Wet the hair and scalp well before applying the shampoo. This helps the product spread more evenly, so you do not need to rub the scalp aggressively. Focus the application at the roots and scalp, where oil, sweat, dust and styling residue collect; the lengths usually receive enough cleansing as the shampoo rinses through.
Massage with fingertips rather than nails, using light pressure. For a sensitive or easily irritated scalp, friction can matter as much as the shampoo itself, so avoid scrubbing flaky areas. If you use styling products or have been wearing hats, take a little extra time to distribute the shampoo evenly rather than increasing pressure.
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water until the hair no longer feels slippery from product. Very hot water can make some reactive scalps feel more uncomfortable, so a moderate temperature is usually a better choice. If your hair is long or dry at the ends, you can follow with a conditioner on the lengths only, keeping heavier products away from the scalp if your roots become weighed down easily.
After the first few washes, pay attention to how your scalp feels: less tight, similarly comfortable, or more irritated. If it feels more irritated rather than calmer, stop using it and consider asking a pharmacist or skin specialist which shampoo type suits you better. Avoid contact with eyes.