Sensitive scalp and hair care - tips or products to help ?

[Glamorousglitter]

Hi

Since my most recent baby (almost 2 years ago) my scalp has gotten terribly sensitive.

Most shampoos conditioners seem to irritate it - itchy dry and I ve noticed small lumps like spots sometimes, and it can be very flaky / scaly.

I ve tried lots of brands - even shelled out for more expensive kerastase / red ken products recommended by hairdresser.

My hair is highlighted though because my scalp is sensitive I ve even avoided getting it done too often so more blayage look at the moment. It s a bit dry at the ends.

Anyone had similar and could help with tips from where to go here ?

Also I ve tried medicated or over the counter shampoos for dry flaky scalp, and some la Roche lrosay, howeve after a couple of weeks of product use the problem seems to return
What am I doing wrong ? Where do I go from here ?

Try SLS-free shampoo- it's an ingredient in loads of shampoo and body wash but is very irritant to the skin. I use OH by Daniel Galvin jnr but there are more brands available now. I read the labels of everything as I'm massively allergic to it.

Teatree shampoo is good

Methylisothiazolinone. It's in all the normal brand shampoos and about 15% of the population is allergic to it in varying degrees. (According to the allergy consultant I saw and who did the patch testing) It's in shower gel, a lot of clarins products etc. It might be causing your scalp irritation.

Definitely try SLS free.
Moogoo milk shampoo and conditioner are very good, and my scalp felt better after the first use. They also do a scalp cream. I haven't tried it, but it gets raving reviews.

Now that my scalp is fine I have switched to Happy Hair (I think), available in Sainsbury's. SLS free and a bit more purse friendly than Moogoo.

Normal "sensitive" stuff you can buy at the hairdressers is not for sensitive scalps at all, it's all marketing bs.

Oh thanks for replies.
Unicorn - tea tree was very drying and while it didn't irritate in the same way hair was quite dry and flaky

Jceaux thanks will watch for that ingredient That s interesting as I had an all over body itch after using a few different body washes (Aldi and radox) and have a few I know I won't use now a days ! Must check if it s a commmon denominator.

I tried moo goo scalp cream and while it eased the burning and discomfort I think that using shampoo was just negating the effects !

I ll try the happy range and try checking ingredient list. Wonder if it s worth getting dermatology consult or allergy check - would any mn people here know or have experience ? Thanks again f

You'll need a referral for the testing. If you got itchy all over with the shower gel I'd place money on it. Obviously body shop shampoo (ginger one is good) doesn't have it in. I used the t gel for dry hair to get rid of the itchy rash etc then moved on to Avalon shampoo etc doesn't have the chemicals in.

Apple cider vinegar

Have you tried Philip Kingsley's itchy flaky scalp shampoo at all? I've had scalp issues for around 15 years, tried numerous medicated shampoo's/treatments and it's fixed my scalp! A bit pricey but I haven't been able to live without it for a couple of years now

Methylisothiazolinone - as mentioned above, is in almost every cosmetic/cleaning product from disinfectant to laundry liquid. It is used as a preservative, to stop the product "going off".

Methylisothiazolinone (or MI) allergy, seems to be quite prevalent. So may be worth checking out.

To be fair though, it could be any of the ingredients in a product that your body simply doesn't like (all an allergy is, is where your body identifies a substance as harmful, when it isn't).

Interestingly, I seem to be worse with products aimed at "sensitive" skin (there is no such thing). Example, Garnier Ultimate blends shampoo (the sensitive OatMilk one, set my scalp on fire).

T-gel from Nuetrogena is good, not the nicest smelling though. Vosene medicated shampoo was good (not used it for years).

Watching with interest!

Yeah the t gel for dry hair smells a little better but then I use the coconut water hair mask from Superdrug as a conditioner after so it smells nice

Appreciate all the replies, t gel and medicated anti dandruff seem to irritate it and more it drier,. Coconut oil afterwards or overnigh helped a little.
Still on the quest. Considering a consultation with a dermatologist- would that be OTT? My scalp was lifting in scales last night and bleeding (sorry if tmi)

I don't think that's OTT, if it's scaling and bleeding bless ya it needs a professional to take a look for u. What are u using at the moment?

Moogoo and yes to carrots scalp relief are both M ingredient free
Have you ever tried a co wash? As I am co wash is v gentle and no sulphates or silicones

Moo goo shampoo, with neutragina t-gel shampoo as well a couple of times a week are the only things that have worked for me. I have been afflicted for many many years.

Moogoo made my scalp worse so just be careful, it's all so personal isn't it as what one person swears by another hates.

The body shop ginger shampoo is the only one that has worked for me :)

I'd second body shop ginger shampoo. I burnt my scalp after a very long session of nits, 3 treatments a week for 6 weeks.

It's took me well over 3 years to correct.

This is the guy that helped.

amazingy.com/magazine/get-rid-of-dandruff-itchy-scalp/

Another vote for SLS free, I buy shampoo bars online and are cost effective as they last ages. Made the mistake a few weeks ago of just using the hotel shampoo when I was on holiday and I couldn't stop itching by the end of the week, massive flakes and scratching till it bled - won't be doing that again!!