When it comes to simple ways to care for your hair, it's hard to beat a good scalp brush. Since clogged hair follicles can contribute to dandruff, folliculitis, and even hair loss, it makes sense that exfoliating your head with one of the best scalp brushes can improve the overall health and appearance of your hair. But besides all that, scalp brush-downs simply feel amazing — especially if you often wear your pulled back.
Whether you're shopping for a scalp brush to help eliminate sebum and product buildup, or to simply give your head a nice massage, ahead, you'll find five great options you can buy for $20 or less on Amazon.
But first, a few tips. It’s hard to go wrong when you’re using a good-quality scalp brush, just so long as you’re careful not to scrub too hard. Instead, gently massage the brush around your entire scalp, including behind your ears and at the back of your neck. If you have a scalp brush that you can take in the shower (most of the options below are water-friendly), you can also use it alongside shampoo to give your head a deeper, more thorough clean.
From simple silicone scrubbers to an innovative electric comb, scroll on to shop the best scalp massagers and brushes to try now.
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1The Overall Best Scalp Brush
Introducing the wildly popular Maxsoft scalp brush. This consistent best-seller has over 4,000 glowing reviews on Amazon; Everyone from co-washers with tired arms to people dealing with dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, and more swear by this little brush. Made of soft, gentle silicone, it can be used on wet or dry hair, in the shower or out. It also helps turn shampoo suds into a rich, luxurious lather, and can be especially beneficial if you have long, manicured nails and don't want to ruin them via shampooing.
"Cured my dry scalp!" raved one reviewer. Another wrote, "I have severe seborrheic dermatitis, and this little gadget does a great job of getting my prescription shampoo massaged all over my scalp, while also relieving some of the itching. I’m even able to use less shampoo than before. It doesn’t cause my hair to tangle up like other brushes or scrubs I’ve used, either. Great little product!"
2The Best Electric Scalp Brush
For those who prefer electric to manual massagers, this is the scalp brush for you. It has two different massaging modes — steady or pulse — and can be used on wet or dry hair, in the bath or shower, with shampoo or without. If you forget to turn it off, it even has a five minute auto-off timer, so it won't waste your batteries. "Great massager for my locs! I’m able to get a deep clean and stimulate my scalp at the same time," reported one reviewer.
Another fan of the massager wrote, "It’s very relaxing while I use it, and afterwards my whole body feels better. It’s had such a positive effect on my mood I’ve been telling everyone about it. Highly recommend."
3The Best 2-In-1 Scalp Massager & Comb
This 2-in-1 scalp massager brush is a jack of all trades. Use the brush to stimulate your scalp and alleviate tension headaches, or, remove the comb attachment and use the base as a massaging device on other parts of your body, like your neck and shoulders. Not only does it provide 7,500 vibrations per minute, but it also has an (optional) red LED light to further improve scalp/hair health. With an impressive 4.9-star average rating on Amazon, it's clear that reviewers — who point out that it's comfortable to use and particularly great for travel — are obsessed.
4A Simple Scalp Brush With An Extra-Long Handle
This ergonomic 7-inch scalp brush allows users to reach their heads easier without tiring out their arms, thanks to its long handle. The soft bristles allow for a satisfying shampooing experience without causing hair damage or breakage, but you can of course use it outside of the shower, too.
One reviewer commented, "I purchased this as I have shoulder problems and cannot raise my arm very high. This brush lets me reach all my hair when I shampoo and as an added bonus, the massage feels wonderful. Fuller Brush products have always been top quality."
5A Cult-Favorite Hair Brush That Also Feels Amazing On Scalps
The Tangle Teezer is designed as a hairbrush, but it also feels amazing on scalps. The popular product features two different bristle lengths for brushing and smoothing, and it's safe to use on wet and dry hair. Renowned for its ability to detangle even the knottiest of hair without pain, the Tangle Teezer helps leave hair soft, shiny, and smooth, sans the risk of damage.
"Do you enjoy having your head scratched? Do you not have someone in your live who will do it for you? Get the Tangle Teezer. It feels AMAZING on your scalp," suggested one enthusiastic Amazon reviewer.
