woman using shampoo bar
  • Sensitive skin
  • Shampoo & styling

Has your shampoo bar caused an allergic reaction?

In this post, we talk about the ingredients that are most commonly linked with itchy scalps and introduce our gentle shampoo bars that are free from harsh ingredients, making them suitable for those with a sensitive scalp.  

By Hannah Mepham

4 Minute read

Shampoo bars are a popular, plastic-free hair care choice but if you have a sensitive scalp, you may find that ingredients used in some shampoo bars might cause a dry, itchy scalp or allergic reaction.

In this post, we talk about the ingredients that are most commonly linked with itchy scalps and introduce our gentle shampoo bars that are free from harsh ingredients, making them suitable for those with a sensitive scalp.  

Why do shampoo bars give me an itchy scalp?

Solid shampoos are a wonderful low-waste way to wash your hair but some people can find that they end up with an itchy or dry scalp after they switch from liquid shampoo to solid shampoo bars.

Here are 3 common causes of an itchy scalp from shampoo bars: 

1. Harsh foaming agents/pH imbalance

Some shampoo bars contain a high concentration of foaming agents and extremely alkaline ingredients that can cause irritation and damage the delicate skin round the hair and neck.

A known skin irritant, SLS in shampoo bars is a particularly harsh  ingredient that can trigger allergic reactions such as itchy scalp and dermatitis.

Our shampoo bars are free from SLS and in fact this goes for our entire product range. We choose gentler foaming agents to generate a lather that is kinder to the skin.

2. Residue

The way that you wash your hair can also be a factor in why your scalp feels itchy after using a shampoo bar.

As with any shampoo, failure to thoroughly rinse the hair can also leave shampoo residue sitting on the hair and scalp where it can easily trigger irritation. Read more about how to use a shampoo bar. 

3. Fragrance

Shampoo bars can be strongly scented, making them an unsuitable option for those who cannot tolerate synthetic fragrances or essential oils or.

For those with fragrance allergies, we offer a scent-free shampoo bar which has been specially formulated without any essential oils or perfume.

scent free shampoo bar

Shop shampoo bar for a sensitive scalp

So that everyone – even those with a sensitive scalp – can have the option of using a shampoo bar, Green People’s natural and organic shampoo bars are:

  • Soap free
  • SLS free
  • pH balanced

Scent Free Repairing Anti Frizz Shampoo Bar is a unisex shampoo bar that was created for those prone to a sensitive scalp.

A plastic-free, solid shampoo bar that is entirely free from scent, it strengthens hair with a hydrating, repairing blend of Babassu, Pracaxi and Bisabolol plant oils and can be used daily to keep hair fresh and frizz free, and scalps calm.

If you have an itchy scalp that is not sensitive to essential oils, you may like to try our Mint & Eucalyptus Anti-Itch Shampoo Bar.

Support healthy microflora and prevent an itchy scalp with this soothing blend of Celery Seed Extract, Avocado and Macadamia Seed Oils, designed to provide comfort to both oily and dry scalps.

What is the alternative to a shampoo bar?

If shampoo bars are not the right choice for you but you prefer to use hair care products that use eco-conscientious packaging, you can care for your hair by using a liquid shampoo bar that’s presented in recyclable packaging.

Green People’s natural and organic shampoos are produced in sugar cane plastic bottles that are 100% recyclable and use mild-foaming agents based on Coconut and Yucca.

SLS-free and designed to gently cleanse your hair whilst maintaining healthy pH balance, Green People’s liquid hair care collection offers shampoos and conditioners to suit all genders and hair types.

It includes Scent Free Shampoo and Conditioner that are free of essential oils and suitable to use ultra-sensitive scalps, along with Itch Away Shampoo for those with a dry, itchy scalp.

Discover our natural and organic shampoos for an itchy, irritated scalp or contact our friendly UK customer care team for more helpful advice on finding the best shampoo for you.

 

If you wish to republish this content, please credit Green People as the original creator with a link to "Has your shampoo bar caused an allergic reaction?". Please do not use an affiliate link.

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