When it comes to hair care, our focus immediately turns to the strands. We’re always on the hunt for the latest hair masks, oils, hair growth serums or leave-in treatments that’ll leave our locks hydrated and smooth; however, there’s one thing we often forget about — and it’s where it all starts — the scalp.Â
Without proper care, your scalp can accumulate dead skin cells, excess oil, and product buildup, resulting in clogged hair follicles, an itchy and flaky scalp, or, worst of all, constantly oily hair.Â
That’s where scalp scrubs come in. Designed to tackle the root cause (pun intended), scalp scrubs are exfoliators designed to help remove buildup, unclog hair follicles, and rebalance oil production. The result? A healthy scalp, which in turn creates the perfect foundation for healthier strands.
Whether you’re prone to an oily scalp (thanks, genetics), a daily user of hair products, or just want that ultra-fresh deep clean feeling, a scalp scrub is the missing piece to your ‘everything shower’ routine that you’ve been searching for.
How does a scalp scrub work?
Most scalp scrubs work in a two-step process. First is a physical exfoliant (like sugar, salt, or fine beads), and the second is a soothing or clarifying treatment (like tea tree oil, charcoal, or salicylic acid). This combo works a dream to lift away debris while tackling itchiness, flakiness, and irritation.Â
Simply apply a small amount of scalp scrub (a little goes a long way) to damp hair and massage it into your scalp for a couple of minutes. This should be the first step of your routine — before your shampoo. Rinse off the scrub thoroughly, and follow with shampoo and conditioner (or a hair mask).Â
The key is to use a scalp scrub only once a week — which is why it’s perfect to incorporate into your existing everything-shower routine. Consistency is crucial, but don’t overuse it as it could cause your scalp to feel irritated or overly dry.Â
What are the best scalp scrubs in 2025?
If your hair has been feeling a bit ‘off’ recently, adding a hardworking scalp scrub may just be what you need for that deep-clean feeling.Â
Below, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite scalp scrubs that deserve a spot in your everything-shower routine, stat.
Related Read: Apricite’s Founder Ronja Edsmo on Beauty Rituals and Building a Cult-Favourite Hair Brand
Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub
Christophe Robin’s Cleansing Purifying Scrub has earned its cult-favourite status with good reason. Whenever our scalp feels dull, oily, or weighed down, we reach for this. Like hitting the reset button for your scalp, this luxurious scalp scrub exfoliates using natural sea salt crystals, gently lifting away impurities while cleverly soothing irritation. Its gentle but effective formula makes it a top pick for those with a sensitive scalp, as well as to use after colour treatments to remove any excess residue.
Key ingredients:Â Natural sea salt crystals for physical exfoliation, a natural carbohydrate complex to prevent dehydration, and bisabolol (derived from the Brazilian Candeia tree) for its soothing and anti-irritant properties.
Why we love it: It’s formulated for sensitive and oily scalps, while also being designed for those who need a bit of relief after an intense colour treatment. Plus, your scalp and hair will feel instantly lighter as daily buildup is banished.
Ouai Scalp & Body Scrub
When it comes to luxurious hair care, Ouai needs no introduction. Known for its incredibly effective haircare line, Ouai’s Scalp and Body Scrub is like a headspa in a tub.Â
Powered by sugar-based exfoliants that gently sweep away dead skin, product buildup, and flakes. Followed by coconut and sweet almond oils that deliver rich, fatty-acid hydration so your scalp feels rejuvenated rather than stripped.
Now, we can’t talk about Ouai’s Scalp and Body Scrub without mentioning its irresistible scent. Ouai’s signature Melrose Place scent, featuring notes of rose, bergamot, lychee, cedarwood, and white musk, is infused in this scrub, providing a moment of luxury at home.
Key ingredients:Â Sugar, coconut oil.
Why we love it:Â While the price tag for this is relatively high, its luxurious formulation and proven results make it the ultimate treat-yourself pick.Â
Briogeo Scalp Revival Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo
A scrub-shampoo hybrid, Briogeo’s Scalp Revival Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo feels like a soothing spa treatment for your scalp. With the help of binchotan charcoal, known for its deep-cleansing action and ability to effectively lift impurities and excess buildup from the scalp, alongside plant-based exfoliants that gently polish away dead skin and flakes without irritating, it’s a multi-tasking hair product that’s well worth the hype.Â
Further, the addition of coconut oil provides instant hydration, while the blend of peppermint, spearmint, and tea tree oils offers a soothing and cooling sensation on the scalp, helping to calm any itchiness or inflammation.
The results speak for themselves, with a noticeable difference evident after just one wash. This creamy scrub is about to turn anyone who has ever been sceptical of scalp scrubs into a loyal fan.
Key ingredients: Binchotan charcoal, coconut oil, and peppermint, spearmint, and tea tree oil complex.
Why we love it:Â Its creamy texture, with fine, plastic-free particles and a focus on high-quality ingredients, makes a real difference to the end result. Plus, the cooling effect it has is incredibly satisfying, which is why it rightfully earns a permanent spot in our everyday shower routine.Â
The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Scrub
With a blend of both a physical and chemical exfoliant, The Inkey List’s Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Scrub works twice as hard — and we’re obsessed.Â
At its core sits 7% glycolic acid — a trusted AHA that gently dissolves dead skin and product buildup while encouraging healthy cell turnover. For an extra boost, this formula also includes biodegradable castor beads that physically slough away impurities. The result? A squeaky clean and revitalised scalp.Â
This product is particularly great for those who use hair products heavily or daily, as product buildup and, well, build up pretty fast. However, this scalp scrub goes above and beyond. More than just an exfoliant, it also includes a Symcontrol Scalp Complex that features Mediterranean microalgae to help regulate sebum levels and protects the hair against environmental stressors. An overachiever — in a good way.Â
Key ingredients:Â 7% Glycolic acid, Symcontrol Scalp, castor oil beads.
Why we love it: The blend of a physical and chemical exfoliant has us sold. Trust us when we say that our scalp has never felt cleaner with this overachieving formula.Â
Aromatica Rosemary Scalp Scrub
If you’re looking for a gentle yet effective scalp scrub, the Rosemary Scalp Scrub from Aromatica refreshes the scalp without stripping away its natural oils.
Featuring mineral-rich Dead Sea salt and Andes Lake salt granules that remove dead skin cells, excess sebum, and buildup without being too harsh, combined with a cooling blend of essential oils that feels like a wake-up call, it’s a revitalising spa-like experience like no other.Â
You can use this scalp scrub before or in place of shampoo, allowing you to incorporate it into your routine without any extra effort. Gently massage the scrub into your scalp for a couple of minutes before rinsing, and feel the difference as soon as you step out of the shower — easy.
Key ingredients:Â Andes Lake salt, rosemary, BHA, probiotics, and caffeine.
Why we love it: It’s an affordable scalp scrub with a quality, clean, and vegan formula. There’s nothing we don’t love about Aromatica’s Rosemary Scalp Scrub. Plus, its handy pointed tip makes applying the scrub easy and mess-free.
Bumble and Bumble Seaweed Scalp Scrub
The beloved Bumble and Bumble Seaweed Whipped Scalp Scrub is filled with nutrient-rich ingredients that provide gentle exfoliation and scalp-balancing results.
In a dreamy, whipped, and airy texture, this scalp scrub transforms into a milky-soft lather once applied to the scalp. This lightweight formula makes it easy to massage directly onto the scalp and is the missing piece to the perfect weekly deep clean haircare routine.Â
Loved for its formula that consists of Dead Sea salt and a trio of nutrient-dense seaweeds — Royal Sugar Kelp, Pacific Sea Kelp, and Green Microalgae — you’ll be left with nothing but a nourished and healthy scalp.Â
Whether you’re an avid user of curl creams, dry shampoo, or heavy-duty hairsprays, there’s nothing the Bumble and Bumble Seaweed Whipped Scalp Scrub can’t handle. Use once a week to maintain a healthy scalp and achieve remarkably clean and shiny hair.Â
Key ingredient: Dead Sea salt to buff away dead skin cells.Â
Why we love it: Its satisfying whipped texture and potent seaweed formula make it a standout that we just can’t ignore.
