Are scalp scrubs worth adding to your hair care routine? by Grace Olaniyan
Online, trends are skyrocketing in the beauty community around new ways to improve scalp and hair health. At Thrive Hair Bar, we pride ourselves on helping to investigate new and returning trends and then offer services based on our firsthand experiences, feedback from other leaders in the industry, and research gathered from scientifically backed, peer-reviewed studies. Scalp scrubs are now frequently touted as something that should be added to your hair care routine. But how do scalp scrubs benefit hair health?
Hair care professionals state that scalp health is a good barometer of hair health. If the scalp is not balanced, the hair follows suit; scalp conditions can affect hair growth, shine, etc. Scalp scrubs can be used as a fresh start to clarifying your scalp, allowing for a clean slate before implementing further scalp care. The scrub encourages exfoliation, which removes dead skin, excess oils, excess products, and environmental buildup and may increase blood flow to the scalp while promoting hair growth. Different scrub ingredients may also have different effects on the scalp. For example, if your scalp or hair suffers from high pH levels, acidic ingredients like apple cider vinegar, frequently used as a rinse, may help to improve the condition.
Below are five scalp scrubs recommended by the Thrive Hair Bar team that follow our No S.P.A.M. policy. No S.P.A.M. means products without Sodium laureth sulfate (SLS) and other drying sulfates, Parabens and phthalates, Animal cruelty, and Mineral oil. SLS and sulfates are very harsh cleansing agents that can dry out the scalp and hair and can also lead to skin irritation. Parabens have been found in breast tumors and may contribute to organ toxicity. Phthalates have been linked to infertility, lower testosterone levels, an increased risk of certain cancers, and may damage the liver, kidneys, and other organs. We love and respect our furry friends, so Thrive Hair Bar does not purchase, use, nor promote products that are tested on animals. Lastly, mineral oil, also known as paraffin wax, petrolatum jelly, or petroleum, is known to attract dirt and oil and can cause heavy scalp and hair buildup.
Five scalp scrubs recommended by Thrive Hair Bar :
“This pre-cleanse exfoliation treatment is formulated with Hawaiian Red salt, which is rich in volcanic clay and minerals. Crafted to gently remove impurities, apple fruit restores hydration to the scalp while celery seed extract and peppermint oil stimulates blood flow. Tea tree oil extracts help to soothe inflammation and irritation.”
Key Ingredients: Hawaiian red salt, apple fruit extract, peppermint oil, celery seed extract, and tea tree oil.
2. Rizos Curls: Detox Scalp Scrub
“Our Detox Scalp Scrub gently exfoliates to remove buildup, dead skin & excess oil from scalp. Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp and this exfoliating scrub will revive your scalp with natural ingredients including detoxifying Pink Clay, soothing Aloe Vera & balancing Peppermint Oil. Great for all hair types, especially those looking to relieve dry, itchy & oily scalp.”
Key Ingredients: Pink clay, aloe vera, peppermint oil, hydrated silica, arnica, and moringa oil.
3. Malibu C: Scalp Therapy Wellness Remedy
“A weekly remedy treatment that supplies vital nutrients with an exclusive blend of vitamin C and zinc! Naturally moisturizes and invigorates the scalp while soothing dry skin.”
Key ingredients: Glucose, ascorbic acid, and sodium-glucose.
4. Baldare: Coconut Vanilla Exfoliator
“A vegan, cruelty-free, and 100% organic exfoliator. The Coconut Vanilla Exfoliator is an organic scrub used to remove dead skin cells on the scalp and face. With its rich, vitamin-packed formula, it leaves the skin hydrated and smooth!”
Key Ingredients: Coconut sugar, coconut oil, and vanilla essential oil.
5. The Inkey List: Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Scrub
“A gentle exfoliating scrub formulated with both chemical and physical exfoliators to help remove product buildup and dead cells and leave hair looking healthy. This unique formulation also helps to protect and balance the scalp’s microbiome and keep the hair follicles clean.”
Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, Symcontrol® Scalp, castor beads, and Bioecolia®.
Try one of these recommended scalp scrubs to get started on enhancing the health of your scalp and hair at home, or schedule an appointment at Thrive Hair Bar and add on a scalp scrub treatment to your next visit!