This Overlooked Product Transformed My Flaky, Irritated Scalp—Now I'll Never Look Back

For the most part, my hair is pretty healthy and manageable, but when it isn’t playing ball, nine times out of ten it’s my scalp that’s to blame. The thing is, our scalp is basically an extension of our skin, and without a certain level of TLC, it’s not going to be healthy enough to support and maintain good hair health.

Indeed, when our scalp health is thrown out of balance, a wide range of issues can arise—from greasy roots to dry skin, dandruff, increased shedding, and limp or thinning hair. Like the rest of our skin, our scalp health can be impacted by everything from the products we use to our lifestyle, our diets, and of course, the climate. All of which means that you may find your scalp and hair health fluctuating throughout the year.

When I first started experiencing scalp issues a few years ago, my concerns were an unfortunate combination of both oiliness and dry flakes (even when using the best shampoos and conditioners for oily hair), which meant it wasn’t super easy to figure out either what was causing them, or what to do to fix it. Fortunately, I was recommended Davines’ Solu Sea Salt Scrub (£32) by a friend, and within a few weeks of use, both the excess oil and dry flakes had cleared up. My scalp was left feeling fresh, soothed and my roots noticeably more buoyant. Since then, I’ve always kept a tub of Solu on my shelf should any scalp care emergencies arise—if I’ve accumulated a buildup of product residue or overdone it with a hair oil, it’s the perfect solution to hit ‘reset’ on my scalp.

Refreshing shampoos, nourishing conditioners, and smoothing hair oils are probably already staples in your haircare routine. But if your hair still doesn’t look and feel its best, then it could be time to turn attention to your scalp—which is so often (quite literally) the root of our hair concerns and issues. And fortunately, there's now an entire (and growing) category of products specifically for scalp health, from clarifying shampoos to soothing serums.

"We've seen for the past five years now customers starting to understand that the scalp is an extension of the skin on the face," says Sophie Wayman, head of Seasonal Category at SpaceNK. "Scalp is in triple-digit growth, and brands are introducing new products which speak to integrating scalp into their routine and hair journey."

If you, too, are looking to tweak your haircare routine to focus on scalp health, scroll down to shop my edit of the best scalp scrubs, tried and tested.

The Best Scalp Scrubs

• Best Overall: Davines Solu Sea Salt Scrub Cleanser, £32
• Best for Dry Scalps: Sachajuan Scalp Scrub, £46
• Best Multitasker: Ouai Scalp & Body Scrub, £36
• Best for Build-Up Removal: Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub, £43
• Best Luxury Scalp Scrub: Susanne Kaufmann Refining Scalp & Body Scrub, £75

1. Davines Solu Sea Salt Scrub Cleanser

2. Sachajuan Scalp Scrub

3. OUAI Scalp & Body Scrub

4. Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub

5. Susanne Kaufmann Refining Scalp & Body Scrub

6. Arkive The Crown Scalp Scrub

7. Oribe Serene Scalp Exfoliating Scrub

8. Ceremonia Papaya Scalp Scrub

9. Umberto Giannini Scalp Scrub

10. Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Tea Tree Cooling Hydration Scalp Mask

11. Bumble and bumble BB Seaweed Whipped Scalp Scrub

12. Fable & Mane SahaScalp Wild Ginger Purifying Scrub

How to Use A Scalp Scrub

Start by applying the scrub to wet or damp hair before shampooing—I find it's best to section my hair to expose the scalp and get even coverage. Scoop a small amount of product into your fingertips and gently massage it into your scalp using circular motions, focusing on areas that tend to get oily or flaky.

Avoid using your nails or applying too much pressure, as this can irritate the skin. Most scrubs will begin to lather slightly as you massage, helping to lift impurities and stimulate circulation—but if they don't, it can help to add some water.

Rinse thoroughly with warm water, ensuring all granules are removed, then follow with a nourishing shampoo and conditioner or hair mask to rebalance moisture levels. For best results, use a scalp scrub once a week if you have normal to oily hair, or every two weeks if your scalp is more on the dry or sensitive side.

How We Tested

To test each scalp scrub, we used it over several weeks on different hair and scalp types, including oily, dry and sensitive. Each product was applied according to its instructions, assessing texture, ease of application, exfoliation level, scent, and rinseability. We also noted how the scalp and hair felt immediately after use and in the days following—looking for signs of irritation, residue, and improved health..

Why Trust us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years—spanning skincare, makeup, hair and nails—and work closely with trusted experts including dermatologists, makeup artists and leading industry insiders to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.