Just like your skin, your scalp benefits from regular exfoliation. Over time, styling products, excess oil and environmental debris can build up on the scalp, leading to irritation, flakiness and lackluster hair. Incorporating a scalp exfoliator into your routine may be able to help clear away buildup, rebalance the scalp and create a good foundation for healthy hair growth.

It’s important to note: while scalp scrubs can sometimes be helpful for addressing your scalp concerns, they aren’t appropriate for everyone. Noticeable scalp flaking, itching or irritation is often a sign of an underlying medical condition—such as dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis), psoriasis, eczema or a skin allergy (allergic contact dermatitis)—rather than simple buildup alone.

These issues should be evaluated and treated by a board-certified dermatologist before turning to a scalp scrub. Otherwise, you may make your scalp health worse by introducing a harsh, purifying scrub into your routine.

A scalp scrub can help to gently exfoliate skin, improving symptoms but may not fully address the root cause. If flaking or irritation persists or worsens, it’s important to see a board-certified dermatologist or consider targeted over-the-counter treatments like Noble Formula, Nizoral or Head & Shoulders shampoos designed to address these concerns.

Dr. Joel Schlessinger, board-certified dermatologist, Mohs surgeon and cosmetic surgeon, explains. “Regular scalp exfoliation can be beneficial for removing buildup, but it’s important to understand that not all scalp conditions are caused by excess oil or product residue. If symptoms persist, worsen or using a scalp scrub becomes uncomfortable, it’s a sign you need to see a board-certified dermatologist.”

For those dealing with minor flaking, dryness, excess oil or dull strands, the right scalp scrub may make a noticeable difference. From invigorating exfoliants to soothing treatments that support long-term scalp comfort, we’re sharing six standout scalp treatments designed to refresh the scalp, support balance and help your hair look and feel its best. In this blog, we’ll discuss:

• What do scalp scrubs do?
• Why scalp health matters
• How to use a scalp scrub
• What to do if a scalp scrub is not working
• The best scalp scrubs for healthier skin and hair

What do scalp scrubs do?

Scalp scrubs are designed to exfoliate the scalp and help remove buildup from styling products, excess oil, dead skin cells and environmental debris that can weigh hair down or clog follicles. By clearing away these impurities, a scalp exfoliator allows the scalp to breathe and helps shampoos and treatments work more effectively.

Regular scalp exfoliation may also help to soothe and balance skin, especially if you experience flakes or oiliness. Whether you choose a gentle scalp scrub or a more invigorating formula, using a scrub each week can leave your scalp feeling refreshed and your hair looking fuller, shinier and healthier.

Why scalp health matters

Healthy hair starts at the scalp. When the scalp is congested, irritated or out of balance, it can affect how your hair looks, feels and grows. Supporting scalp health helps create the ideal environment for stronger, fuller-looking strands and better overall hair vitality.

Incorporating targeted treatments, like a scalp scrub for buildup or oily hair, can help support circulation, comfort and long-term balance. When your scalp is cared for properly, the rest of your hair care routine works better, too, leading to healthier-looking hair from root to tip.

How to use a scalp scrub

Most scalp scrubs are used once or twice weekly on wet hair before shampooing. Gently massage the product into the scalp using your fingertips or a scalp scrub brush, focusing on areas prone to buildup. Rinse thoroughly and follow with your favorite shampoo and conditioner.

Consistency is key—regular scalp exfoliation helps support a calm, balanced scalp and sets the stage for healthier, more vibrant hair.

What to do if a scalp scrub is not working

Not all scalp conditions can be addressed with a scalp scrub, and some may be worsened by scrubs or exfoliators. Excess oil or flakiness can be a sign of several medical conditions, including scalp psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff), eczema/atopic dermatitis, an allergy to a product you are using (allergic contact dermatitis), an infection or simple dryness.

Certain conditions, such as eczema/atopic dermatitis, skin allergies or infections, may worsen with the use of scalp scrubs or exfoliators. The best way to determine what’s causing your symptoms is to see a board-certified dermatologist, who can evaluate your hair and scalp and prescribe appropriate treatment if needed.

The best scalp scrubs for healthier skin and hair

The best scalp scrub for oily hair

Philip B. Peppermint Avocado Scalp Scrub

This cult-favorite scalp scrub delivers a deep yet refreshing cleanse thanks to exfoliating botanicals paired with invigorating peppermint. Avocado oil helps nourish the scalp while lifting away excess oil and product buildup, making it a great scalp scrub for oily hair or congested roots.

By promoting thorough scalp exfoliation, this formula helps create an optimal environment for healthier-looking hair while leaving your scalp feeling cool, clean and balanced.

The best scalp scrub for beginners

LATHER Avocado Mint Foaming Scalp Scrub

This unique foaming scalp exfoliator transforms into a lightweight lather that deeply cleanses while maintaining moisture balance. Avocado oil nourishes as mint provides a refreshing, cooling sensation that helps wake up the scalp.

Its airy texture makes it easy to massage in, especially when paired with a scalp scrub brush, making it a great option for those new to scalp exfoliation.

The best scalp scrub for hair growth

Obagi Nu-Cil™ BioStim Scalp Serum

While not a traditional scrub, this innovative scalp treatment focuses on long-term scalp and hair health rather than physical exfoliation. It’s formulated with the brand’s advanced NouriPlex® Technology to support thicker, fuller-looking hair at the scalp.

This serum is an excellent complement to exfoliating routines and a popular choice for those searching for the best scalp scrub for hair growth support when used alongside regular scalp exfoliation.

The best scalp scrub for dandruff

Rene Furterer Head Spa Complexe 5 Stimulating Plant Concentrate

This pre-shampoo treatment helps purify and energize the scalp using a blend of essential oils, including lavender and orange. It works to stimulate circulation while loosening impurities, preparing the scalp for cleansing.

Loved for its spa-like experience, this formula supports balance and vitality and is often recommended as part of a routine focused on achieving the best scalp scrub for dandruff-prone or stressed scalps.

The best scalp scrub for buildup

PHYTO Purifying Cleansing Scrub

Formulated with exfoliating salt crystals and eucalyptus extract, this purifying scrub helps remove stubborn buildup while calming the scalp. It’s especially beneficial for those struggling with excess oil or flakes.

The best scalp scrub for irritation

Noble Formula Argan Oil Bar Soap

While not necessarily a scalp scrub, this ultra-nourishing cleansing bar is a great choice for addressing flakiness, itching, irritation, dandruff and more. This gentle bar soap combines nourishing argan oil with 2% pyrithione zinc to help treat dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis while soothing irritation associated with psoriasis- and eczema-prone skin.

Interested in learning more ways to keep your hair shiny and healthy from root to tip? Read about high vs low porosity hair, plus learn expert tips on how to care for each type.