A sensitive scalp can be a result of many factors; whether it’s the products you’re using, excess oil, dryness or environmental. Treating our scalps is often an after-thought once the sensitivity, itchiness or tightness has revealed itself.

Healthy hair all starts with a healthy scalp, so natural beauty brand Green People have shared their 6 ways to soothe a sensitive scalp.

Avoid Sodium Lauryl Sulphates (SLS)

Sodium Lauryl Sulphates are foaming agents that help give your shampoo that bubbly texture. However, for many this can irritate the scalp and leave a tight feeling after washing. Thankfully for those who suffer irritation from SLS, there are natural foaming agents that work just as well to clean your hair, removing product build-up and excess oil, the natural way! Look for shampoos that contain Yucca, as this is a natural alternative to foaming agents with a calming effect.

Stop Using Silicones

Silicones are often used in shampoo and conditioner to smooth the hair cuticle and fight frizz. Because of its waxy consistency, silicones can sometimes linger on the hair and scalp and lead to a build up of bacteria causing irritation and itchiness.

Cut Down on the Chlorine

Highly-chlorinated water can often dry the hair and scalp out, which can lead to itchiness, redness and a tight-feeling scalp. An easy way to prevent this is to wear a swimming hat, however, Green People recommend using a deep-cleansing shampoo after swimming to remove the chlorine and protect the scalp from irritation.

Fight the Flakes

Dandruff is a result of a build-up of dead skin cells. There can be different types of dandruff, sometimes its dry and feels tight and sometimes its oily and itchy. Luckily there is a natural solution to treat dandruff and soothe the irritation is causes and it’s all down to pineapple! Pineapple contains Bromelain, an enzyme that works to break down the protein bonds of dandruff,  lifting away dead skin cells. Try Green People Irritated Scalp Shampoo to soothe and calm the scalp.

Rinse, Rinse, Rinse

An easy solution to soothing your sensitive scalp can be as simple as making sure all products are thoroughly rinsed. If not properly rinsed, common irritants such as fragrances and soaps can build up on the scalp and cause itchiness.

Head Massage

It’s important to care for our scalps as we do for our face. A great way to soothe (and prevent!) irritation is treating yourself to a head massage. Not only will this encourage circulation, which in turn will boost healthy hair growth, it will also ease any stress and tension.

Green People recommend:

• Add a few drops of jojoba oil in to a bowl
• Warm the oil by placing the bowl in a bowl of warm water
• Once the oil is warm to the touch, apply to the scalp using your fingertips
• Using circular motions, work the oil into the scalp, taking time to focus on problem areas
• Wrap your hair in a towel and leave for 30 minutes
• Thoroughly rinse the oil with Green People shampoo