Your scalp goes through a lot—oil, sweat, product buildup, and the occasional flakes. Over time, all of that can get in the way of healthy hair growth. That’s where a scalp scrub can help. It works a bit like a body scrub, clearing out dead skin cells and buildup so your scalp feels fresh again. The type of scrub you choose makes a difference, especially if you have an oily scalp or a sensitive scalp. Some formulas use physical exfoliators, while others rely on gentle acids like salicylic or lactic acid. A few also blend in natural oils like peppermint or coconut to help keep the scalp balanced and soothed. Using a scrub doesn’t take much effort—just a few minutes before shampooing can help your scalp feel cleaner. If your scalp’s been feeling dry, flaky, or weighed down, keep reading. We’ll walk through simple ways to use a scalp scrub that fit right into your regular hair care routine.