A lot of people suffer from scalp issues like dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, etc which is linked to hair breakage and loss of hair shine and having poor scalp health can lead to premature hair loss. Scalp health is often taken for granted, as we focus more on our hair, shampooing it and finding the right conditioner. But ideally scalp health is also very important as it is where the hair follicles emerge from. Your scalp health, will determine your hair health and therefore it is important to keep your scalp healthy. A healthy scalp is clear from flaking or dandruff and free from any scalp redness or irritation, dryness or any scalp infections.
One of the main ways to having a healthy scalp is by using a scalp scrub.
- The benefits of using a scalp scrub is just like you use face scrubs to exfoliate your skin, can be beneficial to help remove the excess dead skin cells, excess oil, dirt, product buildup and dandruff.
- Scalp scrubs can help promote blood circulation by dilating the blood vessels under your skin, in turn boosting hair growth.
- They deep cleanse the hair right from the roots and eliminates dandruff by reducing sebum production.
- Helps promote collagen (a structural protein found in skin) production and also stimulates hair growth.
Here are some easy scalp scrubs to make with ingredients you have at home:
1. Sugar scrub: Sugar gently exfoliates to deep clean the scalp and remove product buildup.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp fine sugar or cane sugar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
(Or any hair oil of your choice) - 2 tbsp honey or aloe vera gel
Method: Into a small mixing bowl, add in the semi-granulated sugar or cane sugar, honey or aloe vera gel and olive oil and mix well, until the ingredients are well combined.
How to use it for your scalp: Wash your hair with water and then apply this on your scalp and gently exfoliate and massage it in using circular motions. Do this for 5 to 8 minutes and then wash off with a mild shampoo and conditioner as usual.
2. Coffee scrub: Coffee Scrub exfoliates, prevents dandruff and stimulates the hair follicles. It removes buildup from the scalp, giving a cleansed, refreshed scalp.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp of used coffee grounds
- 1 tbsp olive oil or coconut oil
Method:
Into a small mixing bowl, add in the used coffee grounds and olive oil and mix well. Add in the water little by little, just enough to make a fine paste.
How to use it for your scalp: Wash your hair with water and then apply this on your scalp and gently exfoliate and massage it in using circular motions. Do this for 5 to 8 minutes and then wash off with a mild shampoo and conditioner as usual. READ MORE – 6 best drinks for clear healthy skin
3. Clay scalp scrub: Clay helps to detox and purify the scalp to clear dandruff and Seborrheic dermatitis. It also treats oily hair and adds volume to fine or thin hair.
Ingredients:
- Bentonite Clay
- 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar or rose water
- 1 tbsp of filtered water
Method: Into a small mixing bowl, add clay, apple cider vinegar along with water to make a paste and mix well.
How to use it for your scalp: Wash your hair with water and then apply this on your scalp. Leave it on for 5-10 mins before you wash off with a mild shampoo and conditioner as usual.
4. Baking soda scalp scrub:
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp baking soda
- 2 tbsp shampoo or conditioner
- 1 tsp olive oil
Method: Into a small mixing bowl, add in the baking soda, shampoo or conditioner and olive oil and mix well, until the ingredients are properly combined.
How to use it for your scalp: Wash your hair with water and then apply this on your scalp and gently exfoliate and massage it in using circular motions. Do this for 5 to 8 minutes and then wash off with a mild shampoo and conditioner as usual. READ MORE – 10 HAIR SPRAY RECIPES FOR FASTER HAIR GROWTH
Tip: These scalp scrubs should be used at least once in two weeks, for the best results.
Please remember: If you have scalp issues like redness and itchiness which persists, then consulting your dermatologist is ideal.