Anyone with a sensitive scalp that feels dry, itchy or easily irritated and wants a gentle daily shampoo that calms rather than stresses the skin.

Suitable for all hair types, for women and men. It works best as the first step of the Nioxin Scalp Relief system with the matching conditioner and serum. The 1 L size suits households or salon backbars that go through product quickly.

A sensitive scalp often reacts to harsh cleansers with tightness, itching and flaking dryness. Scalp Relief Cleansing Shampoo is built to break that cycle: a sulfate-free, scalp-neutral formula that removes oil and build-up gently while calming the skin and helping it hold on to moisture.

Aloe vera adds hydration and comfort, and vitamin E brings antioxidant care to the hair. Because it is mild enough for daily use, you can keep your scalp clean without paying for it in irritation. Follow with the Scalp Relief Conditioner and Soothing Serum for the complete regimen that Nioxin has clinically shown to strengthen the scalp's natural barrier with regular use.

• Apply shampoo to the scalp and massage evenly.
• Rinse thoroughly.
• Follow with Nioxin Scalp Relief Scalp + Hair Conditioner, applied roots to ends and left on for 1 to 3 minutes before rinsing.
• Finish with Nioxin Scalp Relief Soothing Serum applied to the roots. Do not rinse the serum.

For the barrier-strengthening results Nioxin reports, use the system at least four times a week.

Pros:

• Sulfate free, paraben free and colourant free
• Gently cleanses while soothing dryness, itchiness and sensitivity
• Scalp-neutral pH with aloe vera and vitamin E
• Suitable for all hair types and daily use
• Two sizes: 200 ml and 1 L
• Styling products can be used afterwards as normal

Cons:

• Lower lather than conventional shampoos, which can take getting used to
• Contains fragrance, even though it is a clean-label fragrance
• Nioxin's barrier-strengthening and consumer-test results are for the full three-step kit, not the shampoo alone
• Not a treatment for hair thinning on its own