A celebrity that I used to follow, had been promoting a sea salt scalp scrub, explaining that our scalp deserves the same attention we give the rest of our body. The idea made sense to me. Just like our skin benefits from gentle exfoliation, our scalp can accumulate dead skin cells, styling products, excess oil, dry shampoo, and environmental debris over time. I was already a fan of exfoliation since I have been using scrubs on my face for years.
When I looked up the product however, the excitement quickly faded. It cost nearly $40 USD for less than 7 ounces, and it wasn’t even available in the country where I lived. I couldn’t justify spending that much on something I wasn’t sure would work.
Creating My Own Natural Scalp Scrub
Nearly a decade later, while searching for scalp scrubs again, I decided to create my own using version with simple ingredients I already had in my kitchen. I am so glad I did.
After my very first use, my scalp felt incredibly clean. The best way I can describe it is that it felt like my head could breathe better. My hair also felt surprisingly soft, light, and full of movement.
Why I Chose Sugar Instead of Salt
One thing I intentionally changed from many commercial recipes was replacing sea salt with raw sugar. In my experience, sugar provides gentle exfoliation without feeling harsh on an already irritated scalp. If your scalp is sensitive, this may be a more comfortable option. Maybe I’ll experiment with the salt scrub as well and report back in another post 🙂
Tips for Using This Homemade Scalp Scrub
I currently use this scrub no more than twice a week. More isn’t always better, especially when you’re dealing with an irritated scalp. Giving your skin time to recover between treatments has worked well for me.
Every head of hair is different, so you may need to adjust the base oil based on your hair type. I have fine, naturally wavy hair, and sweet almond oil has worked beautifully. If your hair is very dry or coarse, coconut oil may provide extra nourishment. If your hair becomes oily easily, a lighter oil like jojoba may be a better choice.
My favourite things about this homemade scalp scrub is that it costs only a fraction of the price of many store bought versions and I have all the ingredients stocked at home. I don’t feel nervous about slathering it on generously since I can quickly whip up another batch quickly if I need to.
Only make this recipe in small batches though, as the ingredients do not have a long shelf life. Keep no longer than 4 weeks, stored in a glass jar with lid, away from the sun. I keep mine in the shower for easy access.
Homemade Scalp Scrub Cost
$4.13 CDN/$3.03 USD = Approximate batch size: 1 cup (240 mL / 16 fl oz)
Depending on how much you use each time, one batch should provide approximately 5 scalp treatments, making the cost quite affordable.
Not only is this recipe significantly less expensive than many store bought options, but you also know exactly what is going onto your scalp. There are no unnecessary fillers, artificial fragrances, or preservatives, just simple ingredients that you can customize to suit your own hair and scalp.
*Click on blue links below to find the ingredients to make your own recipe on Amazon:
Raw Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar
Homemade Scalp Scrub for Healthier Hair and a Happier Scalp
Equipment
- medium bowl
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- 16 oz. glass jar
Materials
- 1 cup raw sugar I like the grittiness of raw
- 1/4 cup sweet almond oil
- 2 Tbsp raw, unpasteurized honey
- 1 Tbsp raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar
- 10 drops peppermint essential oil trusted brands only
Instructions
- Add the sweet almond oil and raw honey to a small bowl and stir until well combined
- Add the apple cider vinegar and peppermint essential oil and mix again
- Gradually stir in the raw sugar until you have a thick, scoopable scrub
- Transfer the finished scalp scrub to a clean, dry 16 oz glass jar and seal tightly
How To Use:
- Wet your hair and scalp thoroughly
- Part your hair into sections and apply a small amount of scrub directly to the scalp
- Using the pads of your fingertips, gently massage the scrub into your scalp for 1 to 2 minutes. Avoid vigorous scrubbing or using your fingernails
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water, then shampoo as usual to remove the remaining sugar, honey, and oil
Notes
Tips for Using This Homemade Scalp Scrub
I currently use this scrub no more than twice a week. More isn’t always better, especially when you’re dealing with an irritated scalp. Giving your skin time to recover between treatments has worked well for me. Every head of hair is different, so you may need to adjust the carrier oil based on your hair type. I have fine, naturally wavy hair, and sweet almond oil has worked beautifully. If your hair is very dry or coarse, coconut oil may provide extra nourishment. If your hair becomes oily easily, a lighter oil like jojoba may be a better choice. As with any homemade beauty product, perform a small patch test before using it for the first time, especially if you have sensitive skin or are using essential oils.Create your own Perfect Scalp Scrub Recipe
My recipe below is a great basic starting point. See how it works for you and then customize for yourself depending on your needs. I’ve seen other scrub recipes with coffee grinds, oatmeal, sea salt, various essential oils, aloe vera, lemon juice, some even use a really clean shampoo as the base and add the exfoliants into that.
Let me know if you’ve tried it out and what you think!
