Sensitive Scalp Care

83 products

Sensitive 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.
Sulfate-Free Formulas
Fragrance-Light & Hypoallergenic
Pro Sensitive-Scalp Range
Microbiome-Balancing
Authorized Reseller
Shop All Sensitive Scalp Care Sensitive Scalp Recovery: A 6-Week Reset Guide

Shop Hair Routines

Curated step-by-step routines — save up to 6% 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.

Thinning HairScalp Irritation
1 Cleanse
2 Condition
3 Finish
Cleanse
Nioxin Professional - Scalp Relief - Cleanser Shampoo for Sensitive, Dry and Itchy Scalp

Nioxin Professional - Scalp Relief - Cleanser S...

$33.99
Condition
Nioxin Professional - Scalp Relief - Conditioner for Sensitive, Dry and Itchy Scalp

Nioxin Professional - Scalp Relief - Conditione...

$48.99
Finish
Nioxin Professional - Scalp Relief - Soothing Serum for Sensitive, Dry and Itchy Scalp

Nioxin Professional - Scalp Relief - Soothing S...

$34.49

$117.47 $112.77 Save 4%

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.

All Hair TypesColor-Treated HairColor FadeBreakageScalp Irritation
1 Cleanse
2 Condition
3 Treat
Cleanse
Maria Nila Head & Hair Heal Shampoo - Soothing and Strengthening

Maria Nila Head & Hair Heal Shampoo - Soothing ...

$58.27
Condition
Maria Nila Head & Hair Heal Conditioner – Aloe Vera & Vitamins

Maria Nila Head & Hair Heal Conditioner – Aloe ...

$35.00
Treat
Maria Nila Head & Hair Heal Mask - Hydrating & Strengthening

Maria Nila Head & Hair Heal Mask - Hydrating & ...

$48.46

$141.73 $136.06 Save 4%

Shop Sensitive Scalp Care by Range

Medavita Lotion Concentrée

Medavita Lotion Concentrée

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

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

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

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

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

Medavita Cutis Pura

Clay-based scalp scrub that's gentle enough for sensitive skin when used weekly with light pressure.

Shop Now

Which 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.

Schwarzkopf - Essensity - Ammonia-Free - Permanent Color | Schwarzkopf | ProHair.caSchwarzkopf - Essensity - Ammonia-Free - Permanent Color | Schwarzkopf | ProHair.ca
Schwarzkopf Professional

Schwarzkopf - Essensity - Ammonia-Free - Permanent Color

$9.25
$11.10
$9.25
7-0 Medium Blonde Natural 8-0 Light Blonde Natural 10-0 Ultra Blonde Natural +11

Schwarzkopf Igora Royal Zero Ammonia – 60g | Schwarzkopf Professional | ProHair.caSchwarzkopf Igora Royal Zero Ammonia – 60g | Schwarzkopf Professional | ProHair.ca
Schwarzkopf Professional

Schwarzkopf IGORA Royal Zero Ammonia – 60g

$19.58
$19.58
1-0 Black Natural 3-0 Dark Brown 4-0 Medium Brown +34
Olivia Garden Detangler Brush For Fine Medium and Thick Hair - by Olivia Garden |ProCare Outlet|Olivia Garden Detangler Brush For Fine Medium and Thick Hair - by Olivia Garden |ProCare Outlet|
Olivia Garden

Olivia Garden Detangler Brush For Fine Medium and Thick Hair

$7.99
$10.99
$7.99
Medium-Thick Fine-Medium Pink +1

Revlon - Equave - Kids Hypoallergenic Shampoo 300ml - by Revlon |ProCare Outlet|Revlon - Equave - Kids Hypoallergenic Shampoo 300ml - by Revlon |ProCare Outlet|
Revlon Professional

Revlon Professional Equave Kids Hypoallergenic Shampoo – Gentle Cleanse for Sensitive Scalp

$19.99
$19.99

Biolage Scalp Sync Purifying Scalp Concentrate 6.8 oz – Detoxifies & Balances All Scalp Types | Biolage | ProHair.caBiolage Scalp Sync Purifying Scalp Concentrate 6.8 oz – Detoxifies & Balances All Scalp Types | Biolage | ProHair.ca
Biolage

Biolage ScalpSync Purifying Scalp Concentrate – Pre-Shampoo Detox 200ml

$28.99
$28.99
Nioxin Scalp Relief 3-Piece Kit – Complete Regimen for Sensitive, Dry and Itchy ScalpNioxin Scalp Relief 3-Piece Kit
Nioxin

Nioxin Scalp Relief 3-Piece Kit – Complete Regimen for Sensitive, Dry and Itchy Scalp

$36.99
$45.00
$36.99

Medavita Velour Soothing Shampoo – Soothing Care for Sensitive ScalpMedavita Velour Soothing Shampoo – Soothing Care for Sensitive Scalp
Medavita

Medavita Velour Soothing Shampoo – Soothing Care for Sensitive Scalp

$27.99
$31.50
$27.99

Schwarzkopf Essensity Oil Developer 1000ml – Gentle, Ammonia-Free Oxidizing System | Schwarzkopf Professional | ProHair.caSchwarzkopf Essensity Oil Developer 1000ml – Gentle, Ammonia-Free Oxidizing System | Schwarzkopf Professional | ProHair.ca
Schwarzkopf Professional

Schwarzkopf Essensity Oil Developer 1000ml – Gentle, Ammonia-Free Oxidizing System

$11.50
$13.80
$11.50
Design.Me Gentle Scalp Brush – Soft Flexible Bristles for Cleansing & MassageDesign.Me Gentle Scalp Brush – Soft Flexible Bristles for Cleansing & Massage
Design.Me

Design.Me Gentle Scalp Brush – Soft Flexible Bristles for Cleansing & Massage

$19.00
$19.00
Olivia Garden Oval brush combo nylon and boar bristles
Olivia Garden

Olivia Garden Oval brush combo nylon and boar bristles

$40.99
$53.99
$40.99
Olivia Garden Curlyhair Splash Brush Pink 3B TO 4C
Olivia Garden

Olivia Garden Curlyhair Splash Brush Pink 3B TO 4C

$28.99
$28.99
Schwarzkopf Scalp Protect Serum – 150 mL | Schwarzkopf | ProHair.ca
Schwarzkopf Professional

Schwarzkopf Scalp Protect Serum – 150 mL

$24.58
$24.58
Serum equilibrant l'huile Scalp Sync | Biolage | ProHair.ca
Biolage

Biolage ScalpSync Balancing Oil Serum – Lightweight Scalp Oil 50ml

$28.99
$28.99
Matrix Instacure Tension Reliever 200ml | Matrix | ProHair.caMatrix Instacure Tension Reliever 200ml | Matrix | ProHair.ca
Matrix

Matrix Instacure Tension Reliever Scalp Ease Serum – Relief for Tight Styles 200ml

$21.99
$21.99

Scalp Vitality Exfoliating Scrub GentleScalp Vitality Exfoliating Scrub Gentle
Joico

Joico Scalp Vitality Exfoliating Foaming Scrub – Gentle Detox Cleanse for a Refreshed, Balanced Scalp

$30.99
$35.99
$30.99
Joico Scalp Vitality Replenishing Essence – LightwJoico Scalp Vitality Replenishing Essence – Lightw
Joico

Joico Scalp Vitality Replenishing Essence – Lightweight Leave-In Care for a Hydrated, Comfortable Scalp

$30.99
$35.00
$30.99
Scalp Vitality ShampooScalp Vitality Shampoo
Joico

Joico Scalp Vitality Shampoo – Gentle Daily Cleanse for a Fresh, Balanced Scalp

$30.99
$42.99
$30.99
Wet Brush Original Detangler Disney Princess Collection - Cinderella - by Wetbrush |ProCare Outlet|Wet Brush Original Detangler Disney Princess Collection - Cinderella - by Wetbrush |ProCare Outlet|
Wetbrush

Wet Brush Original Detangler Disney Princess Collection - Cinderella

$22.93
$27.52
$22.93

L'Oreal Professionnel Serie Expert Scalp Advanced Anti-Dandruff Shampoo 500ml - Effective Dandruff Control | L’Oréal Professionnel | ProHair.caL'Oreal Professionnel Serie Expert Scalp Advanced
L'Oréal Professionnel

L'Oréal Professionnel Scalp Advanced Anti-Dandruff Shampoo – Dermo-Clarifier 500ml

$30.00
$30.00
Pegasus Infinite Styling 101 Plastic Tail Comb PEG101C | ProCare Outlet | ProHair.ca
ProHair

Pegasus Infinite Styling 101 Plastic Tail Comb PEG101C

$13.99
$17.99
$13.99

Otto 9" Pin Tail Pro Comb (Carbon Fiber Anti Static Heat Resistant) - ProCare Outlet by OttoOtto 9" Pin Tail Pro Comb (Carbon Fiber Anti Static Heat Resistant) - ProCare Outlet by Otto
Otto

Otto 9" Pin Tail Pro Comb - Anti Static & Heat Resistant for Effortless Styling

$4.50
$4.50

Olivia Garden Vent brush
Olivia Garden

Olivia Garden Vent brush

$26.99
$35.99
$26.99
Olivia Garden Tunnel brush
Olivia Garden

Olivia Garden Tunnel brush

$15.99
$20.99
$15.99
Olivia Garden V-shaped ionic bristle styling brush
Olivia Garden

Olivia Garden V-shaped ionic bristle styling brush

$19.99
$26.99
$19.99
Expert Guide

Sensitive Scalp Recovery: A 6-Week Reset Guide

Not sure which line is right for you? Our in-depth guide breaks down every product, compares lines side by side, and helps you find the perfect match for your hair type.

Read the Guide

You Might Also Like

Shop by hair concern — find the right routine for your hair.

Scalp Care

Scalp Care

Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp.

Shop Now
Dandruff & Flakes

Dandruff & Flakes

Clear flakes and calm the itch with targeted care.

Shop Now
Dry Hair

Dry Hair

Thirsty strands? Quench dryness with deep hydration.

Shop Now
Fine & Flat Hair

Fine & Flat Hair

Weightless volume and body for fine hair.

Shop Now

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.
Shop All Products