While many of us reach for our favorite leave-in conditioner or a nourishing hair mask when our hair needs a little extra TLC, scalp exfoliation is an often overlooked step in our hair care routine. But just like the skin on your face and body, the scalp needs regular exfoliation, too.
From removing product buildup to improving blood circulation and hair growth, scalp scrubs and other exfoliating tools offer a range of benefits that affect not only the scalp, but also the overall look and feel of your hair.
To learn more about scalp scrubs and what to look for when shopping for a product, Shop TODAY asked hair and scalp experts to weigh in. Read on for their expert advice and use the links below to find the best scalp scrub and exfoliating product for you.
Expert-recommended splurge$undefined$42.00
What are the benefits of using scalp scrubs?
"Like the skin on our bodies and face, our scalp sheds dead skin and secretes oil and sweat — all of which contain bacteria. Product residue, pollution and dirt can also build up on the scalp and ultimately lead to clogged pores and hair follicles," says Natalie Palomino, master hairstylist and the founder of North Authentic, an online source for expert-prescribed hair care routines.
These clogged hair pores can stop hair from growing, explains celebrity hairstylist Joel Warren, who adds that scalp scrubs and scalp exfoliants can help unclog the pore and allow the hair to grow.
Chasity Shipman, a certified AMCA trichologist and hair loss specialist, adds that exfoliating the scalp also helps in promoting healthy hair growth by waking up the follicles. "A tight and dry scalp will not encourage hair growth, but rather slow it down or cause shedding due to lack of stimulation and blood circulation," she says. "Scalp exfoliation is [also] great for those who suffer from scalp disorders such as psoriasis, [scalp] eczema and seborrheic dermatitis."
Best scalp scrubs, according to experts and editors
Cost-effective option: Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Clarifying Sugar Scalp Scrub
- Smells nice
- Affordable
- Hard to get product out
Key ingredients: Rosemary, mint, sugar and shea butter | Usage: As needed | Size: 6.0 oz. | Form: Pre-shampoo
"This product is infused with rosemary and mint which can promote scalp health," states Dr. Dara Spearman, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder/owner of Radiant Dermatology Associates. "Rosemary helps with circulation, which can promote hair growth and anti-inflammatory properties that can help irritated scalps," she adds.
"The scrub contains ingredients such as jojoba oil and shea butter that deeply penetrate the scalp while keeping pores clean and unclogged," Spearman explains.
Affordable editor favorite: Biotera Intensives 2:1 Scalp Scrub & Shampoo
- Easy-to-use nozzle
- Smells amazing
- Easy to rinse out
- Nothing to note at this time
Key ingredients: Coconut yogurt, ginseng, squalene, apricot seed powder | Usage: Not specified | Size: 6 oz. | Form: Scrub
Amanda Fama, a commerce editor at Shop TODAY, once recommended the Biotera scalp scrub and shampoo and said it made her hair feel “rejuvenated.” She was also surprised by the affordable price point (just under $15).
This scalp scrub-shampoo combination product feels invigorating upon use, thanks to exfoliating apricot seeds and hair-nourishing ingredients within the paraben-free formula.
Vacation in a bottle: Sunbum Revitalizing Detox Scalp Scrub
- Long-lasting product
- Customers enjoy the scent
- Some say it's too thick
Key ingredients: Apple cider vinegar, blue agave, banana and sugar | Usage: Once per week, or as needed | Size: 6 oz. | Form: Scrub
An easy solution to clean out dirt, flakes, oil and any other unwanted substances on your scalp, this scrub is applied after shampooing and can be easily conditioned out. Made with ingredients thoughtfully included to ensure that your scalp is healthy and clean, apple cider vinegar and blue agave also help to reduce frizz and lock in moisture.
Sierra Hoeger, an associate editor at Shop TODAY, one recommended this product. She told us that “it’s super easy to use,” and continued, “I simply rub it on my scalp and let it sit for a couple of minutes before rinsing it out with my conditioner.”
Say goodbye to dry skin: Arrive Headcare The Crown Scalp Scrub
- May tingle or feel cooling
- Helps with drynes
- Mixed reviews on results
Key ingredients: Menthol | Usage: Once per week, before shampooing | Size: 6 oz. | Form: Scrub
Associate SEO editor Kamari Stewart lives by this scalp scrub not only because the menthol included makes her scalp feel good, but because “it also leaves your hair feeling super clean,” she says. This scrub promises to exfoliate, energize and refresh your scalp. Plus, it can be used on all hair types, according to the brand.
Cooling effect: Jupiter Purifying Mask
- Shop TODAY award winner
- Has a "pleasant smell"
- Feels cooling, per customers
- Can be hard to use
Key ingredients: Argan oil, biotin, panthenol, volcanic ash | Usage: 1–2x per week | Size: 5.0 oz. | Form: Mask
This foamy exfoliant helps absorb oil and break down buildup, while also improving hydration and giving the hair that much-needed volume boost. And after testing this product for Shop TODAY’s Beauty Awards, we even crowned it Best Hair Mask for its performance.
Partnerships editorial assistant Lauren Biggerstaff raves, “I absolutely loved this. It was a foamy mask and exfoliator without feeling dry or irritating. I used it twice a week, but saw immediate results in how soft my hair felt and was able to go longer between washes. It left no residue and washed out well, which I was worried about since it’s a gray/black color.”
Helps with itchiness: Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo
- Feels good on scalp
- Smells nice
- Helps get rid of dandruff
- May irritate scalp
Key ingredients: Coconut oil | Usage: Once per week | Size: 8.0 oz. | Form: Exfoliator/shampoo
Tatiana Ramos, a non-toxic beauty expert and New York-based hairstylist, calls this exfoliating shampoo "a go-to for a gentle yet effective scalp detox." She explains that it "helps reduce flakes, soothes itchiness, and leaves the scalp feeling refreshed, all while being microplastic-free."
Adds volume to hair: Drybar Crown Tonic Pre-Shampoo Scalp Balancing Cleanser
- Many people enjoy the scent
- Helps give hair volume
- Mixed reviews on brush
Key ingredients: AHA/BHA complex (glycolic and salicylic acid), probiotic complex, mango leaf extract | Usage: As needed | Size: 6.4 oz. | Form: Pre-shampoo
Drybar’s pre-shampoo cleanser with built-in scalp massager helps to gently loosen build-up and flakes, while locking in moisture for up to 24 hours. It also encourages a healthy scalp microbiome to reduce future oil and flakes. The result? A healthier scalp and longer-lasting blowouts — a win-win!
This one is in former associate editor Fran Sales’ rotation; she reaches for it when she doesn’t have time to do a full mask but owes her scalp a refresh. Her little secret? She doesn’t use hot tools and loves that this works great with her air-dry hair regimen.
She adds, “The applicator tip doubles as a brush, which is so helpful in speeding things up in the shower. And while Jupiter is my favorite scalp exfoliator, this one refreshes my scalp in a pinch — and my hair looks volumized at the roots afterward, without fail.”
Super moisturizing: Ouai Scalp & Body Scrub
- Nice smell
- Very moisturizing
- Can irritate sensitive skin
Key ingredients: Sugar, coconut oil | Usage: Once per week | Size: 8.8 oz. | Form: Exfoliator
"The Ouai Scalp & Body Scrub is a great product for scalp care," says Spearman. "It contains sugar crystals that provide effective and gentle exfoliation. [...] The sugar crystals remove dead skin cells, excess oils and product build-up while promoting a healthier scalp," she continues.
"This Ouai scrub gently cleanses the scalp without removing its natural oils. It is free of sulfate ingredients and cruelty-free, making it suitable for many hair types. It’s great for exfoliating and refreshing the scalp, while removing buildup and promoting healthy hair," Spearman suggests.
Expert-recommended splurge: Innersense Organic Beauty Natural True Enlightenment Scalp Scrub
- Lasts a long time
- Helps with dandruff
- Smells nice
- Product may dry out over time
Key ingredients: Hawaiian red salt, apple extract, peppermint oil | Usage: As needed | Size: 6.7 oz. | Form: Scrub
"Hands down the most invigorating, sensory-awakening scrubs I’ve tried," shares Ramos. "The superfine Hawaiian red salt provides a deep cleanse, while peppermint oil delivers a cool, tingly finish, leaving my scalp ultra-clean and with an added boost of volume!" she raves.
Other scalp scrubs to shop
Budget-friendly pick: TPH by Taraji Never Salty Sugar Hair and Scalp Scrub
- "Smells amazing," per customer
- Feels exfoliating
- Scent may be too strong
Key ingredients: Apple cider vinegar, peppermint, sugar crystals | Usage: As needed | Size: 6.7 oz. | Form: Scrub
This sugar-based scrub will leave your scalp feeling cool and refreshed. It contains peppermint oil and apple cider vinegar, which help to detox and remove any buildup. One verified buyer noted, “I have a very itchy scalp and this scrub gave me such relief. [It] helped minimize my itch to almost nonexistent.”
Lots of product: Nexxus Clean & Pure Exfoliating Scalp Scrub
- Cleanses hair well
- Smells great, per customers
- May be drying
Key ingredients: Elastin protein, marine minerals | Usage: Once per week | Size: 11.25 oz. | Form: Scrub
This scrub gently removes dead skin and residue from the scalp, while also helping smooth and nourish the hair, according to the brand. In addition to nearly 2,000 verified five-star Amazon ratings, reviewers praise the product, sharing that “a little goes a long way.”
One Amazon user added, “Totally worth it! … You get a pretty big-sized jar. I think this will last me at least six months. It’s giving five-star spa treatment. I use this as a scalp massage to get off dry shampoo buildup but could totally be an all-over body scrub.”
A brush for your scalp: Briogeo Scalp Revival Stimulating Therapy Massager
- Simple to grip
- Helps with exfoliation
- Some disappointed with durability
Usage: Daily | Size: 3 x 3 x 3.5 inches | Form: Brush
For extra assistance in getting a thorough exfoliation, use this Briogeo scalp massager that helps improve flaky and dry scalps. The massager helps promote circulation and can be used on wet or dry hair. One buyer reported that this massager “is so gentle and doesn’t hurt my sensitive scalp.”
Helps hair shine: NatureLab Perfect Clean 2-in-1 Scalp Scrub
- Lathers well, per customers
- Many shoppers like the scent
- Some didn't notice a change
Key ingredients: Sake water, sugar, hyaluronic acid | Usage: Once per week | Size: 8.1 oz. | Form: Scrub
This two-in-one clarifying scalp scrub (formerly known as Perfect Shine) doubles as shampoo to not only help remove buildup, but also to improve the appearance and shine of dull and drab hair. In addition to more than 2,100 verified five-star ratings on Amazon, reviewers aplenty rave about the multitude of benefits they saw.
One Amazon customer shared, “This product is perfect. … I have struggled with product buildup and this just feels so refreshing on my scalp. It foams up when you scrub it in and makes a wonderful lather that’s easy to rinse out, and it smells very high-end. 10/10!”
Refreshing and cleansing: Amika Reset Pink Charcoal Scalp Cleansing Oil
- Smells nice
- Scalp feels cleaner after use
- Pricey for amount of product
Key ingredients: Pink clay and charcoal, Indian Cress stem extract, sea buckthorn | Usage: Once per week | Size: 2.0 oz. | Form: Oil
This pre-wash oil from Amika helps break down and lift dirt, oil and other impurities, leaving you with a clean and refreshed scalp.
“This scalp cleansing oil is the best. I use it on my scalp prior to showering to help get rid of any dandruff and product buildup. It leaves my scalp feeling fresh and clean,” noted one Amazon reviewer. And for an added bonus, you can enjoy the transformation from an oil to a foam when you rinse this product.
Formulated with avocado oil: dpHue Apple Cider Vinegar Scalp Scrub
- Helps add shine to hair
- Feels soothing
- Not everyone likes the smell
Key ingredients: ACV, pink himalayan salt, aloe vera, avocado oil | Usage: Once a week | Size: 9 oz. | Form: Scrub
Shop TODAY readers may be most familiar with dpHue for their potent apple cider vinegar hair rinse, but did you know the brand also makes a scalp exfoliant? Perfect for eliminating impurities and maintaining your scalp's pH balance, its formula is packed with vitamins, avocado oil, aloe vera and pink Himalayan salt alongside its star ingredient for a complete detox.
Moisturizing detox: Act+Acre Cold Processed Scalp Detox
- Leaves hair feeling softer
- Helps moisturize the scalp
- Some say it's too greasy
Key ingredients: Baobab oil, basil leaf, moringa extract | Usage: Once per week | Size: 3.0 oz. | Form: Oil
This pre-cleanse oil does just what the name implies — provides the scalp with a much needed detox by breaking down and removing the oils and buildup. It also promises to help moisturize and balance the scalp to support a healthy scalp microbiome and encourage hair growth.
One Amazon customer shared, “I have found this scalp oil to be very effective in relieving dryness and itching, and it has also helped to reduce flakiness and oily scalps. It gently removes buildup from dead skin cells and product residue.”
Also functions as a shampoo: Christophe Robin Purifying Scalp Scrub with Sea Salt
- Leaves hair feeling cleansed
- Long-lasting treatment
- Scent may be "overpowering"
Key ingredients: Sea salt, natural carbohydrate complex, bisabolol | Usage: Once a week | Size: 250 mL (8.5 oz.) | Form: Scrub
Next time you need to detox your hair, try this sea salt-based scrub from Christophe Robin. It doubles as a shampoo to deeply purify the scalp and clean the hair, while also calming any itchy sensations. It’s formulated with sensitive and oily scalps in mind, and users love how well the product lathers.
What to consider in scalp scrubs and other exfoliants
When shopping for a scalp scrub or chemical scalp exfoliant, it’s important to consider your hair type and any scalp issues, as well as personal preferences, Palomino tells us. To start your search, consider these four factors to help narrow down your options.
Type: A physical exfoliant, like a scrub, works to buff off unwanted debris, like dead skin and product buildup — whereas a chemical exfoliant uses acids or enzymes.
Scalp issue/hair type: "Those with extremely thick, dense hair may find it difficult to rinse some physical exfoliants. Those with scalp sensitivity or scalp issues (like psoriasis, scalp eczema or dermatitis) may also find physical exfoliants too harsh and therefore opt for a chemical exfoliant," she says.
Key ingredients: “Chemical exfoliants generally contain ingredients such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid or glycyrrhetinic acid. Physical exfoliants contain ingredients like sugar or salt crystals, pumice or clays (kaolin and bentonite),” she explains.
Usage instructions: Pay attention to the application instructions on the specific product label. In most cases, physical exfoliants should be applied on a wet scalp and massaged in circular motions, whereas chemical exfoliants are generally applied on a dry scalp prior to shampooing.
Aftercare: Moisturizing your scalp following exfoliation is always recommended, advises Palomino, who recommends a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. But she also suggests staying away from applying heavy creams or oils directly to your scalp. “Look for moisturizing products that are lightweight and non-greasy,” she adds.
How do I use a scalp scrub?
Use the right tools. "The proper way to exfoliate the scalp would be using the ball of your fingertips or a scalp massage device," says Shipman.
Go gently, especially if your scalp is sensitive. Use small, circular motions and be gentle to avoid irritation, then rinse and repeat. If you have a delicate scalp, you may want to consult a professional before starting.
Wait until your scalp is clean. Warren also suggests rubbing your scalp for two to five minutes before proceeding with shampoo. Wait for your hair to form suds if you want to ensure your scalp is completely clean.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY team rounded up the best scalp scrubs and exfoliators by enlisting the recommendations of hair, scalp and skin experts. We also included a few tried-and-true editor favorites and scoured the internet by filtering through hundreds of customer reviewers to find top-rated products.
Meet our experts
- Natalie Palomino is a master stylist, hair care expert and the founder and president of North Authentic, an online source for personalized, expert-prescribed hair care routines. She is based in Aliso Viejo, California.
- Chasity Shipman is a certified AMCA trichologist and hair loss practitioner, and the CEO of SophistaCurlz Hair Restoration Clinic. She's based in Columbia, South Carolina.
- Joel Warren is a celebrity hairstylist and educator, with over 30 years of experience in the beauty industry. He co-founded The Salon Project by Joel Warren, a hair salon in New York City that specializes in color.
- Dr. Dara Spearman, MD, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder/owner of Radiant Dermatology Associates in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
- Tatiana Ramos is a non-toxic beauty expert and New York-based hairstylist.
