DIY Scalp Scrub For Healthy Hair & Scalp

Making your own DIY scalp scrub recipe couldn’t be easier to gently exfoliate dry skin, increase scalp health, and reveal soft hair. This clarifying recipe has does wonders for dandruff and dry itchy scalp.

Ever since moving to the farm, I’ve dealt with dry flaky scalp and dandruff terribly. Most likely due to our hard water, my head basically became a snow globe. It was almost embarrassing , except little embarrasses me so.. It is something that I learned to deal with, but the itch is what bugged me the most.

Like how can it be so itchy? All that itching causes a snow flurry of dandruff flakes to be totally honest.

Many people struggle with this problem, so you are not alone and there are some natural ways to deal with it.

So I wanted to share how to make this homemade natural scalp scrub that is the best scalp treatment.

Perfect for sensitive skin and all hair types, this recipe is made with natural ingredients and helps exfoliate dead cells, remove product buildup, increase blood circulation, and may even promote healthy hair growth.

Focusing on my scalp health has not only improved the crazy amount of dandruff , but it also has made my hair softer and healthier. All with simple ingredients found in my pantry.

Why exfoliate your scalp?

In today’s day and age, we are frequently using lots of hair care products which can leave product residue and clog hair follicles. Clog hair follicles can lead to a buildup of dead skin and leave your hair looking dull and greasy.

Exfoliating your scalp will help decrease this build up, moisturize the skin, and increase your hair health.

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Tips:

• I like to use this in the shower. It is quite messy and this helps contain the mess.
• You can apply this with dry or damp hair. Personally, I like using it on damp hair.
• I like to use apple cider vinegar in this recipe because it is something I always have on hand, but you could also substitute with lemon juice.
• If you have color-treated hair use apple cider vinegar over lemon juice since lemon juice can affect the color.
• While it is optional to use essential oils, some may have some benefit to hair health. Especially rosemary (can help promote hair growth) and tea tree (anti-fungal properties).
• You may need to wash your hair twice to get out all the oil. It depends on the type of shampoo you use.

Tools you may need:

Small bowl

Measuring spoons

Spoon or small spatula

Storage container: I like mason jars.

Sugars To Use For A Scalp Scrub

• Regular sugar  (like this one)- Great exfoliant. Gentle enough, while also being a great physical exfoliant.
• Brown sugar – This is much more gentle than the other two options and great for those who have very sensitive scalp.
• Raw Sugar (like this one) – is much coarser than regular and brown sugar. Be gentle if you chose this sugar.

Scalp Scrub Recipe Ingredients

• Sugar – Regular sugar, brown sugar, and raw sugar will all work for this recipe.
• Oil- Pick an oil that works for your skin:
  • Olive oil is very moisturizing and can help with skin irritation. It contains oleocanthal, which can help reduce irritation.
  • Avocado oil is rich in fatty acids (I.e. Oleic acid), vitamin E and other nutrients. Great moisturizer.
  • Sweet Almond Oil: Is highly hydrating without weighing hair down.
  • Jojoba oil is moisturizing and the closest oil to the sebum. It can soothe dry skin, reduce redness and inflammation, and help repair skin.
  • Coconut oil – Moisturizing while having antibacterial and antifungal properties. Fractionated coconut oil is a liquid version that is easier to work with. It is moisturizing while being non-comedogenic, aka non pore clogging.
• Essential Oils (optional)- For this recipe, I like tea tree, rosemary, or peppermint oil. Tea tree has antiseptic properties to can kill bacteria whereas rosemary has been shown to help with hair loss.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Has antimicrobial properties that can help reduce bacterial and fungal growl. ACV can also help break down the buildup of dead skin cells, and oil build up. Perfect to incorporate in your scalp care routine. Could also substitute with lemon juice.

How To Make A The Best Scalp Scrub:

In a small bowl, add sugar, oil of choice, apple cider vinegar, and essential oil.

Mix together well.

Store in a glass container.

How To Use:

I like to do this in the shower. Wet hair and take out 1-2 tbs of the scalp scrub.

Apply a small amount of the scrub in a circular motion on your scalp massaging with your fingertips. Focusing on more troubled areas.

Allow the mixture to sit on your hair for a few minutes while you do wash up, shave, etc.

Rinse with warm water until all the sugar is out.

Apply regular shampoo and wash hair. Follow up with conditioner on the ends of your hair. Rinse and dry hair.

I like to follow up with homemade hair detangler.

Storage:

Store in a small air-tight container for up to a month in the fridge. If there are any signs of mold, toss it out. Make sure not to get any moisture in the scrub as this will lead to spoilage.

I find it easier to take out how much I want to use and then take that with me to the shower. Then I don’t have to worry about water getting in during my shower.

FAQ:

How can I exfoliate my scalp naturally?

My favorite way is to use a scrub and then throughout the week, between washings, use a brush to massage and stimulate the scalp.

What is the best way to exfoliate your scalp?

By using a homemade scalp scrub that contains moisturizing, exfoliating, and clarifying ingredients. Exfoliate in the shower before washing your hair.

Is salt or sugar scrub better for the scalp?

Sugar is a better option. It is a natural humectant, meaning it takes moisture from the air and helps bring it to the skin. Whereas salt can be harsh and drying.

Sugar is also a natural source of glycolic acid, which helps encourage cell turnover .

How do you deep clean your scalp yourself?

• Make your own scalp scrub.
• Use clarifying shampoo.
• Oil treatment.
• Scalp massage. This can be done with your hands, brush or special scalp massaging tool.
• Only use conditioner on the lower half of your hair reducing product build-up.

Can I use this with an oily scalp?

Yes. Excess oil buildup on the scalp can clog hair follicles and leave your hair greasy. A natural exfoliant, like this recipe, can help break down the oils and reduce the amount of oil your skin produces.

Just be careful not to over exfoliate causing the opposite problem.

What is Dandruff And What Causes It?

Dandruff is dry flaky scalp that can be caused by chronic dermatosis in areas with a lot of sebaceous glands like the scalp. These glands secrete a waxy substance called sebum that moisturizes skin and hair, excess sebum can cause dandruff. (source) It can also be caused by oily skin, fungus, or irritation.

How often should you do a scalp scrub?

Do a scalp scrub no more than 1-2 times per week. Too much exfoliation can cause your scalp to over produce oil.

Homemade Hair Care Product Ideas:

• Homemade Dry Shampoo
• DIY Hair Spray
• The Best Natural Homemade Hair Gel
• How To Make Hair Detangeler