The Best Scalp Masks and Scrubs We Tested for Healthier Hair and Skin

According to CRLAB, the mask is meant to be used pre-shampoo on dry hair. The package says to apply it using circular motions, leaving it on for 15 minutes, but our tester preferred to leave it on for 25 to 30 minutes. She mentioned the product has a ”thick, gritty texture.” Post application, she said her scalp felt refreshed, and her hair felt softer.

Folks who prefer more natural haircare products will appreciate that this mud mask is paraben- and SLES (sodium laureth sulfate)-free. This formula includes ingredients such as almond and olive oil, castor oil, and hops. Our tester didn’t love the scent, saying that she didn’t find it particularly pleasant, but it wasn’t overpowering.

It is a splurge, but with a host of high-quality ingredients carefully crafted in Italy, it could be a worthwhile splurge if you have an oily scalp that needs a little extra TLC.

If you struggle with frizz, this Kristen Ess Hair Weightless Hydration Scalp + Hair Mask will be your new secret weapon. It’s designed to smooth the hair cuticles and minimize environmental stressors that can affect your scalp.

Neela-Stock loved this mask for its affordable price and how it made her scalp and hair look and feel. “Normally, I don’t use hair masks, but I really liked this one because it’s easy to use smells really good, and leaves my hair smooth,” she said.

She did say that you have to use a lot of product to cover your entire head, especially if you have longer hair. It’s designed to be used post-shampoo; you thoroughly rinse the shampoo out beforehand and then apply the mask from root to tip, as it’s meant to be used on the entire head (not just the scalp). You don’t have to leave it on for long; five to ten minutes does the job. It’s also gentle enough to use daily if you’re someone who washes your hair every day, and smells like a beach vacation.

Itchy scalp got you down? Consider checking out the Philip Kingsley Flaky Scalp Calming Mask, which is specifically designed to soothe irritation, itchiness, and eradicate dandruff. Our tester, Nicole LaMarco, suffers from a chronically itchy scalp and noticed that her symptoms were much less prevalent after using this mask for a few weeks. Interestingly enough, this is not a rinse-out mask; once applied after shampoo and conditioner, you leave it in until the next time you wash your hair.

“After applying, my scalp felt soothed,” she raved. “I typically have an itchy scalp, and this calmed that down completely.” It has a slightly runny texture, which makes it easy to spread on the scalp. LaMarco noted that the nozzle also helps with a more targeted application, too (although you could just squeeze it into your hands first to precisely control the amount used).

For those who are particularly sensitive to scents from products (think eczema), you’ll be pleased to note that this hair mask is unscented.

If itchiness, tightness, or irritation is your issue, but you also have a sensitive scalp, a scrub like this one from Fable & Mane may provide some relief. Editorial director Simone Scully tested this and found herself unexpectedly impressed. Scully, who described her scalp as dry and sensitive, called it her “new go-to,” saying it noticeably reduced itching and discomfort after just a couple of uses. “I've tried a lot of scalp scrubs and other products, but rarely do they actually make my scalp feel better,” she said.

The scrub’s texture is similar to a coarse sugar paste, making it grainy and a little messy to apply. However, it rinses out easily and doesn’t leave a residue behind. It’s designed to gently exfoliate your scalp while it cleanses, and uses ingredients like ginger and neem to help remove buildup and calm irritation. The scrub left Scully’s scalp feeling refreshed and soothed without being too drying. “It doesn’t look like something you’ll love as much as you will,” she said. “But it’s truly incredible.”

So, what’s a hair enthusiast to do? Find a scalp mask, such as this one from Jupiter, to remove buildup without stripping moisture.

Tuttle reported her scalp felt less weighed down after just three weeks of consistent use, and could even go an extra day between washes.

Do you wash your hair in the morning only to find your roots are already greasy by the afternoon? If that sounds like you, this scrub from The Body Shop has proven both affordable and effective. Writer Jen Sinclair, who has an oily, sensitive scalp, found it helped her go an extra day between washes, which is something she normally struggles with.

This scrub’s gritty texture comes from a mix of walnut and coconut shells. Sinclair did find it a bit runny, and applying it was a bit of a messy process. However, she was pleasantly surprised by how cleanly it rinsed out. “I thought the gritty feeling would linger,” she said, “but it didn’t. My scalp felt clean and fresh afterward.” She also enjoyed the fresh ginger scent, which she described as pleasant but not overpowering. Her main frustration was with the lack of clear directions: they were unnecessarily vague as to whether she should apply it to wet or dry hair.

If your scalp tends to feel itchy, tight, or just generally irritated, a cooling treatment can feel especially soothing. That’s where the Purist Pure Scalp Mask really shines. Its formula is designed to calm finicky scalps and reduce irritation, making it a great option for folks dealing on dandruff-y/flakey scalps rather than just buildup or excess oil.

Ashley Brafman, MPH, RD, used it once a week on a dry scalp (as recommended by the brand) prior to shampooing. She noted that the application isn’t messy or wasteful like some of the other masks we tested, since you just squeeze it on from the applicator. You’re supposed to leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes.

“I really enjoyed the cooling sensation, and my scalp is less irritated and itchy,” Brafman said. She also noticed an improvement in her dandruff after using it for multiple weeks, but said it did not completely go away.

As a bottle blonde, I’m constantly monitoring if the products I’m putting on my hair and scalp are safe for a chemically-treated mane. Luckily for me, the Aesop Rose Hair and Scalp mask is one. As an aside, it’s safe to use on all chemically treated hair, even if you’ve had a keratin treatment or a perm.

Health writer Raki Swanson, couldn’t speak to this product’s microbiome-repairing properties, but was impressed by how it made her hair feel: “so entirely soft and amazing” after use, and she was left with noticeably less frizz, as well. The bottle is relatively small for the price, and she only got about three uses out of it. She also indicated that the instructions weren’t very clear on how much product to use or how often to apply it, which made it harder to determine whether or not she was getting the full benefit. But if your goal is to remove buildup without exacerbating frizz, this mask may be worth trying.