The Best Fragrance-Free Hair Products

The best way to cultivate a harmonious environment for the scalp is to remove irritants from it. Dr ​​Sharon Belmo, a leading dermatologist for skin of color, and afro-textured hair loss, advises sensitive scalp sufferers to use fragrance-free hair products to reduce the chance of experiencing adverse reactions to ingredients. Speaking exclusively to Curlsmith, she says:  

“Sensitive skin or scalp are more prone to irritation which can lead to discomfort, itching, burning or even trigger underlying inflammatory conditions. Fragranced products sometimes contain ingredients such as sulphates and parabens, that can irritate the skin or scalp by disrupting the natural barrier of the skin. This already tends to be weaker in sensitive skin. The irritation can cause moisture loss leading to dryness, redness, itching and flakiness.”  

Extra tip: you can pair Curlsmith’s Shine Kit with dedicated scalp treatments designed to help soothe the scalp.  

Best Fragrance-Free Shampoo 

The first step towards caring for your sensitive scalp is by using a fragrance-free shampoo. After all, the scalp is highly-absorbent and instantly drinks up anything that is applied to it. Curlsmith’s Shine Shampoo ​​​​is a premium quality fragrance-free shampoo. With its delicate fragrance-free formula, it gently helps remove all the dirt and debris that accumulates on the scalp and hair. Curlsmith has a full range of shampoos that are sulfate-free and cater to a wide range of hair needs.  

​​​Key features: Free from sulfates, perfume and silicones- Shine Shampoo is a gentle, formula that delicately helps remove dirt to help restore shine and help soothe the scalp. 

How to use: Apply a generous amount of shampoo to your wet hair and massage it gently through the hair and scalp. Rinse thoroughly, repeat, and then move onto your conditioner. 

Beneficial ingredients: Blended with a naturally derived citric acid solution designed to help restore the hair’s pH balance. Features a cocktail of nutrients including jasmine flower, hops, and lemon peel to enhance the curl’s natural shine. 

Best Fragrance-Free Conditioner 

The next step in your ​wash day routine​ is to condition your hair. Curlsmith offers a stellar fragrance-free conditioner for curly hair types with sensitive scalps. Shine Conditioner is a lightweight, rinse out conditioner that is proficient at infusing dry, brittle curls with lasting smoothness. 

Key features:– Shine Conditioner is perfect for dry, and brittle hair. With its rich texture, it’s ideal for infusing the hair with moisture and shine to leave it feeling silky smooth. It’s also color-safe and suitable for all hair types, from straight to curly and coily. 

How to use: Apply Shine Conditioner throughout the hair, and rake conditioner with fingertips throughout the lengths. Leave the conditioner on for 1-2 minutes and allow the nutrients to penetrate the hair fibres. Rinse thoroughly and then move onto the next process of your styling regimen. 

Beneficial ingredients: Shine Conditioner boasts a powerful mix of natural nutrients to help strengthen your strands. Ingredients include babassu oil, shea butter, and murumuru butter – that when combined promote moisture and seal the cuticles.  

Best Fragrance-Free Leave-In Conditioner 

Applying a leave-in conditioner to your curls is one of the most effective ways to help ensure hair remains hydrated, soft, and free from tangles. For those who experience fragrance sensitivities, Curlsmith’s Shine Cream is the best leave-in conditioner available. It’s blended with a special fragrance-free formula that has also been dermatologically tested. Layer with a curl cream, or gel to form your curls.  

Key features: With its lightweight smooth texture, Shine Cream is the perfect leave-in conditioner that melts onto each strand without leaving residue. It can be used on fine strands but is also rich enough to be effective on coarser textures.   

​​ ​How to use: Squeeze a dime sized amount of cream into your palm. Rake the cream through wet hair, making sure it’s evenly distributed and coats every strand. Use the 'prayer hands' method to smooth the strands and help to smooth the cuticles. Flip your hair and gently scrunch to encourage curl formation 

Beneficial ingredients: Shine Cream contains highly moisturizing ingredients like castor oil, Babassu oil, jojoba, and Murumuru Butter that coats curls with indelible nourishment.   

Best Fragrance-Free Styling Gels  

Styling and defining curls are best achieved by applying a product with superior holding capabilities like a styling gel. Curlsmith offers a wide range of stylers including a fragrance-free option for those with sensitivities. Shine Gel and Shine Jelly are the best fragrance-free styling gels to assist you with your curly girl style goals. 

Best for Strong Hold 

Key features: Shine Gel provides a strong hold and is ideal for looks that require style longevity. It will lock in curls, waves and updos with a strong gel cast that will feel crunchy initially but will eventually soften when dry. Ideal for long-lasting frizz control and extreme definition. 

How to use: Squeeze a generous amount of Shine Gel into your palm and run it through your curls. Flip your head upside down and use the scrunching method to enhance your curl pattern. Air dry or diffuse until dry. Follow with an oil to break the cast and reveal sot defined curls. 

Beneficial ingredients: Concocted with nourishing botanicals like natural hops, jasmine flower and lemon peel to provide a lasting shine. 

Best for Flexible Hold 

Key features: For more of a flexible hold that provides definition without weighing your hair down, opt for Curlsmith’s Shine Jelly. This medium-hold styling gel is light in consistency, coating strands while helping to eliminate frizz. This super gentle formula is ideal for those with fragrance and scalp sensitivities. 

How to use: Apply Shine Jelly throughout your lengths using the raking method. Select your desired styling technique to enhance your curls. Air dry or use a dryer with a diffuser attachment. 

Beneficial ingredients: Blended with a collection of botanicals renowned for hair softening properties, such as natural hops, jasmine flower, and lemon peel. 

Best Fragrance-Free Hair Oil 

To keep our curls feeling soft, shiny, and nourished, applying an oil to your curls is one of the most effective ways to finish your look. Oils are typically ladened with fragrance, but if you are prone to scalp irritations, try to steer away from fragranced formulas and opt for fragrance-free oils instead. Curlsmith’s Shine Oil is the ideal fragrance-free oil to soften, smooth and style your curls. 

Key features: The lightweight Shine Oil is made from naturally derived oils, so it is kind to your curls. It’s made using the same technology as our Bonding Oil, so it’s light enough to finish your styles without weighing it down; instead leaving curls glossy. 

 How to use: Apply a few drops of oil into your palm and smooth it throughout your hair. Scrunch your curls allowing the oil to break the cast from the ​​​​styling gel. Separate curls with your fingers to create fullness. 

Beneficial ingredients: Shine Oil is blended with naturally derived ingredients including PlantSilk, a nourishing ingredient that’s lighter than raw silk. Other natural nutrients include watermelon seed oil, sea buckthorn oil, and babassu oil. 

Benefits of Going Fragrance-Free 

Using products that are fragrance-free provides a wealth of benefits to your scalp and curls, particularly if you have a sensitive scalp. The benefits include: 

May Reduce irritation: Opting for fragrance-free hair products lessens the chances of you reacting to specific ingredients. All fragrances have the potential to irritate your skin and is particularly tricky for sensitive skin sufferers who may experience rashes, itching and blisters.  

Minimizes dryness: Similarly, fragrance can negatively impact those with skin sensitivities triggering dryness and irritation to the hair and scalp. Swapping to fragrance-free formulas can help the hair maintain adequate levels of moisture.  

Should I Swap to Fragrance-Free Products? 

If you are considering using fragrance-free products but you are still unsure. Here are a few signs that it might be a good idea to make that swap: 

Do you have sensitive scalp?: it is definitely worth considering going fragrance-free.  

Do you regularly experience allergic reactions to fragrances?: If so, then it may be best to choose fragrance-free formulas for your haircare routine.  

Do you experience fragrance-Induced headaches: If you experience headaches or sneezing after using products with a strong scent, fragrance-free might be a better option. 

Care For Your Curls with Curlsmith 

With an expansive collection of products, and a commitment to quality ingredients, Curlsmith is your brand of choice when it comes to caring for curls, coils and waves. Utilizing ingredients that are clean, safe, and adept at enhancing your curls naturally, at Curlsmith we work in partnership with experts – trichologists, curl specialists, and influencers – to ensure we provide the highest-performing curly and wavy hair products on the market today.