Soothe Irritated Skin with the Best Shampoos for a Sensitive Scalp in Australia
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If your scalp flares with itch or flakes after styling or colour, swap to sulphate-free shampoos rich in light oils, hydrators and botanicals, and consider Kérastase Specifique Bain Vital Dermo-Calm (250ml $62.00), Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo or Davroe Repair Revitalizing Shampoo (325ml $27.96). This piece outlines which ingredients to avoid and the top shampoos and treatments to try.
Fast Facts You Need to Know
- Choose Kérastase Bain Vital Dermo-Calm for super sensitive scalps (250ml $62.00).
- Use Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo for oily, irritated scalps and men’s routines.
- Pick Davroe Repair Revitalizing Shampoo to protect coloured hair (325ml $27.96).
- Pair with L'Oreal Serioxyl conditioner or Wella SP Balance serum to soothe and treat.
Beyond product picks, learn which ingredients to avoid, especially sulphates, and which to look for, such as Calophyllum oil, menthol, salicylic acid and piroctone olamine. The guide also covers pairing conditioners and when to add a concentrated scalp serum for extra relief.
If you’re someone who loves to try a tonne of new products, or find yourself frequently styling, you’re probably not unfamiliar with one or two scalp issues.
Fortunately, there are plenty of shampoos designed to calm and soothe the scalp with expertly chosen ingredients, which you’re going to want in your shampoo.
The ideal ingredient list on a scalp-calming shampoo won't include sulphates.
Sulphates can be potentially drying, irritating, and stripping for sensitive scalps.
What you do want to see are loads of light oils, hydrators, and botanical ingredients designed to restore your scalp back to a balanced state.
So, if you need a calming shampoo for sensitive skin, here are some of our top picks.
Our 5 Favourite Shampoos for Sensitive Scalps
For a Super Sensitive Scalp
The best shampoo for a scalp that is easily irritated is the Kérastase Specifique Bain Vital Dermo-Calm Shampoo. This gentle formula contains Calophyllum oil, which has softening and soothing properties to calm irritations. It’s a winning formula for a flaky scalp, that also won’t strip your colour. This shampoo will also leave your hair feeling thicker, healthier and stronger. Try this shampoo if you’re struggling to find a formula that really works.
The Best Men’s Shampoo for a Sensitive Scalp
Ideal for oily hair, the Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo is a formula our male customers love. It provides an awesome deep clean and leaves the scalp feeling refreshed and balanced. This formula includes Rosemary oil, Menthol, Salicylic acid and Ginger extract to calm irritated scalps. It also uses Piroctone Olamine and Climbazole to combat dandruff and itchiness. With all of these benefits, it’s more than just a good shampoo for sensitive scalps, it’s one of our best.
Cleanse and care for coloured hair with the Davroe Repair Revitalizing Shampoo. Made to protect coloured hair from further damage, this formula is gentle and mild enough for daily use while still being able to thoroughly cleanse the hair. This nourishing formula is designed to reduce breakage and remove oil, dirt and product build up. This cruelty-free and vegan shampoo also contains ingredients like Rice and Quinoa Amino Acids to help strenghten and protect against colour fading. Pair with the matching conditioner for the best results.
Our 3 Favourite Sensitive Hair and Scalp Products
Sometimes shampoo isn’t enough! Here are some of our favourite products and best scalp treatments that make perfect companions to your favourite shampoo for a sensitive scalp.
A Gentle Hair Conditioner for Sensitive Scalps
When looking for a conditioner for sensitive scalps, we recommend pairing up your shampoo with the L'Oreal Professionnel Serioxyl Conditioner. Designed for fine, thinning hair, this formula is perfect for compromised scalps that struggle to promote growth. Menthol helps soothe the scalp, while the rest of the formula works to hydrate and detangle the lengths of your hair.
Go to the root of the cause with the Wella SP Balance Scalp Energy Serum. This clinically proven formula is great for weakened hair, that may be due to a compromised scalp. Improve the overall health of your hair with this pH balanced formula that includes Caffeine, Biotin and Larin acid. Plus, it’s dermatologically tested and suited for sensitive scalps.
Want more of the best scalp care products? Check out these guides...
Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.
