Scalp scrubs are a great way to get beautiful, healthy tresses while eliminating product build up on your scalp.
Because sometimes, a simple shampoo just isn’t enough to tackle our hair issues, and we have to resort to something more intensive to add to our hair care routine.
This is where scalp scrubs come in, as scalp health is as important as hair health. So, in our article, we’ll be covering what scalp scrubs are, their benefits, how to use them, and the best scalp scrubs in Malaysia.
(One more thing: If you wear a hijab, you should really check out our hijab hair care cheat sheet too!)
What are scalp scrubs
Photo source: Polina Tankilevitch
Scalp scrubs are pretty self-explanatory, they are scrubs designed for your scalp. Think of the body scrubs that you use for your legs and arms, only less harsh.
They exfoliate the scalp, removing product build up, dirt, excess oil, and dead skin cells that inevitably gather at your roots.
This can be great for those who have excessive skin build up such as dandruff, eczema, psoriasis, or seborrheic dermatitis too.
Scalp scrubs benefits
Photo source: XFrame
A scalp scrub can help to remove excess build-up of sebum that may not have been cleansed thoroughly by your shampoo, helping to reduce potential irritation and dandruff.
Scrubs are also used to eliminate the build-up caused by hair products, which can be especially useful if you don’t wash your hair every day or use dry shampoo.
Keeping your scalp healthy has also been shown to stimulate healthy hair growth, so a scalp scrub may be key to doing so.
How to use scalp scrubs
Photo source: Jalen Hueser
If you’re new to using scalp scrubs, don’t be worried as it is super easy to incorporate it into your shower routine without adding too much time.
Generally used after washing and rinsing your hair, you apply the scrub through the part line and massage it in without using your fingernails.
After the scrub is massaged into the scalp, rinse, and condition as usual. Then, you’re done and can enjoy a freshly cleansed scalp.
Best scalp scrubs in Malaysia
Be.hairful Scrub For Scalp
You’ll be surprised to know that this scalp scrub uses volcanic rock as an exfoliant, which allows for deep cleansing and scalp purifying.
Although not suitable for sensitive scalps, you can use it for normal scalps, dry scalps, hair loss, dandruff, and oily scalps.
It retails for RM32.60.
Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt
This scalp scrub is created with 100% plant-based active ingredients and uses sea salt as a natural exfoliant.
It is recommended to be used as a post-colour treatment to remove chemical residues embedded in the scalp.
It retails for RM230.
Coco & Eve Like A Virgin Deep Clean Scalp Scrub
Regarding exfoliation, this scalp scrub uses several exfoliants: volcanic Ash, AHAs, BHA, and coconut shell powder.
Ideally used as a pre-shampoo treatment, it combats oil build-up at the roots.
It retails for RM165.
dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Scalp Scrub with Pink Himalayan Sea Salt Safe for sensitive scalp
If you love the smell of apple cider vinegar, you’re going to be obsessed with this product.
Gentle enough for all hair types, you can use this even if you have a sensitive scalp or eczema issues.
It retails for US$39 (~S$53.53).
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Happi Scalp Scrub
You should not leave this scalp scrub on longer than 10 minutes time as it is specially designed to work fast.
It uses plant cellulose exfoliating beads along with a stable and supercharged AHA/BHA acid blend to deeply cleanse the scalp.
It retails for US$36 (~RM158.33).
Fekkai Apple Cide Detox Scrub Fresh scent
This scalp scrub smells more like a fresh, crisp scent of green apple and juicy citrus.
What’s great is that this is safe for all hair types including chemically and colour-treated hair and is cruelty-free, clean, vegan, and totally sustainable.
It retails for US$36 (~RM158.33).
Frank Body Stimulating Scalp Scrub
This product will detoxify your scalp while giving you healthy hair as it is made with natural ingredients like coffee and rosemary.
Mint lovers are going to fall hard for this scrub thanks to its eucalyptus and peppermint ingredients.
It retails for US$18.95 (~RM83.34).
Ikoo Cleansing Scalp Scrub
Made with sea salt, this scrub lathers up into a foam for better infusion and a deeper cleanse.
It also contains the antioxidant-rich hibiscus extract, which helps to hydrate the scalp.
It retails for RM107.
Kristin Ess Hair Instant Exfoliating Scalp Scrub
Vegan and cruelty-free, this scalp scrub uses a sugar complex to keep natural moisture intact.
It is safe for coloured hair and keratin-treated hair as it uses proprietary zip-up technology to target damaged hair.
It retails for US$15 (~RM65.97).
L'Oreal EverPure Sulfate-Free Scalp Care + Detox Scrub
This scrub can detoxify your scalp thanks to its apricot seed exfoliants.
You can use this as often as needed, as long as you remember to follow up with your shampoo and conditioner.
It retails for US$12.99 (~RM57.13).
NatureLab TOKYO Perfect Shine Clarifying Scalp Scrub
A zen-inducing 3-in-1 foaming scalp scrub, it is made up of gentle exfoliating sugar crystals, probiotic sake water, and hyaluronic acid.
It also contains antioxidant-rich grape stem cell, pearl extract, and platinum fibre.
It retails for US$17 (~RM74.77).
Nexxus Clean & Pure Scalp Scrub
This one is gentle enough to be used every day, compared to most scrubs which are for weekly use.
Formulated with an exclusive blend of elastin protein and marine minerals, you’ll be able to maintain smooth and silky hair.
It retails for US$16.99 (~RM74.72).
Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Exfoliating Scalp Scrub Great for curls
More suitable for those with curly hair, it is formulated with a superfood oil blend that doesn’t strip your hair of its natural moisture.
We love the citrus and jasmine scent as well as how easy it is to rinse out.
It retails for US$8.99 (~RM39.54).
Ouai Scalp & Body Scrub For scalp and body
This is a gentle and multitasking product that can be used on both your scalp and your body.
Sugar crystals cleanse and soften the skin, while a dose of probiotics boosts your skin’s natural protective barrier.
It retails for RM178.
Rizos Curls Detox Scalp Scrub
This scalp scrub uses naturally-derived and biodegradable exfoliants.
Vegan and cruelty-free, it is also formulated with aloe vera, pink clay, peppermint oil, arnica extract, and moringa oil.
It retails for US$27.99 (~RM123.10).
Rosemary Detox Scalp Scrub
For all hair types, this scalp scrub is designed to be used once a week.
You’ll love the ingredients of sea salt, jojoba, rosemary, and charcoal, which combine for a deep cleanse.
It retails for US$11 (~RM48.38).
Sephora Collection Cleansing Scalp Scrub
Ideally used once a week, you can use this in placement of your regular shampoo.
Formulated with 90% ingredients from natural origin, it is additionally enriched with apple cider vinegar which is known to add shine to hair.
It retails for RM90.
Sukin Natural Balance Scalp Scrub With cooling effect
If you don’t like salt and sugar scrubs, this is a good alternative as it uses bamboo powder instead.
You can also enjoy the refreshing blend of peppermint and ginger extract that provides a cooling effect.
It retails for RM69.90.
Sun Bum Detox Scalp Scrub
Formulated with apple cider vinegar, sugar, banana, and blue agave, this scalp scrub clears product build-up and excess sebum.
You can use this in place of your regular shampoo, with some reviewers even using it on their children’s hair.
It retails for US$14.99 (~RM65.93).
The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Scrub
This scalp scrub is great for all hair and scalp type and uses castor beads as its physical exfoliant.
It also contains chemical exfoliants and sebum regulators, so you can maintain the balance of your scalp.
It retails for RM130.
Featured image credit: Pavel Danilyuk & Ashley Maree Beauty
