Top 6 Best Shampoos for Sensitive Scalp – Reviews
Do you also experience dandruff-like flakes? If you have a flaky, dry scalp, then you are probably struggling with an itchy scalp. What causes a dry, itchy scalp?
First off, the harsh chemicals found in the products you use to wash and treat your hair like shampoos and conditioners. The active ingredients in the chemicals strip the natural oil from your hair which dries your scalp. This leads to dandruff-like flakes and itching. One of those ingredients that harm your scalp is sulfates. So try to avoid hair products that contain sulfates.
Besides chemicals, conditions such as eczema and psoriasis can make your skin sensitive. As such, you will end up flaking and scaling. Lastly, chemotherapy and medications contribute to the problem.
What dermatologists recommend for dry, itchy scalps is to use a good shampoo for sensitive scalp. What does a good shampoo mean? Well, a shampoo that it’s gentle for your scalp, which does not contain artificial fragrances, parabens, gluten, preservatives, and dyes.
In this post, we review the best shampoos for sensitive scalps aka itchy scalp.
Best Sensitive (Itchy) Scalp Shampoos Reviews
1. Vichy DERCOS – Best Dandruff Shampoo Sensitive Hair Treatment
If you are in search of shampoo with sulfate-free technology, then this one is for you. The DERCOS Dandruff Shampoo soothes your scalp and eliminates dandruff for up to 6 weeks.
What you need to know is that the shampoo eliminates up to 100% visible flakes. As such, it soothes itching and irritation. It’s able to do this without gluten and parabens. What dermatologists recommend at the first use is to allow the shampoo to stand for two minutes before rinsing.
2. Neutrogena T/Gel Shampoo – Best Shampoo for Itchy and Flacking Scalp
For those dealing with dandruff and an itchy scalp, the Neutrogena T Gel is the product for you. It is a product recommended by dermatologists, and can be used by those who suffer from Psoriasis and Seborrheic Dermatitis. It relieves itching and lacking. I used it twice a week, and the results were visible after the first use. If you are not bothered by the unpleasant smell of petroleum, then you should definitely try it. It is an affordable shampoo, which does the job.
3. Maple Holistics – Best Shampoo for Sensitive Skin
Maple Holistics is a trusted brand dedicated to producing ultra-nourishing hair care products. The company formulates all its products with natural ingredients. They are usually packed with youth-preserving minerals, vitamins, and anti-oxidants.
Not only that. All their products are paraben-free and sulfate-free. One of their best shampoo for sensitive scalp and fine hair is the Degrease Shampoo. Made from a powerful blend of cypress oil, basil oil, lemon oil, and others, the shampoo cleans your hair follicles quite nicely.
For starters, it washes away dirt, oil, and dead skin cells, leaving you with a clean and healthy scalp. Besides a healthy scalp, the shampoo enriches your hair with minerals and vitamins. This adds strength and elasticity.
Also, it makes your hair softer and voluminous.
4. Free & Clear Hair Shampoo – For sensitive skin
The Pharmaceutical Specialties Free & Clear Hair Shampoo is devoid of common scalp irritants. They include lanolin, preservatives, dyes, parabens, and fragrances. As such, it an effective treatment for dry, itchy scalps.
Since the shampoo is also gluten-free, and sulfate-free, it controls oily scalps and removes build-up. By doing so, the shampoo leaves your hair clean and easy to manage. For best results, dermatologists recommend that you use the shampoo daily.
5. Kerastase Specifique Bain – Best Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
This is an anti-dandruff shampoo that eliminates impurities from your scalp. It treats your scalp by removing visible dead skin cells and even prevents them from recurring for up to 8 weeks. All you need to do is apply the shampoo to your damp hair and massage to activate the microcirculation.
Afterward, rinse your hair. The shampoo will leave your hair looking soft and silky. What I liked about this shampoo is that it contains zinc pyrithione and salicylic acid. Zinc pyrithione is an anti-bacterial ingredient that eliminates microorganisms responsible for dandruff.
Salicylic acid destroys external aggressors by triggering the production of defense agents. Thanks to the exfoliating action of the ingredients, you get to experience a deep scalp cleansing. Don’t over use it, or it can dry your scalp.
6. BOLDIFY Biotin – Best Shampoo for Fine hair
Next, is the BOLDIFY Shampoo formulated with concentrated aloe vera, rosemary extract, and minerals. As such, the Shampoo promotes healthy hair growth and reduces hair loss.
Here is how it works: When you apply the Shampoo in your hair, the active ingredients above remove dirt and dead cells. The shampoo minerals and vitamins promote hair restoration from inside out. This leaves you with softer, healthier, and silkier hair.
As one of the best shampoos for the sensitive scalp for men and women, made in the USA. Rest assured, this shampoo is also sulfate-free and animal cruelty-free.
Don’t forget to follow the instructions on the label. Most of you might wonder:
What Is Sensitive Scalp?
A sensitive scalp is a scalp that feels irritated and itchy. Also referred to as irritable skin, people with sensitive scalp experience burning prickling and tingling sensations. Usually, they experience this discomfort with or without pain.
Dermatologists confirm that many factors usually trigger sensitive skin. They include ultraviolet radiation and cold. It’s also triggered by cosmetics, water, soap, menstrual cycle, stress, and pollution.
In a 2012 study, researchers confirmed that sensitive scalp can be triggered by the factors above. In another study, researchers found that 60% of women and 40% of men have sensitive scalps.
How Do You Treat and Prevent a Sensitive/ Itchy Scalp?
There are several solutions for treating a sensitive scalp. If you use hair dyes and curl relaxers, you need to know that they will irritate your skin. So, before using these products, perform a patch test. This allows you to see how your skin reacts to the hair products before using it.
Another solution is to use shampoos for sensitive scalp. Preservatives, chemicals, and fragrances can irritate your scalp, causing itching. To prevent this, use the best shampoo for sensitive scalp. Such shampoos are fragrance-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, and gluten-free.
Sunbathing without applying sunscreen and you are bald with lead to sunburn. Also referred to as solar keratosis, this condition leaves your scalp dry and scalp. Before heading out to the beach or the pool area, use a spray sunscreen SPF 30 and higher.
Don’t forget to wear a hat while outside.
Tips to Care for a Sensitive Scalp
A sensitive scalp is a common problem that, if not treated early, can be disturbing for many. If you detect that you have a sensitive scalp, there are a couple of tips you can use to care and even prevent an itchy scalp.
First off, see a dermatologist. He or she will analyze your scalp condition and can guide to the best solution to treat your scalp. You don’t want to spend a lot of money on products that might cause you more harm than to help with your itchy scalp. Because there are many factors that can lead to a sensitive scalp, you need to first determine the cause of it.
Second, buy the hair products suitable for your skin condition. It’s essential to avoid hair products with sulfates, paraben, gluten, and protein. Always look for shampoo with are designed to be used on sensitive scalp and fine hair. Alternatively, perform a patch test before using a hair product.
Third, moisturize your scalp. By moisturizing your scalp, you prevent flaking and itching. This is true, especially if you cannot ditch a hairdryer.
Forth, use soothing treatments. There are herbs and essential oils you can use to soothe your sensitive scalp. They include aloe vera and rosemary extract, among others.
Final Thoughts
If you find out that you have a sensitive scalp, don’t stress out. Stress, anxiety, and even depression will worsen the condition. Instead, relax and use the best shampoo for sensitive scalp. You can start with the five products reviewed above. The one recommended by my dermatologist one year ago, was the one from Vichy, and it worked perfectly, and I’m still using to this day.
They contain organic ingredients rich in vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants. These minerals and nutrients eliminate the dead skin cells and soothe your scalp.
