The first health and nutrition seminar I ever sat in on, the doctor leading the class said something that enlightened and terrified me all at the same time: “Your skin is like a sponge. Don’t for a second believe that the chemicals you put on your body aren’t getting inside of it.” It’s time to look into hair care products for sensitive skin, if you're getting rashes from your shampoos and other products.
I don’t really have a sensitive anything — my stomach, skin, and personality hold up pretty well against most things. However, I’m of the belief that using organic and natural beauty alternatives is awesome, and if you have a scalp that’s sensitive to hair products, it’s especially important to keep a close eye on your ingredients lists. Look for products that are hypoallergenic and use primarily natural ingredients — and the shorter the list, the better, because that means there’s less room for irritants like sulfates, parabens, alcohol, and harsh fragrances. Whether you’re looking to wash, condition, style, or even de-frizz these hypoallergenic and sensitive-friendly haircare options have you covered.
Use A Cleansing Conditioner, Instead
LuxeOrganix Cleansing Conditioner CoWash , $30 (Was $42), Amazon
Especially for people with sensitive scalps, normal shampoos can be really abrasive and drying. This LuxeOrganix cleansing conditioner cowash uses only the best ingredients to cleanse hair of dirt and product build-up without removing natural oils. It also heals and protects hair from split ends and damage, and one happy reviewer says, “I have a lot of cosmetic and hair shampoo sensitivities. I have suffered from dermatitis and other chronic problems over the years and it is RARE to find a product I can use that also benefits my hair.”
Try A Shampoo For Hair Loss
PURA D'OR Hair Loss Prevention Shampoo , $21, Amazon
This PURA D'OR hair loss prevention shampoo is another great option for those with sensitive skin. Because it’s formulated for people with hair loss, it features only the most healing, safe, and natural ingredients like argan oil, and skips all the parabens, sulfates, chemicals, and allergens. Reviewers say that the scent is light and natural, and they’re thrilled with how their hair looks.
Condition With Honey And Aloe
Era Organics Argan Oil Conditioner , $25, Amazon
Along with skipping the fragrances, Era Organics argan oil conditioner also skips the alcohol, silicones, and parabens. Instead it’s got healing ingredients like Manuka honey and aloe vera, and is especially great for those with dry, itchy, flaking scalps. People say their hair is left smooth and silky, and it can also be used as a reliable detangler.
Look For Hypoallergenic Styling Options
Naturelle Hypo-Allergenic Styling Gel , $14, Amazon
Even people who aren’t sensitive to most hair products can find certain gels to be drying and irritating, but Naturelle's hypo-allergenic styling gel has no harsh synthetic ingredients or fragrances. It’s entirely hypoallergenic because it contains plant-based styling ingredients, and instead of making your hair stiff and sticky, it provides a flexible all-day hold without any side effects.
Skip All The Irritants In Hair Gels
Free & Clear Hair Styling Gel , $11, Amazon
This Free & Clear Hair styling gel is ideal for sensitive skin and scalps because it doesn’t have any of the usual irritants that you’d find in other hair gels. It repairs damage, reduces flakes, and keeps a firm hold on hair without drying it out. One reviewer says, “Everything else was making my face breakout. No problems, no annoying smell and helps hold my style.”
Use Salt Spray For A Gentle Hold
John Master Organics Sea Mist Salt Spray , $16, Amazon
A great natural alternative to gel is sea salt spray, like this USDA-certified organic John Master Organics sea mist salt spray, as it gives you texture, volume, and all-day hold without any of the nasty breakouts. This one has natural lavender essential oil, which is particularly soothing and healthy, and it’s a great option for beach waves or to revive day-old hair.
Find A Hairspray Without Fragrances Or Itching
New Image Hypo-Allergenic Hair Spray , $7, Amazon
Another great styling option for sensitive scalps, this New Image hair spray offers a firm, reliable hold with its water-soluble and hypoallergenic solution. Because it’s without fragrances, it doesn’t have any overpowering odors, and reviewers are thrilled, with one saying: “It holds the hair without feeling stiff. Also, I haven't had any of the itching that other products cause.”
Smooth Hair With An Essential Oil Serum
Isabella's Clearly Tame Anti-Frizz Serum , $22, Amazon
If you’re looking for a reliable serum that eases frizz and won’t cause reactions, Isabella's Clearly Tame anti-frizz serum is made with a blend of 100 percent natural therapeutic-grade essential oils. It skips the preservatives and chemicals to give you smooth, sleek, frizz-free hair after a blowout or on its own, and no matter what hair-type, everyone seems to love it.
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Images: Fotolia (1); Amazon (8)
