Davines Solu Sea Salt Scrub Cleanser Review

When my hair stylist recommended the Davines Solu Sea Salt Scrub Cleanser, I was honestly hesitant and not very excited to purchase it. For starters, it’s expensive! I also am not the biggest fan of scalp scrubs; I’ve found I get an effective cleanse mixing a clarifying shampoo with a scalp scrubber, so I didn’t think the Solu Scrub was necessary or worth it.

That said, I had heard so many people rave about the scrub that when my hair stylist told me to trust her, I knew I had to (she’s never done me wrong).

This sea salt scrub is specifically formulated to cleanse the scalp, remove product build-up, and give your hair a good refresh without stripping natural oils or drying out your hair. But is it really worth $52?

Below, I share my full review of the Davines Solu Sea Salt Scrub Cleanser including pros, cons, if it’s actually worth the money, and tips to getting the most out of it. Curious to see how it compares to the bestselling Ouai Scalp and Body Scrub instead? Check out my comparison post, Davines Solu Sea Salt Scrub vs Ouai Scalp and Body Scrub.

davines solu sea salt scrub review: is it better than clarifying shampoo?

The Davines Solu Sea Salt Scrub Cleanser is a sea salt exfoliating scrub formulated for to deeply cleanse your scalp without stripping natural oils. It removes build-up, hard water minerals, exfoliates the skin, and cleanses excess oil, leaving your hair softer, refreshed, and hydrated - not oily or overly-dry.

Unlike sugar scrubs, the formula of Solu is gel-like and does not contain coconut oil or leave a greasy residue. The salt provides a grittier, slightly rough texture, and the scrub turns into a rich lather, so you get effective exfoliation that is easy to work into your hair without being overly harsh. Your skin is hydrated but your scalp doesn’t feel greasy, so you don’t need to follow-up with a shampoo afterwards.

I did not want to love Solu Scrub as much as I do, but it’s honestly SO good. My hair feels so clean, refreshed, and lightweight after, and unlike some clarifying shampoos, I don’t feel like my hair needs an ultra-hydrating conditioner or hair mask afterwards. I have fine, limp hair, this scrub actually gives my hair a little bounce, too.

You get strong, effective exfoliation that targets both your scalp and product build-up but does not strip your hair. It’s easy to use and even easier to rinse out, so if want something more low-maintenance a scalp scrubber, the Davines Solu Sea Salt Scrub Cleanser is worth trying.

key ingredients

One of the reasons this scrub stands out is its combination of exfoliating and moisturizing ingredients. You get exfoliation plus a rich lather, and aren’t left with a greasy residue.

Two key ingredients worth highlighting:

• Sea Salt - Sea coarse natural physical exfoliant that removes dead cells and build-up

• Regenerative Organic Certified Buckwheat Extract - contains polysaccharides that lock in moisture and shield hair from dryness

texture

The Solu Sea Salt Scrub has a gel-like, gritty consistency. You can feel the salt crystals, but it’s not overly rough. The scrub isn’t too dry, but it’s also not oily; I’ve had it for a few months and it has yet to dry out while also keeping its original consistency.

The scrub lathers well and it’s easy to work into your scalp; your hair feels truly clean and refreshed (but not stripped) afterwards, and it’s easy to wash out.

pros

• Gel-like consistency; not too oily or dry

• Keeps its consistency over time (doesn’t dry out)

• Light, earthy fragrance

• Removes product build-up without your hair feeling super stripped after

• A little goes a long way, so it will last

• Easy to work in (turns into a lathering wash) and easy to rinse out

• A true scalp treatment

• No greasy residue after

• Doesn’t weigh down hair after

• Barely-there fragrance

• Color-safe

• Cruelty-free

cons

• Expensive!! Especially compared to DIY sugar scrubs you can make at home

• May make your hair a little stripped if its already dry

• Does not double as a body scrub

how often should you use it?

Per the Davines website, you use Solu Scrub every second or third wash, alternating it with shampoo. Personally, I don’t use it this often, especially because I do not have a dry or flaky scalp. I like to use this scrub every other week for a good reset (it’s a dream for summer months when you are traveling, swimming, and spending lots of time in the sun). When my hair feels a little more fragile (winter months) or doesn’t need as deep of a cleanse, I only need it once a month.

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who is it best for?

I recommend the Davines Solu Sea Salt Scrub Cleanser if you:

• Find traditional clarifying shampoos to be too harsh or drying

• Frequently use dry shampoo

• Use styling products regularly

• Have an oily, dry, or flaky scalp

• Struggle with light, seasonal dandruff or flakiness (for more moderate cases, check with your dermatologist)

• Specifically want a clarifying product that targets the scalp

• Hate the greasy feeling you get with traditional sugar scrubs

who should skip it?

You may want to consider something else if you:

• Have a sensitive scalp

• Prefer fragrance-free products

• Don't regularly experience product build-up

If you have a sensitive scalp, try the Solu Clarifying Shampoo instead. It removes build-up but is gentler on the scalp (true shampoo formula vs a salt scrub). It’s also one of the gentlest clarifying shampoos I’ve ever used.

is it worth the price?

I may have a beauty blog, but I pay for all of the products on my own so that I can be completely unfiltered and honest in my reviews. The only discounts I am getting are the ones that we all get via email, haha. I bought the Davines Solu Sea Salt Scrub Cleanser directly from my salon and it retails for $52 which is painfully expensive, especially since you cannot use it on your body (it’s a true single-use product).

I did not want to believe it, but the Solu Scrub is absolutely worth the money, especially if you have a sensitive scalp or want something that is effective but not stripping. I have not found a dupe for the product; its unique formula of sea salt versus sugar has yet to be replicated (though I am looking!). $52 is not cheap; I recommend using it once a week to every few weeks to get the most out of it, and then alternating with a clarifying shampoo when you can. I see the Solu Scrub as my true reset, and then traditional clarifying shampoo is more of a maintenance product as needed.

If you spend lots of time in the sun/ water during the summer, travel often (hotel water is no joke), or have a sensitive scalp but still need a deep cleanse, then Solu Scrub is absolutely worth the investment.

frequently asked questions

can you use the davines solu sea salt scrub on color-treated hair?

Yes, it's designed to cleanse away build-up without stripping color.

do you use it before or after shampoo?

Use it instead of your shampoo. The scrub will turn into a well-lathering shampoo as you work it in, so you don’t have to use shampoo after.

is it safe for sensitive scalps?

I have a sensitive scalp and don’t have a problem with Solu scrub. My best advice is to use it gently just once a week if you have sensitive skin, and do a patch test first.

If you have an active skin condition, consult your dermatologist or doctor first.

does it remove product build-up?

Yes, this does such a good job of removing product build-up; I’ve never had a hair scrub make my hair feel as refreshed as Davines Solu does. Because it lathers into a shampoo as you work it in, it’s ideal if you regularly use dry shampoo, hairspray, or styling creams.

can you use it every day?

No. I honestly think once a week is enough for most people. You can up it to every 2-3 washes (per the instructions) if you use lots of styling products throughout the week, but because it’s expensive, I use it sparingly!

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