Easy DIY Scalp Scrub for Healthy Hair

Scalp scrub is one of the best products that you can use to keep your scalp and hair healthy. This DIY scalp scrub is 100% natural and only takes a few minutes to make. You can get the recipe below!

Scalp health is so important. If you want to have healthy hair, then you need to have a healthy scalp.

But so many people neglect their scalp and don’t really do anything to take care of it.

That said, I truly believe that scalp health, like skin and hair health, starts on the inside.

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Nourishing your cells with vitamin and mineral-rich food is the first step to ensuring your scalp and hair are healthy.

But exfoliating your scalp regularly is also a great way to care for your scalp.

How Can I Exfoliate My Scalp Naturally?

There are many different ways that you can exfoliate your scalp naturally.

You can use a brush like this one, or you can simply use your fingers. Gently use your fingers to scrub your scalp as you shampoo your hair.

You can also use a variety of products that you may already have in your kitchen right now.

What Can I Exfoliate My Scalp With?

Salt, sugar, baking soda, and coffee grounds are some things you might have in your kitchen right now that you can use to exfoliate your scalp.

Most natural products that are slightly abrasive will work to exfoliate your scalp gently. You can simply add a small amount of your chosen product to your shampoo and scrub your scalp with it.

You don’t want to use anything too abrasive. If you use something like sugar or salt, ensure it is very fine and avoid large crystallized cubes.

What is a Scalp Scrub?

My favorite thing to exfoliate my scalp with is a scalp scrub. A scalp scrub is a product that can help remove dirt and product buildup without drying out the scalp.

Amazon sells various scalp scrub products. I personally choose to make my own because I can control the ingredients completely.

What is the Best Homemade Scalp Scrub?

The best homemade scalp scrub should include oil for moisturizing, something abrasive for exfoliating, and other beneficial ingredients, such as essential oils, to combat dry or itchy scalp or to help with hair growth.

My favorite go-to homemade scalp scrub recipe is below.

How Do You Make a Homemade Scalp Scrub?

To make a homemade scalp scrub, you must first gather all the necessary ingredients and supplies.

• 2-ounce jar
• Coconut oil
• Castor oil
• Baking soda
• Sugar
• Activated charcoal or bentonite clay (optional)
• Essential oils (optional)

Homemade Scalp Scrub Ingredients

Below is more information about each ingredient.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is antimicrobial, antifungal, antibacterial, extremely moisturizing, and easily absorbed by the skin.

This makes it perfect for battling scalp issues like dry scalp and dandruff.

I like to use organic, cold-pressed, and unrefined coconut oil for this recipe.

This one is my favorite.

Coconut oil has the potential to clog hair follicles in some individuals. This typically happens when a large amount of coconut oil is applied to the scalp and is left on the scalp for an extended period of time.

This scalp scrub recipe uses a very small amount of coconut oil, which is only left on the scalp for a few minutes.

Also, the hair and scalp are to be washed immediately after using the scalp scrub, so the likelihood that this scalp scrub will clog hair follicles is very slim.

I really wanted to include coconut oil because of its antimicrobial, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. I felt that, in this instance, the benefits outweighed the potential risks.

Castor Oil

Castor oil, like coconut oil, is amazing and can be used for many different things.

I use it in my DIY lash growth serum and my DIY hair growth oil.

Castor oil is antifungal and antibacterial, which means it can help reduce dandruff. It is also extremely moisturizing, which means it can help heal a dry, irritated scalp.

It can also help to increase blood flow to the scalp, which can promote hair growth.

Baking Soda

Baking soda can help remove buildup, excess oil, and dirt from your scalp. It’s not very abrasive, so it gently exfoliates the scalp.

Sugar

I like to add sugar to this scalp scrub because it is slightly more abrasive than baking soda, which means it does a slightly better job of removing excess build-up and dirt.

I like to use caster sugar because the sugar crystals are super fine.

Activated Charcoal or Bentonite Clay (Optional)

Activated charcoal and bentonite clay are optional ingredients in this homemade scalp scrub. They add beneficial properties to the scalp scrub but are not 100% necessary.

Activated charcoal can help to deeply cleanse the scalp and draw out impurities.

Bentonite clay can also help to exfoliate and deeply cleanse the scalp. Its high mineral content can also help to condition the scalp skin and hair follicles.

Essential Oils (Optional)

Essential oils are also an optional ingredient in this recipe. They can add a scent to this DIY scalp scrub or be used for other purposes.

Below are essential oil suggestions for dandruff, dry scalp, and hair growth. Simply add the recommended amount of drops to the recipe.

Homemade Scalp Scrub for Dandruff

• 7 drops of tea tree essential oil
• 7 drops of peppermint essential oil

Homemade Scalp Scrub for Hair Growth

• 7 drops of lavender essential oil
• 7 drops of cedarwood essential oil

Homemade Scalp Scrub for Itchy Scalp

• 7 drops of geranium essential oil
• 7 drops of rosemary essential oil

Need Essential Oils?

There are many essential oil companies that sell high-quality essential oils. I used to use Young Living oils exclusively, but I just couldn’t afford to use them anymore.

I was pleasantly surprised to discover several brands selling amazing, high-quality essential oils at affordable prices.

I regularly use Eden’s Garden, Plant Therapy, and Simply Earth essential oils. 

If you decide to buy from Simply Earth, you can use the code HAPPYHEARTFREE to receive a free $45 Simply Earth gift card with the purchase of your first recipe box.

If you are unfamiliar with Simply Earth or their recipe box, you can check out previous boxes here.

DIY Scalp Scrub Recipe

This DIY scalp scrub is so easy to make. First, add one tablespoon of coconut oil to a small microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 15-35 seconds to melt it slightly.

I’m not a big fan of melting coconut oil in the microwave. I prefer to use a double boiler to melt oils and waxes. But in this case, it seems silly to go through all of that just for a very small amount of coconut oil.

If your home is warm, the coconut oil may not even need to be melted. It just needs to be soft enough to mix with the other ingredients.

Next add one tablespoon of castor oil, one tablespoon of baking soda, two tablespoons of sugar, a tiny sprinkle of activated charcoal or bentonite clay, and 14 drops total of the essential oils you choose to the bowl and blend thoroughly.

Once everything is thoroughly blended, transfer the mixture to a jar, and that is it—it is ready to use.

The scalp scrub will solidify as it sits. This is perfectly normal. Just melt the product between your fingers before applying it to your scalp.

How to Use Homemade Scalp Scrub

This scalp scrub should always be used before shampooing. Wet your hair thoroughly and divide it into two sections. Melt the product between your fingers before applying it to your scalp.

Apply a small amount of scalp scrub directly to the scalp. Gently massage it into your scalp using your fingertips.

Do this to your entire scalp. You might have to divide your hair in several directions to cover the entire scalp fully.

Leave on for a few minutes to allow the DIY scalp scrub to saturate and penetrate the scalp fully. Then, rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Follow with shampoo and conditioner.

How Often Should You Apply Homemade Scalp Scrub

Scalp scrub can be applied as little as once every few months or as often as every week, depending on your personal needs.

If you have a lot of scalp issues or excess build-up from styling products, you will want to use the DIY scalp scrub more often.

If you don’t have many scalp issues or excess build-up, you might only need to use it once a month or every other month.

I personally like to use it once every two weeks.

How to Store DIY Scalp Scrub

This DIY scalp scrub should be stored in an airtight (preferably glass) container.

Always ensure your hands are clean before using homemade scalp scrub, and never allow water to get into the jar. This will prevent the scalp scrub from being contaminated with harmful bacteria.

How Long Does Homemade Scalp Scrub Last

If you follow the directions above and don’t allow harmful bacteria to contaminate the scalp scrub, it should be safe to use for at least 3-6 months.

Keep in mind that this assumes all the ingredients used are fresh. If they are not, this scalp scrub will expire whenever the ingredients you use are set to expire.

For example, if you use sugar from your pantry that will expire in 30 days, your scalp scrub will also expire in 30 days.

I hope that makes sense. When making homemade skincare products, it’s best to use fresh ingredients whenever possible to ensure a long shelf life.

Final Thoughts

Creating your own DIY scalp scrub is a simple and effective way to promote healthy hair and a refreshed scalp. By incorporating natural ingredients like sugar and essential oils, you can gently exfoliate, remove buildup, and stimulate circulation—all from the comfort of your home.

Regular scalp care not only supports hair growth but also leaves your hair looking and feeling its best.

I really hope you enjoy this DIY scalp scrub for healthy hair as much as I do. Let me know if you have any questions below!

Other Posts You May Like:

• 5 Life-Changing Reasons To Wash Your Hair Less
• Best Essential Oils for Hair Growth & Thickness
• 10 Natural Ways to Grow Your Hair Faster
• How To Wash Your Hair Less & Still Look Awesome
• DIY Hair Growth Spray