If you haven’t treated yourself to a scalp scrub, get on it, stat. After all, your scalp is like the rest of your skin—dead cells can pile up, and pores can get clogged, especially if styling products are part of your typical hair regimen. With this, it’s essential to exfoliate your scalp with a scalp scrub (like you would with a body scrub), as “regular exfoliation can help remove product residue and environmental pollutants that can build up and potentially even affect how well your hair is growing,” explains Shelly Aguirre, a stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. What’s more, adding this scalp treatment to your routine requires only one extra step: just massaging the formula into your scalp before shampooing. Exfoliating couldn’t be any easier, especially if you’re using the most effective products available.

To find the best scalp scrubs, we tested several dermatologist- and stylist-recommended options on a wide selection of hair types. We combed through their feedback and researched the products’ formulas to land on this curated selection of the best tried-and-tested scalp scrubs below.

Best Overall

Christophe Robin Purifying Scalp Scrub with Sea Salt

$54

$33 at Amazon$20 at NordstromView on Christopherobin.com

Key Ingredients: Salt, carbohydrate complex, bisabolol | Size: 8.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Fragrance-Free: No

This formula actually pulls double duty as both a scrub and a shampoo. Sea salt (a natural exfoliant) gently scrubs off impurities and product buildup, while sweet almond oil soothes the scalp. It’s a universally foolproof pick that’s ideal for all scalp concerns—from flakes to oiliness to dryness—and works on all hair types and textures. Our scalp feels rejuvenated and squeaky clean after use, and our hair overall feels healthier after adding this scrub to our routine. It also helps balance oil and won’t strip freshly dyed hair color. The scrub can be a little hard to work through hair into the scalp, but that isn’t a deal breaker.

Emily Cieslak, associate editor (not shown): “Every time I use this scrub, my bleached hair looks lighter and brighter, as if the impurities and buildup have been removed.”

Best for Dry Scalps

Goop G.Tox Himalayan Salt Scrub Shampoo

$55

$50 at Amazon$55 at Sephora$55 at Nordstrom

Key Ingredients: Moringa and rosehip oil | Size: 6.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Fragrance-Free: No

Give your scalp a dose of serious moisture while also improving the shine of your strands with this whipped-mousse shampoo. This pick combines botanical oils with Himalayan salt to exfoliate your scalp and cleanse away dirt and grease. Our tester fell in love with this shampoo immediately, saying, “After the first wash, I could feel and see a difference. My hair had a post-blowout look—volume, shiny, and smooth. The next morning after an intense workout, I also noticed that my scalp had minimal flakiness.” The moringa and rosehip oil-infused formula delivers nourishing fatty acids along with oleic acid to soften and hydrate our hair, leaving it looking volumized and healthy. It also has a fresh minty citrus scent that makes our hair smell amazing. 

Kathleen, tester with type 1A hair: “I cannot rave about this product enough. It targeted both my hair and scalp health and left them feeling clean and looking incredible! My hair was shiny, and my scalp barely had any noticeable flakes.”

Best Exfoliating Shampoo

Briogeo Scalp Revival Micro-Exfoliating Scalp Scrub Shampoo

$134 at Sephora$42 at Ulta$42 at Target

Key Ingredients: Charcoal powder, tea tree oil | Size: 8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes| Fragrance-Free: No

For those who like combining multiple steps of their beauty routine in one, this cleanser-scrub hybrid is ideal. Its formula features binchotan charcoal (a very high-quality type of charcoal), which pulls out impurities, as well as panthenol and peppermint, spearmint, tea tree, and coconut oils. Our tester especially loved how this shampoo left her hair feeling noticeably more hydrated and shiny, with no signs of dandruff or frizz. Use it as you would any shampoo, making sure to really work it into your scalp, then follow with conditioner. 

Amanda, tester with type 3/4C hair: “This shampoo truly cleansed my scalp and hair. It has a wonderful lather and texture, and it didn’t make my hair feel brittle. This product did exactly what it claimed to do.”

Best Multitasker

Ouai Scalp and Body Scrub

$42

$40 at Amazon$42 at SephoraView on Ulta

Key Ingredients: Sugar, coconut oil | Size: 8.8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Fragrance-Free: No

Not totally sold on buying a separate scalp scrub? We present you with this one-stop scalp and body scrub instead. You can, quite literally, use it from head to toe. Credit exfoliating sugar crystals coupled with hydrating coconut oil, which come together in a formula that works just as well on your scalp as it does on dry elbows and knees. And in true Ouai fashion, the sophisticated scent (a mix of rose, cedarwood, and musk) is totally satisfying.

Our tester with 4C curls loved how this exfoliating scrub easily removed the dead skin and product buildup from my scalp, giving it an obvious refreshed feel. She did note, however, that it left her thick curls feeling slightly drier, so you may want to follow up with a deep conditioner if your hair is prone to dryness. 

Nicole, tester with type 4C curls: “Every time I touched the jar. I was compelled to open the lid and take a big whiff, inhaling the beautiful scent. It truly is a sweet fragrance to wear in your hair or on your body and transforms your shower experience.”

Best for Thick Hair

Ceremonia Papaya Scalp Scrub

$18

$17 at Amazon$36 at Sephora$36 at Revolve

Key Ingredients: Papaya enzymes, pink Bolivian salt, avocado oil | Size: 8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Fragrance-Free: No

Made with naturally fortifying ingredients like avocado oil, papaya extract, and rosemary oil, this scrub from Ceremonia will cleanse efficiently while gently exfoliating and hydrating the scalp. It also doubles as a whipped shampoo to streamline your wash day even more, and it contains pink Bolivian salt to give you a good scrub. Another plus: We love that the formula melts into the scalp easily, to clean without stripping the hair. Our tester especially praised its effectiveness for those with lots of hair, saying, “It is a match made in heaven for thick hair because the product is dense enough to have an impact.”

Chantia, tester with type 4C hair: “It is one of the best shampoos I’ve used because of how it feels and minimizes my number of shampoo applications. It left my hair lightweight and didn’t fade my color.”

Best for Oily Hair

Philip B. Peppermint Avocado Scalp Scrub

View on Dermstore$92 at Nordstrom$92 at Bloomingdales

Key Ingredients: Salt, avocado oil, peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, witch hazel, arnica flower extract, aloe leaf juice | Size: 8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Fragrance-Free: No

Yes, this is pricey. But even the teeniest amount works wonders, which means you’ll get plenty of use out of the one (big) jar. The sea salt granules are not too big that they’re scratchy yet large enough that you can feel them exfoliating. The same goes for the peppermint, avocado, and eucalyptus oils in the mix, which cool and invigorate your scalp. It’s enough to give it that refreshing, spa-like feel without being too tingly or overpowering. Also nice: The witch hazel water in the formula further helps balance out and energize the skin on your scalp, which is great if you tend to get oily.

Best for Gentle Exfoliation

Oribe Serene Scalp Exfoliating Scrub

$52

$50 at Amazon$52 at Sephora$52 at Nordstrom

Key Ingredients: Watermelon, lychee, edelweiss flower extracts, polymer beads, AHAs | Size: 4.2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Fragrance-Free: No

Trust us: It’s worth shelling out the pennies for this guy. It boasts both chemical and physical exfoliating ingredients: alpha-hydroxy acids to dissolve dead skin and soft polymer beads to slough it off. Plus, it contains a litany of different plant-based extracts that offer antioxidant protection and help soothe the scalp. Aguirre is a fan, saying it’s her go-to recommendation for clients. Although it’s a powerful formula, she says that it’s still gentle on all hair types. Personally, we’ve found that it works especially well on thin and fine hair. 

Best for Sensitive Scalps

Sachajuan Scalp Scrub

$58

$53 at Amazon$58 at DermstoreView on Shopbop.com

Key Ingredients: Shea butter, soybean oils | Size: 8.4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Fragrance-Free: No

This soothing scrub comes recommended by New York-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green, M.D., who explains why it is the ideal option for those prone to irritation. “For people with sensitive skin, it is important to avoid scalp scrubs that strip all of the natural oils that shield the skin; instead, they should use gentle exfoliators,” says Dr. Green. “The Sachajuan Scalp Scrub is one of the best scalp scrubs for people with sensitive skin. Free from parabens, dyes, sulfates, and fragrances, it avoids common skin irritants that can cause scalp inflammation.” It uses a mix of sugar crystals and natural oils such as shea butter and soybean oil to boost hydration and protect the skin without leaving it feeling greasy. 

Best for Curly Hair

Nioxin Purifying Scalp Treatment

$26

$25 at Amazon$26 at UltaView on Nioxin.com

Key Ingredients: Triethanolamine, citric acid | Size: 1.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: No | Fragrance-Free: Not listed

Those with curly hair can especially benefit from taking extra care of their scalps. This exfoliating treatment from Nioxin is the one to reach for if you are looking to eliminate product buildup, hydrate your roots, and maintain your waves. Salon owner and hairstylist, Diane Cole Stevens, recommended this pick, telling us, “This scalp scrub offers a minty fresh feeling and boosts circulation. It effectively removes flakes and dead skin, as well as product residue—setting the base for healthy hair growth.”

Stevens also gave us her pro-tips on how to use this scrub effectively, saying, “Apply to the scalp on dry hair, massage for one minute, then let sit for 10 minutes. Follow with shampoo, rinse, and condition. This is a must-have for a spa-like experience in the shower and can be used weekly.”

Best Clarifying

Cecred Clarifying Shampoo & Scalp Scrub

$38

$19 at Ulta

Key Ingredients: Willow bark, tea tree oil, niacinamide | Size: 2.5, 8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Fragrance-Free: No

This purifying pick from Beyoncé’s brand Cécred is ideal for those with curly or natural hair. The refreshing lemon and mint scent combines with purple willow bark and niacinamide to provide your scalp and hair with a deep and thorough wash, along with an intense dose of moisture. We also love how this clarifying shampoo has a nozzle applicator to make it easier to apply directly to your scalp. 

Olivia Hancock, senior beauty editor (not shown): “As my stylist distributed it throughout my hair, I noticed that the formula didn’t feel gritty or abrasive. Instead, the exfoliants effortlessly dissolve as they’re massaged onto your scalp. After she lathered it and rinsed it out, she encouraged me to feel my hair and scalp, and I noticed that it felt more refreshed and balanced.”

Best for Easy Application

Jupiter Purifying Mask

$37

$27 at Amazon$37 at DermstoreView on Hellojupiter.com

Key Ingredients: Volcanic ash, argan oil, biotin | Size: 5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Fragrance-Free: No

Scalp scrubs can be notoriously tough to apply—and messy. That’s why we appreciate this super easy-to-use foam formula. It’s called a mask because it packs in moisturizing argan oil and strengthening biotin. Simply squirt out a dollop of the mousse-like texture and leave it on damp or dry hair for up to five minutes for a thorough exfoliation that leaves both your scalp and hair feeling totally fresh and clean.

Best Tool

Jupiter Scalp Brush

$20 at Amazon$20 at DermstoreView on Hellojupiter.com

Hair Type: All | Materials: Plastic, rubber

If you’re concerned about a scrub affecting your most recent dye job but don’t want to miss out on the benefits of regular scalp exfoliation, this handy brush works to remove flakes and buildup while also promoting circulation without causing any dryness. The densely packed stimulating bristles provide a relaxing massage that can be used on both wet and dry hair. It can also be used to lather shampoo effectively to ensure your hair is washed thoroughly, removing any dirt and impurities. This brush also comes with a chain to hang in the shower and has been specially designed to be waterproof, preventing mold and mildew. 

Alessandra, tester: “I noticed a difference in my hair when I used the scalp massager compared to the times when I didn’t use it. Plus, the matte black handle and white bristles make it look more expensive than it is.”

Best Budget

Kristin Ess Instant Exfoliating Scalp Scrub

$15

$15 at AmazonView on Ulta

Key Ingredients: Sugar complex, sunflower seed oil, mango butter, avocado oil | Size: 6.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Fragrance-Free: No

As the name suggests, expect an instantly purified and rejuvenated scalp after using this scrub. Formulated with a special sugar complex and multiple plant oils, it removes product buildup and dandruff without drying out the hair. Many reviewers hail this as the one product that got rid of their itchy, flaky scalp for good. The texture is very thick, so it might take some time to work into the scalp.

What to Look for in a Scalp Scrub

• Type of Exfoliant: “There are two key types of exfoliators, physical and chemical, which both clean the skin and remove dead skin cells and debris that build up,” says Dr. Green. “A physical exfoliator, such as sugar crystals, is often the key ingredient in scalp scrubs. In contrast, a chemical exfoliator is an alpha or beta hydroxy acid (AHA or BHA), such as salicylic acid, which breaks down the debris and oil, allowing it to be removed easily from the skin.”
• Ingredients: In addition to exfoliants, look for scalp scrubs with moisturizing and soothing ingredients like shea butter and argan and coconut oils.

How We Tested Scalp Scrubs

To test the best scalp scrubs, we compiled a list of products and spoke with hairstylists and dermatologists to get their expert recommendations. We then gave them to testers with different hair types to try out at home. After using the products, we had the testers note down the following: 

• Ease of Application: We looked into how easy it was to apply the scalp scrub and rinse it out. 
• Effect: Keeping the designated hair type in mind, we rated how well the product did what it claimed to do and how it left the scalp and hair feeling in terms of cleanliness, softness, and shine. 
• Feel: We rated the products not only on how well they made the scalp feel immediately after application but also on how the scalp felt over time and whether it successfully reduced dandruff and flakiness. 
• Ingredients: We looked into the formulas that contained moisturizing and nourishing ingredients.  
• Overall Performance: Finally, we ranked the products on how they improved the health and condition of the scalp and whether or not they left any residue or made the roots look greasy.

Meet Our Experts

Byrdie interviewed the following experts to learn more about how to select and use scalp scrubs.

• Diane Cole Stevens is a salon owner and hair stylist who specializes in color and styling techniques for curly to coily hair. 
• Dr. Michele Green, M.D., is a New York-based dermatologist specializing in the treatment of hair loss for nearly 20 years. 
• Shelly Aguirre is a hair stylist and educator based in Chicago who has extensive experience with extensions, blowouts, and keratin treatments. 

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. Plagued with an oily scalp since the beginning of time, she relies on a scalp scrub weekly. 

Clare Holden has worked as a beauty journalist for over 15 years, investigating the best products available and therefore gathering extensive knowledge about ingredients and formulas.