Hair Scrub

The thing is, regular hair washing removes dirt, sebum, and residues of styling or care products, but it does not eliminate dead skin cells. Over time, this leads to a number of scalp problems — both cosmetic and dermatological.

By neglecting hair scrubs, you may “earn” yourself problems in the future:

• Rapid scalp greasiness and buildup. Clogged pores and follicles don’t “breathe” well, so the scalp tries to compensate by producing even more sebum. Hair looks unwashed just a day or two after shampooing.
• Dandruff and itching. An excess of dead skin cells promotes fungal growth on the scalp, which triggers dry or oily dandruff, irritation, and microcracks.
• Slower hair growth. Clogged follicles receive less oxygen and nutrients — as a result, hair grows more slowly, becomes thinner, and falls out more often.
• Inflammatory scalp conditions. Without regular cleansing, dirt, bacteria, and product residues accumulate in the pores — this may lead to folliculitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and other skin conditions.

So, cleansing the scalp is just as important as cleansing the face or body.

What Does a Hair Scrub Do?

Regular use of scalp scrubs is an essential step in proper care. This simple habit can significantly improve the condition of your hair:

• cleanses pores and hair follicles more thoroughly than shampoo;
• thanks to its light massage effect, stimulates blood circulation and improves nourishment of the hair roots — which means a scrub also promotes hair growth;
• removes dead epidermal cells, normalizes microflora, and therefore helps fight dandruff and itching;
• after deep cleansing, the scalp “absorbs” serums, ampoules, and masks better, so a scrub enhances the effectiveness of these care products.

If you want thick, strong, healthy hair — start with scalp care. Scrubbing is a pleasant procedure and a detox for the roots: it awakens, renews, and boosts your natural resources.

What Can a Hair Scrub Contain?

Scalp scrubs come in different types, and their composition is selected depending on the hair type, condition, and the desired effect. The main task of any scrub is deep cleansing, but the ways to achieve it may vary. Generally, two main types of cleansing are distinguished — mechanical and chemical, each with its own specific composition.

Mechanical Cleansing: Scrubs with Abrasive Particles

This is the most traditional and straightforward type of scrub, which works on the principle of “manual peeling.” Such products contain small solid particles that physically remove dead scalp cells, sebum residues, and styling products. Most often, the following are used as abrasives:

• sea salt or fine table salt;
• sugar (both cane and regular);
• crushed seeds or pits (grape, apricot, olive);
• nut shell or bamboo powder;
• oat bran, clay, charcoal.

Such scrubs often contain additional ingredients — for example, essential oils of tea tree, mint, or eucalyptus, which not only refresh but also have an antiseptic effect. The scrub is suitable for those with oily, normal, or combination scalp prone to excessive sebum production, as well as for people who frequently use styling products.

Chemical Cleansing: Peelings with Acids and Enzymes

Chemical scrubs (peelings) do not contain solid particles, yet they cleanse the scalp just as effectively — thanks to active ingredients that dissolve dirt, sebum, and dead cells without mechanical friction. The main ingredients in such products include:

• salicylic acid — effectively cleanses pores, regulates sebum production, helps with oily seborrhea and dandruff;
• glycolic and lactic acids (AHA) — gently exfoliate the keratinized layer, moisturize, and are suitable for sensitive and dry scalp;
• enzymes — natural proteins that act very delicately, especially beneficial for scalp irritations or sensitivity.

Chemical peelings often also contain plant extracts (aloe vera, chamomile, calendula), panthenol, and allantoin — these substances soothe and soften the scalp after the action of acids. The product is suitable for those with sensitive, dry, or irritation-prone scalp.

How to Use a Hair Scrub Correctly

How to use a hair scrub so that it truly benefits you:

1. Apply the scrub to damp (but not wet) scalp directly before shampooing.
2. Distribute a small amount of scrub over the scalp, avoiding the hair length. For convenience, you can part your hair into sections.
3. Using your fingertips, gently massage the scalp in circular motions for 3–5 minutes. Do not press too hard to avoid injury.
4. After massaging, rinse the scalp and hair thoroughly with water to remove all scrub particles.
5. After scrubbing, your hair needs additional cleansing — use a gentle sulfate-free shampoo.
6. A scrub works only on the scalp, so don’t forget to care for the hair itself. Apply conditioner or a mask to the lengths.

How Often Should You Use a Hair Scrub to Achieve the Desired Cleanliness?

• once every 7–10 days — for oily scalp or frequent use of styling products;
• once every 2 weeks — for normal or combination scalp;
• once every 3–4 weeks — for sensitive, dry, or irritation-prone scalp.

Tip: after scrubbing, it’s best to avoid coloring or other aggressive procedures for at least 24 hours, as the scalp will be more sensitive.

When choosing a scalp scrub, it’s important to focus not only on the brand or product popularity but primarily on your skin type and specific needs. Mechanical cleansing works well for deep buildup, while chemical cleansing provides gentle yet effective care without causing damage. If you find it difficult to figure out scalp cleansing on your own, our specialists can help. Cosmetologists and trichologists will diagnose the condition of your hair and scalp, recommend the right care, and explain when to use a hair scrub and which products to apply at home to maintain scalp health and hair beauty.

Would you like to choose the right hair scrub that won’t harm your scalp and will help keep your hair fresh longer? Book a consultation with a trichologist at LeoDerm via the website or by phone.