When it comes to exfoliating routines, a scalp scrub is often not included in the essentials. Exfoliators are used to slough off dead skin cells to let nourishment and nutrients reach the deeper epidermal layers. This applies to your scalp as well. Dirt and oil build-up on the scalp leads to the formation of dandruff and may also trigger hair fall. A clean and healthy scalp is also essential for healthy hair growth. So if you are aiming at good hair growth, apart from oiling, shampooing, and conditioning, include scalp exfoliation in your hair care regime. DIY recipes are the perfect starting point – they can be put together with ingredients readily available in your kitchen!
1. Lemon, Olive Oil and Salt Scalp Scrub
If you have an oily scalp, lemon works as the best exfoliator. Lemon juice removes the dirt, flakes, and dead cells from your scalp, making it cleaner. Olive oil, rich in Vitamin A and E, nourishes your scalp and hair. Salt crystals are added to this mixture to clean the flakes from the scalp and improve blood circulation.
Ingredients – Equal quantities of lemon juice, olive oil and salt.
Procedure:
1. Mix the three ingredients in equal quantities in a bowl. Apply the mixture to your scalp and massage in a circular motion.
2. Keep the scrub for 5-10 minutes before rinsing it off with the regular shampoo and conditioner. Use the scalp scrub twice to thrice in a week.
2) Sugar, Coconut oil And Essential Oils Scalp Scrub
When the temperatures outside are falling, you may suffer from a flaky and itchy scalp. In particular, this scalp scrub using coconut oil and other essential oils will be beneficial to treat the flaky scalp. Tea tree oil is antifungal, antibacterial, and is an excellent ingredient for enhancing scalp health. The peppermint oil promotes circulation to the scalp, while the coconut oil is rich in fatty acids and is anti-inflammatory. Sugar is said to have properties that dissolve dead skin cells. So this scrub will treat scalp itchiness and flakiness.
Ingredients- Unrefined coconut oil, Raw sugar, Peppermint oil, Tea tree oil
Procedure:
1. Mix 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, 4-5 drops of peppermint oil (if available), 2-3 drops of tea tree oil, and add 3-4 teaspoons of sugar to it.
2. Apply this mixture evenly to your scalp with a hairbrush and once it settles, massage it into your scalp.
3. Clip your hair and let it remain for 5-10 minutes before rinsing it off.
3. Cinnamon, Brown Sugar and Coconut Oil Scalp Scrub
Cinnamon is a common spice used in various Indian delicacies. Apart from adding flavour to food, the condiment has antimicrobial characteristics. It helps stimulate blood circulation and promotes hair growth. Brown sugar acts as an exfoliant for the roots and removes flakes and grease from the scalp. Coconut oil, with its anti-inflammatory properties, soothes the scalp.
Ingredients- Equal portions of coconut oil and cinnamon powder, one tablespoon brown sugar
Procedure:
1. Add the coconut oil to the cinnamon powder and mix it well. Add brown sugar crystals to it.
2. Apply this paste to your scalp and massage gently. Rinse it after letting it sit for 30 to 45 minutes.
3. Follow your normal hair care routine post this. Try to apply the scalp scrub at least once a week to get better results.
4. Aloe vera and Multani Mitti Scalp Scrub
Aloe vera is a popular ingredient used in many skin and hair care products. Rich in vitamins, essential amino acids and minerals, aloe vera hydrates the hair and stimulates hair growth. Aloe vera also helps treat rashes from the skin and scalp. Multani Mitti, on the other hand, is a known exfoliant that controls oil production in the scalp and takes away build-up once dried. Multani mitti is an ideal ingredient for oily and greasy scalp. You can also add rosewater to the scrub to give a calming effect to the scalp.
Ingredients- Aloe vera leaf, 1-2 tablespoon multani mitti, rosewater(optional), one teaspoon refined sugar
Procedure:
1. Take an aloe vera leaf and remove the pulp in a bowl. The quantity of the pulp is your personal choice.
2. Add 2-3 tablespoons of multani mitti and 1-2 teaspoons of refined sugar to it. Mix it well.
3. Add rosewater if readily available. Apply the scrub thoroughly on your wet scalp and massage in circular motions.
4. Let it settle for 20 minutes before you rinse it off with lukewarm water to get a cleaner scalp and a lustrous mane.
5. Honey, Sea Salt and Avocado Scalp Scrub
We cannot emphasise enough the benefits of avocado in your diet. Avocados are a rich source of Vitamin B complex, magnesium and potassium. Adding avocados to your hair care routine hydrates your scalp and gives you a glossy mane while preventing breakage. While honey soothes the scalp, minimising flakes and dandruff, sea salt is an excellent exfoliator. You can also add coconut or peppermint oil to this scrub to moisturise your hair.
Ingredients- Half an avocado, one tablespoon sea salt, one tablespoon honey, one tablespoon coconut/peppermint oil (optional)
Procedure:
1. Mash half a ripe avocado in a bowl and add honey and sea salt to it.
2. Add the oils if available to the mixture.
3. Mix this paste uniformly to avoid lumps.
4. Apply this scrub to your scalp and gently massage.
5. Keep the scrub for 20-30 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.
