Scalp Scrub vs. Shampoo: The Difference Between Scrub and Suds

Over the years, there have been numerous additions to the roster of hair care products. For example, we all know the basics, right? We all know what shampoo is and it’s a product that is in our regular washing routine. It can never be left out. However, what exactly is the difference between a shampoo and a scalp scrub?

We’re here to tell you all you need to know about what roles these two products play in your hair care routine. While they may seem similar, they are very different products with different benefits and purposes. Knowing how to use them properly is a powerful tool in your arsenal when it comes to leveling up your hair care.

Different Duties

Scalp cleanup is the target for both of these products. That’s why people may interchange them or be confused on how exactly they differentiate. While this is the core of it all, scalp scrubs and shampoos clean the scalp in different ways.

Scalp Scrubs

A scalp scrub is your exfoliating friend. This helps eliminate dead skin cells, product buildup, and promote healthy oxygen circulation in the scalp which helps with healthy hair growth. Much like the rest of the skin on your body, the scalp also needs to be exfoliated regularly to keep it healthy. However, unlike the rest of the body, scalp exfoliation is often neglected. Scalp scrubs are an incredibly important part of hair care to give your locks a good environment to grow in.

Shampoos

We all know about shampoos. This is a staple that will never leave your hair care routine and one of the first products you’ll use even as an infant. Shampoos are in every basic hygiene kit because it is what removes dirt, oil, product buildup, and impurities in your scalp and roots. There’s really no other feeling like freshly shampooed hair.

Benefits & Drawbacks:

Scalp Scrubs

Pros

• Exfoliates dead skin and gets rid of any flakes or dandruff.
• Excellent for stimulating hair growth by promoting circulation in the scalp.
• Deeply detoxifies scalp by getting rid of stubborn impurities that may be clinging onto the skin or hair.
• Unclogs pores on the scalp that may be slowing down hair growth or causing bumps and itchiness.

Cons

• Can be harsh on sensitive scalps.
• Overexfoliation is a possibility and product cannot be used too often as it may lead to some drynes or irritation.

Shampoos

Pros

• Cleases both the hair and scalp and leaves you feeling squeaky clean and fresh.
• Can be used often (multiple times during the week) with no side effects or irritation.
• Effective at eliminating excess sebum without drying out the scalp and hair.
• Easily accessible and has many types of formulation suitable for every hair type as well as addressing certain concerns.

Cons

• Removes surface buildup but does not go deep into the pores as well as remove buildup that may be clinging onto the skin.
• Does not exfoliate dead skin cells.
• Versions with sulfates or harsh detergents may strip the scalp and hair of essential natural oils.

Which One Do You Need?

The answer is both at different times! While a scalp scrub and a shampoo both have scalp cleaning properties as their main purpose, they give you different results and both are essential to a good hair care routine to maintain your best hair. To give you a bit more of an idea of how to use and incorporate both into your hair care routine, here’s a little guide for you:

Scalp Scrub

A scalp scrub should only be used once a week or so. Exfoliation should not be done so often. So, a scalp scrub is definitely not the equivalent of a good cleansing shampoo. Instead, scalp scrubs should be used when there is a heavy buildup of dead skin, product, impurities and dandruff. A scalp scrub is also incredibly beneficial for hair growth, so if that’s something that you’re after, a scalp scrub every week or so is definitely going to be best for your hair. Just take care to not use it too often or watch out for any irritation that may happen if the scalp is scrubbed to vigorously

Shampoo

Shampoo is the “daily” essential. While it’s generally not recommended to shampoo the hair every day, a shampoo is what you will be using on a fairly regular basis (multiple times a week). This will be what regularly cleanses the hair without exfoliating the skin. This will break down the oil, dirt, and leave the hair and scalp feeling fresh and clean. A staple that will never go out of style.

• Shampoo: Daily hair washing is generally safe, but choose a gentle formula for dry or damaged hair. If you have oily hair, look for clarifying shampoos that remove excess sebum.

The Dream Team

Looking for the best combo on your spa night? Do an intense clean with both a clarifying shampoo and a scalp scrub. On regular days, a clarifying shampoo should not be used. Instead, a regular, sulfate-free shampoo will suffice. However, there is no avoiding eventual buildup of stubborn impurities even if you do shampoo regularly. This is where a clarifying shampoo and scalp scrub come in.

For additional information, please explore the following related topics:

1. Using A Scalp Scrub As Your Hair Care Game Changer
2. Scalp Exfoliation: Importance and Safe Methods
3. What is a Sea Salt Scrub for the Scalp and How Does it Work?
4. Go Green for Gorgeous: Natural Ingredients for Homemade Scalp Scrubs

To cleanse the hair thoroughly and give it a fresh start, a clarifying shampoo will break down all the stubborn impurities that won’t come out with a regular shampoo. While the scalp scrub will exfoliate the buildup of dead skin and dandruff.

Again, this routine is not for frequent use. This is for when the buildup is too much (trust me, you’ll be able to tell!). That’s usually around once a week or so. But, of course, you can adjust as needed. Some people may need to do it more and some less.

The Perfect Combo

So, there you go! The different roles of scalp scrubs and shampoos in your hair care routine. It’s important to know what each step does and how to use a product properly to be able to optimize your hair care. Now that you know what these two incredible products do for your hair, make sure to incorporate them into your routine for the best possible results for your hair and scalp.