Got Curls and Dandruff? You Need the Best Shampoo for Your Locks

If you have curly hair and struggle with dandruff you know how stressful that is. Read our guide to treat it today!

Dandruff Shampoo for Curly Hair
Dandruff Shampoo for Curly Hair

There are a lot of dandruff shampoos to choose from, but not all of them are created equal. If you have curly hair, you need a dandruff shampoo that is specifically designed for your hair type. Otherwise, you could end up with dry and damaged hair in addition to dandruff. If you have sensitive scalp, follow along as we break down the best dandruff shampoo for curly hair.

Best Dandruff Shampoo for Curly Hair

To help you find the best dandruff shampoo for curly hair, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorites. These shampoos are all gentle enough for daily use and will leave your hair feeling clean, soft, and flake-free.

What Causes Dandruff

Dandruff is caused by a variety of factors, including dry skin, a build-up of oil and sweat on the scalp, excess oil, and potential reactions to hair products. If you have curly hair, you may be more susceptible to dandruff because your hair is more likely to be dry and brittle.

How to Choose the Best Dandruff Shampoo for Curly Hair

When you’re shopping for dandruff shampoo, look for one that is specifically designed for curly hair. These shampoos will be more gentle on your hair and won’t strip away the natural oils that keep your curls healthy.


You should also look for a dandruff shampoo that contains ingredients like zinc pyrithione or selenium sulfide. These ingredients are effective at treating dandruff and won’t cause any additional dryness or irritation.


Finally, make sure to read the label carefully before you buy a dandruff shampoo. Some shampoos are designed for daily use, while others should only be used a few times a week. Choose a shampoo that fits your needs and use it as directed for the best results.

Is Dandruff Genetic?

Dandruff is not genetic. However, some people may be more susceptible to dandruff due to their hair type or other factors. If you have curly hair, you may be more likely to suffer from dandruff because your hair is more likely to be dry and brittle.

Can Dandruff Cause Hair Loss

Dandruff itself does not cause hair loss. However, if you scratch your scalp frequently because of dandruff, you could damage your hair follicles and cause hair loss. If you’re concerned about hair loss, talk to your doctor or dermatologist.

Can Diet Affect Dandruff

Diet does not directly affect dandruff. However, eating a healthy diet can help improve the condition of your skin and scalp. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats can help keep your skin and hair moisturized.

Adding essential fatty acids to your diet can help rebalance the skin and in turn help with dandruff. Drinking plenty of water is also important for maintaining healthy skin and hair. Talk to a doctor or nutritionist if you’re concerned about your diet and dandruff. They can help you determine if you’re getting the right amount of nutrients you will need for healthy skin and hair.


Does Moisturizer Affect Dandruff

No, moisturizer does not aggravate dandruff. Using a moisturizer on your scalp can help prevent dandruff by keeping your skin moisturized. If you have a dry scalp, try using a gentle, hydrating, or moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. You can also use a leave-in conditioner or coconut oil to help keep your dry scalp moisturized.

Right Anti Dandruff Shampoos

When you’re shopping for dandruff shampoo, look for one that is sulfate-free and designed for curly hair. Sulfates can strip natural oils from the scalp and hair, which can make dandruff worse and dry hair. Also, look for a shampoo that contains ingredients like zinc pyrithione or selenium sulfide. These ingredients are effective at treating dandruff and are helpful for oily scalp without causing any additional dryness or irritation. Jojoba and olive oils are natural ways that controls dandruff.

Oily Scalp

If you experience dandruff with an oily scalp adding a shampoo for curly hair with salicylic acid that can exfoliate and help scalp dermatitis.


When Should I See a Doctor About Dandruff

If you have severe dandruff, and over-the-counter products don't seem to help, talk to your doctor or dermatologist about the best way to treat it. They can often prescribe stronger medicated shampoos or other treatments that aren't available for use without a prescription that may help.


Primary Factors for When to See a Doctor

You should see a doctor if your dandruff is severe, does not respond to over-the-counter anti dandruff shampoo, or is accompanied by hair loss.


When looking for the best dandruff shampoo for curly hair it's important to know that this condition may take some time to heal even if you're using an anti dandruff shampoo. Many shampoos with medicated pyrithione zinc and other medicated dandruff shampoo can be purchased over the counter at lower strengths than prescription. This is beneficial if you have mild to moderate dandruff, flaky scalp or excess oil.

Some of the best dandruff shampoos and conditioners for curly hair include the following recommendations.

Tea Tree Oil

Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special

Bacterial and Fungal Shampoo

Amazon Price

Tea tree oil helps to fight bacteria and fungus on the scalp. It also helps to soothe itchy scalps and soothe hair follicles. Looking for a shampoo that can leave your hair feeling refreshed and invigorated? Say hello to Tea Tree Special Shampoo! This unique formula contains tea tree oil, which is known as an anti dandruff shampoo with gentle cleansing and refreshing properties. It's also safe for color-treated hair and vegan, so you can feel good about using it. Plus, it's paraben-free, so you can use it without worry.

Just lather into damp hair and rinse out. For best results, follow up with Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Conditioner. And if you have a sensitive scalp, this deep cleansing shampoo can help clean without damaging sensitive skin or sensitive scalp. This Essential oil-infused formula dandruff shampoo makes our first pick for the best dandruff shampoo for curly hair.

Watch this YouTube video for more information on Tea Tree shampoo from Paul Mitchell.

Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Shampoo 


Head and Shoulders Supreme Soothe and Strengthen

Head & Shoulders Supreme

Phosphate Free- Pyrithione Zinc Dandruff Shampoo

Amazon Price

Head & Shoulders is one of the most popular dandruff shampoos on the market, and for good reason. This shampoo is gentle enough for daily use and contains zinc pyrithione to fight dandruff at the source.

After shampooing and conditioning your hair with Head and Shoulders Supreme Anti Dandruff and Scalp Care Shampoo and Conditioner & Scalp Scrub Treatment, with Argan Oil, massage the leave-on cream into your scalp. Follow up with shampoo and conditioner to complete the treatment.

Key Benefits

Medicated pyritione for fighting dandruff. This anti dandruff shampoo helps strengthen the hair while still being gentle enough for curly hair. Free from phosphates, phlates, dyes, and parabens. Argan oil deeply nourishes the hair shaft to moisturize at the root.

Nizoral Anti Dandruff Shampoo

Nizoral Anti-Dandruff

Ketonaconazole 1% Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Amazon Price

Nizoral is another great option for those with dandruff. So say goodbye to itchy, flaky scalps with Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo. This anti dandruff shampoo is clinically proven to kill dandruff and help prevent it from coming back. Made with ketoconazole 1%, it binds to your hair's natural proteins to effectively kill dandruff. It also has a thick lather and fresh scent that leaves your hair smelling great and looking shiny and manageable. For best results, use twice a week between regular shampoos.


Key Benefits

Nizoral anti dandruff shampoo is a medicated shampoo to treat hair follicles at the root. Another option is to add peppermint oil which can be combined with a dandruff shampoo so you aren't using the oil neat. This can help avoid an irritated scalp and further any potential reactions. Peppermint is an astringent, fungicidal, and antimicrobial. Sandalwood essential oil is good for dry, cracked and chapped skin making it a great option for an additive to dandruff shampoo.

Scalp Rescue Shampoo

Scalp Rescue-Max Green

Botanical, Vitamins- Scalp Rescue Shampoo

Amazon Price

Looking for a shampoo that will make your hair look healthier and feel stronger? Scalp Rescue Shampoo is perfect for all hair types! With its mix of botanical extracts, vitamins, and essential oils, your hair will be left looking gorgeous and shiny. Plus, the perfect pH leaves your hair stronger, glossier, and generally healthier. And if you're concerned about any scalp conditions, the proprietary herbal infusion and traditional botanics will help keep your scalp healthy.

Key Benefits

This natural dandruff shampoo is best for those with mild dandruff flakes, dry scalp, or color treated hair. So go ahead and give Scalp Rescue Shampoo a try – you won't be disappointed! Don't forget to condition your hair. This is important for helping keep the scalp moisturized or for those with sensitive skin. Aloe Vera and coconut oil are some natural moisturizers. These can help dry hair types and can benefit curly hair strands.


How to Prevent Dandruff

There are a few things you can do to prevent dandruff, including:

  • Washing your hair regularly with a gentle shampoo to help excess oil and itchy scalp
  • Avoid hairstyles that pull on your hair
  • Consider not coloring your hair
  • Moisturize with coconut oil or natural moisturizing products if you have a dry scalp
  • Using a humidifier to keep your scalp moist
  • Avoiding harsh chemicals and heat styling
  • If you have itchy scalp try to avoid itching
  • Add apple cider to your dandruff shampoo to make your own apple cider vinegar shampoo

Severe Dandruff


If you’re concerned about severe dandruff, it may be best to talk to your doctor. They can help you find the best way to treat and prevent severe dandruff.


If you’re susceptible to dandruff, there are a few things you can do to prevent it. Washing your hair regularly with a gentle shampoo can help remove any build-up on your scalp. Try adding natural oils into your haircare routine like shea butter.

Color Treated Hair

For color treated hair try to avoid medicated dandruff shampoos and opt for more natural dandruff shampoos. You should also avoid hairstyles that pull on your hair, like tight ponytails. For seborrheic dermatitis, we recommend using dandruff shampoos that moisturize and hydrate as dermatitis primarily is a flaky scalp or dry scalp.

Home Moisture

If your home is dry, use a humidifier to increase inside air moisture which can help keep your scalp moist. You can also use a diffuser with tea tree oil or add a couple of drops of tea tree oil into your best dandruff shampoo. This will also help prevent the skin on your scalp from drying out and flaking.

Increase Fats & Omega 3 & 6

For seborrheic dermatitis try increasing your fatty acids with avocados, olive oils, jojoba oils or other healthy fats and omega 3 & 6 or fish oils to your diet. Sometimes simply changing your shampoo to a dandruff shampoo can help especially if dandruff is an allergy-related dandruff.


Avoid Harsh Drying Chemicals

Finally, try to avoid harsh chemicals and heat styling, as these can also dry out your scalp and make dandruff worse. Salicylic acid while it is an exfoliant may not be appropriate for every dandruff shampoo.


In Summary

Dandruff is a common condition that can be irritating, annoying, and even embarrassing. However, there are a few things you can do to control dandruff flakes or an irritated, itchy scalp. Combining these dandruff control shampoos with increasing natural oils to your diet can help in addition to using an anti-dandruff shampoo like those mentioned in this article today.


Finally, make sure to read the label carefully before you buy a dandruff shampoo. Some shampoos are designed for daily use, while others should only be used a few times a week. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label to get the best results. Overusing medicated dandruff shampoos can cause a further irritated scalp and may cause seborrheic dermatitis. The Best dandruff shampoos won't strip the hair or scalp but gently cleanse while adding moisture back to the scalp and hair.


If you’re looking for an anti dandruff shampoo that will leave your hair looking and feeling its best, try one of these options. With regular use, you can say goodbye to itchy, flaky scalps for good!


Thank you for reading! We hope this article has helped answer some of your questions about the best dandruff shampoo.


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PAID ENDORSEMENT DISCLOSURE: As a staff of licensed aestheticians we review products based on their merit based on our professional expertise. This is not a replacement for your own skin therapist's advice for your skin or any medical claim or endorsement. We encourage you to seek medical care when appropriate. To support our website activities, we may receive monetary compensation or another form of recompense for our endorsement, recommendation, testimonials, and/or links to any products or services from this website as part of the Amazon Associate program or another Affiliate program. We Thank you in advance for your patronage

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