The best products for soothing a sensitive scalp

An irritated scalp can often result in hair breaking off at the follicle. This process often leaves our hair weak, thin and painfully slow at growing back. So, unless you're in the market for a full head of extensions (RIP sensitive scalpers), a full and luscious mane might feel mildly out of reach. Unless of course you're committed to a diligent routine of spritzing EZZ's Hair Growth Spray onto your scalp every day for at least three months.

This powerhouse growth spray has been infused with four types of amino acids to promote the hair's natural growth. All that's required from you? A gentle scalp massage using the accompanying EZZ Growth Massage Brush. Bliss.

$85.95 at EZZ DNA

No doubt you’ve been seeing clean beauty shampoo bars cropping up everywhere – but this little guy’s formulated specifically with sensitive scalps in mind. Utilising high-quality 100 per cent whole natural plant ingredients (including sandalwood, salicylic acid and vitamin E), this vegan-friendly formula hydrates, soothes and protects the scalp for optimal hair health.

$34 at MECCA

Soothe your red, irritated scalp with this soothing, anti-dandruff conditioner. Formulated with climbazole, piroctone olamine, and a cocktail of scalp-stimulators and exfoliators (rosemary oil, menthol, salicylic acid, ginger extract and oat oil to be exact), you can look forward to rebalanced moisture levels, a reduction in dandruff and a soothed scalp. Score!

$41 at Sephora

Intended to detoxify the scalp, this soothing serum is formulated with binchotan charcoal to draw out the impurities, build-up and excess oil that may be blocking hair follicles. Peppermint, spearmint and tea tree oils work to reduce irritation, itchiness and inflammation, while witch hazel, water, hyaluronic acid and aloe soothe and rebalance. 

$46 at MECCA

Sensitive scalp maintenance shouldn’t need to cost a small fortune. Lightly foaming for a gentle, yet purifying experience, this QV Hair Gentle Shampoo is less than $10 at Chemist Warehouse, so there’s really no excuse to take full advantage of its pH balanced, soap-free formula ASAP. 

$9.99 at Chemist Warehouse

Having a sensitive scalp can be stressful enough, which is why we love the idea of this easy leave-in treatment for particularly dry scalps. Simply massage into damp hair to see a reduction in flakiness, itchiness and irritation. The secret behind this practical potion? Innovative hyaluronic acid based molecular patch technology and a vitamin B3 based microbiome balancing complex, which work in unison to maintain hydration and rebalance the scalp’s natural microbiome. 

$46 at MECCA

Need a shampoo formulated without the common irritants that can upset sensitive skin and scalps? This one is pH balanced and non-irritating, so it'll gently cleanse and purify hair while rehydrating dry scalps and conditioning dry skin.

$14.99 at Chemist Warehouse

Yep, that’s right, just because you’ve been afflicted with a sensitive scalp doesn’t mean you have to forgo the convenience of a dry shampoo. Thanks to the inclusion of oat milk, this highly absorbent formula soothes and protects as well as refreshes your hair between washes. 

$17.49 at Chemist Warehouse

Improve scalp health and boost hair growth while you’re at it using this soothing leave-in treatment that’s formulated with anti-inflammatory aloe vera, hydrating glycerin, relieving Soothex™ complex and a slew of vitamins and minerals that promote cellular turnover and hair growth.

$44.50 at StrawberryNET

There’s nothing like a good scalp scrub to help purify, balance and restore hair follicle health. GROW Longer Stronger Stimulating Scalp Scrub contains sea salt, peppermint oil and a whopping 79 per cent naturally derived ingredients to help remove build-up and dead skin from the scalp. 

$16.99 at Priceline