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Top 5 Best Dandruff Shampoo For Black Hair (2024 Review)

If you have thick and black African American hair and you're struggling with dandruff, then you're in luck reading this today. 

And that’s because:

You can now get the best dandruff shampoo for black hair that is most reasonably priced and cost-effective. No longer will you have to deal with dry skin flakes while revitalizing your hair in the process. 

In this article, we've included an overview of Nizoral's Fresh Anti-dandruff shampoo alongside four other great products you can choose from. That said, let's dive right into this black hair dandruff shampoo review.

Product Details
1. Nizoral Fresh Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

All-Day Freshness

  • Bestseller
  • Versatile
  • Anti-Fungal
  • Cooling Effect
  • All-Hair Types
  • Cost-Effective
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2. Head And Shoulders Moisture Boost

Boosts Moisture

  • Moisturizing
  • Inhibits Odors
  • Coco Scent
  • Lightweight Feel
  • Relieves Inflammation
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3. PURA D'OR Thin2Thick

Promotes Scalp Health

  • Reduces Frizz
  • Moisturizing
  • 15 Key Ingredients
  • Cruelty-Free
  • Deep-Cleansing
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4. Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla

Better Hair Health

  • Highly Recommended
  • Effective Yet Mild
  • Hydrating
  • Paraben-Free
  • Sulfate-Free
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5. Sheamoisture With Jamaican Black Castor Oil

Bang For Buck

  • Nourishing
  • Reviatlizing
  • Organic
  • Reduces Flakes
  • Soothing
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5 Best Dandruff Shampoos For Black Hair Reviewed 

Naturally, textured hair requires special care and maintenance since it can be quite a challenge once you get hair troubles like dandruff. With the help of the best dandruff shampoo for black hair, you can nip the problem at the bud. 

Give your black hair back the bounce and healthy shine it deserves and get yourself the best dandruff shampoo for African American hair.

1. Nizoral Fresh Anti-Dandruff Shampoo - Best Overall

Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

An overall bestseller from a prominent brand, Nizoral's Anti-dandruff Shampoo works for all hair types. It contains 1% ketoconazole, which studies show is an effective antifungal remedy for controlling the scaling and itching caused by dandruff. 

It works by slowing the fungi's growth and keeping the scalp healthy so it will eventually be removed.

This was developed alongside Kramer Laboratories, and it has gone through multiple salon tests for gentleness and safety. So, if you're looking for a good dandruff shampoo for African American hair, this is a safe option to try.

Benefits:

It significantly reduces the flaking and scaling of your scalp and nearby skin areas. Also, it keeps the scalp cool and reduces the itchy sensation caused by dandruff. What makes it an overall favorite is its versatility. 

This is not only the best shampoo for African American hair with dandruff, but it is also effective for all hair types. It leaves you feeling fresh all day as well.

Pros:

  • Generally, it keeps the scalp clean without drying it out.
  • It gives the user a fresh feeling.
  • It is safe to use on hair that is chemically processed or has color treatments.

Cons:

  • The product contains alcohol, dye, citric acids, and BHT.
  • It must be diluted before use, as it may cause hair loss for some.

Takeaway:

In terms of effectiveness and cost, the Nizoral Fresh anti-dandruff shampoo is among the best choices. 

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2. Head And Shoulders Moisture Boost - Best Value

Head and Shoulders Shampoo, Moisture Renewal, Anti Dandruff Treatment and Scalp Care, Royal Oils Collection with Coconut Oil, for Natural and Curly Hair, 13.5 fl oz

A household brand for anti-dandruff, Head And Shoulders formulated shampoo with its Royal Oils collection has a rich and creamy lather that boosts moisture, balances scalp health, and relieves the inflammation caused by dandruff. 

When regularly used, it also enhances the kinks and curls of the hair.

Also, this is more recommended as the best dandruff shampoo for natural hair.

Benefits:

Generally, this product helps in balancing and restoring the health of your scalp. It cleans thoroughly to remove excess oil that helps dandruff fungi propagate. 

Considerably, this is the most economical dandruff shampoo for African American hair. In addition, it is lightweight to use and reduces oil production.

Pros:

  • This is the best option to try if you're on a budget.
  • The formulation is specially made for curly, kinky, and textured hair.
  • It provides ample scalp moisture to reduce the itching sensation.
  • It also inhibits odors with a coconut scent.

Cons:

  • While it provides scalp moisture, it can be drying to chemically treated or bleached hair.
  • The product contains sulfates.
  • This is not recommended for severe dandruff cases.

Takeaways:

This is an excellent shampoo for people with black hair who are suffering from dryness. It is packed with moisturizing ingredients that will help revitalize the hair. 

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3. PURA D'OR Thin2Thick - Best Hydrating Shampoo

PURA D'OR Apple Cider Vinegar Thin2Thick Set Shampoo Conditioner for Regrowth, Hair Loss, Clarifying, Detox (2 x 16oz) Biotin, Keratin, Caffeine, Castor Oil, All Hair Type, Men/Women, Packaging varies

This shampoo from PURA D'OR is one of the best clarifying and detox products that can help fight dandruff. 

It blends effective ingredients, namely biotin, caffeine, castor oil, and keratin to ensure your hair and scalp health.

Furthermore, the formulation reduces frizz and locks in moisture to treat hair dryness altogether, making it the best dandruff shampoo for black men.

Benefits:

This is especially recommended if you need deep cleansing of the scalp to prevent any build-up. In fact, studies show that Apple Cider Vinegar is particularly effective in this regard. 

Also, the brand only uses wholesome botanicals for their ingredients, so you can look forward to having thicker and fuller hair once the dandruff is removed.

Pros:

  • The product takes pride in its 15 key ingredients that are optimal for hair health.
  • This shampoo is cruelty-free, vegan, and is free from artificial additives.
  • The blend does not contain sulfates, parabens, and silicone.

Cons:

  • The smell may not be as appealing.
  • This is not a good option for extremely damaged or chemically treated hair.

Takeaway:

This shampoo is the best choice if deep cleansing is a priority for you. However, you might want to try another product if your hair is severely damaged due to chemical treatment because this shampoo might make it worse.

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4. Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla - Best For Dry Hair

Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Moisture & Shine Shampoo for Dry Hair, with Aloe and Rose, Sulfate Free Shampoo, 12 fl oz

This Black Vanilla Hydrating Shampoo from Carol's Daughter incorporates Rose extract and Sweet Clover into the formulation for better hair health. 

This is especially effective against dandruff since Rose Extract acts as a mild astringent.

Lastly, it incorporates the soothing properties of aloe vera and vanilla as their active ingredients. The brand started as a passion project dedicated to African American hair care, and it also has a wide array of products for curly and afro hair.

Benefits:

Easily one of the best anti-dandruff shampoo for black hair, this product is highly recommended if both your hair and your scalp are becoming painfully dry. 

It is effective yet mild, so it causes no damage to dull, dry, or brittle hair. Over time, it rejuvenates your hair with moisture and shine.

Pros:

  • It is free of sulfates and provides moisture without stripping the scalp of oil and sebum.
  • It is free of parabens and silicones.
  • The product is specially formulated for black oily hair.

Cons:

  • The product may be too heavy and has to be diluted for those with thick, coarse hair.
  • It may cause allergic reactions.

Takeaway:

If you have damaged black hair, this shampoo might help revitalize it. It contains anti-dandruff and moisturizing properties. 

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5. Shea Moisture With Black Castor Oil - Best Revitalizing

Shea Moisture Strengthen, Grow & Restore Shampoo and Conditioner Set, Jamaican Black Castor Oil Combination Pack, 16.3 oz Shampoo & 13 oz. Conditioner

This Anti-dandruff shampoo with Jamaican Black Castor Oil from Shea Moisture gives you a good deal for your money. 

It is formulated for a variety of hair types, including curly, kinky, and even chemically treated damaged hair.

With this product, you are guaranteed more defined curls and reduced split ends. This is because the natural oils in the blend help nourish your scalp and revitalize your hair strands and follicle.

Benefits:

This is another product that easily qualifies as the best dandruff shampoo for African American hair. It contains the essential ingredients and oils that help prevent the build-up of germs and fungi on the scalp. 

Furthermore, it is specially blended for natural afro-textured, or kinky hair. With this, you can experience a moisturized yet soothing sensation that eases the itch and discomfort. In addition, it has peppermint oil that facilitates hair growth.

Pros:

  • The product is formulated with organic ingredients.
  • It significantly reduces scalp flaking and dryness.
  • It is also free of sulfates.
  • It is safe to use on hair that is chemically processed or has color treatments.

Cons:

  • This is not recommended for people with oily scalps because it can worsen the condition.
  • This is not the best option for those who prefer a milder scent.

Takeaway:

This could be the best choice for people with black afro hair because it is packed with oils that prevent tangles and nourishes the hair. 

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Best Dandruff Shampoo: What To Look For

There are a lot of effective dandruff shampoos in the market, but they hardly give what black textured hair needs. The challenge begins in looking for the best dandruff shampoo for natural hair that can get the job done. 

You see, a good dandruff shampoo for African American hair will not only eliminate dandruff but will also restore your hair's health. In addition, it should also rejuvenate your scalp and treat the Malassezia fungus that causes the irritation. 

Black man standing

That said, let's go over the things you need to look for in the best shampoo for African American hair with dandruff:

Effective Ingredients

Biotin

This ingredient is essential to hair growth, as well as for the health of your skin and nails. It is also referred to as vitamin H and is also formatted as a dietary supplement. 

With Biotin in your shampoo, you are guaranteed that the formulation is blended for overall and long-term hair health. According to the National Institutes of Health, it was even proven to be effective as a hair loss treatment.

Coal Tar

In its raw form, coal tar may not seem like a sanitary ingredient. However, it exhibits multiple benefits once it is processed. 

In fact, it is hailed as an anti-dandruff medication on its own. It can regenerate your skin, so it can be helpful if your scalp is drying up and is starting to get irritated. 

Then again, it bears noting that this ingredient promotes the shedding of dry skin build-up from the scalp.

Zinc Pyrithione

Known for its antimicrobial, antifungal, and antibacterial properties, this ingredient is an effective remedy for severe cases of dandruff. 

Given that dandruff is borne from the growth of a yeast-like fungus on the scalp, what Zinc Pyrithione does is inhibit this growth and stop the inflammation. 

A stronger alternative to this ingredient is Selenium sulfide.

Tea Tree Oil

While it is used for acne and skin conditions, it is also an effective remedy for dandruff. 

PubMed published a study that the concentration of tea trees on products should not exceed 5%. This way, it will not dry out your skin and scalp.

Shea Butter

It ultimately alleviates the discomfort of scalp conditions like dandruff. It is included in most cosmetic and beauty products for its revitalizing properties against dryness. It also has a mildly sweet and delicate smell. 

However, it must be used sparingly or in controlled amounts since it can possibly make your scalp more oily and greasy.

Take these tips on how to effectively remove dandruff:

Specific Formulations

Considering that Black men’s hair is generally textured and thick, you have to choose lightweight products that produce minimal build-up on the scalp.

According to Healthline, any scalp build-up of dead skin, sebum, oils, and product remnants is a leading cause of dandruff. In the worst case, it can cause folliculitis or inflammation of follicles, thus resulting in crusty sores and hair loss.

You will need to get an effective dandruff shampoo for black people with black hair. 

A good blend may include apple cider vinegar, Sarcodines, Alkanolamides, Sodium Lauriminodipropionate, Ammonioesters, Silicones, and Ivy Agave.

These formulations can clarify and clean your hair without fully stripping your scalp of the sebum, thus keeping it moisturized.

Also, you generally have to look for shampoo products and the best folliculitis shampoo that eliminate the dryness of your scalp. If you are able to maintain a moisturized, nourished, and healthy scalp, chances are you can thoroughly eliminate your dandruff and folliculitis. 

You must also choose products with powerful and active ingredients, given that you are dealing with fungi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can African American guys use any type of anti-dandruff shampoo?

No. Black men’s hair needs more care and attention against dandruff than most hair types. It is recommended that you choose a good dandruff shampoo for African American hair. 

If you can't find something specific, check the product labels if the shampoo is formulated for curly, kinky, and thick hair.

Shampoo bottle on white table

How often do you use shampoo for dandruff?

Experts suggest that you should not wash your hair every single day if you have dandruff. It can strip your scalp of essential oils, and it can worsen the scaling and flaking. 

Firstly, you need to treat the fungus and get it off your scalp. That being said, you can wash your hair every 2-3 days, depending on how oily your scalp is. Furthermore, you need to make sure that you thoroughly rinse the shampoo to prevent any build-up on your scalp.

Can normal shampoo treat dandruff?

Unfortunately, no. While most shampoos can clean your scalp and wash your hair, a normal formulation may strip your scalp of essential oils and worsen the dryness. Thus, it is only ideal that you treat your dandruff with shampoo formulations that were blended for your needs and hair type.

Bottom Line

In this list, the best choice in terms of price point and effectiveness is the Nizoral Fresh Anti-Dandruff Shampoo. It works well with black hair regardless of whether it's straight or curly. 

It also contains added ingredients that help revitalize the hair and make it look and feel healthier. 

However, the other products mentioned above are still worth considering. They might be what works best for you depending on your circumstances. 

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