I’ve been experimenting a lot lately with my hair, different cuts, styles, and temporary hair dyes. Although it was amusing and refreshing, but it left a lot of product buildup on my hair and scalp resulting in coarse hair and a very itchy scalp loaded with dandruff. Yes, yuck!
So I did my research on how to get rid of dead skin cells on the scalp and stumbled upon scalp scrubs. Since I’m a big fan of DIY skincare, I decided to give homemade scalp scrub a try. The results were amazing! I’ve tried quite a few hair scrubs at home before finally shortlisting the best ones that actually work. So here it goes.
Top DIY Homemade Scalp Scrub:
There are several benefits of scalp scrub; It will not only remove the dead skin and product buildup but also promote hair growth by improving blood circulation.
Caution:
I recommend you to do a patch test; to make sure you are not allergic to any of the ingredients before trying scalp exfoliation DIY recipes.
Oatmeal and Conditioner Scalp Scrub:
Oatmeal deep cleanses your scalp by getting rid of dead skin. It absorbs all the dirt from your scalp and unclogs the pores. Oatmeal soothes irritated skin and maintains the oil balance of your scalp. Tea tree essential oil has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory properties; hence, this is also a scalp scrub for psoriasis.
Ingredients:
Powdered oatmeal 2tsp
Conditioner 2tbs
Tea tree essential oil 7drops
Brown Sugar 2tsp
Directions:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Wet your scalp. Take a spoonful of oatmeal scalp scrub in your hand and gently massage it on your scalp with fingertips.
- Take some more and move on to exfoliating a different spot on your scalp. Continue the massage until you have exfoliated your whole scalp for a good 10 to 15 minutes.
- Rinse off the scalp scrub thoroughly. Shampoo and condition your hair as you usually do.
Raw Sugar + Coconut oil Scalp Scrub:
Raw sugar is high in antioxidants; it exfoliates the scalp and unclogs the pores. Coconut oil is also rich in antioxidants and retains the moisture in your hair. Argon oil is rich in vitamin E, antioxidants and fatty acids hence an ideal scalp scrub for curly hair and dry hair. Coconut and Argon oil are sure to leave your hair soft and shiny.
Ingredients:
Raw Sugar 2tbsp
Coconut oil 1tbsp
Argon oil 1tsp
Directions:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Wet your scalp.
- Take a spoonful of oatmeal scalp scrub in your hand and gently massage it on your scalp with fingertips, take some more and move on to exfoliating a different spot on your scalp.
- Continue the massage until you have exfoliated your whole scalp for a good 10 to 15 minutes.
- Rinse off the scalp scrub thoroughly. Shampoo and condition your hair as you usually do.
Soothing Scrub for Itchy Scalp:
This Aloe Vera and peppermint scalp scrub is sure to soothe your itchy scalp after just one application. Aloe Vera has all the necessary vitamins such as vitamin C and A. Its anti-inflammatory treats acne, irritated, and dry scalp. Peppermint oil also soothes the scalp with an additional benefit of oil control.
Ingredients:
Aloe Vera Gel 3tbsp
Peppermint essential oil 7drops
Vinegar 1tbsp
Granulated Sugar 4tbsp
Directions:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Wet your scalp. Take a spoonful of oatmeal scalp scrub in your hand and gently massage it on your scalp with fingertips, take some more and move on to exfoliating a different spot on your scalp.
- Continue the massage until you have exfoliated your whole scalp for a good 10 to 15 minutes.
- Rinse off the scalp scrub thoroughly. Shampoo and condition your hair as you usually do.
Note: Although Aloe Vera is used to heal eczema and psoriasis, it is not recommended to use a scalp scrub in case of severe psoriasis and eczema without your doctor’s recommendation.
Aspirin Scalp Scrub for Dandruff:
Salicylic Acid, which is the active ingredient in aspirin, helps get rid of dandruff by shedding the white flakes.
Ingredients:
Aspirin 5
Warm Water 4tbsp
(to dissolve aspirin)
Hair shampoo 2tbsp
Water 4cups (shoulder length hair)
(to dissolve shampoo)
Directions:
- Dissolve powdered aspirin in 4tbsp warm water.
- In a separate bowl make soapy water by mixing shampoo and 4 cups of water.
- Now mix both aspirin water and soapy water.
- Wet you scalp thoroughly using this solution. Massage your scalp gently for 7 to 10 minutes. Rinse off the aspirin shampoo solution thoroughly with cold water.
Caution: Do not use hot water after using this scalp scrub. Wait for a day before using any hair products or chemicals on hair and scalp.
Apple Cider Vinegar Scalp Scrub:
A few among the countless benefits of Apple Cider vinegar for the scalp are; it maintains PH of your scalp and hair. Alpha Hydroxy acid present in Apple cider vinegar reduces dandruff, reduces irritation, and gets rid of toxin or product buildup on scalp and hair.
Ingredients:
Apple Cider Vinegar 2tbsp
Rosewater 2tbsp
Cinnamon powder 1tbsp
Directions:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
- Damp your scalp and hair thoroughly.
- Massage the scrub on your scalp with your fingertips.
- Leave the scrub on the scalp for 5 to 7 minutes and then rinse it using cold water.
- Shampoo and condition your scalp and hair as you usually would.
Detox Scalp Scrub: Baking Soda
Baking soda detoxifies your scalp, due to its anti-bacterial properties it can deep cleanse your scalp getting rid of dandruff and product buildup. I recommend you to do a patch test before using baking soda because some people are sensitive to it.
Ingredients:
Baking soda 1tbsp
Coconut oil 1tbsp
Water As required
Directions:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl and gently massage the scrub on the damp scalp using fingertips.
- Massage the scalp thoroughly yet gently for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Rinse off using cold water. Shampoo and condition your hair as you usually would.
Honey, Lemon, and Salt Scalp Scrub:
Antibacterial properties of honey will not only protect your scalp from bacterial infections but also prevent dandruff and fix itchy scalp. The citrus in lemon removes product and oil buildup on the scalp resulting in shiny, clean hair and scalp.
Ingredients:
Lemon juice 2tbsp
Honey 1tbsp
Salt 1tbsp
Water As required
Directions:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
- Massage the scalp scrub gently on the damp scalp using your fingertips.
- Thoroughly cover the entire scalp and then rinse off with water. Shampoo and condition as you would.
Coffee Scalp Scrub:
Coffee stimulates hair growth, soothes irritation on the scalp, and enhances the hair texture.
Ingredients:
Ground coffee 1tbsp
Hair Conditioner 2tbsp
Directions:
- Mix ingredients in a bowl and gently massage on the damp scalp using fingertips.
- Leave the coffee scalp scrub on for 5 minutes then rinse off with water.
- Shampoo as you normally would.