Which shampoo is best for an itchy scalp? Which ingredients in shampoo are most likely to cause an allergic reaction? If you’re allergic to shampoo or shampoo bars and need a gentle shampoo that won’t irritate your sensitive scalp, you’ve come to the right place.
This post explores the common allergens in shampoo and helps you find the best shampoo for an itchy, allergy-prone scalp.
Why do shampoos and shampoo bars give me an itchy scalp?
Have you ever experienced an allergic reaction to shampoo such as a rash or an itchy, irritated scalp? Does this tend to get worse after you wash your hair?
If you’re wondering why your shampoo or shampoo bar is causing an itchy scalp, the first place to look for clues is on your shampoo’s ingredient list for these known scalp irritants.
- Ethyl alcohol/ethanol
- Fragrance
- Sodium lauryl sulfate/sulphate (SLS)
- Gluten
Ethyl alcohol
While fatty alcohols like cetyl and cetearyl soften the skin and hair, ethyl alcohol can strip away protective lipids on the surface of your scalp, leading to dryness and scalp irritation. If shampoo causes your scalp to itch, look for a shampoo without ethyl alcohol, such as Green People shampoo and conditioner.
Fragrance
The scent of your shampoo and conditioner might be pleasant, but it can also irritate your skin and scalp.
If synthetic scents, perfumes or essential oils make your scalp itch, you’ll love our scent-free shampoo, scent-free conditioner and scent-free shampoo bar, which are all fragrance-free and made without essential oils or perfume.
Also found in our Scent Free Shower Routine, they’re hair care essentials for those allergic to scented shampoo!
Scent Free Shower Routine
Your sensitive shower routine for gently cleansing skin, hair and scalp
Regular price
£52.50
£42.00
“The option to combine products for a scent free shower routine is so ideal. My hair and skin feel so nourished after using these. Worth the investment as a little goes a long way!” Lucy
Gluten
Gluten is an ingredient used to thicken shampoo. Coeliacs and those with gluten intolerances may choose to avoid it.
To make shampoo shopping easy when you have an allergy-prone scalp, Green People only makes gluten-free shampoos and conditioners.
“Great smell and effective, gentle cleaning. Gluten free, too!” Suzanne
Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS)
SLS is a chemical ingredient used in cheap shampoos and shampoo bars to produce a rich, foamy lather. While SLS is very effective at cleansing hair, its alkaline pH is incompatible with the weakly acidic pH of human skin and can lead to an itchy or irritated scalp and neck.
If you have had an allergic reaction to shampoo then it is worth trying an SLS-free shampoo. All Green People shampoos and shampoo bars are SLS-free and free from gluten and drying alcohol. View all SLS-free shampoos now.
Use our quick and easy hair care quiz to build the best hair care routine for your sensitive scalp, or keep reading to discover our top-pick shampoos for itchy scalps.
Best shampoo for an allergy-prone scalp
Looking for the best shampoo for an allergy-prone scalp? Our dermatologically tested scent-free shampoo is our go-to organic shampoo for those with shampoo allergies.
Clinically proven to be kind to the skin, there’s no drying alcohol, SLS or fragrance to worry about. Instead, foaming Yucca gently works with moisture-rich Aloe Vera and Seaweeds to gently soothe the scalp with smoothing hair hydration.
“Have used it for years now, since I was told I have contact skin allergies including fragrance. It's as good if not better than any fragranced shampoo I ever used”. Diane
Best shampoo bar for an allergy-prone scalp
Would you prefer to use a shampoo bar but are worried about scalp irritation? We also offer a Scent-Free Anti-Frizz Shampoo bar.
Unlike synthetic shampoo bars, which can be highly concentrated with SLS, this natural shampoo bar uses a fragrance-free formula and a coconut ‘baby foam’ to keep hair fresh and frizz-free, and your scalp calm.
A gentle shampoo for all hair types, it’s ideal for those who find that shampoo bars give them a rash or an itchy scalp.
Did we mention that a little goes a long way? Enjoy up to 50 uses per bar and keep your hair fresh and frizz-free with its hydrating blend of Babassu, Pracaxi, and Bisabolol plant oils.
Scent Free Shampoo Bar 50g
An unscented shampoo bar to gently clean hair and scalp
£16.50
“My son uses this product and finds that it is great for his sensitive scalp. He uses it every day. He suffers with an itchy scalp when using other products, but with this Green People Scent Free Shampoo Bar no problems.” Janet
Best conditioner for an allergy-prone scalp
Does using conditioner irritate your scalp? Switch to Scent Free Conditioner and apply it to the ends of your hair only.
Dermatologically tested and clinically proven to be kind to sensitive skin, our Scent Free Conditioner is perfect for those prone to scalp irritation.
With shine-boosting, hydrating Aloe Vera and conditioning Quinoa Protein, it gives naturally healthy hair shine without any need for silicones, a hard-to-wash-out wax that can cause product build-up and lead to dull, flat hair and an itchy scalp.
Scent Free Conditioner 200ml
Our gentlest conditioner for your silkiest hair and a sensitive scalp
“Amazing for sensitive scalp. I wouldn’t use anything else. Had no problems with sensitivity at all.” Rosemary
5 tips for avoiding an itchy scalp after shampoo
Keep your scalp calm and comfortable while you wash your hair with our tips for avoiding an itchy scalp after shampoo.
Rinse well
Some shampoo ingredients, such as silicone wax, can be hard to wash out. If they build up, they can attract bacteria to the scalp, leaving it feeling itchy and at risk of infection. To avoid this, thoroughly wash your hair after you shampoo.
Reduce the heat
Scorching hot showers can inflame the scalp, leading to dryness and irritation. To look after your scalp, wash your hair at a cooler temperature.
Skip a wash
Do you wash your hair every day? While this leaves hair feeling clean, overwashing can strip away protective scalp oils, leaving the scalp more at risk of irritation.
Instead of washing your hair daily, give it a deep cleanse every other day by repeating your shampoo. This easy step leaves hair feeling oh-so clean: simply shampoo, rinse, shampoo again, rinse again, and then condition if needed.
Dry your hair
If you’re prone to an itchy scalp and neck after shampooing, don’t leave damp hair dangling down your shoulders. This risks leftover irritants in your shampoo transferring to your skin.
To reduce your risk of shampoo rash, wrap your hair in a towel or gently dry it using a low setting on your hair dryer.
Boost your scalp circulation
Lastly, our favourite way to help avoid shampoo irritation is to boost your scalp’s circulation and barrier strength with a gentle massage. Made with eco-friendly Wheat Straw and ultra-soft silicone tips, our soothing scalp massager is ideal for caring for a sensitive scalp.
Apply your shampoo and then gently swirl the brush over your scalp. This easy self-care step boosts your scalp while gently buffing away flakes.
Scalp Massage Brush
Boost your lather and enjoy a deep cleanse for a healthy scalp
£9.00
We hope you found this guide to choosing shampoo and shampoo bars for allergy-prone skin helpful. For more help choosing the best shampoo for an itchy scalp, take our quick and easy hair care quiz or contact our friendly UK customer care team on 01403 740350 or @GreenPeopleUK.
This blog post has been reviewed by Charlotte Vøhtz, founder of Green People, who has over 30 years of experience in the natural and organic beauty industry. A recognised leader in the field of organic beauty, Charlotte helped inform the UK's first organic beauty standards and was voted the People’s Choice in the 2023 and 2024 list of Who’s Who in Natural Beauty. A published author, she wrote the organic beauty bible ‘Naturally Gorgeous’. Previously, she qualified as a nurse and spent over 10 years working in pharmaceuticals.
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