The 9 Best Shampoos For Seborrheic Dermatitis

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Maintaining healthy hair starts with a proper hair care routine, and when dealing with dandruff, the foundation of that routine is choosing the right shampoo. It’s not just about finding a quick fix. It’s about finding a long-term solution that addresses the underlying cause of dandruff while keeping your hair healthy and soft.

Whether you choose a shampoo with ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid or tea tree oil depends on your preferences. I find that if you alternate the type of shampoo you use every few months, it keeps yeast resistance in check. These are my top picks for the best anti-dandruff shampoos available at the mo.

I’ll tell you why:

Top Dandruff Shampoo Choices

When dealing with dandruff, finding the right shampoo can make all the difference. Your scalp’s health is crucial, and the products I’ve selected here cater to a variety of hair types and preferences, so you can find the perfect match to keep your hair looking healthy and flake-free.

Best Shampoo Overall For Seborrheic Dermatitis: NIOXIN Scalp Recovery Shampoo

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NIOXIN is a salon brand that is from the same family as WELLA. Sebastian and O.P.I. The active ingredient in this shampoo is ZPT-Nioderma Technology containing zinc pyrithione and green tea extract. It’s meant to be used as part of a 3-part treatment regimen (shampoo, conditioner and serum) to get rid of dandruff and repair your hair but can be used as a stand-alone product as well.

Pros

• Soothes the scalp with a cool peppermint sensation
• Improves thinning hair
• You only need a small dollop so a bottle lasts you a long time

Cons

• Only comes in a 1 litre bottle
• Can leave your hair dry – using conditioner is a must
• Contains SLS and other chemicals you find in regular commercial shampoos

Who is this for

If your main goal is to treat your dandruff effectively and you’re not too worried about buying organic or natural, the NIOXIN Scalp Recovery Shampoo is for you. It may be a little pricey but you only need a little at a time so a bottle will last you months.

Best Natural Shampoo For Seborrheic Dermatitis: Puriya Tea Tree Oil Shampoo

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If you’re looking for a natural treatment, then Puriya Tea Tree Oil Shampoo is your best bet for an anti-dandruff shampoo that is effective without increasing your risk of cancer or hormone imbalance. This shampoo doesn’t contain artificial fragrance, sulfates (foaming agents), parabens, or silicones.

This shampoo uses plant power – tea tree oil to combat Malassezia, hydrolyzed wheat protein to support hair elasticity, aloe vera for scalp health and hydration, and vitamin B5 to support healthy hair follicles.

Pros

• Gentle and clean enough even for kids
• Contains only plant-based natural ingredients
• Tea tree oil also clarifies your scalp

Cons

• The herbal scent may not appeal to everyone
• It doesn’t lather (no sulfates – which is a good thing)

Who is this for

If you have mild to moderate dandruff and you’re looking for a natural shampoo that will keep it in control while protecting your tresses (and your health), give Puriya Tea Tree Shampoo a go. It works best when combined with the Puriya Hair Conditioner, which also contains tea tree oil.

Best Organic Dandruff Shampoo: Avalon Organics Therapy Medicated Shampoo

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The term ‘organic’ used to come with a premium price but more affordable brands like Avalon are popping up, making ‘organic’ accessible and affordable to regular people like us. Avalon Organics Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is formulated with 2% salicylic acid, aloe vera, tea tree oil, chamomile and other essential oils to treat dandruff and soothe your scalp.

Pros

• Contains a double whammy of tea tree oil and salicylic acid to kill Malassezia and reduce scaling
• Contains no synthetic chemicals.
• Vegan-friendly and certified animal-cruelty free

Cons

• Can be drying
• The scent is not for everyone.

Who is this for

If you are trying to buy organic and natural, Avalon Organics Shampoo is one to try. Just make sure you condition after. If you’re sensitive to fragrance, give this one a miss.

Best Ketoconazole Shampoo: Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

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Ketoconazole is one of the most well-researched anti-Malassezia compounds available and Nizoral is one of the most popular anti-dandruff shampoos on the market for a reason. It works. Even if you have severe scalp Seb Derm.

Pros

• Highly effective against severe dandruff
• Only requires twice-weekly application
• Safe for color-treated hair.

Cons

• Dries out your hair big time!
• Contains SLS and other chemicals

Who is this for

This is a hard-hitting shampoo for people with severe dandruff or scalp Seb Derm. It will get rid of your flakes quickly but at a price. Dry, brittle hair. The best way to use Nizoral Ketoconazole 1% Shampoo is to use it only in your most severe flares then switch to a gentler shampoo in between.

Nizoral also has a conditioner with mint and tea tree oil that pairs well with your Nizoral Shampoo.

Best Zinc Pyrithione Shampoo: Head & Shoulders Bare

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Head & Shoulders is one of the oldest anti-dandruff brands. In fact, people would say ‘Head & Shoulders’ instead of ‘anti-dandruff shampoo’ a bit like how you would say ‘google’ rather than ‘search’. However, the original formulation is a bit old school with all the usual chemicals we don’t like so the brand has come out with a clean version – Head & Shoulders Bare.

Pros

• No bad chemicals like sulfates, silicones and dyes.
• Less drying than the original formula but still lathers well.
• Environmentally friendly bottle that uses less plastic and is recyclable

Cons

• Bottle material feels a little flimsy
• Has a thick consistency and needs thorough rinsing
• Doesn’t come with a paired conditioner

Who is this for

Head & Shoulders fans who want a cleaner zinc pyrithione shampoo that is also environmentally friendly.

Best Salicylic Acid Shampoo: Neutrogena T/Sal

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Salicylic Acid isn’t anti-fungal but it works on dandruff by reducing sebum production, thus discouraging Malassezia overgrowth. Salicylate also dissolves the substance that makes cells clump together, softening the top layer of the skin and decreasing scaling. Neutrogena T/Sal contains 3% salicylic acid which makes it a good treatment shampoo if you also have scalp psoriasis.

Pros

• Reduces scalp build-up from first use
• Formulated without added color, preservatives, or fragrance
• Also effective on scalp psoriasis

Cons

• Some may find the price a bit steep for the bottle size
• Can be too drying for certain hair types
• Will need to be used consistently to see sustained results

Who is this for

Neutrogena T/Sal is for people with dandruff or mild seborrheic dermatitis. If you have a severe case of scalp Seb Derm, this shampoo won’t be strong enough. However, if you have associated scalp psoriasis, highly recommended.

Best Cradle Cap Shampoo For Children: Dr Eddie’s Happy Cappy Shampoo

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There are not too many anti-dandruff shampoos I would wish on my infant with cradle cap but Dr Eddie’s Happy Cappy Shampoo is one I would happily use on my kids. It’s free of skin irritants and toxic chemicals and even contains soothing ingredients like oatmeal extract, licorice root extract, aloe vera and hyaluronic acid.

Pros

• Free of common irritants like SLS, fragrance, dye, alcohol, preservatives and parabens.
• 95% plant-based ingredients.

Cons

• Doesn’t actually contain any anti-dandruff compounds but is good enough for cradle cap which is self-limiting anyway
• It isn’t tear-free so try not to get any product in your baby’s eyes

Who is this for

The Happy Cappy Shampoo is good for babies with mild cradle cap or eczema. If you’re an adult with Seb Derm or dandruff looking for a gentle shampoo, choose one of the other options. This shampoo will never work for you.

Best Shampoo For Colored Hair: Maria Nila Head & Hair Heal Shampoo

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After a lather with Maria Nila’s Head & Hair Heal Shampoo, a floral scent lingers subtly. This is the scent of white jasmine, galbanum and linden blossom. Balancing your hair’s needs with luxuriousness, this shampoo demonstrates that effective dandruff treatment can be combined with protecting colored hair and spa-like sensations.

Pros

• Soothes itchy scalps with aloe vera and piroctone olamine
• Free from sulfates and parabens, reducing potential irritation
• Committed to sustainable practices, including 100% vegan and animal-friendly ingredients

Cons

• Premium pricing could stretch your budget
• As with most anti-dandruff shampoos, can be drying. Use with its partner conditioner for best results.

Who is this for

Maria Nila Heal Shampoo is for you if you want to protect your colored hair while treating dandruff. Plus, it feels so luxe! It’s also the only shampoo on the list that is certified vegan and animal-friendly by Vegan Society, PETA and Leaping Bunny.

Best shampoo for thinning hair: Kick Shampoo

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I have no idea why this shampoo is only for men. There is certainly nothing in the ingredient list that can cause issues for women. However, Kick Shampoo For Men made the list because it contained loads of amazing compounds like tea tree oil, rosemary, eucalyptus, and lots more that have anti-Malassezia properties, is soothing for itchy scalps and also helps reduce thinning hair.

Pros

• 100% natural
• Contains 11 botanical compounds to relieve scalp itch and restore balance

Cons

• It’s unnecessarily sexist. Why is this shampoo marketed only for men? Women get hair thinning too.
• It can be drying. Sometimes less is more and 11 active ingredients may be a bit much for some.

Who is this for

Well, obviously if you’re a man, this shampoo is for you. Sarcasm aside, it can help whether you’re a man, a woman or identifies as other, if you have the curse of dandruff and thinning hair. If you have a sensitive scalp or it’s already maximally inflammed, maybe start with a gentler shampoo first before getting this one.

Buying Guide

Understand Your Scalp and Hair Type

Knowing your scalp type is crucial. If you have an oily scalp, look for light, volumizing shampoos to avoid adding more oil. Dry scalps, on the other hand, will benefit from moisturizing or hydrating shampoos that help to manage flaking and itching.

Your hair type also influences your choice of shampoo. For fine hair, lightweight formulas are preferable to avoid weighing it down. Coarse or curly hair might need more intensive hydration to maintain scalp health.

Look for Soothing Ingredients

Ingredients like aloe vera and tea tree oil can soothe the scalp. If you have sensitive skin, hypoallergenic formulations with no added fragrances may be beneficial.

Frequency of Use

Determine how often you plan to use anti-dandruff shampoo. Some formulas are adequate for daily use, while others are intended for less frequent application. Remember, finding the right dandruff shampoo for you may require some trial and error. Pay attention to how your scalp and hair respond post-wash, and adjust your choice accordingly.