7 Important Differences Between Scalp Scaler And Shampoo | Which To Use On Your Hair And When

Leah LOVES hair. So much so, she dedicated an entire website to it! One of the founders of Hair Everyday and Chief Editor, Leah enjoys reviewing all the hair products and showcasing the best. She believes her most underrated articles are her hair care tips!

Discover the key differences between scalp scaler and shampoo to optimize your hair care routine for a healthier scalp and lustrous locks.

Welcome to HairEveryday, where we’re always on the pulse of perfecting your hair care regimen. Today, we’re diving into the nitty-gritty of scalp health, demystifying the distinctions between two key players: scalp scalers and shampoo.

While both serve to cleanse, their roles and benefits in your hair care arsenal are distinctively different. Whether you’re battling buildup or aiming for the apex of hair hygiene, understanding these products is crucial.

So, let’s lather up some knowledge and rinse away the confusion as we explore the unique purposes and advantages of scalp scalers versus shampoo on your journey to hair nirvana.

What is the difference between a scalp scaler and a shampoo for hair?

A scalp scaler is a specialized treatment designed to deeply cleanse the scalp, removing dead skin cells, sebum, and product buildup more intensively than regular shampoo. It’s typically used less frequently to help maintain a healthy scalp environment. Shampoo, on the other hand, is formulated for more frequent use to clean hair and the surface of the scalp, removing dirt and oils. While shampoo is an essential part of daily hair care routines, a scalp scaler is an occasional treatment to target scalp issues and promote overall scalp health.

Differences Between Scalp Scaler and Shampoo

A scalp scaler is basically like a shampoo (but please note that they are different from scaling shampoos) which doesn’t lather and is specifically formulated to work on your scalp.

It is meant for scalp cleansing, to dissolve buildup, dead skin cells etc. They work like scalp exfoliants.

On the other hand, a shampoo is in liquid form and targets both the hair and scalp and rakes up a lather to help get rid of dirt, grease, oil and cleanses both the hair and scalp. A shampoo works as a cleanser more than an exfoliant.

Here is a table below to give you a better idea about the differences between scalp scalers and shampoos:

Features	Scalp Scalers	Shampoos
What is it	It is an exfoliating cleanser for the scalp.	It is a cleansing agent for both the hair and scalp.
What is it used for	To help remove scalp buildup and dead skin cells.	To cleanse the hair and scalp from dirt, grime and grease.
How often can it be used	Once in 10 to 14 days	Once every 2 to 3 days
Does it lather	No, it does not.	Yes, it does.
Its main ingredients	Exfoliating agents like tea tree oil, salicylic acid, betaine, glycolic acid etc.	Cleansing agents like sulfates, surfactants, parabens etc.
What are its effects	Can help prevent scalp conditions and deep cleanses the scalp, but not the hair.	Cleanses the scalp and the hair.

Should I Use a Scalp Scaler or Shampoo?

As for which of these products is better for your hair, well, let’s just say that both these products do have their own purposes.

So, neither product is better than the other and both can be used on the hair.

While a shampoo needs to be used often, once in two to three days, in order to cleanse your hair, a scalp scaler needs to be used just two to three times a month, whenever there is buildup on the scalp or in case you have a scalp condition that has left debris.

Thus, it is an individual’s call to take as to which product you should be using and when you need to use it as well.

Can I Use a Scalp Scaler and Shampoo Together?

Yes, a scalp scaler and shampoo can be used together, but what I mean is that they have to be used in a certain order; that is – first the scalp scaler and then the shampoo to wash off the scalp scaler.

You will first need to apply the scalp scaler on your scalp (I’ve mentioned how to use a scalp scaler for any first timers, below) and follow the right method of application and usage. Leave it on for a while to take its effects.

Once you’ve finished with using the scalp scaler, you can rinse it off and then move on to shampooing your hair and scalp.

But it is essential to remember that you can use a scalp scaler just two to three times a month, whereas a shampoo can be used two to three times a week.

So, this means that you cannot use your scalp scaler together with your shampoo, every time you wash your hair.

Can You Use a Scalp Scaler on Color Treated Hair?

Yes, indeed. Scalp scalers are safe to use even on hair that is color-treated. Nevertheless, it is very essential to choose a scalp scaler with a gentle formula that doesn’t contain any harsh ingredients, because it could cause your hair color to fade or get completely stripped off before time.

Also, you can patch test the scalp scaler on a non-visible portion of hair to check for any allergic reactions in case your hair has recently been colored.

How To Use a Scalp Scaler?

Using a scalp scaler in the right way is very essential and luckily, scalp scalers are super easy to use.

Steps to use scalp scalers the right way:

Step 1: Dampen your hair and apply the scalp scaler

Lightly dampen your hair with some warm water and partition your hair so that the scalp is clearly visible.

Most scalp scaler products come with a nozzle and this makes it easy to apply it on the scalp. So, using the tip of the nozzle, apply it between your partitioned hair, directly onto your scalp.

Step 2: Massage in the scalp scaler

Gently massage the scalp scaler on your scalp using your fingertips. Avoid using much pressure as it can damage the skin on your scalp. Continue the massage for at least 3 to 4 minutes and then leave it on your scalp for a few minutes to rest.

Step 3: Rinse off the scalp scaler with warm water

After it is left on for a few minutes, rinse it off thoroughly with plain warm water. Make sure that there is absolutely no residue from the scalp scaler left, as it could lead to buildup.

Step 4: Shampoo and condition well

Lastly, once the scalp scaler is properly washed off, you can then shampoo your scalp and hair properly, after which make sure to condition well.

Tips While Using a Scalp Scaler

For those of you who are first time users of a scalp scaler, well I’m sure you could use some tips and I’ve got you covered!

Use a scalp scaler that has gentle ingredients (without any harsh chemicals), as a harsh one may irritate your scalp. This is a must consider, especially if you have a sensitive scalp or suffer from scalp conditions already.
Make sure to rinse off the scalp scaler properly with warm water before shampooing your hair as it can lead to buildup.
Always condition your hair after shampooing it on the day you’ve used a scalp, to re-moisturize your scalp.
Consider your hair type and choose a scalp scaler to suit your hair type to get the best results.
Read your product label to check for frequency of use, as different brands may have their own set of instructions for usage.
If you suffer from any severe scalp conditions, then consult your dermatologist before starting to use a scalp scaler.

Scalp Scaler vs. Scalp Scrub

A lot of people often confuse scalp scalers with scalp scrubs. Well, here’s what you should know – these two products are very similar in their uses, but are not the same. They both do not lather and are exfoliating products.

Scalp scalers are more semi-liquid in consistency and contain exfoliating ingredients like betaine, salicylic acid, glycolic acid etc., which help get rid of buildup, dirt, dead skin cells etc. They are slightly less harsh as compared to scalp scrubs.

Scalp scrubs, on the other hand, are thicker in consistency and more like a paste. They contain more natural ingredients like sugar, salt, microbeads etc.

These ingredients also help exfoliate the scalp from dirt, buildup, dead skin cells etc., but they can be used more often on the scalp as compared to scalp scalers.

Scalp scrubs can even be used once every week. They are also more suitable for those with sensitive scalps and colored hair.

The best way to choose between using either a scalp scaler or a scalp scrub is by considering your individual needs, your scalp type etc.

Why You Should Trust Haireveryday?

The author of this article, Leah Marie Priest has a degree in Cosmetology with years of experience in dealing with hair care, scalp care, and hairstyling. As someone who extensively deals with all kinds of hair textures, products, styling methods and more, hair Leah Marie knows what kind of products and procedures suit each hair type and person. We have also tested these hair products and processes ourselves to provide you an unbiased review about every product. Each of our articles are also reviewed by a team of medical professionals so that you get the most accurate and expert-reviewed information.

Conclusion

I hope that this article was able to clear out all the questions you guys had about scalp scalers, shampoos and scalp scrubs.

Well, of course, scalp scalers cannot be used as often as a shampoo, as they contain harsh ingredients.

A scalp scaler (not to be with a scalp scaling shampoo) can be used two to three times every month, while a shampoo can be used even two to three times every week.

Also, always use a scalp scaler before you shampoo your hair and remember that all the residue of the scalp scaler needs to be completely rinsed off with warm water before shampooing and thereafter, conditioning your hair.

What’s essential is to choose what’s needed for you and when do you think it is the right time to use it.

Make sure to keep in mind the tips mentioned above while choosing a scalp scaler for yourself, especially if you have a sensitive scalp or have hair that is color-treated.