Sometimes, the scalp and hair feel stuffy and oily, even after a shower. If you are trying the no-poo way of hair care, you can understand the feeling as much as others who are trying to buy time between showers to reduce the frequency. A DIY scalp scrub can change the way you feel and leave your hair follicles and scalp fresh and clear.
Scalp scrub is one way to clarify the scalp, which is much needed considering the number of products we use. Oh, and don’t forget the dead skin cells. When using hair products like gel, cream, mousse, and more, they get accumulate in your scalp with time and clog your pores. Unless you use a scrub to gently clean your scalp, the accumulation will affect nutrition absorption by follicles and clog pores.
Scalp scrubs cleanse your scalp gently and leave you with a healthy scalp and hair. You can choose different ingredients for your scalp scrubs, and here we will see a few easy-to-prepare recipes with readily available ingredients.
What Is a Scalp Scrub?
We all know our scalp is the extension of our skin, but it often gets overlooked due to the hardy impression we get. With more awareness, increasingly more are beginning to have a scalp care routine just like they have for the skin.
We use skin scrub or exfoliating scrub for our skin, right? The same thing for scalps is called scalp scrubs, where these scrubs gently clarify the scalp, getting rid of buildup and dead skin cells.
Benefits of DIY Scalp Scrubs
Scalp scrub is a must, irrespective of your hair type or scalp type. It’s needed for everyone and offers numerous benefits.
It can remove dead skin cells from the scalp’s surface.
It gets rid of accumulated dirt and grime?
Do you use hair gels, conditioners, hair creams, etc? One of these or other hair care and styling products? You need scalp scrubs to get rid of scalp buildup.
Clean hair follicles after clarifying mean healthier scalp and hair.
Scalp accumulation leads to clogged pores. Scalp scrubs can unclog pores and make way for nutrient absorption.
Deep cleansing your scalp using a scalp scrub can promote hair growth.
It soothes and clears a flaky scalp. Flaky scalp, especially due to dandruff, causes hair fall.
A good scalp scrub can regulate the scalp’s sebum levels.
Scalp scrubs not only deep clean your scalp, but they also stimulate blood circulation to the scalp. Boosting the scalp’s circulation could improve your hair growth rate.
DIY Scalp Scrub Recipes
Now that we know scalp scrubs are really important for a healthy scalp, let’s look at a few easy scalp scrub recipes for scalp exfoliation.
Vegan Oatmeal Scrub
This soothing oatmeal scrub is for everyone but is more suited, especially for those with sensitive scalps.
Ingredients
- Oatmeal – 2 tbsp.
- Brown Sugar – 2 tbsp.
- Jojoba Oil – 2 tbsp.
Preparation and Application
In a mixing bowl, add all the ingredients and gently mix to combine. Done!
To apply, gently massage the scrub onto your scalp. You can divide your hair into smaller sections and apply between each section and massage. Make sure to cover all the areas of your scalp.
Let it sit for a minute, and wash it off thoroughly.
Follow up with a scalp serum.
Frequency of use
You can use it once a month or twice a month at most.
Notes
You can also use your conditioner instead of Jojoba oil.
You can use any carrier oil you prefer.
You can also add your preferred essential oils to this recipe.
Vegan Avocado Salt Scrub
Try this nourishing and moisturizing avocado salt scrub for shiny, healthy hair and scalp.
Ingredients
- Pink Salt – 1 tbsp.
- Unrefined Sugar – 1 tsp.
- Argan Oil – 1 tsp.
- Avocado Oil – 1 tbsp.
Preparation and application
In a mixing bowl, add all the ingredients together and mix well. Done.
Gently massage the ingredients onto your scalp – it’s easier to divide your scalp into smaller sections and cover each area as you go.
Wait for a few minutes and wash off thoroughly.
Follow Up with a moisturizing scalp serum.
Frequency of use
You can use this scrub once or twice a month.
Notes
We have used Himalayan pink salt for the recipe, though any natural and unprocessed salt is good. You can use dead sea salt, sea salt, etc.
You can use any carrier oils of your choice in place of or along with avocado oil – coconut oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, apricot oil, olive oil, etc.
You can also use essential oils for added aroma and benefits.
Clarifying Honey Scrub
This is a clarifying scrub that also has the goodness of honey. It combats dandruff and dryness and leaves your hair shiny and your scalp clear.
Ingredients
- Raw Honey – 1 tsp.
- Unrefined Sugar – 2 tbsp.
- ACV – 1 tsp.
- Water – 1 tsp.
- Rosemary Essential Oil – a few drops
- Sweet Almond Oil – 1 tbsp.
- Coconut Oil – 1 tbsp.
Preparation and Application
In a mixing bowl, add all the ingredients and mix gently to combine.
Gently massage onto your scalp and wait for a few minutes before washing off.
Frequency of use
You can use this scrub once or twice a month.
Notes
You can use any unprocessed and raw sugar in this recipe.
You can use any carrier oil or a combination of your chosen oils.
Vegan Baking Soda Scrub
This is a simpler scrub and comparatively easier to apply to use.
Ingredients
- Baking Soda – 2 tbsp
- Shampoo – as needed
Preparation and application
Add your shampoo and baking soda and combine in a bowl.
Apply on your hair and scalp and scrub gently.
Rinse off thoroughly.
Frequency of use
You can use this shampoo scrub once a month.
Notes
Baking soda can be drying for some; you can add a few drops of honey to this recipe.
Add a few drops of soothing lavender essential oil for added aroma and benefits.
How to Prevent Scalp Buildup?
Use a clarifying rinse like apple cider vinegar after a shower. It also regulates your scalp’s pH levels, combats dandruff, soothes your scalp, and gets rid of microbes.
Brush your hair regularly. Not only does this improve scalp circulation and gets rid of dead skin cells, but it also regulates scalp oil levels. Use a natural bristle brush or one with fine bristles for best results.
If you’re skipping shampooing, especially when washing your hair only once or twice a week, Use clarifying or cleansing ingredients like baking soda, apple cider vinegar, etc, to prevent scalp buildup. Cutting back on hair wash will increase scalp build=up, so choose alternatives to handle it.
Reduce or avoid styling or heavy hair products to reduce scalp buildup.
You can use hair powders available in herbal stores to wash your hair. It naturally removes scalp buildup and keeps your scalp healthy.
Importance of Scalp Health
The health of the scalp is just as important as that of your skin; after all, the scalp is the extension of your skin.
A healthy scalp means healthy hair, which means no hair or scalp issues.
A healthy scalp leads to healthy hair growth and healthier hair.
When your scalp is taken care of, scalp issues like irritation, dandruff and itching more are dealt with.
A clear scalp means better absorption of nutrients by hair roots, which means your hair is stronger and more nourished.
Safety Precautions and Considerations
Always check for allergies by doing a patch test before trying new ingredients or recipes.
If you have sensitive skin, use ingredients that are not abrasive.
Always choose mild and gentle ingredients if you have a sensitive scalp or skin.
Don’t use scrubs as frequently as is necessary.
Do not use chemical exfoliants on your scalp unless needed and a specialist recommends it for you.
If you experience sudden excessive hair loss or other adverse reactions after using a scrub, stop using it and check for allergies. Do not reuse without identifying the source; sudden adverse reactions shouldn’t be ignored.
Tips to Improve the Efficacy of DIY Scalp Scrubs
Prepare your scalp scrubs just before application for maximum efficacy.
If you want to prepare a batch of your favorite recipe, just mix the dry ingredients together and store them. Add the wet ingredients and mix right before application.
Prepare just enough scalp scrub for one use, so there are no leftovers. Leftovers aren’t as effective as a fresh batch.
Add nourishing ingredients to make your scalp scrub better by adding essential oils or infused oils.
Depending on the recipe, you can also use herbs, herbal extracts, or other ingredients to make the most of your scalp scrubs.
Conclusion
All these recipes are easy to prepare, cost a fraction of commercial scalp scrubs, are all-natural, and are often prepared with readily available ingredients. So, try and prepare your own recipes when you can; after all, scalp scrubs are quite easy to whip up quickly.
As with any other DIY recipe, give your own twist to this recipe, add your tweaks, and come out with recipes that are tailored to your requirements and preferences. That’s the fun of DIY, isn’t it?
Don’t have time for DIY recipes or don’t prefer trying out stuff? No worries, we’ve got you covered with a range of premium vegan hair care cosmetics from Vitamins Revive.
Feel free to write to us with any questions, feedback, or requests. We love hearing from you readers. Do let us know how you liked the recipes and how they worked out for you.
FAQs
How often should you use a scalp scrub?
You can use a scalp scrub a maximum of twice a month, though once a month is good for those with sensitive scalps.
Can you add essential oils to your scalp scrub?
Of course, you can add essential oils to your scrub.
Is any aftercare needed after a scalp scrub?
Yes, a moisturizing hair serum can do a world of good and lock in moisture after a scalp scrub.
Can we use a scalp scrub with a dry scalp?
Yes, scalp scrub can help with flaking associated with dry scalp and all other related issues.
Will a scalp scrub help with a flaky scalp?
Yes, it does help with combatting flaky scalp and dandruff.
Does scalp scrub help with oily hair?
Oily hair is often due to scalp buildup and unbalanced scalp sebum levels and can help combat both.
