instant Exfoliating Scalp Scrub

Overall Score

4.5

10

Kristin Ess Instant Exfoliating Scalp Scrub

4.08

696 User Reviews

2.9

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

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Best Scalp Scrub For Damaged Hair

WHAT TO LOVE
This gentle scalp exfoliator contains sugar, which helps keep your natural moisture intact while taking down dandruff and buildup. 

NOTEWORTHY INFO
This scalp scrub contains Kristin Ess's proprietary "zip-up" strengthening complex, a blend of ingredients that work together to get rid of split ends.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Nexxus Clean & Pure Invigorating Detox Scalp Scrub

Overall Score

4.5

09

Nexxus Clean & Pure Invigorating Detox Scalp Scrub

4.42

2975 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Scalp Scrub For Volume

WHAT TO LOVE
This best-selling scalp treatment from Nexxus is infused with elastin protein and marine minerals that help give your hair a glossy, full finish.

REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
Out of the nearly 2,000 5-star reviews for Nexxus's Clean & Pure Scalp Scrub, this one caught our eye: "I use this scalp scrub about once a week, and it makes my hair feel so clean and fresh that I don’t have to wash my hair for another four days or so. I have very thick hair that’s prone to oiliness. Other hair/scalp masks never helped and just made my hair feel dirtier. This stuff does the exact opposite, though!"


TPH by Taraji Never Salty Sugar Hair & Scalp Scrub

Overall Score

4.5

08

TPH by Taraji Never Salty Sugar Hair & Scalp Scrub

4.5

880 User Reviews

3

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Affordable Scalp Scrub

WHAT TO LOVE
The Never Salty Hair & Scalp Scrub has a sugar-based formula infused with sugar crystals, apple cider vinegar, coconut, and peppermint oils.

NOTEWORTHY DETAILS
The fancy, double-tipped applicator that comes with this scalp scrub helps make your hair routine a breeze. While your hair is wet, section it, then use the applicator to dole out the product directly onto your scalp.

Clean Beauty

Clean Beauty


Oribe Serene Scalp Exfoliating Scrub

Overall Score

4.55

07

Oribe Serene Scalp Exfoliating Scrub

4.35

280 User Reviews

2.7

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Scalp Scrub For Sensitive Scalps

WHAT TO LOVE
It's hard to beat a dermatologist-tested, cruelty-free, vegan scalp exfoliator that's safe for color- and keratin-treated hair. Oribe's Serene Scalp Exfoliating Scrub is just that, with a formula centered around alpha hydroxy acids (naturally occurring sugar compounds that help peel away the surface of your skin so that new cells generate and take their place).

HAIRCARE TIP
For the best results, use this scalp treatment once a week.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Ceremonia Papaya Scalp Scrub

Overall Score

4.55

06

Ceremonia Papaya Scalp Scrub

4.76

183 User Reviews

2.6

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Scalp Scrub For Hair Growth

WHAT TO LOVE
You can skip the shampoo when using Ceremonia's Papaya Scalp Scrub, because this product is both an exfoliator and a purifying cleanser.

NOTEWORTHY DETAILS
The three key ingredients behind this whipped shampoo scrub are Bolivian mountain salt, papaya enzymes, and prickly pear extract. Together, these ingredients help exfoliate away flakes while nourishing your strands.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free

Clean Beauty

Clean Beauty


dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Scalp Scrub

Overall Score

4.55

05

dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Scalp Scrub

4.33

1702 User Reviews

3.2

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Scalp Scrub For Oily Scalps

WHAT TO LOVE
dpHUE's Apple Cider Vinegar Scalp Scrub is an award-winning exfoliator that combines Himalayan sea salt, avocado oil, aloe vera, and (as you might have guessed) apple cider vinegar. Known for its ability to balance skin's pH, apple cider vinegar is particularly good at breaking down oils. 

REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"I use this scrub to naturally exfoliate dead skin and purify the scalp and help stimulate circulation for healthy hair growth. I’ve been using it once a week and notice that my hair became shinier. It is easy to apply in portions and easy to wash away. It doesn’t make hair greasy or heavy after use. I always follow up with shampoo and conditioner. I’d definitely recommend it to everyone."

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free

Clean Beauty

Clean Beauty


Christophe Robin Purifying Scalp Scrub With Sea Salt

Overall Score

4.6

04

Christophe Robin Purifying Scalp Scrub With Sea Salt

4.51

676 User Reviews

2.9

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Investment Scalp Scrub

WHAT TO LOVE
Christophe Robin's Purifying Scalp Scrub is akin to a detox weekend at a spa for your scalp. In addition to breaking down build-up, this product provides long-lasting hydration. Plus, this scalp treatment won allure's Best of Beauty award for Hair Splurges in 2019.

NOTEWORTHY DETAILS
If you recently colored-treated your hair, this scrub offers a great way to relieve itchiness and remove chemical residue left on the scalp.


NatureLab. Tokyo Perfect Shine Clarifying Scalp Scrub

Overall Score

4.65

03

NatureLab. Tokyo Perfect Shine Clarifying Scalp Scrub

4.68

3790 User Reviews

3.3

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Hydrating Scalp Scrub

WHAT TO LOVE
NatureLab Tokyo's Perfect Shine Clarifying Scalp Scrub takes things up a notch with the infusion of sake water. It’s rich in probiotics that help to restore and rebalance natural pH levels in the scalp. 

HAIRCARE TIP
If you have a naturally oily scalp, try mixing a dollop of this scalp scrub with your shampoo a few times a week.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free

Clean Beauty

Clean Beauty


Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo

Overall Score

4.85

02

Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo

4.33

9147 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Clean Scalp Scrub

WHAT TO LOVE
With its micro exfoliants and cooling sensation, this deeply nourishing shampoo scrub feels more like an indulgent self-care session than a scalp exfoliator. According to reviewers, it'll make your scalp feel ultra-clean and keep you from having to wash your hair for days. Yes, days.

NOTEWORTHY DETAILS
If you're looking for a scalp scrub for dandruff, this one's a good option; a whopping 100% of participants who tested this shampoo said it defeated the dreaded flakes and irritation on their scalps.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free

Clean Beauty

Clean Beauty


Ouai Scalp & Body Scrub

Overall Score

5

01

Ouai Scalp & Body Scrub

4.59

2329 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

5

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Scalp Scrub Overall

WHAT TO LOVE
One thing you might not have expected out of the best scalp treatment the internet has to offer? You can use it from head to toe.

NOTEWORTHY DETAILS
Ouai's Scalp & Body Scrub is formulated with gently exfoliating sugar crystals that help scrub away product buildup and dead skin. It also has conditioning coconut oil and glycerin, both of which help your hair and skin stay hydrated.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free

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