Kerastase Chronologiste The Gommage, $44

This scrub takes a little more work on your part than a mask -- but it feels so refreshing and leaves hair silky soft. While you're in the shower, but before you shampoo, apply it to damp hair and massage, much like you would a face or body scrub. The micro-fine scrubbers whisk away flakes and give your scalp the detox it's been craving. (Bonus points if you can get your S.O. to do the actual massaging.)

Phyto Phythéol Dry Hair Moisturizing Scalp Exfoliating Shampoo, $26 and Phythéol Oily Hair Scalp Exfoliating Shampoo, $26

A gentle exfoliating shampoo will cleanse your hair effectively without stripping it of your natural oils, says Nawrot. Phyto's new shampoo comes in formulas for both dry hair and oily hair. Both whisk away dandruff flakes (a culprit behind scalp acne) and excess oil; the one for dry hair has extra moisturizing properties and the one for oily hair has ingredients that gently de-grease.

Kiehl's Deep Micro-Exfoliating Scalp Treatment, $20

Scalp acne doesn't stand a chance against this physical exfoliator. It's designed to help treat and prevent dandruff with micronized apricot seeds and argan shells. They scrub away all signs of skin flakes and pore-clogging debris, leaving your scalp feeling squeaky-clean.

"Exfoliating removes dead, dulling scalp cells, stimulates circulation and makes the scalp well prepared to benefit greatly from conditioner," says Fusco. It also helps increase cell turnover. Normally I'd point out that better cell turnover means glowier skin, but you're probably not all that concerned about having a scalp as radiant as Beyoncé. It will, however, make your hair look healthier, shinier and prettier overall.

Philip Kingsley Exfoliating Scalp Mask, $30

Keep pesky bacteria and flaky skin at bay with this once-a-week mask. After getting your hair damp, part your hair off into one-inch sections and apply the mask into the partings, then work it into your hair. Go about the rest of your shower routine and rinse it out after 10 to 20 minutes. It not only contains exfoliants, it's also full of moisturizing ingredients so your scalp is left nourished, not stripped -- and the instant cooling sensation upon application is oh-so-refreshing.

Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub With Sea Salt, $52

Apparently, the French were way ahead of us when it comes to taking supergood care of their hair. Parisian brand Christophe Robin is now available on Net-a-Porter, and I'm swooning over the luxe packaging of the Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt. It comes out like a paste, making it considerably easy to apply, and lathers right into your scalp. Sea salt exfoliates, soothes and boost circulation. It's also paraben-, silicone- and colorant-free, and designed for sensitive scalps (even those suffering from itchiness post-color appointment).

Since you're making your scalp healthier, you're also making your hair healthier -- just think of all the money you'll save on shine sprays. Like the relationship between your skin and makeup, it's easy to look better with less styling if you have healthy hair to begin with. (Perhaps this is why the French have that whole nonchalant "It"-girl thing down pat).