They are used before shampooing, especially when you feel that traditional cleansing is no longer enough to have a thoroughly clean and discomfort-free scalp. Discover the best scrubs in all types
Incorporating a scalp scrub into your hair routine is a great idea if you have dandruff, oily hair, itching and in general against all the discomforts that a sensitive scalp entails. The reason? It helps to soothe irritation, eliminate any flaking and get that clean feeling that lasts a long time. For this reason, some hair experts recommend using a scalp scrub as well if you live in the city, as it frees the skin from smog and pollution particles. Furthermore, in case of normal hair it eliminates theexcess of stylin productsg such as those used to get straight hair or various hairstyles for any occasion. But how are they used? How often? And how to choose them? Read our guide.
Scalp scrub: the products
There are on the market various types of scrub for scalp: the “traditional” scrub with microgranules, the pre-shampoo mask for oily hair and the shampoo scrub. Everyone has one purifying function but they act differently. Some products replace the shampoo, they themselves become detergents to be followed by the conditioner.
- Microgranule scrub for scalp: it is applied on damp hair before shampooing. However, if on the package it says that it must be applied to dry hair, it is good to respect the instructions. It is gently massaged with the fingertips and left to act for 5 to 10 minutes. Immediately you will have a fresh feeling.
We then move on to the actual cleansing step, preferably with a delicate and non-aggressive shampoo. A “degreasing” cleanser could alter the balance of a skin already super-purified by the scrub, resulting in the typical rebound effect. In other words, the sebaceous glands would defend themselves by producing even more sebum. - Pre-shampoo peeling treatment without microgranules: it is formulated in the form of a cream mask or lotion to be applied to dry hair. The difference with respect to scrubs in grains is that the exfoliating action is obtained according to the “absorbent” principle. In other words, these masks capture impurities and excess sebum, without having to rub. For this reason they are preferred when the scalp itches or itches.
- Scrub shampoo: as the word itself says, it is a shampoo but with the addition of microgranules. In case of oily and greasy scalp, it can be used every time you wash your hair. When the situation improves, shampoo scrubs can be alternated with “normal” detergents, such as those for fine hair or for frequent washing.
Scalp scrub for seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is one of the main affections of the scalp that require the use of a scrub. But watch out: we must not exaggerate, otherwise you risk exacerbating the symptoms, such as itching and irritation. Better to reserve the scrub for once a week, avoiding its use in acute, almost painful states. In the latter cases, it is best to ask your dermatologist or pharmacist for advice. Products with microgranules help reduce flaking, typical of seborrheic dermatitis, to thoroughly detoxify the skin, freeing it from the excess of dead cells which in this type of inflammation are “encrusted” (in jargon, it is called keratinized).
How to choose the scalp scrub
In the form of a mask, shampoo or peeling in grains, how to choose the exfoliant for the scalp? It depends on the condition of the latter.
- Oily hair, dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis: the scrub indicated is the one with granules which, through the massage, reduces the sensations of discomfort. Usually, these products are formulated with mint, lemon, tea tree extracts that refresh and purify. They also help eliminate scales, especially in the case of oily dandruff (the type that does not fall on the shoulders, so to speak, but remains attached to the scalp).
- Normal hair: the most suitable peelings are those of the pre-shampoo mask type, to be left on for about 10 minutes. Compared to products in grains, they exert a more delicate exfoliating action, since it is not mechanical. Not for this they are less detoxifying. They are also suitable for those who live in the city or use many styling products (lacquers, foams, mousses, waxes and gels).
- Oily hair: the shampoo scrub is ideal to alternate with one without granules, both within the same wash and at different times.
- Dry hair: we recommend detoxifying cream or lotion treatments to be used once a month. The risk, in fact, is to further dry the skin.
- Fall-prone hair: in this case, the information to keep in mind is that a healthy scalp, that is, free from impurities and sebum accumulations, favors the activity of the hair bulb. Free of obstructions, the hair grows healthier and stronger. This is the main reason why dermatologists recommend treating the skin first, and then switching to anti-hair loss lotions.
How scalp peels are used
The use of scalp scrubs depends on how much the skin needs to be cleansed. The criterion is often subjective. It itches, tingles, pinches? Does your hair get dirty the day after washing it? Adding the detox pre-shampoo step can only improve the feeling of discomfort. For the first few times, we recommend a cure made of frequent applications, that is, every time you wash your hair. And then the frequency clears once the problem is solved. There are not rare cases in which the scrub is needed only once a month, as a maintenance “therapy”.
Microgranule scrub to try
Look at the selection of DMBeauty.it: there are scrubs with more or less exfoliating strength, to be chosen according to the needs of the scalp. They are massaged into damp hair.
Light scrub by GLISS
Based on birch water.
Anti-Pollution Oxygenating Scrub by YVES ROCHER
Free Moringa Seed Extract detoxifies the scalp.
ELGON’s primary dermopeeling treatment
Contains a complex based on cucumber, apple, lime and algae extracts that prevents the scalp from absorbing pollutants. In the salons.
Exfoliate Gel by LAZARTIGUE
Contains jojoba pearls and fruit acids. In the pharmacy.
Defense Detox Purifying by GROW GORGEOUS
Detox exfoliant with grapefruit extract and pomegranate enzymes for oily scalp and hair.
Bio-Clean Up by BIOCLIN
Delicate sanitizing peeling cream, with white nettle extract. In the pharmacy.
Exfoliating mask-like pre-shampoo to try
The selection of DMBeauty.it includes treatments without grains (of any kind) but only absorbent creams and lotions. They thoroughly purify the skin without exercising mechanical exfoliation (the one with massage), but adopting the absorbent mode. They are suitable for all hair types.
Masque Purifiant Avant-Shampoing by SISLEY PARIS
Enriched with white clay, for cleaner hair, longer.
Phyto Detox by PHYTO
Pre-shampoo purifying mask based on Ghassoul clay. In the pharmacy.
Scalp Revival by BRIOGEO
Refreshing pre-shampoo mask based on binchotan charcoal and peppermint, spearmint and tea plant oils. From Sephora.
B.Pur Clay Pre-Treatment Mud by ECHOSLINE
Purifying and remineralizing mud of the scalp. In the salons.
ALAMA Carbon Pre-Shampoo Treatment
In addition to charcoal, it contains arnica montana, essential oils, citrus nobilis, tea tree, sage and eucalyptus. In the salon.
Shampoo-scrub to try
They alternate with normal shampoos, and are used when you realize that traditional cleansing is no longer enough to have clean hair for a long time or to feel the scalp well cleansed.
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Shampoo Scrub by L’ERBOLARIO
Based on coriander, mint and tea tree against sensations of discomfort and itching.
KERAMINE H Purifying Scrub Shampoo
Contains volcanic stone particles, seaweed extracts, natural betaine and an oat derivative.
DAVINES SOLU / Sea Salt Scrub Cleanser
A purifying paste to use in place of shampoo.