3 DIY Scrub Recipes to Grow Thicker Hair

Thin, flat locks? Your scalp may need some TLC — and a scrub can help. “Scrubs whisk away hair-thinning residue from the scalp while promoting growth-enhancing circulation,” says Connecticut-based dermatologist Deanne Robinson, MD. Simply ID your hair woe to find the scrub for your scalp and to grow thicker hair!

Excessive shedding? Opt for a coffee scrub.

Hormone fluctuations can trigger scalp inflammation, which weakens follicles and causes hair to fall out fast. The fix? Coffee! The grounds exfoliate, anti-inflammatory compounds soothe skin and polyphenols fortify strands at the roots to prevent future shedding. Bonus? Coffee’s caffeine is proven to suppress dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to hair loss.

To do: Mix ½ cup of ground coffee and ⅓ cup of olive oil (it plumps hair), then rub onto wet scalp for 5 minutes; rinse. Use twice a week for results in 30 days.

Limp roots? Choose a sea salt scrub.

An overproduction and accumulation of oil on the scalp can lead to the weighed-down look. To remedy it, Dr. Robinson suggests a scrub made of sea salt. “The salt’s sulfur dries up excess oil and its fine granules remove any product, oil and residue buildup.” Plus, salt’s gritty texture helps “prop” roots so hair appears fuller instantly!

To do: Mix 2 tablespoons of sea salt and ½ cup of jojoba oil (it hydrates without making hair greasy). Massage onto damp scalp for 1 minute, then rinse. Use once a week to prolong results.

Stalled growth? Try a brown sugar scrub.

Months of exposure to cold, dry air and a slowdown in skin cell turnover with age result in dead skin cells clogging and irritating follicles and halting growth. But brown sugar’s crystals slough off those cells while its glycolic acid helps scalp skin shed its dry, outer layer — both of which clear a pathway for new growth, says Dr. Robinson. To boost the benefits, pair with emu oil. Rich in anti-inflammatory omega fatty acids and oleic acid, the oil (derived from the fat of the emu bird) calms scalp irritation so follicles can grow thicker hair. In fact, one study found that it stimulated growth in 80 percent of dormant follicles!

To do: Combine ⅓ cup of brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of emu oil (Buy on Amazon, $11.95) and ½ cup of liquefied coconut oil (it moisturizes). Rub onto damp scalp for 1 minute, then rinse. Use once a week to see a difference in one month.

A version of this article originally appeared in our print magazine, First For Women.

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