9 DIY Scalp Scrubs to Boost Hair Growth Naturally
Caring for your scalp is just as important as caring for your hair. A healthy scalp removes buildup, stimulates blood circulation, and maintains the right moisture and oil balance, laying the foundation for robust hair growth.
In this guide, you’ll find nine effective DIY scalp scrub recipes that use natural ingredients to boost hair growth, reduce dandruff, and keep your scalp tip-top shape. Each recipe is easy to whip up at home and has been crafted with specific benefits in mind. Let’s dive in!
1. Coconut Oil and Sugar Scrub
Ingredients:
- Coconut oil
- Granulated sugar
- Essential oils (optional: lavender, rosemary)
Benefits:
- Exfoliates dead skin cells
- Deeply moisturizes the scalp
- Stimulates blood circulation, promoting hair growth
Instructions:
- Mix equal parts of coconut oil and granulated sugar in a small bowl.
- Add a few drops of your chosen essential oil for added benefits and a pleasant scent if desired.
- Apply the scrub to your scalp, massaging gently in circular motions for 5–7 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water, then follow up with your regular shampoo routine.
Quick Tip:
Use this scrub once a week. Coconut oil’s antimicrobial properties help prevent infections, making it an ideal ingredient for regular scalp care.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar and Sea Salt Scrub
Ingredients:
- Apple cider vinegar (ACV)
- Sea salt
- Honey
- Coconut oil
Benefits:
- Balances scalp pH levels
- Removes buildup from styling products
- Stimulates hair follicles
Instructions:
- Combine 1 tablespoon of ACV in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil.
- Add ½ cup of sea salt and 1 teaspoon of honey.
- Apply the mixture to a damp scalp, massaging gently for 5–10 minutes.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water.
Quick Tip:
Always dilute ACV to avoid potential irritation. This scrub works wonders in refreshing and balancing your scalp—just be cautious with the salt to prevent excessive abrasion.
3. Brown Sugar and Oatmeal Scrub
Ingredients:
- Brown sugar
- Finely ground oatmeal
- Hair conditioner
Benefits:
- Provides gentle exfoliation
- Soothes and softens irritated skin
- Hydrates a dry, flaky scalp
Instructions:
- Mix 2 tablespoons of brown sugar with 2 tablespoons of finely ground oatmeal.
- Add enough hair conditioner to create a paste-like consistency.
- Massage the scrub into your scalp using circular motions for about 5 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with water.
Quick Tip:
This scrub is particularly effective for those with sensitive scalps. Finely ground oatmeal ensures gentle exfoliation without harsh scrubbing.
4. Coffee Grounds and Olive Oil Scrub
Ingredients:
- Used coffee grounds
- Olive oil
Benefits:
- Stimulates blood circulation with caffeine
- Effectively removes dead skin cells
- Adds shine and luster to hair
Instructions:
- Combine ¼ cup of used coffee grounds with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Massage the mixture into your scalp for approximately 5 minutes.
- Rinse well to remove any leftover residue.
Quick Tip:
Fresh coffee grounds work best. Coffee’s natural exfoliating properties and the nourishing benefits of olive oil help invigorate your scalp and enhance hair strength.
5. Baking Soda and Water Scrub
Ingredients:
- Baking soda
- Water
Benefits:
- Clarifies the scalp by removing product buildup
- Balances excess oil production
- Leaves the scalp feeling clean and refreshed
Instructions:
- Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with enough water to form a smooth paste.
- Apply this paste evenly across your scalp.
- Gently massage for 3–5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Quick Tip:
Because baking soda is a powerful cleanser, use this scrub sparingly—ideally, once every two weeks—to avoid disrupting your scalp’s natural pH balance. Follow with a gentle conditioner to lock in moisture.
6. Aloe Vera and Multani Mitti (Fuller’s Earth) Scrub
Ingredients:
- Aloe vera gel
- Multani Mitti
- Rosewater (optional)
- Refined sugar
Benefits:
- Hydrates and soothes the scalp
- Controls excess oil without over-drying
- Draws out impurities while retaining moisture
Instructions:
- Combine aloe vera gel in a bowl with 1–2 tablespoons of Multani Mitti.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of refined sugar. Add a splash of rosewater for extra hydration and a delicate fragrance.
- Massage the scrub into your scalp gently for 5–7 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water.
Quick Tip:
Aloe vera’s cooling properties make this scrub ideal for irritated or acne-prone scalps. Multani Mitti, known for its oil-absorbing qualities, keeps your scalp balanced without damaging essential moisture.
7. Cinnamon, Brown Sugar, and Coconut Oil Scrub
Ingredients:
- Coconut oil
- Cinnamon powder
- Brown sugar
Benefits:
- Stimulates blood flow to the scalp
- Exfoliates and removes dead skin cells
- Enhances natural hair growth through improved circulation
Instructions:
- Mix equal parts coconut oil and cinnamon powder with 1 tablespoon of brown sugar.
- Apply the scrub to your scalp and massage gently in circular motions for 5–7 minutes.
- Let it sit on your scalp for 30–45 minutes to allow the oils to penetrate deeply, then rinse thoroughly.
Quick Tip:
Cinnamon is a potent stimulant. Use it in moderation to avoid irritation, and always conduct a patch test before applying it fully.
8. Sea Salt and Lemon Juice Scrub
Ingredients:
- Sea salt
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
Benefits:
- Exfoliates dead skin cells and unclogs pores
- Balances scalp oil production
- Adds natural shine to your hair
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of sea salt with the juice of one lemon and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Mix well and apply the scrub to a damp scalp.
- Gently massage for 5–10 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water.
Quick Tip:
Lemon juice acts as a natural clarifier but can potentially lighten color-treated hair over time. Use sparingly if you have colored locks, and always rinse well to prevent residue buildup.
9. Tea Tree Oil and Sugar Scrub
Ingredients:
- Unrefined coconut oil
- Raw sugar
- Tea tree oil
- Peppermint oil
Benefits:
- Combats dandruff with antifungal properties
- Soothes and reduces scalp inflammation
- Encourages hair growth by stimulating the scalp
Instructions:
- Combine 2 tablespoons of unrefined coconut oil with 3–4 tablespoons of raw sugar.
- Add 4–5 drops of peppermint oil and 2–3 drops of tea tree oil.
- Massage the mixture into your scalp gently for 5–7 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly to ensure all residue is removed.
Quick Tip:
Tea tree oil is a powerful remedy for dandruff. However, always dilute it properly, and consider using this scrub once a week to maintain a healthy scalp balance.
Ingredient Comparison Table
To help you quickly reference and decide which scrub best suits your needs, take a look at the table below:
| Scrub Recipe | Key Ingredients | Primary Benefits | Usage Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coconut Oil & Sugar | Coconut oil, granulated sugar, essential oils | Exfoliates, moisturizes, boosts circulation | Once a week |
| ACV & Sea Salt | Apple cider vinegar, sea salt, honey, coconut oil | Balances pH, removes buildup, stimulates follicles | Weekly (in moderation) |
| Brown Sugar & Oatmeal | Brown sugar, oatmeal, hair conditioner | Gentle exfoliation, soothes, hydrates | Once a week |
| Coffee & Olive Oil | Coffee grounds, olive oil | Stimulates circulation, removes dead cells | Once a week |
| Baking Soda & Water | Baking soda, water | Clarifies balances oil, cleanses | Every 2 weeks |
| Aloe Vera & Multani Mitti | Aloe vera, Multani Mitti, rosewater (optional), sugar | Hydrates control oil, remove buildup | Once a week |
| Cinnamon, Sugar & Coconut Oil | Coconut oil, cinnamon, brown sugar | Stimulates blood flow, exfoliates, enhances growth | Once a week (patch test advised) |
| Sea Salt & Lemon Juice | Sea salt, lemon juice, olive oil | Exfoliates, balances oil, adds shine | Once a week |
| Tea Tree Oil & Sugar | Coconut oil, raw sugar, tea tree oil, peppermint oil | Fights dandruff, soothes, promotes growth | Once a week |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How often should I use a scalp scrub?
A: Most scalp scrubs are best used once a week. For those with more abrasive ingredients like baking soda or sea salt, limit usage to every two weeks.
Q2: Can I mix and match ingredients from different scrubs?
A: Yes, feel free to experiment! Just remember to do a patch test first to ensure your scalp doesn’t react adversely to a new combination.
Q3: Are these scrubs safe for color-treated hair?
A: Generally, yes. However, ingredients like lemon juice may lighten color-treated hair over time. Use milder versions if you have color-treated locks.
Q4: What should I do if my scalp feels irritated after a scrub?
A: Rinse the scrub off immediately, and apply a soothing agent such as aloe vera gel. If irritation persists, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist.
Q5: Can these scrubs help with dandruff?
A: Absolutely. Scrubs with tea tree oil or apple cider vinegar are particularly effective in fighting dandruff thanks to their antifungal and clarifying properties.
Q6: Is it necessary to use a conditioner after scrubbing?
A: Yes, follow up with a gentle conditioner to help restore moisture and protect your hair after exfoliation.
Q7: How long should I massage the scrub into my scalp?
A: Aim for a 5–7 minute massage to ensure proper exfoliation without overstimulating or irritating the scalp.
Final Thoughts
Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. By incorporating one or more of these nine DIY scalp scrubs into your hair care routine, you’re taking a natural, proactive approach to boosting hair growth and maintaining scalp balance.
Each scrub offers unique benefits—from exfoliating dead skin cells and reducing buildup to stimulating blood circulation and fighting dandruff. The simplicity of these recipes means you can experiment with different ingredients to find the perfect match for your scalp type.
Remember, consistency is key. Regular use, combined with a gentle shampoo and conditioner routine, will help you achieve a cleaner, healthier scalp and, ultimately, stronger, more vibrant hair.
Always perform a patch test before trying a new recipe and adjust the frequency of use based on how your scalp responds. With a little time and care, you’ll enjoy the natural benefits of these homemade scrubs, making every hair day a good day.
Try these DIY recipes to improve your hair care routine today. Your scalp and hair will thank you for the extra care, and you might just discover a new favorite ritual in your beauty routine!
