While the humble scalp scrub might not be the most tantalising beauty product around, its use is on the rise. In fact, as interest in haircare products in general soars, the previously overlooked scrub suddenly has a unique appeal. And not just because more consumers are desperate to tackle dandruff. It’s all about revitalising neglected skin to stimulate hair growth while enjoying a spa-like treatment at the same time.
If I was given free rein in the hair product aisle at Boots, the last thing I’d grab is a scalp scrub. Or, that’s what I would have thought just a month ago. Since then, I’ve been introduced to natural scalp care - thanks to a beauty bundle. The first two products I unboxed were an eco-friendly scalp massaging brush and a balancing scrub. Intiaitally, I wasn’t impressed. Not exactly ‘beauty’ products, I mused. They were briefly consigned to my Christmas gifts pile, destined to be given away to my least favourite relatives.
Then it hit me… I’m a middle-aged woman who has had cancer - twice - and, like most people in their 50s, my hair has a tendency to shed. In fact, thinning hair is such a concern I’ve recently started to invest in volumising mousses and sprays. Out of nowhere, I was dead keen to get started with my two new products. Call it a lightbulb moment.
I could imagine dislodging dead skin cells and product build-up while boosting blood circulation and encouraging new hair growth. Cleaner hair and a less tense scalp also appealed.
“We’ve got to try these,” I said to my other half, holding up the products.
He was beyond dismissive. “I’ve told you before, I’m not interested in makeup.”
“But, it’s not makeup,” I insisted, going on to explain that they were scalp products, not intended to go anywhere near the face, and designed to ensure nutrients get to hair follicles where they can promote healthy growth. He was mildly interested at this point, so I went on to tell him that a scalp scrub can improve blood circulation and deliver more oxygen to the roots, preventing hair loss and bald patches.
I knew the word ‘bald’ would turn his head.
“Yes, it even offers dandruff relief and soothes the skin, making the scalp feel less tight,” I went on. “So, if you have any itching, it will stop that and make the skin on your head feel more comfortable.”
“Really?” he asked, taking the scalp scrub from my hand to have a closer look.
“Yes, it even balances oil production to control grease and also promotes a healthy shine. I’m fairly certain, the scrub delivers hydration to the roots and helps prevent hair breakage. I bet it’s really relaxing to use with that massaging brush.”
That was it! He was sold on the idea.
He relieved me of the massage brush and muttered: “I’m just going to run a bath?”
Ten minutes later, I could hear “Oh, that’s nice”. I popped my head around the bathroom door to see him using both products. Of course, I wanted him to hurry up because I was desperate for it to be my turn to use them.
My scalp scrub experience
My hair is thinnest ‘on top’. I have a central parting that is quite pronounced and I struggle to get my fringe to look tidy. Styling my hair can be a nightmare. It’s often hard to brush into a shape and even tying it up can be time-consuming and frustrating. The only thing that has ever made my hair look good is spiral rollers, but they can take over an hour to put in - hence I hardly use them.
The scalp care products I received in the beauty box were Sukin Natural Balance Scalp Scrub and the So Eco scalp massaging brush. The scrub is a vegan and cruelty-free product made in Australia. It is formulated to remove product build-up and impurities. It is manufactured with an invigorating blend of peppermint and ginger extract, with bamboo powder as the exfoliant and horsetail, burdock and nettle to deliver skin and hair balancing properties.
The massaging brush is made from wheat straw, not plastic, and is designed to exfoliate the scalp and remove dirt, oil and product build-up. It can be used with shampoo as well as a scrub.
I applied the scrub to a damp scalp. I did this while sitting in a bath infused with the scents of Faith in Nature’s Grapefruit and Orange body wash. Very relaxing from the off. The scrub contains tiny bamboo powder beads that feel like grains of salt. I did wonder how on Earth I was going to get them all out, because there were so many of them. As I worked the product into the skin with the massaging brush, I caught a whiff of the scrub’s fragrance which was very refreshing.
After massaging for around three minutes, I rinsed the product out with a few blasts from a hand-held shower. The beads disappeared instantly and I was able to move onto my usual shampoo and conditioner routine.
The result? Totally clean hair with a refreshed, less tense scalp. In fact, I could feel the tension being released as I was doing all that massaging. I now use the massage brush every time I wash my hair and the scalp scrub twice a week. So far, I’ve noticed that my hair is easier to brush up for tying into a high ponytail. It also looks slightly fuller, and I imagine that’s because it is not being weighed down with product build-up. It’s early days, but I’m a fan. So too is my other half, who is the 'model' in the pictures used for this article.
Sukin Natural Balance Scalp Scrub retails from £8.95 and you can find the So Eco scalp massaging brush for £4.99. If you've ever thought, like I did, that products such as these are boring, think again. They could be the sexiest haircare products you never knew you needed!
One of the things about scalp products that often gets overlooked is their contribution to overall wellness. The biggest benefits I’ve experienced so far are having less tension and less skin irritation. Having a calmer scalp is definitely beneficial, because I feel totally relaxed. My hope is that these products will eventually support new hair growth and help prevent breakage. If they don’t, I’m obviously going to be very laid-back about it!
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