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! Keep on reading to see our favorites and our expert-reviewed buying guide.
Quick List - Top Scalp Exfoliators
Neutrogena
Clarify And Exfoliate Scalp With A Refreshing Burst Of Pink Grapefruit
John Paul Mitchell Systems
Exfoliate And Refresh Your Scalp With A Detoxifying Blend Of Natural Ingredients
AROMATICA
Exfoliate and Nourish Your Scalp With a Gentle, Mineral-Rich Formula
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.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||
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High-Oil Content | Rougher | Product Form | Product Type | |||||
1 | Neutrogena Neutrogena|Healthy Scalp Clarify & Shine Shampoo with Pink Grapefruit | ![]() | Clarify And Exfoliate Scalp With A Refreshing Burst Of Pink Grapefruit | Shampoo | ||||
2 | SHVYOG Tea Tree & Mint Scalp Scrub | ![]() | Exfoliate And Soothe Your Scalp With A Tea Tree-Infused Formula | Scrub | Physical | |||
3 | John Paul Mitchell Systems Tea Tree Special Detox Foaming Salt Scrub | ![]() | Exfoliate And Refresh Your Scalp With A Detoxifying Blend Of Natural Ingredients | Scrub | Physical | |||
4 | AROMATICA Rosemary Scalp Scrub 165g | ![]() | Exfoliate and Nourish Your Scalp With a Gentle, Mineral-Rich Formula | Treatment | Physical、Chemical | |||
5 | Pacifica Rosemary Apple Cider Scalp Detox Tonic | ![]() | Detoxify and Exfoliate Your Scalp With a Clarifying, Plant-Based Formula | Treatment | Chemical | |||
6 | Nexxus Nexxus|Clean & Pure Exfoliating Scalp Scrub | ![]() | Detoxify and Rebalance Your Scalp With Protein-Infused Exfoliation | Scrub | Physical | |||
7 | Briogeo Scalp Revival™ Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo | ![]() | Clinically Proven to Reduce Flakes and Hydrate Your Scalp | Shampoo | Physical | |||
8 | STEAMBASE Tea Tree Scalp Water Scaler | ![]() | Exfoliates and Purifies Scalp for Lasting Freshness and Health | Treatment | Chemical | |||
9 | Dove Dove|Scalp + Hair Therapy Clarifying Shampoo | ![]() | A Dermatologist-Developed Clarifying Shampoo for Balanced Scalp and Healthy Hair | Shampoo | Chemical | |||
10 | Summers Laboratories Keralyt® 5 Shampoo | ![]() | A Beta-Hydroxy Acid Exfoliating Shampoo for Relief from Scalp Psoriasis and Seborrheic Dermatitis | Shampoo | Chemical |
High-Oil Content | |
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Rougher |
Product Form | Shampoo |
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Product Type |
Product Form | Scrub |
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Product Type | Physical |
High-Oil Content | |
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Rougher |
Product Form | Scrub |
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Product Type | Physical |
AROMATICA Rosemary Scalp Scrub is designed to remove dead skin cells and cleanse clogged scalp pores using mineral-rich salt from the Andes. Enriched with rosemary, caffeine, and natural probiotics, this scrub provides gentle exfoliation while addressing scalp vitality and hair loss concerns. It contains a blend of botanical extracts including pine, oregano, and basil, which work to nourish the scalp and strengthen hair roots. The formula is free from sulfates and silicones, making it suitable for sensitive scalps and promoting balanced scalp care.
This scalp scrub also incorporates rosemary essential oil, which enhances exfoliation while providing antioxidant benefits. With a fuss-free, pointed-tip applicator, it allows for precise application along natural hair lines. The inclusion of plant-derived cleansers and fermented moisturizers helps maintain scalp health without stripping away moisture, making it suitable for regular use as part of a scalp care regimen.
Product Form | Treatment |
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Product Type | Physical、Chemical |
High-Oil Content | |
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Rougher |
Product Form | Treatment |
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Product Type | Chemical |
High-Oil Content | |
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Rougher |
Nexxus Clean & Pure Exfoliating Scalp Scrub is formulated to detoxify the scalp by gently exfoliating away product buildup, oil, and impurities. Infused with the brand's PROTEINFUSION™ blend containing elastin protein and marine minerals, it helps to nourish and purify the scalp while promoting healthier hair. This scrub is free from sulfates, parabens, dyes, and silicones, making it suitable for all hair types, particularly for those looking to cleanse their scalp without harsh chemicals.
The scrub can be used as a pre-cleanse treatment or in place of shampoo, ensuring that the scalp is thoroughly cleansed and moisturized. Designed to dissolve into a light lather, it leaves the scalp balanced and ready for further hair treatments. The product helps improve scalp and hair health by restoring strength, elasticity, and moisture to the hair, while providing a salon-level detoxification experience at home.
Product Form | Scrub |
---|---|
Product Type | Physical |
High-Oil Content | |
---|---|
Rougher |
Briogeo Scalp Revival™ Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo is formulated to target dry, flaky scalps by providing a deep exfoliating cleanse. The shampoo features binchotan charcoal and plant-based exfoliators to detoxify hair follicles and reduce buildup, while a blend of coconut oil, tea tree oil, and mint oils moisturizes and soothes the scalp. Clinically shown to reduce scalp flaking by up to 82%, it also enhances hydration, making it effective for those dealing with dryness or itchiness.
This exfoliating shampoo is suitable for all hair types and textures, especially for those with dry, flaky, or irritated scalps. Used once a week in place of regular shampoo, the product offers a mousse-like texture that lathers richly, providing a refreshing cleansing experience. The formula is 95% naturally derived, cruelty-free, and vegan, making it a gentle yet powerful treatment for maintaining scalp health while detoxifying and reducing flaking.
Product Form | Shampoo |
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Product Type | Physical |
High-Oil Content | |
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Rougher |
Product Form | Treatment |
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Product Type | Chemical |
High-Oil Content | |
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Rougher |
Product Form | Shampoo |
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Product Type | Chemical |
High-Oil Content | |
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Rougher |
Product Form | Shampoo |
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Product Type | Chemical |
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.
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.
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
No. 1: Neutrogena|Neutrogena|Healthy Scalp Clarify & Shine Shampoo with Pink Grapefruit
No. 2: SHVYOG|Tea Tree & Mint Scalp Scrub
No. 3: John Paul Mitchell Systems|Tea Tree Special Detox Foaming Salt Scrub
No. 4: AROMATICA|Rosemary Scalp Scrub 165g
No. 5: Pacifica|Rosemary Apple Cider Scalp Detox Tonic
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