When it comes to our haircare routine, we’ve got the standard shampoo, conditioner and weekly hair mask steps of our in-shower ritual committed to memory.
But for some reason when it comes to our scalp health we tend to rely on haphazard 30-second head massages to do the job. Unfortunately, this lackadaisical approach to the undervalued skin on our heads just isn’t going to cut it.
If you’re ready to take your haircare routine to the next level by adopting some healthy scalp care habits, then you have to try a scalp scrub.
Fantastic at exfoliating dead skin cells, removing scalp build up and excess oil, and bringing some balance back to the finely tuned scalp microbiome, a scalp scrub is a simple solution for incorporating better scalp habits into your weekly routine.
Need help finding the right scalp scrub for you? Look no further. Here, bh explores the best scalp scrubs to shop in Australia.
2024’s Top 3 Best Scalp Scrubs
- Body Blendz Scalp & Hair Scrub Shampoo, $29.95, Body Blendz
- Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt, $72, Sephora
- OUAI Scalp & Body Scrub, $73, Sephora
The best scalp scrub 2024
Body Blendz Scalp & Hair Scrub Shampoo
from $29.95 at Body Blendz
Our unofficial favourite dupe for Christophe Robin’s Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt ($72 from Sephora), the Body Blendz Scalp & Hair Scrub Shampoo is pumped full of scalp-loving active ingredients. There’s exfoliating pink Himalayan salt, shine-enhancing peppermint oil, static and frizz-smoothing guar bean, strengthening and hair growth promoting Abyssinia oil, and hydrating shea butter, glycerin, and jojoba oil. You can cop the Body Blendz Scalp & Hair Scrub Shampoo solo or invest in the Body Blendz Hair Pro Duo, which contains the Body Blendz Scalp & Hair Scrub Shampoo and the Body Blendz Hair Treatment Mask.
Key features:
- Pink Himalayan salt detoxifies, deep cleanses, and removes dandruff and dead cell build-up
- Guar bean removes static frizz from hair
- Abyssinia oil strengthens hair and promotes thicker and stronger hair growth
- Shea butter, glycerin, and jojoba oil hydrate the scalp and hair strands
- Peppermint oil relieves dry scalp, stimulates hair growth, and enhances shine
Available at:
- $29.95 from Body Blendz (Scalp Scrub only)
- $55 (usually $59.98) from Body Blendz (Scalp Scrub & Hair Mask Duo)
Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt
from $72 at Sephora
Formulated with 100 per cent plant active ingredients like gently exfoliating sea salt crystals, balancing and hydrating natural carbohydrate complex, and calming Bisabolol, this salt scrub can be used once a week or after colouring your hair to massage, exfoliate and revitalise the scalp.
Key features:
- Emulsifies when combined with water
- Contains gently exfoliating sea salt crystals
- Natural carbohydrate complex hydrates and balances the scalp
- Bisabolol calms the scalp
- Can be used on colour treated hair
Available at:
- $72 from Sephora
- $72 from Adore Beauty
- $72 from Oz Hair & Beauty
OUAI Scalp & Body Scrub
from $73 at Sephora
This scrub performs double duty as an exfoliating scalp and body treatment. Designed to be used as a weekly detox, it contains a blend of sugar crystals and probiotics, which work together to purify and balance the skin, from head to toe.
Key features:
- Massage into scalp and body using circular motions for best results
- Contains sugar crystals and probiotics
- Exfoliates
- Balances
- Purifies
Available at:
- $73 from Sephora
georgiemane Scalp Scrub
from $24.49 at Look Fantastic
This scalp scrub helps to remove dry flakes, product build-up, and excess oil whilst also promoting hair growth by creating a healthy scalp environment.
Key features:
- Contains moisturising glycerin, argan oil, shea butter, castor seed oil, grape seed oil, avocado oil, olive oil, coconut oil, Abyssinia oil
- Removes dry flakes, dead skin, product build-up and excess oil
- Promotes hair growth
- Supports a healthy scalp
Available at:
- $24.49 from Look Fantastic
- $29.74 from Oz Hair & Beauty
- $34.99 from Priceline
Sephora Collection Cleansing Scalp Scrub
from $34 at Sephora
This cleansing scalp scrub is enriched with sea salt and apple cider vinegar to help purify the scalp and enhance shine.
Key features:
- Sea salt exfoliates
- Apple cider vinegar purifies and enhances shine
- Removes dirt, excess sebum and dead skin cells
- The jar is made of 68 per cent recycled plastic
- The formula contains 49 per cent less water than traditional formulas
Available at:
- $34 from Sephora
What is best to exfoliate the scalp?
Using a scalp scrub or a chemical exfoliant such as glycolic acid is the best way to exfoliate the scalp, removing dead skin cells and promoting a healthy scalp environment.
Do dermatologists recommend scalp scrubs?
Dermatologists recommend scalp scrubs, however they do mention that if you have a pre-existing skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis, sensitive skin or cuts and grazes on your scalp, then a scalp scrub will be too abrasive for you to use and could actually damage the skin.
Related links:
- Fluff Up Your Fine Hair With These Nourishing Shampoos
- Best-Selling Shampoos You Can Shop At Your Local Chemist Warehouse
- The Best Haircare Products Under $15
Main image credit: @alessandraambrosio
I’ve tried the Sukin scrub, Not bad but I only use it every couple of weeks, and yes – it is a pain to rinse out.
I don’t really like them.
I have never tried them.
Scalp scrubs are good in theory but actually trying to scrub your scalp with all the hair in the way is pretty difficult
I have really thick hair so possibly a problem for me too.
I agree.
Alpha have a new scalp serum which they say addresses that issue exactly
That sounds good
I seem to take too long in the shower when washing my hair and if I then add a scalp scrub, it would take even longer. How do people manage to be quick and still do all the steps required.
These all sound amazing, would love to try the Akin one!
I would but I’d probably make it up myself.
I found my scalp needs them. Will get one as used up really great one already
It sounds interesting, but I am not sure if I really need it.
No they sound like just adding another process.I shampoo well and massage my scalp at same time.
Scalp scrubs feel great but I don’t use them often.
Yes i have a couple of these, good for product detoxing
I have never used one but of course I would try one.
It was hard to get into the CR but got used to it. Not sure I would purchase again. I can’t get over the pasty texture.
I tried the Kin scrub recently and it was gorgeous. It was the first time I’d used a scalp scrub, and I was converted instantly.
Did it make any difference ?
I hope they are worth it. Some are really $$$$$
Yes a lot of the prices would be a deterrent for me.
Oh I need this.
I’m not convinced that I need a scalp scrub. I don’t suffer from dryness, itchiness or dandruff.
Id love to try a scalp scrub, i think it would be great for me
I would love to try this.
I’ve been using one and my scalp feels so much better afterwards. I just need to remember to use it more regularly.
Have never tried a scalp scrub
I’ve tried the Christophe Robin scrub & I can’t really get it onto my scalp in the first place + it knots my hair real bad. After I use up the 2 minis I’ve got, I wouldn’t buy it. Ditto with the Briogeo; that has some TERRIBLE reviews.
That’s good to know
Yes! I have tried the sukin and aveda ones but not the others yet!
i love my Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt product – foams up nicely and washes out
I’ve heard good things about it
This Christophe Robin scub sound nice.
I use Sukin scalp scrub once a month and find it good. I like the smell of it too.
Not something I’d try.
No and a lot of them are really expensive too.
It would be way to hard to get a scrub out of my curly hair!
Seems like a lot of effort to use so many different products
Another sales gimmick perhaps?
I don’t know why you would need a scalp scrub if you shampoo and massage your scalp at the same time ?
I don’t think shampoo products will necessarily focus on removing residue and build up from your scalp
If you massage your scalp really well with your fingers it helps the scalp a lot.
I need to get myself one
Need to give this a go
I’ve used two scalp scrubs in the Grow Longer Stronger range and love both.
I have tried one, it did leave my scalp refreshed but was messy to use and had to use so much of the product
I bought a scalp scrub, but i did not like using it because it is so hard to rinse out of my hair. I did use the whole tube up, but I didn’t really think that it was worth the trouble and I probably will never buy this product again.
A scalp scrub is not currently part of my routine.
No I massage my scalp well when I shampoo and condition and this seems all that is needed
Not mine either. And not ever I dont think
I have used the CR before and it was hard to get used to.
I’ve never used a scalp scrub before, these sound interesting
I have never tried a scalp scrub!
In the winter I like to get into the shower and quickly wash and condition my hair and dont really want to spend more time with a scalp scrub as well.
I do find a scrub useful, but I use them erratically.
I’ve tried scalp scrubs and they feel great but I’m not sure I really need them.
I have never tried scalp scrub before.
I would love to try the Body Blendz Scalp & Hair Scrub Shampoo.
The scrubs can be a good option for maintaining your skin smooth and fresh daily…
I do use a scalp scrub now and then but I’m never sure how much product is actually getting to my scalp.
I was thinking I have never tried a scalp scrub then remembered I had uses an Essano one as I was having white flakes on my scalp.
I’ve tried Georgiemane, was ok but a bit messy to use as I have thick hair
Love a scalp scrub, always wonder what QUAI is like in general.
I would be willing to give one a try. Interesting concept
I have been wanting to try one! These sound great. I get dermatitis and although it is not recommended if you have certain skin conditions, I think it would work great at helping to remove the dry flakey skin so I want to try it. I tried using a facial exfoliator and that didn’t work well at all on my scalp so very interested to try a formula suited just for the scalp. Prices can be a little deterring though so I will need to checkout their reviews!
Purchased and used the body blendz hair pro duo last year and LOVED it! Don’t see where I can review it on beautyheaven tho.