Better Scalp Company Guide: Gentle, Fragrance Free Fixes for Itch and Flakes

How can I relieve itchy, flaky scalp using a gentle, fragrance free, stepwise routine?

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not medical advice. It does not diagnose, treat, or replace care from your clinician.

What counts as an “itchy or flaky scalp” and when is it not just dry skin?

An itchy or flaky scalp is a symptom, not a diagnosis. The most common causes are dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis, which are inflammatory conditions linked to an overgrowth of skin yeast called Malassezia and a sensitive skin barrier. Prevalence varies widely by age and setting, and the condition can meaningfully affect quality of life.¹ Persistent itch, visible flakes, and redness can also reflect psoriasis, eczema, tinea capitis in kids, or allergic contact dermatitis from hair products. If the scalp is painful, oozing, or has areas of hair loss, seek medical care.

What is the gentlest path to relief if I want to avoid harsh actives?

Start with barrier kindness. In dermatology, a “gentle routine” means fragrance free cleansers, lukewarm water, minimal friction, and thorough rinsing followed by a simple moisturizer on exposed skin. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends fragrance free products and careful rinsing to reduce flares.²,⁹ For scalp care, wash as often as your dermatologist recommends, using the least irritating products that still control symptoms.²

Sensitive swap to consider: If you prefer a non medicated approach first, choose a fragrance free shampoo and conditioner. The Better Scalp Company Sensitive Scalp Shampoo and Sensitive Scalp Conditioner are examples of fragrance free basics you can use during a trial of gentle care. Pair them with a soft fingertip massage and a full rinse.

How do I tell dandruff from other causes that need a different plan?

Use this quick map. It is not a diagnosis, but it helps you pick a starting point.

• Dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis tends to produce fine to greasy flakes with itch and mild redness at the hairline, brows, and folds around the nose. Gentle use of a dandruff shampoo can control mild to moderate cases, and leaving the lather on for the directed contact time improves results.³

• Scalp psoriasis often shows thicker, well defined plaques that extend beyond the hairline. Salicylic acid shampoos can help loosen scale and improve penetration of topical prescriptions when those are used.⁶

• Allergic contact dermatitis often burns or stings and may worsen after dyes, fragrances, or new styling products. Hair dye allergen PPD is a well known trigger.⁷ Fragrance allergy in the general population is measurable, and rates are higher in patch tested patients with suspected contact dermatitis.⁸

• Tinea capitis in children causes scaly patches with broken hairs or black dots and requires prescription oral antifungal therapy.⁴

If symptoms are severe, if there is hair loss, or if a child is affected, see a clinician promptly.

Can I calm dandruff without jumping straight to strong medicated shampoos?

Yes. Start with technique and timing.

1. Wash rhythm that suits your hair type. The AAD notes that dandruff shampoo frequency varies by hair type, and consistent use prevents flares.³ If you are in a gentle phase, you can alternate a fragrance free basic wash day with a medicated day later if needed.²

2. Contact time matters. Even a gentle antidandruff formula needs time on the scalp to work. Apply to the scalp first, massage with fingertips for 60 to 120 seconds, then let it sit for the directed time before rinsing.³

3. Friction control. Use pads of fingers, not nails or scrub brushes. Rinse thoroughly to remove residue that can irritate.²

4. Barrier support on exposed skin. If flaking extends to eyebrows or beard, wash with a fragrance free cleanser and moisturize after, which can reduce flares.²

If you improve with technique alone, stay the course with your gentle shampoos. If flakes persist, add the least irritating medicated option that fits your scalp.

Which active ingredients are considered gentler for sensitive scalps?

“Gentle” is relative to your triggers. In general:

• Pyrithione zinc and ciclopirox target Malassezia and are often well tolerated. AAD endorses dandruff shampoos as first line for mild to moderate seborrheic dermatitis.³

• Salicylic acid is a keratolytic that loosens scale and can enhance prescription penetration in scalp psoriasis.⁶ This can be helpful when thick scale blocks other treatments.

• Coal tar can help, but some people find it less cosmetically acceptable and it can discolor light hair.²,⁶

• Selenium sulfide is effective for Malassezia but can irritate damaged skin. Avoid use on raw or oozing areas unless a clinician directs otherwise.⁵

If your scalp reacts to many actives, use medicated shampoos only on the scalp skin, not through the lengths, and follow with your usual conditioner on the mid lengths and ends. The Better Scalp Company Sensitive Scalp Conditioner can reduce tangling without adding fragrance to the scalp.

Could fragrance or hair dye be the hidden culprit?

Yes. Fragrance allergens and hair dye ingredients are classic triggers of allergic contact dermatitis. PPD in permanent dyes is a leading cause of hair dye reactions and may extend beyond the scalp to face and neck.⁷,¹⁰ Epidemiologic reviews estimate measurable fragrance allergy in the general population with much higher rates in patch tested dermatitis cohorts.⁸,¹¹ If flares began after a new scent or color, shift to fragrance free hair care and pause dyeing until you see a dermatologist for patch testing.

Practical steps now:

• Switch your entire routine near the scalp to fragrance free, including shampoo, conditioner, and styling products. The Better Scalp Company Sensitive Scalp Shampoo and Sensitive Scalp Conditioner fit this step.

• Avoid oxidizing dyes until you have guidance. Consider highlights that do not touch the scalp as a temporary alternative.

• Bring product labels to your appointment.

What if my child has flakes or round scaly patches?

Children with round scaly patches, black dots, tender areas, or swollen lymph nodes may have tinea capitis. This requires oral antifungal medication and cannot be cured by over the counter shampoos alone.⁴ Book medical care promptly. Until you are seen, avoid sharing combs, hats, or pillows.

What does a dermatologist recommend for a stepwise, gentle plan?

Phase A. Two weeks of barrier kindness

• Wash every 1 to 3 days based on oil and comfort. Use a fragrance free shampoo for the scalp and a fragrance free conditioner on lengths. Rinse thoroughly and avoid nails.²,⁹

• For exposed flaky skin like brows or beard, cleanse with a fragrance free wash and moisturize after.²

• Note changes in itch, flake size, and redness.

Phase B. Add a low irritation active if still flaking

• Choose a single ingredient dandruff shampoo suited to symptoms. Use it 2 to 3 times per week on the scalp only, leave on for the directed time, and rotate with your fragrance free base on off days.³

• For thick plaques suggestive of scalp psoriasis, add a salicylic acid shampoo once or twice weekly to reduce scale and help prescriptions work if prescribed later.⁶

Phase C. Reassess at four weeks

• If symptoms are controlled, taper to the lowest frequency that maintains comfort.³

• If symptoms persist or worsen, or if you have pain, crusting, hair loss, or swelling, schedule a dermatology visit. Children with suspected tinea capitis need oral antifungals.⁴

What should I bring to an appointment if my scalp stays sensitive?

• A list of all hair and skin products that touch your scalp.

• Photos of flares.

• Your personal priorities, such as avoiding certain actives or dyes.

• Any occupational exposures, headwear, or sports that increase sweat or friction.
  Your dermatologist may suggest patch testing if allergy is suspected, especially to fragrance mixes or hair dye components.⁸,¹¹

Are there special cautions with “stronger” dandruff shampoos?

Yes. Always read labels and follow contact time directions. Some actives can discolor light or tinted hair, and medicated shampoos are not intended for broken skin.²,⁵ Many people benefit from rotating two different active shampoos if one seems to stop working.³ Keep formulas off the face and eyes, and condition lengths to protect the hair fiber.

What are realistic expectations and next steps?

Most mild to moderate cases improve with consistent, gentle technique plus the right active used sparingly and correctly.³,⁶ If your scalp is very reactive, the foundation remains fragrance free basics, patient technique, and clear trigger tracking. If you are not improving, seek care early. Many safe prescription options exist for scalp psoriasis, severe seborrheic dermatitis, and allergic contact dermatitis once the diagnosis is clear.¹,³

Take heart. Sensitive scalps can be calmer with simple, consistent steps. You are not alone, and help is available.

Tips to try this week

• Switch to fragrance free shampoo and conditioner. The Better Scalp Company Sensitive Scalp Shampoo and Sensitive Scalp Conditioner are appropriate options for a gentle trial.

• Massage with fingertips for one to two minutes, then let shampoo sit for the labeled time before rinsing.³

• Keep nails and scrub tools off the scalp. Rinse thoroughly.²

• If plaques are thick, use a salicylic acid shampoo once or twice weekly to ease scale, then apply your dermatologist’s prescription if given.⁶

• Children with round scaly patches or hair breakage need a medical exam for tinea capitis.⁴

Glossary

• Seborrheic dermatitis: An inflammatory skin condition with flaky, itchy, sometimes greasy patches on the scalp and face.¹

• Dandruff: Flaking of the scalp without significant inflammation. Considered part of the seborrheic dermatitis spectrum.³

• Allergic contact dermatitis: Immune mediated skin inflammation after contact with a specific allergen such as fragrance or hair dye.⁸,⁷

• PPD: Paraphenylenediamine, a common hair dye allergen that can trigger severe rashes on and beyond the scalp.⁷

• Keratolytic: An ingredient such as salicylic acid that loosens and removes scale.⁶

• Tinea capitis: Fungal infection of the scalp that commonly affects children and requires oral antifungals.⁴

• Contact time: The minutes a medicated shampoo remains on the scalp before rinsing, needed for effect.³

Claims Registry

#	Claim	Source	Year/Venue	Accessed (ET)	Anchor extract	Notes
1	Global prevalence varies; quality of life affected.	Polaskey et al., The Global Prevalence of Seborrheic Dermatitis	2024, JAMA Dermatology	2025-11-18	“Detailed estimation of global prevalence with variability.”	Meta analysis in leading journal.
2	Use fragrance free care, rinse thoroughly, follow directions.	AAD, Seborrheic dermatitis: Self care	2022, AAD	2025-11-18	“Gently wash with a fragrance free cleanser. Rinse thoroughly.”	Authoritative dermatology guidance.
3	Dandruff shampoos treat mild to moderate; contact time matters.	AAD, Seborrheic dermatitis: Diagnosis and treatment	2024, AAD	2025-11-18	“A dandruff shampoo can treat mild to moderate…”	Current treatment page.
4	Tinea capitis needs oral antifungals; common in children.	Cleveland Clinic, Tinea Capitis	2022, Cleveland Clinic	2025-11-18	“Treatment involves an oral antifungal medication.”	Major academic center resource.
5	Avoid selenium sulfide on raw or oozing skin.	Mayo Clinic, Selenium sulfide topical route	2025, Mayo Clinic	2025-11-18	“Do not use if blistered, raw, or oozing areas are present.”	Clear safety caution.
6	Salicylic acid loosens scale; improves penetration of topicals.	DermNet, Scalp Psoriasis: Overview	2023, DermNet	2025-11-18	“Salicylic acid shampoos can enhance penetration…”	Widely used dermatology reference.
7	PPD is a common hair dye allergen; consider patch testing.	DermNet, PPD and hair dye contact allergy	2023, DermNet	2025-11-18	“PPD is the commonest cause of hair dye contact dermatitis.”	Evidence based summary.
8	Fragrance allergy about 4.5 percent; higher in patch tested.	de Groot, Fragrances: Contact Allergy	2020, Contact Dermatitis Monograph	2025-11-18	“Up to 4.5 percent may be allergic to fragrance.”	Seminal review.
9	Gentle cleansing and complete rinsing reduce irritation risk.	AAD, 10 skin care secrets	2024, AAD	2025-11-18	“Gently wash. Finish by completely rinsing off the cleanser.”	Technique guidance.
10	Fragrances, preservatives, and PPD are frequent cosmetic allergens.	DermNet, Contact reactions to cosmetics	2023, DermNet	2025-11-18	“Fragrances, preservatives, and paraphenylenediamine…”	Allergen summary.