What is a scalp cleanse, scrub and detox & do you need them?

Does your scalp need a cleanse, scrub or a detox? We look at the differences…

The world of haircare is extensive (to say the least). No longer is it just about shampooing and conditioning your strands – now there’s a whole host of different treatments and products you can use, both in salon and at home, to keep your hair in the best, healthiest condition it possibly can be. But you might be surprised to learn that one of the most important things you can do to maintain hair health is to look after your scalp – after all, those new strands can’t grow well if the place they grow from isn’t thriving itself.

That’s also why you may have noticed more and more products designed to improve scalp health hitting the haircare market over the last few years. Haircare science is teaching us just how important scalp health is, and it pays to remember that your scalp is just an extension of the skin on your face.

So, by incorporating all the habits you partake in to care for your face – from detox products and scrubs to deep cleanses – you’ll keep your scalp in tip-top condition. However, those three terms often get used interchangeably when, actually, they have three very different purposes and benefits. Each should be incorporated into your routine at different times, depending on the condition and needs of your hair.

So what exactly are cleanses, scrubs and detoxes for your scalp? And what is the difference between them? We’ve cleared it up once and for all, plus included some top tips and product recommendations for your healthiest scalp yet.

What is a scalp scrub?

The clue’s in the name here, and just like a scrub for your face, a scalp scrub will work to detoxify, purify and rebalance both your hair and scalp by sloughing away dead skin cells and removing impurities or any product and oil build-up. This build-up is especially troublesome because it gets caught up and gathers at the root of your hair, exactly where it’s trying to grow from. Suitable for all hair types, a good scrub will also allow the scalp’s natural oils to do the work they do best – which is preventing it from getting dry and flaky. Nexxus’s Clean & Pure Invigorating Detox Scalp Scrub does all of the above, and more. It’s formulated with Nexxus’s exclusive PROTEINFUSION blend that uses elastin protein and marine minerals alongside other ingredients to nourish the scalp. Best used either before or in place of shampoo, massage it directly into the scalp until the exfoliating beads have dissolved, then rinse out and follow with conditioner. It can be used around once a week, or more often if necessary.

What is a scalp detox?

A scalp detox is essentially a fancy way of saying that you use a detox shampoo and conditioner – which are also often known as clarifying or purifying products. While everybody can use them, it's people with oily hair or those who use a lot of styling products who will benefit the most from incorporating them regularly. Nexxus’s Clean & Pure Nourishing Detox Shampoo is best paired with the brand’s Clean & Pure Nourishing Detox Conditioner, and together they will gently cleanse, nourish and smooth the hair while reviving it to uncover its natural shine. Super lightweight and, like the scalp scrub, each product is free of sulfates, silicones, dyes and parabens, and instead are infused with the PROTEINFUSION blend with elastin protein and marine minerals. This is best used a couple of times a week in place of your regular shampoo and conditioner. It’s important to note they shouldn’t replace your usual products entirely, instead you’ll see the most benefit when you incorporate them as soon as your hair starts to look dull or gets greasy really easily.

What is a scalp cleanse?

Kind of like hitting a restart button, a good scalp cleanse will reset and balance your scalp, ridding it of impurities, product build-up, dirt and dead skin cells that can all contribute to dull, greasy hair that’s lost its shine and life. A scalp cleanse incorporates both a scalp scrub, a detox shampoo and conditioner, and you can use a scalp massager too, to really help stimulate the blood flow and revitalize hair follicles. It’s not something you need to do often if you do it properly – once every eight weeks or so should be enough, or whenever you feel like your hair isn’t behaving, isn’t as manageable and doesn’t look quite so good as it usually does.