What is a good shampoo and conditioner to use for sensetive skin?

by Melissa
(Grand Blanc, Mi)

I have been getting a rash on my scalp and my neck that just will not go away. I need to find a good shampoo and conditioner that is hyperallergenic and I was hoping to find something I don't have to order online all the time. I also need to find hairspray aswell. Any suggestions?

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My reply

Hi Melissa, thanks for your question. I've tried a lot of hypoallergenic shampoos, natural shampoos, fragrance free shampoos. It's been quite a journey! The problem for me was finding one that still made my hair look good, rather than all flat! (You can read my story at our hypoallergenic shampoo page. )

The main ingredients you want to avoid, that tend to create the most skin rashes, are:

• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or Sodium Laureth Sulfate ... these are foaming agents that are added to most brands of shampoo, and also are added to toothpastes (even the 'natural' brands) and laundry detergents and other kinds of cosmetics.
  
  
• Fragrance - most shampoos contain perfumes which are among the top five most allergy producing ingredients. Find a shampoo with no added fragrance. Some more natural brands are scented with essential oils which can be less irritating, but which may also cause skin problems if you have very sensitive skin.
  
  
• Parabens are preservatives added to most
  personal care and cosmetic products which can cause irritation. There is a lot of controversy about whether they are safe, however if you have sensitive skin, I recommend you avoid them. (See our paraben free products page for more information)
  
  

There are other ingredients you may want to avoid as well, which I've covered in our hypoallergenic shampoo page.

The shampoo and condition that works for me is the Cleure Shampoo and the Cleure Conditioner.

I haven't yet found a brand at the health food store or supermarket that has safe ingredients and that also works well. For example, I've tried these brands of fragrance free shampoo and natural shampoo by Earth Science, however they made my hair look dull and flat.

In terms of a hypoallergenic hair spray, that's another real challenge! Some people simply use a mixture of sea salt and water, sprayed on the hair. It is very inexpensive and works well. These are some safe brands of safe hypoallergenic hair gel. You can ask at your local store if they carry these brands. I wish you much success in finding good hair care products Melissa!

Please let me know what you discovered when you find something that works well. Others who are reading this page, please let us know what you use for hypoallergenic hair care!