Toner for your scalp? The Younghee Essential Rinse review

Written By Jenny Wu on

I strongly believe that the key to healthy hair is a healthy scalp, and the key to a healthy scalp is to treat it as an extension of our face. I already use a scalp exfoliant weekly and love scalp oils as a pre-shampoo treatment, so scalp toners? Why not! So when asked if I’d like to try the Younghee Essential Rinse Purifying Scalp & Hair Toner, of course I said yes.

The brand
Created by Younghee Kim, a master stylist with 30+ years of experience and her own salon in NYC. After realizing that her clients’ favorite shampoos/conditioners were leaving residues on their scalps and causing all sorts of issue for their hair, she wanted to find a gentle yet effective solution to their problems.
The product
A scalp toner used after shampoo and before conditioner to remove residue, balance the scalp, and leave your hair fresh and shiny. Can also be used in lieu of dry shampoo to refresh your scalp between washes.
How I use it
10 pumps after shampoo and before conditioner to the scalp, massage it in, and then rinse it out.
Best suited for
All scalp types, especially those who feel like their scalp is dry, congested, unbalanced, or just problematic in general.
Packaging
Plastic shower-safe bottles with pumps (because no one needs broken glass in their shower)
Scent
The Clarifying version smells sour, while the Refreshing version smells like artificial mint. Neither are very pleasant, but luckily the scent washes out and you can’t smell it afterwards.
Available At
Essential Rinse for $29/4 oz (free US shipping for orders $35+ and get 10% off your first order), or at Younghee Salon in New York City

Toner for your scalp? The Younghee Essential Rinse reviewPin

From the product’s purpose to their application and even ingredients, they are literally toners for your scalp. I also like that Younghee developed 2 versions, Clarifying and Refreshing:

  • Essential Rinse – Clarifying features apple cider vinegar as its key ingredient, and helps gently exfoliate and balance the pH level of the scalp. It also contains lavender + rosemary essential oils, both are great for stimulating the hair follicles, as well as honey to help nourish the scalp. (full ingredients)
  • Essential Rinse – Refreshing contains spearmint + peppermint essential oils to stimulate hair follicles and improve blood circulation. Both oils are also known for their antibacterial properties, making this great for those who suffer from dandruff. (full ingredients)

I’ve used both and while I didn’t notice much of a difference with the Refreshing, the Clarifying Essential Rinse’ effects were almost immediate: my hair looked shinier and my scalp felt cleaner, like just-had-my-hair-washed-at-a-salon kind of clean. This made me think, are my shampoos leaving residue in my hair without me realizing? Which is ironic, because shampoo should be the one removing residue from your scalp, but like face washes, some can leave a film on your skin or may not remove all the dirt completely.

Toner for your scalp? The Younghee Essential Rinse reviewPin

Much like facial toners, you can debate on whether or not scalp toners are really necessary in your routine, or if you can DIY your own. But as someone who’s very much not about DIY skincare (ain’t nobody got time for that), I’d rather leave it to a professional to formulate something safe and effective.

Toners for your head? Using one can help rebalance your scalp, remove residual impurities, and provide nourishment to the hair follicles.

However unlike toners which are super easy to apply to the face, applying the Essential Rinse to my scalp was trickier than I thought. For one, the spout is super short, so it’s hard to aim the opening accurately, especially under running water. Second, it’s hard to tell whether or not the product has dispensed when I’m standing under running water (which I will not turn off because I don’t want to freeze my ass off), so I’m forced to apply the product very liberally just to make sure I’m actually getting enough on the scalp.

Toner for your scalp? The Younghee Essential Rinse reviewPin

Despite using at least 10 pumps per wash for several weeks, you can see there’s still a lot of product left, and suddenly the $29 doesn’t look too bad. While I won’t be purchasing the Refreshing Essential Rinse anytime soon, I definitely like the results I’m getting with the Clarifying one, which I suspect is due to the apple cider vinegar. If I don’t purchase the Clarifying Essential Rinse, I’d definitely want something comparable to add to my hair care routine!

8
out of 10
  • Packaging
    7.5
  • Ingredients
    9
  • Texture/Application
    7.5
  • Performance
    8.5
  • Price
    8

Overall a great scalp care product that I'm happy to add to my routine, and I do appreciate the instantly noticeable results. While I don't think that everyone needs a hair toner, I do think that a lot of people can benefit from one, especially if you have any type of problematic scalp. I'd love to see if Younghee will release additional versions in the future, or perhaps improve on the dispenser design, and then we'd have a real winner here!

Have you tried a scalp toner before, or used apple cider vinegar in your hair care routine? Would love to hear your thoughts! As always, thank you so much for reading, and I hope you have a great rest of the week!

I received the products for review consideration, but all opinions are 100% honest and my own. This post contains affiliate links, and each purchase helps cover the cost of running this blog at no extra cost to you! Full disclosure policy
Jenny Wu
Jenny Wu

Passionate about science-based skincare. Tested hundreds if not thousands of products since my 20's. Working regularly with brands like iHerb, Ulta, CurrentBody, and MedStar Health to share my knowledge and experience in all things beauty. Learn more.

Skin profile: 35+, dry/combination, focused on well-aging, hydration, and a healthy glow ✨

Comments & Questions

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Linda Libra Loca

I have used apple cider vinegar (and liked te results) when I was at home with the kids. Now I have to second your statement on DIY anything: Ain´t nobody got time for that. At least not with kids, job and blog.

Linda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking

Jenny

Was the ACV diy solution difficult to mix? I wonder if it's possible to premake a batch rather than mixing it each time you want to use it, because that just sounds like way too much work D:

Linda Libra Loca

If you promise not to laugh, here is the link: http://lindalibraloca.com/cleanse-your-hair-diy/
One of my very first blog posts... You can either use it as spray, like I did in the post, or just pour it over your scalp.

Élise Liddell

sometimes i think about all these products for our skin, body and hair and i'm just so...baffled by the amount of variety there is that i cannot help but feel these are just marketing gimmicks from brands. a scalp toner sounds sensible though and tbh, this post made me go, "bless the 'lifestyle' cashcow brands for releasing something that might actually work!" you know? xD

also, when i first saw the title, i immediately think about the classic old hair tonic. i thought, if they invented hair tonic and marketed it so well back in the days, it's not surprising to see brands coming out with 'scalp toner' despite how fancy it sounds. how would you compare this to a hair tonic? i used to use hair tonic but i wasn't diligent about it. i slowly stopped using hair tonic because laziness turned into a habit and i don't really believe in tonics. BUT, i DO believe in healthy scalp. i don't think my scalp is well taken care of though, even though i use stuff like conditioner, mask and thermal protector diligently :))
i used to think that the only way to remove residue from my scalp is to use a clarifying, sulfate free shampoo but apparently, not all sulfate free shampoo products are lovely. some makes me feel like my hair isn't cleansed thoroughly and gah, i hate it!

it's also funny how the packaging has a pump because like you said, i can't imagine a toner (tonic?) with a pump! now that's oddly interesting. i think it's also very practical to avoid spill (speaking from personal experience of over spilling hair tonic in my scalp years ago lol)

i personally don't feel like i'm buying the whole hair toner thing - or maybe that's just an excuse i tell myself so i don't go on a shopping spree. theoretically, it makes sense to me but a part of me is still so skeptical! still, i enjoyed this review though and it's nice to know that the product works for you. in fact, this kind of sort of makes me wanna try the innisfree green tea mint fresh scalp scaler which, i think, is sort of like a tonic / toner kind of thing (i might be wrong though.) whether it really does work or not, i think having that minty sensation in your scalp is just A+. i love that tingling feeling!

similarly, i never used apple cider vinegar. in fact, i don't really ever use natural DIY products for my skincare. i tried using coconut milk for my hair once but ugh, i think it was too much protein that my hair felt greasy and limpless even after shampooing twice. i know natural ingredients is great and all but i just can't be bothered haha

Jenny

LOL at your 'bless the 'lifestyle' cashcow brands' comment! I agree, sometimes a product just sounds gimmicky and ridiculous, so it's nice when they release one that makes sense. About hair tonics, I never really understood what they were. Are they for the hair or for the scalp? I tried one from Bumble & Bumble and ended up returning it because it actually made my scalp greasier D:

I try to keep my shampoos sulfate-free as well, but you're right, some of them do a horrible job of cleansing the hair. I think they'd work for those with dry scalp/dry hair, but for my normal/oily scalp/dry hair combo it's horrendous. I think that's why the hair toner worked for me, it addressed my scalp issues without stripping my hair dry the same way a clarifying shampoo would. But this is definitely a YMMV kinda situation, so I can see scalp toners not being for everyone.

I had no idea Innisfree had something similar, though now I'm curious, what's a scalp scaler? I do like both green tea and mint, and you're right, the cooling sensation would feel great on the scalp!

Merel van Poorten

These products look amazing!! Love it <3

X Merel
www.andathousandwords.com

Frankly Flawless

I need something like this as I hate product build up and it plays havoc with your scalp x

franklyflawless.com

Jenny

It's definitely a gentler alternative to clarifying shampoos, and I like that it nourishes the scalp at the same time too!

Shireen

Interesting and now you definitely got me intrigued with the Clarifying Essential Rinse. I also checked their site but unfortunately they don't offer any shipping outside US for now. :-( No kidding about the DIY part, I'm tired of people telling others to use baking soda, lemon juice onto their face, honestly leave it to the professional is best.

Shireen⎜Reflection of Sanity

Jenny

Oh goodness, don't even get me started on the baking soda crap, I roll my eyes every time I see a post on Pinterest for that ???? The most recent "DIY" I saw was to use Dawn dish soap as face wash ???? Hopefully this will be available globally soon or other brands will release something similar!

Becky

woah, who knew there were so many products for the scalp?! i literally just use shampoo+conditioner, haha. i'm pretty sure shampoos do leave residue, though - nourishing ones especially. i've used ACV before with the no 'poo method, dunno if it actually did anything haha. plus i didn't like my hair smelling like vinegar every time it rained or every time i sweat a lot!

becky @ star violet

Jenny

Right?? There are scalp serums too, so I guess it was only a matter of time before someone came out with a toner, haha. I heard ACV is supposed to make your hair really shiny, but yeah, the strong scent would bother me too, so good thing this one doesn't smell too strongly! ????

Emily

I have never heard of a scalp toner!! I am kind of intrigued now haha. I think this would be great for all the product build up I get. It drives me insane! Other than that, I think my scalp is pretty healthy. Thanks for sharing these!

-Emily www.coatandcoffee.com

Jenny

You're welcome Emily! Using this scalp toner is definitely less drying and stripping than shampooing twice, which is what I used to do!

Marina Rosie

I love the sound of the clarifying one - it's a shame they don't ship outside the US! x I had no clue you could get this type of product for the scalp but I'll definitely need to try something similar with apple cider vinegar in it. I love apple cider vinegar for my face masks in skincare but it seems to be useful across the board. You made me laugh with the running water part - I don't BUDGE once I'm under in fear that I'll get hypothermia haha! x
Marina xx
http://marinawriteslife.blogspot.fr/

Jenny

Hopefully they'll make this available globally or other brands will release something similar soon! It seems like ACV is a great all-around beauty ingredient, I heard it can make your hair really shiny too!

Sam

ooh, I like the way the clarifying one sounds for your hair! although a hair toner sounds cool, I don't personally think I need one, so I'll skip on it, but I've been intrigued by the apple cider vinegar! apparently it's amazing for everything - body, skin, hair. I guess it's not surprising that the one with acv felt like it was actually doing something!

sam / My Beauty Cloud

Jenny

I've heard a lot of good things about ACV as well, I used to mix a bit in my water and it's great for the digestive system! I'm definitely curious to see how using that would compare to this product!

Kiri Yanchenko

Oh clarifying is such an awesome word.
I really hate that feeling of product left on your skin when a cleanser doesn't wash off properly.
I have used a few cleansers that do that.
So I agree; I think the fact that you had such good results means your everyday shampoo is sticking around.
I also condition before I shampoo because I don't like my hair weighed down.
These products sound great!
What shampoo do you use normally?
I use Akin - a natural australian brand.
Kiri
Set to Glow
http://www.settoglow.com.au

Alyssa

You got me on the word clarifying! This is actually the first time I heard about scalp toner and it sounds great because most women uses a lot of products in their hair and some are not actually getting remove by shampoos especially if the products they use have silicons. This product sounds amazing, I wish they're available in my country :)

xx Alyssa | STYLE VANITY

Jenny

Hopefully they expand to more countries in the future, or other brands come out with something similar! And I agree, I double shampoo sometimes, but then I feel like that strips my hair too much. The struggles are real!

Rowena @ rolala loves

Yes I totally agree that a healthy scalp = healthy hair. Scalp toner is something new to me though I do use an apple cider clarifying rinse on my hair every other week to remove buildup. I guess this is a similar concept. Glad to hear it's worked out well for you Jenny! TBH I think a healthy scalp starts with not overwashing your hair and allowing the natural oils to regulate. It was such a revelation when I cut back my hair washing to just 1 - 2x/week.

Jenny

i try not to wash my hair too often as well, though I remember telling a girl that I didn't wash my hair everyday and she had the most horrified look on her face ???? I'm curious to try the apple cider rinse though to see how it compares with this product, I heard it's great for making your hair shiny too!

Sal UmmBaby

I agree. It start with scalp care and I've only recently started taking care of mine. These sound great and I know I would enjoy incorporating these into my hair care routine.Thanks for a thorough review xxx
UmmBabyBeauty

Jenny

Thank you for reading Sal! It's exciting to see more brands focus on scalp care, so hopefully we'll have even more product options in the future!

Naya // partyparrotblog.com

This is such an interesting product. I am not yet sold on scalp scrubs, but toner? Wow, keep going haha Just like you, I am very cautious about scalp, but since I am a swimmer who spends a lot of time in chlorine - I would probably use a product like this to make sure that there is no nasty residue left on those follicles. Will try to find this range in Dubai, wish me luck! x

Jenny

I used to swim a lot too so I understand your concern for chlorine, I feel like a lot of products focus on protecting our strands against chlorine, but not our scalp, so a clarifying toner can be a good solution. Fingers crossed for you Naya!

Veron

They have such a sleek packaging. I would love to try a scalp toner too! It's the first time I'm hearing about them and I'm all for it. Healthy scalp is really the key to great hair. Just kinda like how good soil is the key to a good plant.

Joy to the World

Jenny

That's a great analogy Veron! Honestly I never thought I even needed a scalp toner until I started using one, and now I'm like "what was I doing before this??", haha

Sam Hodgett

What an peculiar product, I've never tried scalp exfoliators or toners and perhaps that's the reason why my hair looks pretty dull so will check into this more!

Jenny

Hopefully products like this will become more mainstream in the future, especially since so many shampoos seem to either leave residue in the hair or strips the scalp dry :(

A Very Sweet Blog

This is so true! I use a Tea Tree Shampoo once or twice a month to help with my scalp and product buildup. I would love to try this. Very interesting. Great post Jenny!
http://www.averysweetblog.com/

Sonia / Chanel

Can't get over your site Jenny, it looks amazing! This sounds like such a fascinating product, I'll have to try it sometime!

x,
S | Je M'appelle Chanel

Jenny

Aww thank you so much Sonia, so glad to hear that!! <3

Merel van Poorten

I really need to get my hands on this product! Sounds amazing!

X Merel
www.andathousandwords.com

Jenny

I love how fresh my scalp feels whenever I use this!

Tara

Ooooh! This looks like something I would like to use on my own scalp! Thanks for introducing this to me! I will definitely keep this in mind for future purchases ^^

Jenny

You're welcome Tara, I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I do!