Love to slather on the dry shampoo as a way to extend hair between washes? Or perhaps you’re a fan of utilising a hydrating hair balm to keep things looking sleek? Well, we have news for you: build-up is real.
And it doesn’t exactly just wash off.
Applying products and then solely washing with a classic shampoo and conditioner combination is a bit like applying a full face of makeup and removing it with just a makeup wipe. The surface may look clean, but residue remains.
Interestingly, an effective hair routine actually starts with the the scalp, where hair (and subsequently, hair health) actually stems from, and said routine should always start with a good scrub.
Here, we break down the importance of exfoliating your scalp, plus the best build-up-clearing scrubs to try.
How do scalp scrubs work?
As with any other area of skin, exfoliation is essential for keeping the scalp in optimal condition as it sheds dead skin and produces sebum in the same manner.
How do physical exfoliants work vs. chemical exfoliants?
How do you apply a scalp scrub?
The best scalp scrubs to shop in Australia
Scalp & Hair Scrub Shampoo, $31.99 at Body Blendz
Ideal for flaky scalps and dry hair, this mask doubles as a shampoo as well so you’re getting a real two-for-one.
Cleansing Purifying Scrub by Christophe Robin, $69 at Sephora
Brilliant for easing irritation, this purifying sea salt paste is a stellar option for using post-colour refresh to soothe tingling and itching sensations.
Serene Scalp Exfoliating Scrub by Oribe, $82 at Adore Beauty
Can’t choose between physical and chemical exfoliants? Blend both with this congestion-clearing combination of alpha hydroxy acids and exfoliating beads.
Scalp & Body Scrub by Ouai, $58 at Sephora
Formulated with exfoliating sugar crystals, hydrating coconut oil and bacteria-balancing probiotics, it’s a scrub of the soothing and smoothing variety.
T.L.C. Happi Scalp Scrub by Drunk Elephant, $55 at MECCA
Created in collaboration with Jennifer Aniston’s hair stylist Chris McMillan, this oil and AHA concoction dissolves dead skin while boosting moisture.
Sachajuan Scalp Scrub by Sachajuan, $65 at Adore Beauty
A scrub formulated to show excess oil and leftover product to the exit, it works to purify the scalp of product build-up and impurities while also promoting cell renewal.
Kevin.Murphy Scalp Spa Scrub, $44.95 at Adore Beauty
If you’re looking for a scalp scrub to combat oily hair, look no further. This formula from Kevin Murphy combines micellar water to gently cleanse, celery root to reduce oil production and perlite for exfoliation.
G.TOX Himalayan Salt Scalp Scrub Shampoo by Goop, $64 at MECCA
After relief? Treat both your scalp and the lengths of your hair with this purifying and detoxifying whipped shampoo made of exfoliating mineral-rich Himalayan pink salt, nourishing cold-pressed moringa oil, and pure unfiltered rosehip oil. It cleanses the hair and scalp of product build-up, dirt, and oil, leaving both clean and refreshed.
Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-exfoliating Scalp Scrub Shampoo, $64 at MECCA
Designed for those with curly hair, this detoxifying charcoal scrub is packed full of hydrating coconut oil, working wonders on drier hair.
Shopping one of these scalp scrubs at Adore Beauty? You can get an exclusive discount code, here.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
