Best Shampoos for Sensitive Scalps: Reviews & Buying Guide

Not all scalps are created equal. Some can be lathered up with any sort of shampoo or haircare product without any negative side effects. That’s not true of all scalps though. In fact, it’s an extreme minority. Many scalps are sensitive and become easily irritated by a particularly strong shampoo. Finding the right hair cleaning solution for this segment of the population can be a real challenge, but thankfully there are solutions!

Do you suffer from a highly sensitive scalp? Do you often find it difficult to use certain products on your hair because the ingredients in them end up irritating your scalp? Then you’ve come to the right place. You need to look into investing into a shampoo that is designed exclusively for sensitive scalps. They are out there and they will change your showers forever! These shampoos are created with special ingredients, like aloe vera and lavender, which will help to stop itchiness while also hydrating your hair. It may seem impossible that such a shampoo could exist, but trust us. These shampoos are out there an they are spectacular!

This article will highlight the best shampoos for sensitive scalps that you should consider using as well as some important things to look for before you invest in one of these shampoos. In other words, by the time that you are done reading this article, you will be an expert in shampoos designed for sensitive scalps and will be ready to head out into the marketplace and find the right shampoo for you! So what are you waiting for?! Read on, because the shampoo of your dreams awaits…

What Causes a Sensitive Scalp?

There are many things that can cause a sensitive scalp. Infections and bacteria that are already on your head and certain ingredients in the shampoo products you’re currently using can cause irritate that troubled patch of skin and cause it to be very sensitive.

If you tend to have a greasy or dry scalp, this can also be a cause of your sensitive skin. However, a sensitive scalp can be the result of many different things which can sometimes make finding the specific cause of your sensitivity a little difficult. You may never know the specific cause of your sensitive scalp, but fortunately that won’t stop you from accessing special shampoos that will help ease your struggles.

The Effects of a Sensitive Scalp

A sensitive scalp might not seem like it could cause many problems, but it can. A sensitive scalp can end up causing your skin to be very sore and even feel like it’s burning. This can also end up leading to massive hair loss. So, this isn’t a mildly irritating condition like the name suggests. It’s something quite serious that needs to be treated before disaster strikes.

How These Shampoos Can Help You

While it might seem like sensitive scalp shampoos aren’t that different from regular shampoos, they are. These shampoos are specially designed with certain ingredients so your scalp can be healthy and itch-free. It truly is remarkable how quickly you’ll feel relief and your hair will get cleaned as well. It’s win-win!

Many of the ingredients in regular shampoos, such as the soap type used and added scents, can cause quite a bit of sensitivity. That’s why those shampoos should be avoided at all costs by anyone who has a sensitive scalp. Instead look into the style of shampoos on this list that primarily use all natural ingredients and oils to clean your hair, so you can use them without fear of any problems occurring afterwards. None of the scalp itches and irritants that you’re used to will pop up after using these shampoos. You’ll only know the sweet and soothing feeling of relief.

Things to Look for in a Sensitive Scalp Shampoo

Before buying a sensitive scalp shampoo, there are a few important things you’ll want to look for in one. Below are some of these key things to keep an eye out for. These are the ingredients and qualities that will treat your scalp with respect and eliminate all of your current shampoo-related headaches.

Menthol

Menthol is designed to give your scalp a cooling sensation. This sensation will end up killing off any bacteria or infections that are on your scalp so that it can heal. It also can improve blood circulation, which can aid with hair growth. So, while it may merely seem like a soothing sensation at first, it’s actually a healing effect that will positively affect your scalp in the long run. So, if you suffer from an extremely sensitive or itchy scalp, menthol is one ingredient you’ll definitely want to look for in a shampoo. It offers big relief in the moment in addition to more longterm positive effects.

A pH Balance Ability

A sensitive skin shampoo that uses a pH balancer will help to hydrate your hair while soothing your scalp. The pH in the shampoo will help to normalize your hair’s natural pH levels. This will help your scalp and hair to create natural oils so your hair and scalp are healthy and free from any irritation. It will help bring your scalp back to the neutral state that you enjoyed before experiencing any of these problems.

Fragrance-Free and Dye-Free Options

Two major things that can cause sensitivity on your skin are added fragrances and dyes. For this reason, you want to make sure your sensitive scalp shampoo is free from fragrances and dyes. While these are useful shampoo ingredients for anyone looking to dye their hair or make it smell a certain way, they can cause major problems for sensitive scalps.

While added fragrances and dyes won’t necessarily cause problems for some people, for a majority they can. A fragrant and dye-free shampoo is free of these chemicals which will help to prevent your scalp from being irritated. Always make sure that your shampoo lacks these two elements if you have a sensitive scalp.

Essential Oils

Essential oils can be very helpful things to have in one of these shampoos. Oils like lavender and rosemary are known for being great at healing the scalp and preventing dandruff. They can also help to hydrate your hair while helping it to smell wonderful. In other words, these essential oils are where the magic happens that makes your hair clean, fresh, and ready to rock.

These oils are a natural way to add fragrance to your hair since many sensitive skin shampoos are fragrant-free. You’ll want to definitely be sure to check for essential oils in your sensitive skin shampoo for these reasons. They are important.

Best Shampoos For a Sensitive Scalp

1. Enso Organics Scalp and Hair Deep Conditioner

This shampoo is a completely organic option that will work to help prevent irritation and itchiness on your scalp. This product is made with ingredients such as aloe vera and orange peel oil which work to help hydrate your hair and heal your scalp from any sensitivity. There is also biotin mixed into the shampoo to help strengthen your hair follicles. This shampoo has a special pH formula which will help your hair to not only be healthy, but to also shine. Additionally, you’ll find that this shampoo doesn’t leave your hair with any frizz. This fragrance-free shampoo comes in an 8 oz. bottle.

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2. Maple Holistics Tea Tree Shampoo

This shampoo is the perfect option for those looking for a hypo-allergenic product. This shampoo will work to hydrate your hair while preventing irritation on your scalp with its special tea tree formula.

The tea tree formula also helps to stop dandruff from occurring and can help to kill any bacteria or lice that might be in your hair. This shampoo is designed to help stop your hair from thinning. It contains ingredients such as lavender and rosemary to aid with this.

These ingredients will also work to help hydrate your hair. This shampoo is sulfate-free and comes in an 8 oz. bottle.

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3. Free & Clear Set, includes Shampoo-12 Oz and Conditioner

If you want to find a sensitive scalp shampoo that also comes with a conditioner, this is one you’ll want to consider using. This product comes in a package that contains 12 oz. bottles of shampoo and conditioner.

The shampoo will work to help remove any dandruff from your scalp and hair and also moisturize your scalp to help prevent dandruff. This shampoo is fine to use on an oily scalp and comes with a special pH-balanced formula to help with creating natural oils in your hair.

The pH formula will ensure that your hair is producing an adequate amount of oils on its own so it stays healthy and strong.The conditioner included will help to give your hair a luscious look after using it.

This conditioner usually needs to be lathered in your hair for about 3 minutes before being washed out. This time amount will help your hair to absorb the conditioner’s vitamins so it stays hydrated.

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4. Numis Med Soothing Shampoo for Sensitive Scalps Imported from Germany

This shampoo can be used on all hair types without problems. It’s a vegan option and contains no fragrances or colors in it which makes it ideal for those looking for a hypo-allergenic shampoo.

This shampoo will work to help stop itchiness on your head with its unique SymCalmin and Hydrolactol ingredients. These two things will help to soothe your scalp so there’s no sensitivity on it.

This shampoo also is made to have a pH of 5.5 which will help your hair to stay healthy and look shiny. This shampoo is soap-free and comes in an 8 oz. bottle.

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5. Maple Holistics Argan Oil Shampoo, Sulfate Free

This shampoo is made with a unique argan oil mixture. This argan oil is intended to not only strengthen your hair follicles, but to also keep your hair from thinning. Besides argan oil, you’ll also find jojoba, almond, and camellia seed oils which will work to stop irritation and sensitivity on your scalp. These oils will also help to hydrate your scalp.

This shampoo uses silk proteins which will prevent hair frizz from occurring. This product is hypo-allergenic and has no added colors or dyes in it. It can also be used on dyed hair without fear of it diminishing any of the hair coloring.

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6. Klorane Shampoo with Peony

This shampoo is made with a sweet peony extract which will not only help your sensitive scalp to heal, but also leave your hair smelling great. The Klorane Shampoo is an anti-itch and hypo-allergenic option thanks to no added scents or dyes in it.​

It also comes with a pH balanced formula to help keep your hair moisturized while also helping to strengthen it. The pH formula will work with your skin to help it create natural oils so your scalp can be itch-free.

This shampoo is designed to help provide 24 hour relief after applying it to your hair which makes it a great option for those who have an extremely sensitive or itchy scalp.

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7. Selsun Blue Sensitive Scalp Shampoo

This Selsun Blue shampoo comes in an 11 oz. bottle and is designed to help instantly stop itchiness on your scalp. It will work to also help prevent dandruff from occurring. This shampoo contains Vitamins B5 and E which will work to help hydrate your hair.

There is also aloe mixed into this shampoo which will help with stopping any itchiness you might have on your scalp. Besides this, this shampoo contains a 1% zinc pyrithione formula.

This formula will give your scalp a deep cooling sensation which will help it to stop feeling itchy and sore. This shampoo is scent-free.

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8. Kerastase Dermo-Calm Bain Vital Haute Tolerance for Sensitive Scalp Hair Shampoo

This hypo-allergenic shampoo comes in an 8.5 oz. bottle. It is made with a silicone-free formula which will help to prevent irritation on sensitive skin. It also contains calophyllum oil which will soothe any inflammation on your scalp.

Your skin will absorb this oil to help relieve your scalp from any possible soreness. This shampoo also has glycerol in it. The glycerol will moisturize your hair to help it stay healthy and strong.

Another helpful ingredient the Kerastase Dermo-Calm Shampoo has is menthol. This ingredient will give your scalp a cooling sensation which will help relieve it from itchiness or any other problems on it.

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You may also like: Best Shampoos for Scalp Psoriasis: Reviews and Buying Guide

9. CLn Gentle Shampoo – Sensitive Scalp Shampoo for Scalp Prone to Itching and Flaking Caused by Dryness, Dermatitis, or Eczema

This shampoo is designed not only to help those with sensitive scalps, but also those who suffer from eczema. It contains ingredients such as glycerin which will work to moisturize your hair and scalp.

These ingredients will also help to hydrate your hair without fear of any itchiness occurring. To ensure this shampoo works well on your scalp, you want to be sure to massage it for at least 30 seconds in your hair so it’s fully lathered in it.

This sensitive scalp shampoo is scent-free and contains no added dyes. It will work to help prevent and instantly stop any irritation and soreness on your scalp.

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10. Earth Science Shampoo for Sensitive Hair & Scalp – Fragrance Free

The Earth Science Shampoo comes in a 12 oz. bottle and features a scent-free formula. This shampoo contains coconut oil which will help to clean your hair and remove any allergens or particles in it that might be causing sensitivity on your scalp.

There is also wheat germ, jojoba oil, and chamomile mixed into the shampoo to help your hair and scalp to be hydrated. This vegan shampoo option also has emollients in it which will work to encourage your hair to create its own natural oils. These natural oils will then help your hair to be strong and hydrated.

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Conclusion

Thanks to these shampoos, you will no longer have to suffer from a sensitive scalp any longer. The days of constantly scratching your head are over. These shampoos will cure what ails you. They contain many unique ingredients that will help to not only relieve any itchiness or inflammation on your scalp, but to hydrate your hair as well. That’s a two-in-one recipe for scalp success that no one should ignore.

A majority of these products are perfect for those looking for hypo-allergenic options as they often come fragrance and dye-free. No matter what your preferences are for a sensitive scalp shampoo, you have a wide range of options here. The right shampoo for your scalp is here, it’s just up to you to prioritize your needs and find it.

The 10 products highlighted are some of the top shampoos on the market and ones you should definitely consider using on your scalp. So what are you waiting for?! Get out there and find the shampoo that’s right for you!

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