January is one of those months that just begs for a detox. While most of us think of a detox as a great way to reset our bodies and maybe even lose a couple pounds (and it totally is!), your insides aren’t the only thing in need of a cleanse this winter. Your scalp is practically begging for a little TLC as well.
Much like the pores on your skin, hair follicles can become clogged with oil, dirt and product build-up, leaving you with lackluster strands and flat, limp hair. But this apple cider vinegar scalp scrub helps detox the scalp and get rid of impurities known to cause dandruff, hair fall, and oily locks.
How To Make Your Own Scalp Scrub
If you use commercial hair products, chances are your shampoo is loaded with parabens, sulfates and other chemicals that may linger in your scalp and build up over time. I’m a total sucker for the shampoo and conditioner my hairdresser sells (ohh, that shine) but after a while it feels like my fave products are just not cutting it.
My hair looks limp and lifeless and I notice a little more grease than usual. That’s when I know it’s time for a detox.
This apple cider vinegar scalp scrub naturally sloughs off product build-up and removes dead skin cells that might be weighing your hair down. Scalp scrubs are easy to make, and by getting rid of the impurities that can plug hair follicles, you can help promote blood circulation, encourage hair growth and get rid of stubborn harmful bacteria.
So if you’re ready to refresh your locks and show your scalp some TLC, here’s how to make your own ACV scrub. Follow up with a scalp massage if you can!
To use, I like to hop in the shower and apply a small handful of scrub to wet hair. Then I ever-so-gently work the mixture into my scalp. Don’t expect your scrub to foam up like shampoo. The coconut oil will melt some, making your scrub a little less solid, but since there’s no soap it won’t get foamy. Let the scrub sit for several minutes, then shampoo and condition like normal.
Apple Cider Vinegar Scalp Scrub
Equipment
- Coffee grinder
- Small bowl
- Jar with lid
Materials
- ¼ cup Himalayan pink salt ground
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil melted
- 1 teaspoon Manuka honey
- 15 drops essential oil of your choosing I love grapefruit essential oil
Instructions
- If you can only find coarse sea salt, grind about 1/2 cup salt in a clean coffee grinder until you have a semi-fine texture (a few coarse pieces are okay).
- Combine everything in a small bowl and stir. Transfer to an airtight container.
- To use, wet your hair and gently scrub a tablespoon sized amount into your scalp using your fingertips (don’t expect the scrub to foam like soap). Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
This post was medically reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Haley, a board-certified dermatologist with extensive experience in medical, cosmetic and surgical dermatology. Learn more about Hello Glow’s medical review board here. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
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Thanks for this information but my question is how to treat Scalp Calcification?
Manuka honey is so expensive! Can it be substituted with similar results with other honey?
You might not get all of the benefits, but you can definitely use a cheaper honey.
For those who had a tingling, red or reactive scalp I would be interested to know what essential oil you used in your mix…. some people react to certain essential oils, including tea tree. Add to this the increase in sensitivity from scrubbing.
Love this one :* keep going !
I am tried on my birthday and after using this I feel very good
It was significant and measurable. Loved your content keep sharing this.
Did you follow up with your normal shampoo and conditioner? Also, just a tip but apply conditioner only on the ends if oily flat hair is an issue.
I came across your site looking for a way to combat my dry flakey scalp, but oily hair. I mixed this up exactly as written and applied…it burned my scalp so bad! I couldn’t leave it on very long it was burning so badly, so I quickly washed it out and now my scalp in my hairline near my forehead is beet red and looks a bit burnt. Is there something Im missing?? I used the finely ground Himalayan salt. Thanks in advance! It looked like a great recipe, I really wanted it to work.
Is it safe for color treated and highlighted hair?
It really depends on your hair and if you used semi permanent or permanent color. Salt and vinegar both tend to strip or change hair color, especially semi permanent.
My sister loves that kind of homemade recipe to get her hair through. According to her this type of recipe is healthier for the hair and moisturizes less aggressively. I love the post.
Looks amazing! Cannot want to try! What is the shelf life in this scrub?
Can u use extra virdpgin olive oil also what + do u recommend
Yes. I use a little olive oil, some of my conditioner and coconut sugar (because I bought it in bulk) and peppermint oilto make my scrub and it does a great job.
Does this detox your scalp like does it get you ready for a hair follicle test ?
Yes you can use extra virgin olive oil. Don’t think the type of oil you use is an issue.
I made this today…..I added a little baking soda and used rosemary essential oil….. It’s pretty warm right now so the coconut oil was liquid and it worked even better! Let it sit while I shaved and showered, then rinsed and shampooed..+?? Omg, my hair is soooooo soft and shiny, scalp b feels awesome. I love this much better then just using baking soda and ACV. ❣
Tried it and my scalp feels amazing! I don’t remember it feeling so clean!
Can I use table salt if I’m out of pink salt ?
I made this the other day and used it this morning. Cannot believe the difference in my hair. It’s shiny and soft and my highlights stick out like crazy. I must of have had a ton of build up in my hair that I didn’t even know about. The salts detoxes and the honey hydrates, perfect match. The ACV brings out a shine I haven’t seen in a while. Thank you. Happy New Year!
Just tried this today and found it to be totally lovely! I find that keeping it in the fridge allows it to be a little more solid and easier to scoop out for use. Try it with lavender essential oil!
Can I use sugar as a substitute for salt? Salt is incredibly drying if you already have a dry scalp.
Salt is very drying for the hair.
That’s. Why there’s coconut oil and honey…… Prevents drying. This works awesome.
Give it a try with coconut sugar more raw sugar instead, you will like the results.
I did this and found it SO hard to get out of my hair. How do you rinse?
you shampoo and condition your hair as normal after rinsing the scrub out
This looks like something I’d really like to try out! However, I’m vegan and don’t use honey. Is there anything you would suggest to replace the honey that still has similar benefits? Thank you in advance!
I saw a recipe that used aloe vera instead of honey!
That happens sometimes when it is in desperate need of detox. Depends on type of essential oil (brand is very important too.) Google Herxheimer reaction. My scalp did this once and I’ve done several since with no reddness or burning sensation