Can I Use Scalp Scrub on 4C African American Hair | Important Tips and Tricks

March 21, 2024

Can I Use Scalp Scrub on 4C African American Hair? Well read on to find out more about scalp care if you have curly, African American hair.

Just how we exfoliate the other parts of our bodies, scalp scrubs are used to exfoliate the scalp to be able to create a clean and healthy space for the hair to grow in. This can be difficult for 4c hair which is tighly packed in coils.

In this article, I’ve written about what scalp scrubs are, what to look for in a scalp scrub for 4C hair, how to make a scalp scrub at home, how to use them on your hair and of course, I’ve also mentioned the scalp scrubs that I like best.

Can I Use Scalp Scrub on 4C African American Hair

Yes, you can use a scalp scrub on 4C African American hair, but it’s important to choose a gentle formula and use it sparingly to avoid disrupting the natural curl pattern and causing breakage. Scalp scrubs can help remove product buildup and promote healthy hair growth by exfoliating dead skin cells. When applying, massage the scrub gently onto the scalp in a circular motion and follow with a hydrating conditioner to keep your 4C curls moisturized and healthy.

What Is a Scalp Scrub and What Does It Do

Scalp scrubs are exactly what their name suggests them to be! Yes, they are scrubs used specifically to exfoliate your scalp. They help get rid of dead skin cells, reduce product buildup and get rid of dirt and grime.

The pores on our scalp secrete a substance called sebum (also known as the body’s natural oil), that helps keep our scalp and hair healthy.

But over time, this oil gets combined with the products we use, dead skin cells and dirt, thus resulting in scalp buildup.

When there is scalp buildup, it clogs the pores on the scalp and this can lead to poor hair growth and hair conditions like dandruff, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis etc.

Now, I’m sure many of you may be wondering – isn’t the shampoo we use supposed to cleanse the scalp of all the dirt and buildup?

Well, it is, but a regular cleansing shampoo will not be able to get rid of excessive buildup that collects over time and thus you need a more powerful exfoliant and that’s where scalp scrubs come into play!

Using a scalp scrub can help exfoliate the scalp and get rid of this buildup to a great extent.

Should I Use Scalp Scrub on 4C Natural Hair

The best part about using a scalp scrub is that it can be used on any hair type! Yes, whether you have straight, wavy or curly hair, the scalp scrub will still give you the best results.

So, if you are someone with natural 4C hair, go ahead and try out using a scalp scrub and I’m sure your scalp will be thankful!

What to Look For In a Scalp Scrub For 4C Hair

There are three key aspects to consider when you are choosing a scalp scrub for yourself.

Here they are:

1. The ingredients

Whenever you are buying a scalp scrub, I’d recommend that you look out for a few essential ingredients. While you may not find all these ingredients in one scalp scrub, you can look out for one that has most of them.

Here are some of the essential ingredients to look for:

Salt –In the form of mineral salts like Himalayan salt, sea salt etc.

Sugar – In the form of cane sugar or Turbinado sugar etc.

Exfoliants – Both physical and chemical exfoliants like granules (physical exfoliants), alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like lactic acid, mandelic acid, glycolic acid and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid etc.

Charcoal – To help get rid of impurities and acts as a detoxifier.

Bentonite Clay – To help moisturize the scalp and get rid of dead skin cells and impurities.

Vitamins – For scalp and hair follicle nourishment.

2. The granule size

When your scrub contains granules or microbeads, look out for scrubs with smaller granules or finer granules as they are not just the best for scalps that are sensitive, but they will also not cause damage to your hair follicles and scalp skin.

3. Your target problem

Each scalp is different and each person may have a different target problem, thus choose a scalp scrub based on your target problem like –

For oily scalps: Choose a scalp scrub that contains beta hydroxy acids that can reduce excessive oil buildup.

For sensitive scalps: Use scalp scrubs that contain salicylic acid.

For irritated scalps: Choose scalp scrubs with charcoal or bentonite clay to get rid of flakes and buildup.

For normal scalps: Use scalp scrubs with salt, sugar or granules for physical exfoliation.

For dry scalps: Use scalp scrubs that contain vitamins or bentonite clay to moisturize and nourish the scalp.

Recipe for a DIY Scalp Scrub for Natural Hair

For those of you who believe in natural remedies and love experimenting with making your hair products at home, then go ahead and try out this super simple recipe to make a scalp scrub at home.

You will need:

½ tbsp coconut oil

½ tbsp apple cider vinegar

½ tsp honey

¼ cup sea salt or Himalayan salt

How to make it:

Into a bowl, add in the coconut oil, apple cider vinegar and honey and mix it well. Then, combine this mixture with the salt, give it a mix and it is ready to use.

Note: For the steps on how to use a scalp scrub on your scalp, check it out in the next section.

How Do You Use Scalp Scrub on 4C Hair?

Step 1: Wet your hair

Before you decide to use any type of scalp scrub on your scalp, it is very essential to do it when your scalp is wet and never on dry scalp.

This is because scalp scrubs contain granules, sugar or salt that contain particles that can be harsh when used on dry scalp and can cause abrasions on the skin or even damage the hair follicles.

Therefore, make sure to wet your hair and scalp very well before starting the process.

Step 2: Apply the scalp scrub and massage it in

Then, once your hair and scalp is sufficiently wet, you can gently use a rattail comb to partition your hair so that the scalp is visible.

Next, you can take a little of the scrub in your fingers and apply it on your scalp evenly. Thereafter, using your fingertips, gently begin to massage it in, exerting little pressure (but not too much).

Make sure to use circular motions during the massage, so that it enhances blood circulation in the scalp that can thereby revive dormant hair follicles as well.

So, you can do this by making multiple partitions on your scalp, until you’ve exfoliated your entire scalp.

Step 3: Rinsing it out

Once you’ve finished with the exfoliation process, then under running water (warm water is preferable), use your fingers to rinse out all the scrub from your scalp. You will need to do this thoroughly because 4C hair is extremely curly and the scrub can end up leaving remnants on your hair and scalp as well.

You can also just run your fingers through your hair, so that the scrub rinses out properly.

Step 4: Shampoo and condition

Lastly, use your regular cleansing shampoo to wash your hair and make sure it is free from any scrub. You could also repeat the shampooing process a second time, to completely get rid of any scrub remnants. Then, to finish off as usual, you can use your regular conditioner to condition it.

Best Scalp Scrubs for 4C Hair

I’ve tried quite a few different brands of scalp scrubs ever since I started using them, in my search to find the “best” one. Well, I can definitely say I’ve found my top 4 best scalp scrubs!

Top 4 scalp scrubs for 4C hair:

1. Perfect Shine Clarifying Scalp Scrub

Price: $19.00

Ingredients: Argan oil, hyaluronic acid, sugar

This is an excellent product and it really rescued my scalp and hair! My scalp felt so much fresher and lighter once I used this scrub on my hair. It also helped reduce my scalp itchiness.

2. Nexxus Clean and Pure Scalp Scrub

Price: $15.99

Ingredients: Elastin protein, marine minerals

Very effective scalp scrub and it really helped clean my scalp well. What I noticed is that it rejuvenated my hair and made it look more voluminous as well.

3. Pure Soak Bath Scalp Scrub

Price: $15.77

Ingredients: Sweet almond oil, coconut oil, sugar

I really loved this scalp scrub not only because of how well it worked to rid my scalp of dirt and buildup, but also because it smelled amazing.

4. Ynlalo Scalp Scrub

Price: $14.99

Ingredients: Sea salt, ginger, jojoba beads

I used this scrub when I had dandruff and it really helped me get rid of the excessive dandruff flakes to a great extent.

Why You Should Trust Haireveryday?

The author of this article, Leah Marie Priest has a degree in Cosmetology with years of experience in dealing with hair care, scalp care, and hairstyling. As someone who extensively deals with all kinds of hair textures, products, styling methods and more, hair Leah Marie knows what kind of products and procedures suit each hair type and person. We have also tested these hair products and processes ourselves to provide you an unbiased review about every product. Each of our articles are also reviewed by a team of medical professionals so that you get the most accurate and expert-reviewed information.

The Final Takeaway

Choosing to use a scalp scrub on your 4C hair and deciding to incorporate it as a part of your regular hair care routine can be one of the best things you can do for your hair!

Scalp scrubs are super good exfoliants for the scalp and can help get rid of dirt, grime, dead skin cells and product buildup in a gentle, yet effective way.

You can use a scalp scrub on your scalp once every week and you will soon notice what a big difference it has made to the health of your hair and scalp as well.

So, go ahead and get yourself a scalp scrub today or maybe even make your own one at home!