Scalp scrubs can be a great way to get rid of product build-up on your scalp and give you beautiful healthy locks.
In the past, we’ve covered a lot about how to take care of your hair by using the best shampoos as well as ones for oily scalps.
But sometimes, a simple shampoo just doesn’t cut it, and we have to reach for something a little more intensive for our scalp.
This is where scalp scrubs come into play, as taking care of your scalp is more important than you may think.
Ahead, we’ll tell you what scalp scrubs are, what they can do for your hair and scalp, and where you can find the best ones in Singapore.
What are scalp scrubs?
Photo source: Polina Tankilevitch
Scalp scrubs are exactly what you might think: they are scrubs designed for your scalp. They are much like the body scrubs that you use for your legs and arms, only far gentler.
These scrubs exfoliate the scalp to remove product build up, dirt, excess oil, and dead skin cells that can collect at the roots of your hair.
It can be a great product to add to your routine if you are suffering from excess skin build-up such as dandruff, eczema, psoriasis, or seborrheic dermatitis too.
The benefits of scalp scrubs
Photo source: XFrame
A scalp scrub can help to reduce potential irritation and dandruff caused by excess oil as it can cleanse excess sebum that was missed by your shampoo.
Scrubs can also remove the build-up of hair products, which is very useful if you don’t wash your hair daily or use a lot of dry shampoo.
Scalp scrubs may be key in stimulating healthy hair growth, as studies have shown a correlation between good scalp health and hair growth.
How to use a scalp scrub
Photo source: Jalen Hueser
Never tried a scalp scrub before? There’s no need to worry as it is super easy to incorporate it into your shower routine without adding much time.
After you have washed and rinsed your hair, apply the scrub through your part line and massage it in. Be careful not to use your fingernails for this step.
Once the scrub is fully massaged into the scalp, go ahead and rinse and condition as usual. After that, you are done and can enjoy a nice clean scalp.
Best scalp scrubs in Singapore
Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt
Created with 100% plant active ingredients, this scalp scrub uses sea salt as a natural exfoliant.
It can also be used as a post-colour treatment to remove chemical residues embedded in the scalp.
It retails for S$34.
Coco & Eve Like A Virgin Deep Clean Scalp Scrub
Volcanic ash, AHAs, BHA, and coconut shell powder combine to exfoliate while caffeine fortifies and peppermint essential oil soothes the scalp.
This scalp scrub is ideally used as a pre-shampoo treatment to combat oil build-up at the roots.
It retails for S$53.
Joon Haircare Sumac Scalp Scrub
Scalp buildup and residue can be uncomfortable and difficult to eliminate.
This dual-action exfoliating shampoo and scalp scrub harnesses the joint benefits of time-honoured Persian spices like sumac, mint, and fenugreek. Together, they help to exfoliate, revitalise, and nurture the scalp, ultimately promoting the growth of stronger and more vibrant hair.
Through its convenient needle-nose tip, it offers precise application and effective hydration for your scalp!
It retails for S$56.
dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Scalp Scrub with Pink Himalayan Sea Salt
Apple cider vinegar may not smell good, but we promise you’ll fall in love with this product from the first use.
It is gentle enough for all hair types, even those with sensitive scalps and eczema.
It retails for US$39 (~S$53.53).
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Happi Scalp Scrub
Specially designed to work fast, you should not leave this scalp scrub on longer than 10 minutes time.
This is because it uses a stable and supercharged AHA and BHA acid blend along with plant cellulose exfoliating beads to deeply cleanse the scalp.
It retails for S$52.
Fekkai Apple Cide Detox Scrub
Safe for all hair types including chemically and colour-treated hair, this scalp scrub has a fresh, crisp scent of green apple and juicy citrus.
What’s great is that this is cruelty-free, clean, vegan, and totally sustainable.
It retails for US$36 (~S$49.41).
Frank Body Stimulating Scalp Scrub
Made with natural ingredients like coffee and rosemary, this product will detoxify your scalp while giving you healthy hair.
Mint lovers are going to fall hard for this scrub, as it uses eucalyptus and peppermint for a fresh scent.
It retails for US$18.95 (~S$26.01).
Ikoo Cleansing Scalp Scrub
Made with sea salt, this scrub turns into a foam to help the infusion spread deeper into the roots for a better cleanse.
It also contains hibiscus extract, which is rich in vitamins and helps to hydrate the scalp.
It retails for S$37.
Kristin Ess Hair Instant Exfoliating Scalp Scrub
Vegan and cruelty-free, this is safe for coloured hair and keratin-treated hair.
It uses a sugar complex to keep natural moisture intact, as well as proprietary zip-up technology to target damaged hair.
It retails for US$15 (~S$20.59).
L'Oreal EverPure Sulfate-Free Scalp Care + Detox Scrub
This scalp scrub provides a deep cleanse thanks to its apricot seed exfoliant.
You’ll be glad to know that you can use this as often as needed. Just remember to follow up with your shampoo and conditioner.
It retails for US$12.99 (~S$17.83).
NatureLab TOKYO Perfect Shine Clarifying Scalp Scrub
This is a zen-inducing three-in-one foaming scalp scrub that uses gentle exfoliating sugar crystals, probiotic sake water, and hyaluronic acid.
You can also expect antioxidant-rich grape stem cells and pearl extract as well as platinum fibre to provide extra shine.
It retails for S$32.
Nexxus Clean & Pure Scalp Scrub
While most scrubs were formulated for weekly use, this one is gentle enough to be used every day.
It is formulated with ProteinFusion, which is an exclusive blend of elastin protein and marine minerals for smooth hair.
It retails for US$16.99 (~S$23.32).
Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Exfoliating Scalp Scrub
This scalp scrub is more suitable for those with curly hair. It is formulated with a superfood oil blend that doesn’t dry out your hair.
You’ll love the citrus and jasmine scent, and how easy it is to rinse out too.
It retails for US$8.99 (~S$12.34).
Ouai Scalp & Body Scrub
A multitasking product, you can use this gentle scrub on both your scalp and your body.
It uses sugar crystals to cleanse and soften the skin, while a dose of probiotics gives your skin a boost in protection.
It retails for S$61.
Rizos Curls Detox Scalp Scrub
Vegan and cruelty-free, this scalp scrub uses naturally-derived and biodegradable exfoliants.
It is also formulated with aloe vera, pink clay, peppermint oil, arnica extract, and moringa oil.
It retails for US$27.99 (~S$38.42).
Rosemary Detox Scalp Scrub
This scalp scrub is designed to be used once a week and is suitable for all hair types.
You’ll love the blend of sea salt, jojoba, rosemary, and charcoal, which combine for a deep cleanse.
It retails for US$11 (~S$15.10).
Sephora Collection Cleansing Scalp Scrub
This scrub is ideally used once a week in replacement of your shampoo for a deeper cleanse.
Formulated with 90% ingredients from natural origin, it is enriched with apple cider vinegar which adds shine to your hair.
It retails for S$29.
Sukin Natural Balance Scalp Scrub
If you don’t enjoy salt or sugar scrubs, this might be a good alternative as it uses bamboo powder as an exfoliant.
You’ll also enjoy the refreshing blend of peppermint and ginger extract, while horsetail, burdock, and nettle maintain scalp balance.
It retails for S$28.
Sun Bum Detox Scalp Scrub
Formulated with apple cider vinegar, sugar, banana, and blue agave, this scalp scrub clears sebum and product build-up.
You can use this product in place of your regular shampoo to keep your hair healthy and strong.
It retails for US$14.99 (~S$20.58).
The Body Shop Tea Tree Purifying & Balancing Hair & Scalp Scrub
Made with 90% ingredients of natural origin, this scalp scrub is certified vegan.
Perfect for oily scalps, this uses organically-grown Community Fair Trade tea tree oil from Kenya and exfoliating salt crystals.
It retails for S$31.
The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Scrub
Great for all hair and scalp types, this scalp scrub uses castor beads as its physical exfoliant.
It also uses 7% glycolic acid as a chemical exfoliant and 2.5% SymControl® Scalp as a sebum regulator.
It retails for S$26.05.
Featured image credit: Pavel Danilyuk & Ashley Maree Beauty
