There’s absolutely nothing worse than trying out a new shampoo or hair oil only to have your scalp break out into an awful, itchy rash. Talk about a mood killer!
More than likely these scalp issues — think redness, dryness, and irritation, could be a sign that you have sensitive skin. Believe it or not, but your scalp is skin too, and can be prone to its own fair share of sensitivities such as harsh fragrance, alcohol, sulfates, and parabens.
To ensure your strands and your scalp stay calm and happy, you’ll want to make the switch to using more hypoallergenic and skin-safe hair products. The good news is that so many incredible brands like SEEN, Briogeo, and Vanicream have made a point to start creating products with special formulas that specifically cater to the needs of individuals with skin sensitivities.
If you’ve been dealing with annoying scalp concerns lately, we’ve totally got you covered! Below, find six of the best skin-safe products on the market.
Kristin Ess Fragrance Free Deep Treatment Mask
For days when your strands need a little extra nourishment and hydration, reach for this deep treatment mask from Kristin Ess. Perfect for all hair types, not only will it boost your hair’s shine and softness, but it will also help with detangling your longs. Not to mention, since it’s fragrance-free you can rest easy knowing that it won’t irritate your skin.
Promising review from Ulta: Emily says, “I really like this product. Not only does it make my hair crazy soft it rinses out so easily and that’s a big plus for me! It being fragrance-free is another plus for me because I often can’t buy products I like because I have allergic reactions to a lot of scents.”
Shop: Kristin Ess Fragrance Free Deep Treatment Mask, $14.00
SEEN Curly Creme, Fragrance Free
You can count on this dermatologist-designed, non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t clog your pores!) curl cream from SEEN, to help give you those soft, defined curls of your dreams—without all of that nasty crunch! This silicone-free and fragrance-free cream will help fight frizz, prevent daily damage from UV or pollution, and will protect your locks from heat (up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit).
Promising review from SEEN: Emily says, “This cream is everything I need, and nothing that I don’t! Love that it is fragrance free and still gives amazing moisture, shine, UV and heat protection for my wavy hair—it stands up to all my outdoor activities (hiking, kayaking…). My hair has honestly never felt this healthy, even when comparing it to products with fragrance. You will not be disappointed in ordering this cream!”
Shop: SEEN Curly Creme, Fragrance Free, $27.00
Allpa Botanicals Jojoba Hair Oil
If you’re looking for a hypoallergenic hair oil that you can use without worry, look no further than this hair oil from Allpa Botanicals. This 100 percent pure, organic, and cold-pressed oil was hand-picked from farming crops in Argentina and makes an excellent moisturizer for your strands. Not to mention, it will also help stimulate hair growth and prevent hair loss.
Promising review from Allpa Botanicals: Jamah says, “Absolutely love the product thus far! Why? 1) Has no distinctive scent 2)Doesn’t feel slippery or oily 3)Provides a healthy shine 4) You feel well lubricated.”
Shop: Allpa Botanicals Jojoba Hair Oil, $27.00
Briogeo Aloe + Oat Milk Fragrance-Free Hypoallergenic Shampoo + Conditioner
This gentle, fragrance-free shampoo and conditioner from Briogeo is perfect for those with sensitivities to fragrance, essential oils, lactose, soy, and gluten. Made with skin-soothing ingredients like aloe vera, oat extract, and natural oils, this dermatologist-approved wash day duo will help calm, nourish, and hydrate your scalp as well as your strands.
Promising review from Briogeo: Dee says, “Having clean hair goes hand-in-hand with pain for me. I am hypersensitive to almost every shampoo and conditioner on the market. This product line blew me away. For the first time after washing my skin wasn’t bright red and inflamed and my scalp didn’t immediately erupt into welts or acne. My sink wasn’t littered with fallen hair after combing from irritation. It’s just perfect.”
Shop: Briogeo Aloe + Oat Milk Fragrance-Free Hypoallergenic Shampoo + Conditioner, $26.00 (each)
Vanicream Free & Clear Firm Hold Hair Spray
Unlike traditional hairsprays —that often contain offensive, irritating, and often harmful ingredients—this dermatologist-test, non-aerosol hair spray is free of parabens, gluten, fragrance, and other irritants. Better yet, this spray provides a long-lasting, natural-looking hold with leaving behind any residue.
Promising review from Vanicream: Leslie says, “I am miserable around any scented product, and this hairspray does not have one bit of odor. It really holds my hair but does not create sticky build up. I’m grateful for all of your products.”
Shop: Vanicream Free & Clear Firm Hold Hair Spray, $13.16
No Nothing Very Sensitive Dry Shampoo —Fragrance-Free
Need a dry shampoo that won’t irritate your scalp or skin? This unscented, hypoallergenic dry shampoo is your best bet. It has a very fine, colorless formula that removes excess oils and other impurities from hair using rice starch. As an added plus, it won’t leave any white residue behind making it perfect for all hair types.
Promising review from No Nothing: Jeanette says, “ This fragrance-free dry shampoo is phenomenal! I love love love it! I’ve had seborrheic dermatitis for a long as I can remember so I had to stop using dry shampoo because most of the chemicals in other products made my scalp feel uncomfortable and flaky. After using this product, my scalp feels healthier and refreshed! The natural rice starch works great with my scalp and I wouldn’t have it any other way!”
Shop: No Nothing Very Sensitive Dry Shampoo—Fragrance-Free, $26.00
Are you a fan of any of these skin-safe hair products? Let us know in the comments below!
