Scent-sensitivity is nothing to sneeze at. A study from the University of West Georgia published in 2009 states that 30.5 percent of the general population find scented products irritating. With data like this it is not wonder some workplaces and schools have adapted making their environment fragrance-free. If you work or attend a school with such a policy then you will need to make product changes. One of the hardest changes may be the hair products you use.
Fragrance-Free Hair Products Are Often Overlooked
Much attention is focused on perfumes/colognes and perfumes/fragrance additives to body products, laundry products, household cleaners and room deodorizers. However, most hair care products contain some form of fragrance. It doesn’t matter if the fragrance is synthetic or natural. If a person is sensitive to scents it will irritate them. The availability of unscented or fragrance-free hair products is limited and somewhat costly. There are a few out there and some reasonable substitutes for certain products that can be used on most hair types.
Fragrance-Free Shampoos and Conditioners
These are perhaps the easiest unscented hair products to find. However, if you are looking to address a specific hair condition you may need to do a little digging. These shampoos and conditioners are easily found online and at some retailers:
Shampoo
- Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Shampoo & Wash, Fragrance Free
- Shampoo For Sensitive Hair & Scalp, Fragrance-Free
- Jason Natural Cosmetics – Fragrance Free Daily Shampoo: For All Hair Types
- DHS Clear Shampoo for Daily Cleaning of Hair & Scalp, Fragrance Free
Conditioner
- Jason Natural Cosmetics Fragrance Free Daily Conditioner: For All Hair Types
- Desert Essence Organics Unscented Conditioner
- Kinky-Curly Tiny Twirls Detangling Conditioner
Moisture Retention and Frizz Control
If your hair is dry, damaged, brittle, frizzy or has split ends it may be difficult to find treatments that don’t have fragrance. I have issues with dryness and frizz. While I primarily use products with natural ingredients, those natural ingredients have their own potent, natural scents. Hair oils have are naturally scented. Some are mild while others are strong like tea-tree oil.
If your moisture and frizz issues are minimal, these products can help:
- Non Scents Smooth & Separate Texturizing Cream
- Finest Natural Vitamin E 200 IU d-Alpha Dietary Supplement Softgels – Simply break open the softgel and apply to scalp and hair one to three times a week or between washings.
Scent-Sensitivity Tip: If you need to use frizz-serums and scalp oil blends choose ones with a light scent. Apply them to your hair on your days off. This will allow whatever fragrance they contain to air-out and not be as potent.
Hair Gels and Hairsprays
Like shampoos, it is pretty easy to find gels and hairsprays that are fragrance-free. Your unscented hair gel can serve as a frizz-fighter for curly hair if applied while hair is still wet and hair is left to air dry. A good hair gel for both men and women to try is Jack Black Body-Building Hair Gel. It helps make thin or flat hair look fuller with more body.
These fragrance-free product suggestions will help you stay in compliance with school and company policy. If your hair needs can’t be addressed with an unscented product then find suitable products that have a light scent and apply them on your days off. Having unscented hair can be tricky but it can be done if you try.
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