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Updated: Aug 13, 2018, 12:44 IST

Scalp Scrubs Are Suddenly A Thing And Here Are The Pros And Cons


We all know that exfoliation is key in any skin regime, regardless of skin type. But what we often forget is that our scalp is also skin, and needs a thorough cleanup once in a while. That is why scalp scrubs have been growing in popularity off-late. But it isn’t as simple as that. What does this innovative new haircare product do, how much should you use it, and what are the pros and cons of using one? We reveal it all.

Why there is a need for scalp scrubs

Removes buildup and grime better

All the stubborn oils and dust which might not come off with a gentle shampoo can be cleaned off with a nice scrubbing. If you have a greasy scalp which catches dirt easily, exfoliating it will improve the overall health of it, leading to fewer boils and clean-feeling roots. So, it is better for scalp with a lot of buildup and debris, which oily scalps naturally are. While it doesn’t necessarily remedy dandruff, it does get rid of dead cells and reduces general flakiness.

Scrubbing massages the scalp


The most important thing for good hair is circulation, and a thorough scalp massage with a scrub stimulates it, leading to invigorated follicles.

Unclogs the region and lets hair follicle grow freely

All of the benefits mentioned above combine and result in making your scalp squeaky clean and free to breathe, providing a clean canvas for hair to grow. Leaving on piles of dead cells and never cleaning it prevents hair from growing, and can be painful and stressful for your scalp due to the grown of microorganisms in the oily and germ-filled scalp.

So what’s the catch?

Combing often does the job


We don’t necessarily need a separate scrub for our head the way we do for our skin because we comb our hair, and don’t have to do that for our skin. Combing exfoliates the scalp, scrapes off dead cells, and stimulates circulation, which is probably why your grandma always told you to run a comb through your head!

Scrubs applied in the hair are a nightmare to remove and end up breaking follicles

One important practical reason a scrub is a bad idea, is that these granules are very difficult to remove, and cause hair to get tangled, especially at the roots. Washing them off stresses the hair more, and can just increase the damage because the point of entanglement is bang on the scalp. As a result, more than one strand gets uprooted in the process.  

Even if you can remove it easily, heavy-handed scrubbing can damage your follicles and cause hair to become brittle.

Exfoliating can strip the scalp of natural oils, worsening flaking and itchiness

Something which happens to our skin too, exfoliating the scalp can have worse effects on the scalp because of how harsh it is. Triggering dryness-related flaking, itchiness, and even dandruff, it can rob the scalp of its oils, interfering with the health of your mane.

Chemical exfoliants for the scalp could be the future


Fortunately, there is a middle ground which presents a good solution. Chemical exfoliants, such as salicylic acid, are common components of shampoos these days, and rejuvenate grimy scalps. They reduce imbalance and oiliness and your scalp will feel fresh- all without causing the damage which physical scrubs do.



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