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  4. 10 Best Scalp Exfoliators of 2024 (Dermatologist-Reviewed)
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10 Best Scalp Exfoliators of 2024 (Dermatologist-Reviewed)

Have you been struggling with dandruff? Or maybe you just feel like your head needs a little more TLC. Just like with the rest of your skin, your scalp can benefit from a deep, exfoliating treatment. Scalp exfoliators come in all shapes or sizes but are often made from gritty ingredients like salt or with exfoliating acids. 

To save you time and trouble, we've done all the research and curated a list of the top 10 best scalp exfoliators this year! Our favorite is Briogeo's Scalp Revival. Their blend of vegetable-based microbeads and charcoal provides a safe and gentle exfoliant for any type of skin. Keep on reading for our other favorites, a buying guide, and more. 

Last updated 02/21/2024
Dr. Lauren Levy
Expert
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Lauren Levy

Dr. Levy is a board certified dermatologist practicing in NYC and Westport, Connecticut. She has expertise in treating inflammatory skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. She has an interest in skincare and takes a personalized approach to all of her patients.

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Table of Contents

How to Choose the Best Scalp Exfoliator - Buying Guide

Finding the right scalp exfoliator is largely about figuring out what works best for your wash routine. Do you want to add a separate step? How often do you wash your hair? Is your scalp in desperate need of some serious sloughing?
1

Get the Right Exfoliator for Your Skin and Hair Types

You probably already know what type of skin and what texture hair you have. Both of these factor into the type of scalp exfoliator that's best for you. Here are some things to consider in terms of skin and hair types when you're looking for a new scalp exfoliator. 

Choose High Oil-Content Exfoliators for Dry or Itchy Skin

Choose High Oil-Content Exfoliators for Dry or Itchy Skin

If your scalp tends to be dry and flakey, or if you notice you've been experiencing itchiness, an exfoliator with lots of natural oils might be best for you. For example, oils like peppermint or tea tree are well known to calm an itchy scalp, while coconut oil is one of the best for hydrating dry skin. 

Dr. Lauren Levy
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Lauren Levy

Exfoliators can leave your hair feeling dry, so if you have dry or frizzy hair, choose a product that is deeply nourishing and oil-based. Additionally, limit the frequency of scalp exfoliation for dry hair. Weekly or every other week should be beneficial without drying out the hair.

Rougher Exfoliators Can Help With Oily Scalps

Rougher Exfoliators Can Help With Oily Scalps

If you've noticed oily hair or skin along your scalp, you might want to look for an exfoliator with coarser ingredients such as sea salt. This will help thoroughly cleanse buildup around your follicles. 


Charcoal is also a popular exfoliator ingredient for oily skin due to its deep cleansing properties, while zinc can help prevent excess oil from reoccurring. 

Dr. Lauren Levy
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Lauren Levy

For oily hair, exfoliators can be helpful for drying up dirt, grease, and oil. Oilier hair can tolerate a scalp exfoliator a few times a week if desired. Look for a gel-based product as these can help dry up the oil. Products with charcoal are great are removing oil, dirt, and product residue from the scalp and hair roots. 

Your Hair Texture Plays a Big Role in Choosing an Exfoliator

Your Hair Texture Plays a Big Role in Choosing an Exfoliator

The texture of your hair affects the state of your scalp and vice versa. If you have coarse hair or thick curls, a scalp exfoliator that cleanses oily skin but also hydrates your hair and scalp might be a good choice. Due to your hair's thick nature, your scalp might have plenty of oil while your locks themselves remain a bit dry. 


On the other hand, if you have fine hair, you'll want to focus on the hair follicles themselves. Fine hair leads to a quicker buildup of detritus on your scalp, so a physical exfoliator or a deeply cleansing chemical exfoliator might be your best choice. 


Whether you have coarse or fine hair, you'll want to take special caution if you've treated or dyed your tresses. Exfoliators with a lot of chemical content might not be the best choice, as they can interfere with the other work you've done on your hair. Try aiming for gentler exfoliators with more natural oils, acids, and cleansers. 

2

Decide Between a Separate Treatment or a Shampoo

Decide Between a Separate Treatment or a Shampoo

There are two types of scalp exfoliators: exfoliating treatments like masks or scrubs and exfoliating shampoos. Treatments are good for those who already like their hair care routine and don’t want to change out any of their current products. If you already have a shampoo that works best for your hair, you might be reluctant to stop using it.


Another benefit of treatments is that you can choose when to use them. Experts recommend scalp exfoliations twice a week at the most. If you shampoo your hair more often than that, a separate treatment might be better suited to your lifestyle.

 

Exfoliating shampoos perform two jobs at the same time. You can exfoliate your scalp in the shower at the same time you wash your hair.  Exfoliating shampoos also tend to be milder, but they should still only be used as a main shampoo by those who wash their hair more infrequently. 

3

Consider Whether to Use a Chemical or Physical Exfoliator

As with facial exfoliation, scalp exfoliation can be done either with gritty ingredients physically buffing away buildup or with chemicals that dissolve buildup.

Physical Exfoliants Literally Scrub Your Skin

Physical Exfoliants Literally Scrub Your Skin
Physical exfoliators contain salt, charcoal, or other hard substances. They physically scrub the dry skin and build-up away. We recommend natural exfoliators like these, but it's good to steer clear of physical exfoliators that contain microbeads. These are often plastic and are bad for your skin as well as the environment.

For those that use a lot of products or struggle with flaky skin and dandruff, a physical exfoliant will likely be your best bet for a quick, visible change. Experts do caution that a physical exfoliator will not completely remove dandruff, but note it helps to manage the condition. 


However, depending on the type of exfoliant you use and your skin sensitivity, a physical exfoliator holds the risk of irritating your scalp. If you choose a physical exfoliator, we recommend exfoliating your scalp less often and being careful not to scrub with the formula too energetically. 

Dr. Lauren Levy
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Lauren Levy

If you have dry hair, processed hair, or frizzy hair, avoid using physical exfoliators often. They can be harsh or irritating on the scalp. 


However, they do leave the scalp and the hair leaving squeaky clean, so if you want to try one, I recommend using it only once a month and following it up with a hydrating shampoo and a leave-in hair mask. Physical exfoliators are more helpful for oil control and dandruff-prone hair. 

Chemical Exfoliants Act as a Scalp Peel

Chemical Exfoliants Act as a Scalp Peel
If you're looking for a gentler option, chemical exfoliants are the way to go. Chemical exfoliators contain harmless acids that work deep into your skin and dissolve or dislodge buildup between the actual skin cells. This leads to longer-lasting results than the sort physical exfoliators offer.

As there are no rough textures or pieces in chemical exfoliators, they're ideal if you have easily-irritated skin or if you want to exfoliate more frequently. Doctors do recommend against using chemical exfoliators, however, if you have open wounds on your scalp or are currently suffering from ringworm.


Experts recommend looking for chemical exfoliators with the ingredients salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or lactic acid listed on the label. These are safe and effective at working through that pesky scalp buildup. If you're wary of lab-made chemicals, look for products with apple cider vinegar or other natural acids.

Dr. Lauren Levy
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Lauren Levy

Chemical exfoliators can be used more frequently since they are less harsh on the hair than physical exfoliators. The acids help remove scale, dandruff, oil, and dirt from the hair. These may also help if you have folliculitis of the scalp, a condition where you develop pimples frequently on the scalp. Be careful if you color your hair as these may strip color if used frequently. 

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10 Best Scalp Exfoliators

No two heads of hair are the same, so it's a good idea to consider your hair type, skin type, and other factors when choosing the best scalp exfoliator for your needs.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Briogeo

Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo

Briogeo Scalp Revival  1

$42.00

High Mid

A Cruelty-Free, All-Natural Exfoliating Shampoo

2

Yes To

Tea Tree Scalp ReliefPre-Shampoo Scalp Scrub

Yes To Tea Tree Scalp Relief 1

$7.98

Low Mid

A Soothing, Natural Sugar Scrub

3

Girl+Hair

Clear: Under Hair CareClarifying Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

Girl+Hair Clear: Under Hair Care 1

$12.99

Low Mid

This Rinse Gently Chemical-Exfoliates Natural Hair

4

Nexxus

Clean & PureScalp Scrub

Nexxus Clean & Pure 1

$14.99

Mid

This Protein-Enriched, Nourishing Scrub Banishes Buildup

5

Christophe Robin

Purifying Scalp ScrubWith Sea Salt

Christophe Robin Purifying Scalp Scrub 1

$42.00

High Mid

A Cleansing Detox for Oily or Irritated Scalps

6

Aveda

Invati Advanced Exfoliating ShampooRich

Aveda Invati Advanced Exfoliating Shampoo 1

$28.49

High Mid

A Vegan-Friendly Exfoliator for Thinning Hair

7

Head & Shoulders

Supreme Exfoliating Scalp ScrubWith Vitamin E and Argon Oil

Head & Shoulders Supreme Exfoliating Scalp Scrub 1

$8.97

Low Mid

A Popular Brand With Nourishing Oils and Vitamins

8

HeadBlade

Head ShedExfoliating Scrub

HeadBlade Head Shed 1

$10.00

Low Mid

Deep-Cleansing and Exfoliating for Shaved Scalps

9

Unwash

Charcoal Detox Scalp ScrubThe New Clean

Unwash Charcoal Detox Scalp Scrub 1

$29.00

High Mid

An Exfoliator Loaded With Natural Oils for Treated Hair

10

KMS

Head Remedy Deep Cleanse Shampoo

KMS Head Remedy  1

$21.90

Mid

A Gentle Chemical Exfoliator for Daily Use

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

BriogeoScalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo

Scalp Revival  1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$42.00
High Mid
Reference price
$42.00
High Mid

A Cruelty-Free, All-Natural Exfoliating Shampoo

Briogeo's powerful yet gentle exfoliator uses charcoal and vegetable-based microbeads to provide a thorough cleanse to your scalp. Better yet, it's free of chemical dyes and sulfates that might irritate your skin. 

Users with dandruff or itchy scalps praise how effective Scalp Revival is at soothing their symptoms while providing a fresh, clean feel to their locks.  Reviewers with thick hair or curls have also said this is one of the few scrubs that truly works for their hair.

Some reviewers have warned that this exfoliator will dry your hair out a bit and recommend following up with a conditioner. While this is a shampoo and exfoliator combination, it isn't one that should be used more than twice a week at the most. Still, Scalp Revival is hard to beat in terms of effectiveness and nourishment.  

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No.2

Yes ToTea Tree Scalp ReliefPre-Shampoo Scalp Scrub

Tea Tree Scalp Relief 1
Source:amazon.com
Tea Tree Scalp Relief 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$7.98
Low Mid
Reference price
$7.98
Low Mid

A Soothing, Natural Sugar Scrub

Yes To's Tea Tree Scalp Relief uses witch hazel and vinegar as natural cleansers for your follicles while the sugar scrub helps rid your scalp of pesky dandruff and buildup. Certified by Leaping Bunny, this cruelty-free wash is gentle in every way and makes a great exfoliator for those suffering itchiness and dandruff.


Reviewers with chronic conditions like scalp psoriasis have noted Tea Tree Scalp Relief effective at treating their symptoms and also soothes their scalps with natural oils like tea tree and sage. Yes To boasts 99 percent natural ingredients, so you don't have to worry about parabens or harsh chemicals. 


Some users have complained that the exfoliator is hard to use due to its bottle make, and even harder to remove if you have long or thick hair. Still, we think that the nourishing ingredients and soothing nature of this exfoliator make it well worth it. Tea Tree Scalp Relief will cleanse your follicles and give your hair a spa day. 

No.3

Girl+HairClear: Under Hair CareClarifying Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

Clear: Under Hair Care 1
Source:amazon.com
Clear: Under Hair Care 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$12.99
Low Mid

This Rinse Gently Chemical-Exfoliates Natural Hair

Girl+Hair's Clear was designed specifically for women of color who wear extensions and other protective hairstyles but is popular with users of all ethnicities. It gently exfoliates your scalp with apple cider vinegar and leaves your hair feeling silky smooth.

Reviewers write that it’s lightweight, leaves your hair flake-free, and will not dry your scalp out. Men have even reported using it on their beards to good effect. Clear is effective with all sorts of hair and skin types, but users with dreads have been especially pleased to finally have a rinse that suits their style.

Some reviewers have complained that the smell of vinegar is too strong and tends to linger on their hair even after a wash. Some have reported a skin reaction to the vinegar as well. However, if you aren't sensitive to the smell or feel of vinegar, we highly recommend this versatile exfoliator. 

No.4

NexxusClean & PureScalp Scrub

Clean & Pure 1
Source:amazon.com
Clean & Pure 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$14.99
Mid
Reference price
$14.99
Mid

This Protein-Enriched, Nourishing Scrub Banishes Buildup

Nexxus' Clean & Pure is a coarse but incredibly cleansing scrub recommended for oily scalps and hair. Reviewers love how clean and light the scent is, as well as the bolstering effect it has on their hair. 


Nexxus has collaborated with salon professionals to formulate this scrub with elastin protein, which helps skin elasticity and strengthens hair follicles. Reviewers report fuller hair and a long-lasting sense of cleanliness to their locks thanks to this nourishing scrub. 


While Clean & Pure isn't shampoo, Nexxus promises that it's gentle enough to use as desired. Still, some users with sensitive skin or scalp conditions have complained of inflammation after use. So long as you don't have a history of sensitive skin, we recommend this cleansing scrub!

No.5

Christophe RobinPurifying Scalp ScrubWith Sea Salt

Purifying Scalp Scrub 1
Source:amazon.com
Purifying Scalp Scrub 2
Source:sephora.com
Reference price
$42.00
High Mid

A Cleansing Detox for Oily or Irritated Scalps

Christophe Robin's Purifying Scalp Scrub eases oiliness and irritation of the scalp by balancing the skin's pH level. Some users have also found it helpful in managing the symptoms of scalp psoriasis. This product does contain sulfates, so if your hair is colored we recommend caution. 


Reviewers note that Purifying Scalp effectively banishes oily scalp issues and dandruff. They love how soft it leaves their hair and how well it keeps buildup away. Many have found that even less than the recommended tablespoon of product per use is more than enough, so this jar can last you a long time. 


Some reviewers have complained that Purifying Scalp Scrub dries their hair out and that it's harder to work the product thoroughly into your scalp if you have thick or strong hair. If you're worried about dry hair, we recommend applying conditioner after each use. This is otherwise a great scrub to pamper your scalp with!

No.6

AvedaInvati Advanced Exfoliating ShampooRich

Invati Advanced Exfoliating Shampoo 1
Source:amazon.com
Invati Advanced Exfoliating Shampoo 2
Source:aveda.com
Reference price
$28.49
High Mid
Reference price
$28.49
High Mid

A Vegan-Friendly Exfoliator for Thinning Hair

Aveda's Invati Advanced Exfoliating Shampoo is a 94 percent plant-derived exfoliator that gently dissolves buildup with salicylic acid derived from wintergreen. This exfoliating shampoo was formulated for users experiencing hair loss, but anyone can benefit from the efficient cleansing that it promises your scalp.


Customers with thinning hair have reported not only a significant replenishing of their locks, but also a light, clean feeling after each use of Invati Advanced. This shampoo is free of sulfates that might clash with dyes or other hair treatments. It's also offered in a "Light" formula for people with fine or curly hair. 


Some users complain that this shampoo doesn't work up much of a lather and others have noted that it further dries out their locks, but that might be due to the fact that Invati Advanced Rich is formulated for thick, oilier hair. Invati Advanced is still a nourishing and cruelty-free choice that we recommend to almost anyone and users love that it does help with thinning hair.

No.7

Head & ShouldersSupreme Exfoliating Scalp ScrubWith Vitamin E and Argon Oil

Supreme Exfoliating Scalp Scrub 1
Source:amazon.com
Supreme Exfoliating Scalp Scrub 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$8.97
Low Mid
Reference price
$8.97
Low Mid

A Popular Brand With Nourishing Oils and Vitamins

If you're a fan of Head and Shoulders, then this is the exfoliator for you! The well-known, dermatologist-recommended brand offers Supreme Exfoliating Scalp Scrub for dry or dandruff-afflicted scalps. The scrub contains argon oil, soy oil, and vitamin E that will nourish and soothe your scalp after each use.


Reviewers enjoy the scent and gentle feel of this salt scrub. They note that, unlike rougher salt scrubs, Supreme Exfoliating Scrub doesn't leave their hair feeling dried out, and actually seems to soften and replenish their locks. Many recommend using this in tandem with the shampoo and conditioner within the same series for an even better effect. 


Some users with long or thicker hair have complained that there simply isn't enough of this product to thoroughly get through to their scalps. If you have a lot of hair, we recommend considering a different product. However, this is reviewers say that this is an otherwise fantastic exfoliator for dry skin and brittle, dandruffy hair.   

No.8

HeadBladeHead ShedExfoliating Scrub

Head Shed 1
Source:headblade.com
Head Shed 2
Source:headblade.com
Reference price
$10.00
Low Mid
Reference price
$10.00
Low Mid

Deep-Cleansing and Exfoliating for Shaved Scalps

Head Shed is designed specifically for those who shave their heads, but it can be used to wash your face after you shave as well. Filled with natural, nourishing ingredients like cocoa butter and walnuts, Head Shed will pamper your scalp and give you even more confidence in your style. 

Reviewers note that Head Shed works fantastically at preventing ingrown hairs and leaves their scalps feeling soft and healthy. Many note that it gives their shaved heads an extra shine and helps to prevent razor burn. 


The biggest complaint about Head Shed is its container; the bottle and cap designs are notoriously difficult to work with. Still, this is a pampering and healthy exfoliator for shaved heads, something you don't find very often. We think Head Shed is worth the frustration its bottle creates. 

No.9

UnwashCharcoal Detox Scalp ScrubThe New Clean

Charcoal Detox Scalp Scrub 1
Source:amazon.com
Charcoal Detox Scalp Scrub 2
Source:unwash.com
Reference price
$29.00
High Mid
Reference price
$29.00
High Mid

An Exfoliator Loaded With Natural Oils for Treated Hair

Unwash guarantees an incredibly gentle scrub and deep cleansing experience with their Charcoal Detox Scalp Scrub. Loaded with soothing and nourishing oils like tea tree and peppermint, this exfoliator is guaranteed to bolster healthy hair growth in a natural way. 


Reviewers love how clean their hair and scalps feel after using Charcoal Detox Scalp Scrub. Some are so thrilled with the cleansing benefits of the formula that they skip shampooing on the days that they use it. They also note that it is very efficient at clearing away dandruff.


A few users report that this feels more like a shampoo than it does a scalp scrub, as the charcoal exfoliant is very fine and doesn't give the coarse, scrubbing sensation that other scrubs might. Still, Unwash Charcoal Detox Scrub is a great choice if your skin is too sensitive for other scrubs, and it has some excellent health benefits. 

No.10

KMSHead Remedy Deep Cleanse Shampoo

Head Remedy  1
Source:amazon.com
Head Remedy  2
Source:kmshair.com
Reference price
$21.90
Mid
Reference price
$21.90
Mid

A Gentle Chemical Exfoliator for Daily Use

KMS' Head Remedy contains a blend of gentle acids that cleanse buildup from hair products, environmental pollutants, and hard water minerals. It evens out the surfaces of your strands and leaves your locks feeling lush and soft.

Head Remedy is designed to be used by all hair types as many times a week as users desire. Reviewers note that after use they've been able to go longer without shampooing their hair and still enjoy shiny, clean locks. 

Some reviewers have complained that the newest formula that KMS has introduced to their shampoo is not as effective as older ones. However, Head Remedy is still a solid choice for an all-purpose exfoliator if you want to shampoo your hair daily. 

How to Apply Your Scalp Exfoliator

How to Apply Your Scalp Exfoliator

Almost every scalp exfoliator should be used on a wet head of hair; however, before you turn on the sink or the shower, we recommend that you gently brush any tangles or product out of your locks. You don't want to yank your brush through any knots, as this may make your scalp more sensitive to the exfoliator. 


Next, using a teasing brush or comb, work at your scalp to dislodge dandruff and buildup. You don't want to do this for too long, or apply too much strength in your strokes. This could also make your scalp more sensitive to the ingredients of your exfoliator. 


Finally, wash your hair and massage the exfoliator into your scalp.  You can either use a special exfoliating brush or your fingers, but if you use the latter we recommend not using your nails. Leave the exfoliator in for five to ten minutes, then wash it out and follow up with a round of conditioner.

Dr. Lauren Levy
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Lauren Levy

Make sure you're getting the treatment mostly on the scalp and not treating the hair itself. Although these are safe to put on the hair, it defeats the purpose of using them since the hair will soak up the treatments. You can follow up the treatment with hydrating shampoo of your choice to wash and treat the hair. 

Check Out These DIY Exfoliator Recipes

These homemade scrub recipes from Little DIY can be used to deep cleanse, clear, and exfoliate your scalp! We're including the recipe for the exfoliator here, but be sure to check this video out for all three nourishing formulas. 


Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons of ground coffee
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 2 drops of tea tree oil

Looking to Give Your Hair Some More TLC?

Happy, healthy hair builds confidence and feels better on our heads. If you're looking for other ways to pamper your tresses, check out our recommendation lists below! 

Top 5 Scalp Exfoliators

No. 1: BriogeoScalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo

No. 2: Yes ToTea Tree Scalp ReliefPre-Shampoo Scalp Scrub

No. 3: Girl+HairClear: Under Hair CareClarifying Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

No. 4: NexxusClean & PureScalp Scrub

No. 5: Christophe RobinPurifying Scalp ScrubWith Sea Salt

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