Sensitive Scalp Care
88 productsSensitive Scalp Care — Gentle, Fragrance-Light, Reaction-Free
Sensitive scalps need a different approach. Common shampoo ingredients — sulfates, harsh fragrances, certain preservatives — can trigger redness, itching, burning, and flaking even on otherwise healthy skin. The fix isn't medical-grade dermatology shampoo; it's a gentler professional routine built around fragrance-light cleansers, sulfate-free formulas, and microbiome-balancing actives.
ProHair carries the gentle scalp lines that work for reactive skin — Medavita's Italian-formulated Lotion Concentrée and balancing shampoos, Revlon Equave Kids hypoallergenic (popular with adults too), Alcove pre-wash scalp oil, Joico Defy Damage Scalp range, and L'Oréal Sensi Balance. Each product is fragrance-light, sulfate-free where formulated, and chosen for genuinely sensitive scalps — not 'gentle' marketing.
If you've been guessing at what works, this is where to start. Strip back to fragrance-light basics, reintroduce one product at a time, and let your scalp recover.
ProHair carries the gentle scalp lines that work for reactive skin — Medavita's Italian-formulated Lotion Concentrée and balancing shampoos, Revlon Equave Kids hypoallergenic (popular with adults too), Alcove pre-wash scalp oil, Joico Defy Damage Scalp range, and L'Oréal Sensi Balance. Each product is fragrance-light, sulfate-free where formulated, and chosen for genuinely sensitive scalps — not 'gentle' marketing.
If you've been guessing at what works, this is where to start. Strip back to fragrance-light basics, reintroduce one product at a time, and let your scalp recover.
Sulfate-Free Formulas
Fragrance-Light & Hypoallergenic
Pro Sensitive-Scalp Range
Microbiome-Balancing
Authorized Reseller
Shop Hair Routines
Curated step-by-step routines — save up to 4% on every bundle
Nioxin Scalp Relief Routine
Formulated to address scalp irritation. Powered by Nioxin's scalp-first density technology. This 3-step routine gives you a complete, professional-grade regimen in one bundle. Expect a calmer, balanced scalp and more comfortable hair days. Use together for best results and enjoy 4% savings on the full set.
Maria Nila Head & Hair Heal Routine
Formulated to address color fade, breakage and scalp irritation. Powered by Maria Nila's 100% vegan Colour Guard complex. This 3-step routine gives you a complete, professional-grade regimen in one bundle. Expect vibrant colour, extended longevity, and brilliant shine. Use together for best results and enjoy 4% savings on the full set.
Shop Sensitive Scalp Care by Range
Medavita Velour
Italian professional anti-hair-loss + scalp-rebalancing lotion. Separate Femme and Homme formulas. Applied weekly leave-on. Gentle but active.
Shop Now
Revlon Equave Kids Hypoallergenic
Fragrance-light, gentle daily shampoo originally formulated for kids. A go-to for adults with reactive skin.
Shop Now
Alcove Scalp Pre-Wash Oil
Canadian-made pre-shampoo oil to cleanse and exfoliate the scalp before washing. Calming, conditioning, fragrance-light.
Shop Now
Joico Defy Damage Scalp Range
Scalp-targeted shampoo and treatment that's gentle enough for daily use without sulfates. Reinforces the scalp's natural barrier.
Shop Now
L'Oréal Professionnel Sensi Balance
Calming shampoo for reactive scalps. Sulfate-free, fragrance-light, with shea butter for barrier repair.
Shop Now
Medavita Cutis Pura
Clay-based scalp scrub that's gentle enough for sensitive skin when used weekly with light pressure.
Shop NowWhich Sensitive Scalp Care Products Are Right for You?
Fragrance-Light Daily Cleansers
Sulfate-free, hypoallergenic shampoos for daily or every-other-day use without irritation.
Pre-Wash Scalp Oils
Applied before shampoo to soothe and protect the scalp barrier. The most reliable single addition for sensitive scalps.
Scalp-Calming Conditioners
Lightweight conditioners that hydrate without clogging follicles or leaving fragrance residue.
Anti-Irritation Treatments
Leave-on lotions and serums (Medavita, L'Oréal Sensi) for active calming when reactions flare.
Gentle Scalp Exfoliants
Weekly clay scrubs used carefully — Medavita Cutis Pura is gentle enough for most sensitive scalps when applied with fingertips, not nails.
Hypoallergenic Tools
Soft boar-bristle brushes, microfiber towels, and silk pillowcases reduce mechanical irritation.
Vendor:
7-0 Medium Blonde Natural
8-0 Light Blonde Natural
10-0 Ultra Blonde Natural
+11
Schwarzkopf Professional
Schwarzkopf Professional Essensity Permanent Hair Color – Ammonia-Free Salon Color with Full Grey Coverage
- Regular price
- $9.25
- Regular price
-
$11.10 - Sale price
- $9.25
- Unit price
- per
Vendor:
1-0 Black Natural
3-0 Dark Brown
4-0 Medium Brown
+34
IGORA
IGORA Royal Zero Ammonia – Ammonia-Free Permanent Colour Crème
- Regular price
- $19.58
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- $19.58
- Unit price
- per
Vendor:
Medium-Thick
Fine-Medium
Pink
+1
Olivia Garden
Olivia Garden Detangler Brush For Fine Medium and Thick Hair
- Regular price
- $7.99
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- $7.99
- Unit price
- per
Vendor:
Revlon Professional
Revlon Professional Equave Kids Hypoallergenic Shampoo – Gentle Cleanse for Sensitive Scalp
- Regular price
- $19.99
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- $19.99
- Unit price
- per
Vendor:
Biolage
Biolage ScalpSync Purifying Scalp Concentrate – Pre-Shampoo Detox 200ml
- Regular price
- $31.50
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- $31.50
- Unit price
- per
Vendor:
Nioxin
Nioxin Scalp Relief 3-Piece Kit – Complete Regimen for Sensitive, Dry and Itchy Scalp
- Regular price
- $36.99
- Regular price
-
$45.00 - Sale price
- $36.99
- Unit price
- per
Vendor:
Medavita
Medavita Velour Soothing Shampoo – Soothing Care for Sensitive Scalp
- Regular price
- $27.99
- Regular price
-
$31.50 - Sale price
- $27.99
- Unit price
- per
Vendor:
Schwarzkopf Professional
Schwarzkopf Professional Essensity Oil Developer – Ammonia-Free One-Litre Oxidant in Four Strengths
- Regular price
- $11.50
- Regular price
-
$13.80 - Sale price
- $11.50
- Unit price
- per
Vendor:
L'Oréal Professionnel
L'Oréal Professionnel iNOA Ammonia-Free Permanent Colour – Oil Delivery System, Vegan Formula
- Regular price
- $11.95
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- $11.95
- Unit price
- per
Vendor:
Alcove
Alcove Pre-Wash Scalp Oil – Nourishing Scalp Care 35ml
- Regular price
- $12.00
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- $12.00
- Unit price
- per
Vendor:
Eleven Australia
Eleven Australia – Gentle Clean Balancing Shampoo 300 ml
- Regular price
- $27.50
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- $27.50
- Unit price
- per
Vendor:
Design.Me
Design.Me Gentle Scalp Brush – Soft Flexible Bristles for Cleansing & Massage
- Regular price
- $19.00
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- $19.00
- Unit price
- per
Vendor:
Olivia Garden
Olivia Garden Oval brush combo nylon and boar bristles
- Regular price
- $33.74
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- $33.74
- Unit price
- per
Vendor:
Olivia Garden
Olivia Garden Curlyhair Splash Brush Pink 3B TO 4C
- Regular price
- $24.95
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- $24.95
- Unit price
- per
Vendor:
Schwarzkopf Professional
Schwarzkopf Professional Scalp Protect Serum – Pre-Service Scalp Barrier 150 mL
- Regular price
- $24.59
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- $24.59
- Unit price
- per
Vendor:
Biolage
Biolage Scalp Sync Oil Balancing Serum – Absorbs Excess Oil 50ml
- Regular price
- $31.50
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- $31.50
- Unit price
- per
Vendor:
Matrix
Matrix Instacure Tension Reliever Scalp Ease Serum – Relief for Tight Styles 200ml
- Regular price
- $21.99
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- $21.99
- Unit price
- per
Vendor:
Wella Professionals
Wella Professionals Marula Oil Blend Scalp Primer – Pre-Colour Scalp Protection 150ml
- Regular price
- $16.99
- Regular price
-
$18.99 - Sale price
- $16.99
- Unit price
- per
Vendor:
Joico
Joico Scalp Vitality Exfoliating Foaming Scrub – Gentle Detox Cleanse for a Refreshed, Balanced Scalp
- Regular price
- $28.01
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- $28.01
- Unit price
- per
Vendor:
Joico
Joico Scalp Vitality Replenishing Essence – Lightweight Leave-In Care for a Hydrated, Comfortable Scalp
- Regular price
- $28.01
- Regular price
-
$35.00 - Sale price
- $28.01
- Unit price
- per
Vendor:
Joico
Joico Scalp Vitality Shampoo – Gentle Daily Cleanse for a Fresh, Balanced Scalp
- Regular price
- $28.01
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- $28.01
- Unit price
- per
Vendor:
Wetbrush
Wet Brush Original Detangler Disney Princess Collection - Cinderella
- Regular price
- $22.93
- Regular price
-
$27.52 - Sale price
- $22.93
- Unit price
- per
Vendor:
L'Oréal Professionnel
L'Oréal Professionnel Scalp Advanced Anti-Dandruff Shampoo – Dermo-Clarifier 500ml
- Regular price
- $30.00
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- $30.00
- Unit price
- per
Vendor:
ProHair
Pegasus Infinite Styling 101 Plastic Tail Comb PEG101C
- Regular price
- $13.99
- Regular price
-
$17.99 - Sale price
- $13.99
- Unit price
- per
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between sensitive scalp and dandruff?
Dandruff is fungal (Malassezia overgrowth) and produces yellowish, oily flakes plus itch. Sensitive scalp is barrier-function or contact-irritation — redness, burning, itching without flakes. They need different treatments. If you have flakes, see our /collections/dandruff-flake-control page first.
Why is my scalp suddenly sensitive when it never was?
Common triggers: a new shampoo or conditioner, water hardness change, hormonal shifts (postpartum, perimenopause), stress, a new color service, or barrier disruption from over-washing. Strip back to a fragrance-light basic for 4-6 weeks and reintroduce one product at a time.
Are sulfates the main culprit?
Often, yes — SLS and SLES are common triggers for sensitive skin. But not the only one — fragrances, methylisothiazolinone, formaldehyde-releasers, and some essential oils trigger reactions too. Switching to sulfate-free is a good first step but not a complete answer.
Is Equave Kids really safe for adults?
Yes. The 'kids' formulation just means fragrance-light, hypoallergenic, gentle. Many adults with reactive scalps use it long-term. The Equave Volumizing variant is the same gentleness with light volume support.
Can I use Olaplex / bond builders if I have a sensitive scalp?
Generally yes — Olaplex is fragrance-light and rarely a trigger. But if you've reacted to many products, patch-test first. Apply a small amount behind the ear, leave 24 hours, watch for reaction. If clear, proceed.
How long does it take a sensitive scalp to recover?
Usually 4-8 weeks with a stripped-back routine. If symptoms persist beyond 8 weeks of fragrance-free, sulfate-free, gentle care, see a dermatologist — sometimes it's seborrheic dermatitis, contact allergy, or scalp eczema needing prescription treatment.
Should I avoid hair color if I have a sensitive scalp?
Not necessarily. Talk to a stylist about ammonia-free / PPD-free color (Wella Koleston Perfect Me+, Schwarzkopf BlondMe), and always do a 48-hour patch test 24-48 hours before service. If you've had bad reactions, demi-permanent or vegetable color is gentler.
Do you ship discreetly with no fragrance markers?
Yes — products ship in original sealed packaging, no perfumed materials. Free over $120 across North America.
Why Buy From ProHair?
ProHair has been a leading professional hair care destination since 1996. We carry the sensitive-scalp lines that genuinely work — sourced from authorized professional channels, fragrance-light, sulfate-free where formulated. Free shipping over $120, stylist-curated recommendations on every product.