Shampoo/ conditioner for itchy, sensitive scalp?

[moonstorm]

For months, I have been convinced I'd caught headlice (even though the dcs don't have them and there are absolutely no signs in my hair). My head is always itching, but there's never any flakiness (thinking not dandruff, then). It's finally occured to me that my shampoo/ comditioner might be irritating or drying out my skin and causing it to itch.

I had a look in the supermarket today for a better shampoo, but I don't know where to start. (I change my brands pretty regulalry depending what is on offer, so I have tried most of the brands out there).. Is there anything specifically for itchy scalps?

Help please!!

I am using one called Happy Hair - got it from Sainsburys.
No SLS and no SLES. Very reasonable price. About £4 a bottle.

And my hair is much happier and my scalp is not scabby and sore from my scratching.

I used T Gel for years, then someone told me it is really not good for you - the coal tar ?? the problem is nothing else seems to work as well. Ditto H& S sensitive for dry scalps. If you can face it try oiling your scalp with almond oil and leaving overnight.

I really need to try some of these, I've even got my mum to check but she just said my head is really dry. I need to go to hairdressers desperately but not going as too paranoid!!

There's a head and shoulders itchy scalp one. I don't have dandruff but do periodically get an itchy scalp and this sorts it.

The head and shoulders itchy scalp one works for me, it really calms my angry scalp and isn't horribly expensive.

Agree with using more natural products (without sulphites / sls etc)

It's the sls that strips your scalp of all natural goodness

Sls is pretty much an industrial strength degreaser and is used for much harsher purposes usually such as engine degreaser.

Its in cheap soaps and shower gels and will make your whole body itchy and dry with regular use.

It could also cause skin condition flare ups

It is definitely worth ditching the sulphates/sulphites and my scalp is much better if I keep away from silicones too. I actually think they irritate my scalp more that the SLS's. It goes itchy and then almost scaley after I've accidently used something with them in.

Beware of Happy Hair Days - the shampoo is SLS free but the conditioners have silicones in them.

Dead Sea Magik Mud shampoo & conditioner. Available at Holland & Barratt but I think lots of other places too.

I've used the head and shoulders itchy scalp one for a couple of years which was really good. But as its so strong it strips my colour quicker so I've moved to alberto balsom tea tree which is good and cheaper. Just bought Aldi's tea tree version to see if its any good. Its horrible isn't it?

Tigi superstar, I ran out recently and my eczema flared up all over my hands, on my face and down my back, will make sure I don't again as my scalp burns with others too.

Mine is really itchy but also flakey. My hairdresser recommended acupuncture and to my surprise it helps enormously. I had a break from it over Xmas and couldn't wear black for a while! The only shampoo my scalp seems to like is Oilatum Intensive. Combined with acu it means I can wear black with confidence again!

Ginger Shampoo from The Body Shop

L'oreal Elvive anti dandruff - dark blue bottle with orange lid is the best shampoo in the world - FACT!

I have been using Philip Kingsley for about 8 yrs now and it is great. Not cheap, but I buy a 1 litre bottle sbout once a year for about £45 so its not too bad. Even when I was on mat leave and living on the strictest budget ever I had to keep buying it or my scalp was too awful.

I was disappointed with the Philip Kingsley one as it made my dry itchy flakey scalp much worse.

Best ones for me have been:

Holland and Barrett Dr Organic Aloe Vera shampoo and D Galvin Organic range. Never allow SLS or dimethicones near your hair.

I just bought Boots Itchy Flaky Scalp sensitive shampoo and used it last night, so far no itching or flakiness so fingers crossed.

Philip Kingsley made me cry with disappointment. It made my scalp much worse and my hair was horrible.

Eucerin shampoo.Its the only thing that soothes my really itchy inflamed scalp.Doesn't leave hair feeling greasy either.

Aveda scalp benefits sorted my dry, itchy scalp out within a few weeks. I'd had it for years.

Joico daily treatment shampoo is wonderful stuff. It was recommended to me by a Trichologist years ago and I have used it on and off since. I always resort to it when itchy/scratchy flares up. It's easily found online, around £9/10 for a 300ml bottle.
Wet hair and lather up but leave on for a minute before rinsing, then repeat if necessary. It's very soothing.

Aveda scalp benefits here too - and the conditioner too

Aveda Scalp Benefits is lovely to use - but it made my hair very greasy and ultimately didn't do much for my scalp. Smells gorgeous though!

Think I am going to try that one PugGirl - so do you use another shampoo I between and that one just when itchy?

I am feeling a little scabby today as I used mousse on my hair yesterday.

Initially I used it all the time but now things have settled down I can use other brands too. However, I use it about once a week just in case and definitely when I get a flare up. Its great stuff and leaves your hair in good condition. Their k pak conditioner is not cheap but really good too.
Good luck

I have the same problem but find alternating shampoo each day can help.

I like the Tres semme lower sulphates shampoo - I have a lower budget so can't afford to try some of the expensive stuff to compare but this has been fine!