“I hated scalp scrubs – until I found this one that gets rid of dandruff and boosts volume”

As someone who only washes their hair to make the ends look hydrated, I’ve never understood the purpose of a scalp scrub – oily roots have never been on my list of beauty bugbears. Yes, they can provide a thorough cleanse, but as I don’t heat style my hair, I tend not to use the volumising mists, hairsprays or dry shampoos that contribute to build-up.

However, after experiencing a very attractive bout of dandruff, I decided it was time to add one into my haircare routine. I quickly learned that not every scalp scrub is created equally. There were the ones that left my hair more greasy after I used it than before, the ones that had me feeling like I had grit in my hair that I couldn’t quite remove, and the ones so harsh my scalp burned afterwards.

It wasn’t until I tried the cult classic – the one that every beauty editor raved to me about – that I understood what all the scalp scrub hype was about. Not only did my scalp feel nourished yet squeaky clean at the same time, but it also gave me more volume than I’d ever had without using a hairdryer. I’m of course talking about the Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt. 

It’s a simple yet effective formula. The grainy texture of the sea salt helps remove any debris and grime, without being abrasive, but it still manages to boost circulation. A natural moisturising agent is also in the mix to help restore nutrients to the hair and prevent any itchiness.

Unlike other scrubs I’ve tried, Christophe Robin’s doesn’t have me endlessly trying to rinse it out for ages under my shower head; within a few seconds, any grittiness from the salt has dissolved, leaving my scalp feeling revitalised. I follow up with my shampoo and conditioner as normal. However, you can use this as a substitute for shampoo. I tend to use it once a week or whenever my scalp is feeling particularly greasy after a workout or in the summer when the heat gets the better of me.

I let my hair air-dry or use my trusted heartless curl method, and I always notice a difference in how much volume is added to my roots after using this scrub. Even better, it keeps my scalp cleaner for longer, helping to space out my wash days if I’m tight on time.

I’ve been through many tubs of this over the last few years since I first discovered it and always tried newer products in between, but they never live up to the results the Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt provides. Learn from my mistakes: save some time and just buy this one – you won’t be disappointed. 

Images: Charlotte Bitmead; courtesy of brand