The scalp scrub is the product in the routine that most people use at the wrong point. The order matters: if you use it after shampoo, you leave residue at the roots.
Short answer: Use a scalp scrub before shampooing, on damp hair. Massage it in for one minute with your fingertips, rinse it out and then wash with shampoo, which removes what the scrub has loosened. Once a week is enough; using it more often can irritate the skin.
In short
- It goes before shampoo, never after.
- Once a week, on damp hair.
- One minute of massage with your fingertips, not your nails, and rinse well.
Why before and not after
The scrub loosens the sebum, dead skin cells and product residue stuck to the roots. The shampoo that follows washes them away. If you do it the other way round, that residue and the particles from the scrub itself stay in your hair.
Step by step
- Wet your hair thoroughly.
- Spread the scrub over the scalp, section by section.
- Massage for one minute with your fingertips.
- Rinse with plenty of water.
- Wash with shampoo and finish with conditioner from mid-lengths to ends.
The full-length guide is at how to exfoliate your scalp.
Physical or chemical scrub
| Physical | Chemical | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Fine grains (sugar, salt, seeds) that lift build-up by friction | Mild acids, such as salicylic acid, that dissolve build-up |
| How it feels | A massage and an instant clean feeling | No grains; it works during the leave-on time |
| When to use it | Before shampoo | Before shampoo, for the time stated on the pack |
With both, the rule is the same: scrub first, shampoo second.
Signs you are overdoing it
- Your scalp feels tight or turns red after exfoliating.
- It itches during the day.
- There is more flaking than before.
If that happens, space it out to every ten to fifteen days and massage with less pressure.
Which Nitiel product fits
MINT DETOX is Nitiel’s scalp scrub, with rosemary and mint, which leaves a fresh feeling. Use it once a week; the 170 ml jar lasts about three months. It is ECOCERT COSMOS Natural certified and is not vegan: it contains hydrolysed keratin.
Sources and references
- Tips for healthy hair. American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Dermatologists’ guidance on how often to wash depending on the scalp and where to apply shampoo and conditioner.
- COSMOS-standard. The body behind the COSMOS standard (Natural and Organic) that ECOCERT certifies against; includes the public directory of certified products.
Frequently asked questions
Can you exfoliate your scalp if your hair is coloured?
Yes, but wait a week after colouring and do not go beyond once a week.
What if I have a sensitive scalp?
Try it on a single area first and massage with very light pressure. If there is broken skin or irritation, do not exfoliate.
How often should you exfoliate your scalp?
Once a week is enough for most people. If you use a lot of styling products, you can do it every five days; if your skin is sensitive, every ten to fifteen days.
Should you apply a scalp scrub to dry or wet hair?
Damp hair is better: the product spreads more easily and the massage is gentler. Always follow the instructions on the pack.