If you’re anything like me, the sight of organic ingredients in your kitchen immediately triggers homemade beauty DIY ideas.
From turmeric face masks to coffee scrubs, I’ve tried so many—and now, I’m sharing one of my most effective and simple hair care favorites: a DIY scalp scrub at home that helps physically exfoliate dead skin cells, unclog hair follicles, and stimulate healthy hair from the roots.
Let’s admit it, salon treatments and commercial hair products cost a lot and usually offer only temporary results.
But this natural scalp exfoliator is working wonders for my hair routine—and what’s best? You can whip it up in minutes using kitchen ingredients.
Without further ado, let’s make this homemade sugar scrub for scalp and hair together.
Contents
The ingredients you’ll need
- Sugar – 2 to 3 tbsp
- Oatmeal – 2 to 3 tbsp (or use oatmeal powder)
- Honey – 2 tbsp
- Olive oil – 2 tbsp
- Lemon juice – 1 tbsp
- Peppermint essential oil (optional): 2 to 4 drops
Why these ingredients work…
- Sugar: A mild, natural exfoliator that removes product buildup and dead skin, and boosts blood flow to the scalp.
- Oatmeal: Soothes and softens the scalp while gently exfoliating and calming irritation.
- Honey: Naturally therapeutic, not just for skin but hair too. Antibacterial and ultra-moisturizing, honey helps balance scalp pH and feels super soothing.
- Olive oil: Rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K, it seals in moisture on the scalp, nourishes dry ends, and calms an itchy, irritated scalp.
- Lemon juice: A scalp clarifier packed with vitamin C, it helps reduce dandruff and deals with the oiliness.
- Peppermint essential oil: Adds a cooling sensation and stimulates scalp circulation to help hair growth.
How to Make this DIY Scalp Scrub at Home
- Get a bowl and add sugar, oatmeal, olive oil, and honey to it.
- Mix all the ingredients well.
- Add lemon juice and a few drops of peppermint oil (if using) into it, then mix well until you get a coarse paste.
- Your homemade scalp scrub is ready to use!
How to use this scalp treatment
Use this scrub once a week before washing your hair.
- Apply it directly to your dry or slightly damp scalp.
- Gently massage in circular motions using your fingertips for 5–10 minutes.
- Let it sit for another 10–15 minutes.
- Rinse well and follow with a mild shampoo and conditioner.
Pro tip: Use a wide-tooth comb in the shower to help remove any lingering sugar granules.
How you can customize it
- Dry scalp: Add coconut oil or aloe vera
- Extra oily scalp: Add a few drops of tea tree oil
- Fine hair: Use oatmeal powder instead of whole flakes for a lighter feel
The benefits
Recent research shows scalp exfoliation can improve hair health in many ways. This homemade hair care recipe is full of these benefits:
- Gives gentle scalp exfoliation and controls oil production
- Helps cleanse the scalp and hair roots
- Increases blood circulation
- Clears away scalp buildup
- Improves the shine of hair
- Reduces dandruff and boosts natural hair growth over time
- Rebalance pH levels and detoxify the scalp
This homemade scalp scrub is an easy remedy if you’re dealing with an oily scalp, flakiness, or simply want a hair refresh.
What to keep in mind
- I wouldn’t recommend this if you have any scalp conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or open wounds.
- You can adjust the quantity of ingredients according to your requirements.
- Don’t scrub too hard—sugar granules can irritate the scalp if overused.
- Rinse thoroughly to remove any residue from honey or oil.
- Air dry or cold blow-dry your hair instead of using heat.
- Don’t use more than once or twice a week, as it can feel too abrasive.
- Follow up with a lightweight hair serum or leave-in conditioner.
Frequently Asked Questions…
Can I store this scrub for later use?
To get the most out of this DIY, make it fresh every time. Because it’s made with natural ingredients like lemon juice and honey, it doesn’t have preservatives and may spoil if stored too long. However, if you must store it, put it in an airtight container in the fridge and use it within 3-4 days.
Will this scrub lighten my hair due to lemon?
It’s unlikely. The small amount of lemon used won’t noticeably lighten your hair, especially if you rinse it off quickly. If you have color-treated hair, you can skip it or patch test first.
How soon will I see results from using a scalp scrub?
I notice a fresher, cleaner scalp after just one use! Reduced itchiness, less buildup, and a smoother feel are usually immediate. For long-term results like improved hair growth and healthier-looking hair, give it 3–4 weeks of consistent weekly use.
Can I use it after oiling my hair?
Better to use this scrub before oiling your hair. Using it after oiling can reduce its exfoliating power since the oil acts as a barrier. Ideally, apply the scrub to a dry or slightly damp scalp to exfoliate, then shampoo and oil afterward if needed.
Salt or sugar scrub—which one is better for the scalp?
Both work well, but sugar is gentler and dissolves more easily, so it’s safer for sensitive or inflamed scalps. Salt is also detoxifying, but some find it too abrasive or drying. For regular use, I prefer sugar—especially for oily or sensitive scalp, like mine.
Over to you…
After using this sugar-based DIY scalp scrub regularly, I noticed fewer dandruff outbreaks, smoother roots, and my hair looking healthier. It’s honestly one of the best hair scrubs ever! And I’d love for you to try it too!
Let me know how your hair feels after using it in the comments below!
