Products known as “scalp scalers,” which manage dead skin cells, sebum and residue on the scalp in addition to regular shampooing, have established themselves as a distinct product category in South Korea’s hair-care market. They come in various forms, from scrubs that use salt particles to water-type products applied like water.
Domestic brands including AROMATICA, LABO-H, Dr.FORHAIR, Jaysoop and Dr. Groot currently sell scalp scalers or scalp exfoliators.
However, not all products called “scalers” have the same format. Each brand offers various product types, including scrub and liquid formulas.
When choosing a scalp scaler, consumers should first check the usage instructions provided by the brand rather than looking only at the product name. Key points include whether it contains scrub particles, whether it is used before shampooing and whether it can replace shampoo.
1. AROMATICA’s “Rosemary Scalp Scrub”
AROMATICA’s “Rosemary Scalp Scrub” is a scrub-type product that uses salt particles.
According to the brand’s official description, it contains Andes lake salt, rosemary and oil-soluble BHA. The brand says rosemary’s warming properties help soften old dead skin cells on the scalp so they can be removed more easily. It also states that the product contains no sulfate surfactants or silicone ingredients.
The official instructions also specify how to use it. Wet the scalp and hair with lukewarm water, apply the product across the entire scalp, massage it in and rinse. It can be used instead of shampoo or before shampooing.
AROMATICA recommends using the Rosemary Scalp Scrub once a day. However, it also advises users to adjust the amount and frequency according to their scalp type, so it should be used appropriately based on the scalp’s usual condition.
2. LABO-H’s “Scalp Strengthening Clinic Scaler”
LABO-H’s Scalp Strengthening Clinic Scaler (relief of hair-loss symptoms) is a hair scaler that can be used on all hair and scalp types, including oily and dry scalps. LABO-H specifies that it should be used before shampooing to remove dead skin cells and absorb sebum.
According to the official description, two types of salt particles in different sizes, along with AHA, PHA and LHA, help remove old and fine dead skin cells. The product also contains panthenol capsules and niacinamide. LABO-H describes it as a gentle formula free of animal-derived ingredients, mineral oil and silicone oil, and says it can be used daily.
In addition to this scalp scaler, LABO-H also sells the Scalp Strengthening Clinic Cooling & No-Sebum Water Scaler. The brand says the product can be used on all hair types and helps reduce heat sensation on the scalp. To use it, wet the scalp and hair with lukewarm water, apply the water scaler evenly between the sections of the scalp, massage the scalp, wash it and rinse.
3. Dr. Groot’s “Clinical Relief Water Scaler”
Dr. Groot’s “Clinical Relief Water Scaler” differs from the previously discussed sea-salt scrub-type product in that it is a water scaler, as its name suggests.
According to Dr. Groot, the product contains scalp-moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid and inulin; conditioning ingredients including madecassoside and PDRN; and AHA, PHA and LHA for managing dead skin cells.
The brand recommends using the Clinical Relief Water Scaler once or twice a week before shampooing or instead of shampoo. Its application method is the same as that of the scalp scalers discussed above.
A look at scalp scalers currently available on the market shows that their purpose—“scalp scaling,” including sebum and dead-skin-cell management—is similar, but their formats vary somewhat.
Some products use salt particles, such as AROMATICA’s “Rosemary Scalp Scrub” and LABO-H’s “Scalp Strengthening Clinic Scaler (relief of hair-loss symptoms).” Others are water-type scalers, including LABO-H’s “Scalp Strengthening Clinic Cooling & No-Sebum Water Scaler” and Dr. Groot’s “Clinical Relief Water Scaler.”
Official recommendations for usage frequency also vary by product. Therefore, before purchasing a scalp scaler, it is advisable to assess factors such as one’s scalp type in advance.
This article has been translated by GripLabs Mingo AI.
