Why do you think dandruff harms your confidence level? Nobody wants to have flakes on their shirt or to itch their head. That should not be the reason you want to get rid of dandruff. Dandruff is uncomfortable and irritating but you should not be embarrassed by it. Change your outlook towards things and make it easy. You know how hard you try to keep your hair dandruff-free, neat, and clean, but you cannot say you will not get dandruff. You can not cure dandruff permanently but heal your scalp irritation by treating dandruff off your scalp. So, how does it actually work? At first, you need to figure out your hair type and make a proper diagnosis. Here we will talk about managing dandruff in Afro-textured, natural, or different types of curly hair.
The concern is to keep your scalp’s moisture intact, but sometimes you may develop fungal dandruff, which needs to be treated first. You must have been suggested to use natural hair care lines to treat your dry scalp, but to be honest, it does not get well with mild shampoos for severe dandruff. Keeping this in mind, I have decided to keep some strong shampoos that you will find helpful in treating your serious scalp condition like tough dandruff, Psoriasis, or Seborrhoeic dermatitis. You can use the other natural and gentle shampoos as your go-to shampoo once your scalp gets better. Then, you can use the natural mild shampoos for your normal dandruff.
Table of Contents
Best Dandruff Shampoo for Black Hair – Comparison
| Picture | Product Name | Hair Type | Purpose | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo | Dandruff | Anti-dandruff | Check Latest Price |
 | Selsun Blue Dandruff Shampoo | Dry | Antidandruff | Check Latest Price |
 | SheaMoisture & Mafura Oil Intensive | Curly | Long-Lasting Shine | Check Latest Price |
 | Tea Tree Thickening Shampoo | Fine Hair, All Hair Types | Clean, thick, and healthy hair | Check Latest Price |
 | American Crew Moisturizing Shampoo | Oily | Antidandruff | Check Latest Price |
 | Jason Dandruff Treatment Shampoo | Dandruff | Prevent seborrheic dermatitis | Check Latest Price |
 | Shea Moisture Cleansing Shampoo | Curly | Soothe and calm the scalp | Check Latest Price |
 | Jason Shampoo, Fragrance-Free | Color-Treated, Chemically Treated | Soothes and balances sensitive scalps | Check Latest Price |
 | Virgin Hair Fertilizer Shampoo | Dry scalp and/ or dandruff | Promote hair growth | Check Latest Price |
 | ArtNaturals Black Castor-Oil Shampoo | Curly hair | Promote hair growth | Check Latest Price |
Best Shampoos for Dandruff Prone Black Hair – Reviews
1. Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo
Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo has earned its fan base by providing the comfort they were seeking. This good thing has also got recognition from the National Psoriasis Foundation. What you will love most about this shampoo is, it starts working sooner and it actually WORKS providing a lasting effect! Yes, for me the first question is, does it work? Because most of us get tired of researching and trying different shampoos that actually ‘do not soothe the scalp’. Even the medicated shampoos prescribed by our doctors sometimes fail, maybe, many times. However, the severe scalp irritation does get healed with this therapeutic shampoo.
If you have seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis you might want to look for a shampoo with coal tar. Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo has 2% Neutar Solubilized Coal Tar extract as an active ingredient. Coal tar helps to shed dead cells from the top layer. Besides, it slows down the growth of skin cells; as a result, we get relief from the scalps from irritation caused by dandruff or scalp diseases. I bet you are going to fall in love after improving your scalp condition, but I must remind you that excessive or prolonged exposure to coal tar may risk your health. I prefer to use it once a week and to reduce it to once in a month or two after seeing the improvement, depending on scalp condition. You might need to use it twice a week in the beginning for the best result. Stop using as soon as you see the desired result.
This alcohol-free shampoo is highly effective for dry scalp. For those who look for a mild or fruity note in your shampoo, you might not like the smell of this product because it smells kind of strong. You can apply it to your dyed hair. Even though it does not moisturize properly, it is my favorite because it is comfortable for those trying to get rid of scalp inflammation.
What we liked:
- This shampoo heals severe scalp condition including the flaky and red scalp, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis and common dandruff
- It is recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation
- Scalp condition improves without taking much time
- The scalp condition improves and it lasts long
What we did not like:
- The smell of this shampoo is not very pleasant
- It is not cruelty-free
- It does not moisturize well
2. Selsun Blue Medicated Maximum Strength Dandruff Shampoo
The Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo is more likely to treat scalp diseases and it is mostly for severe irritation than a normal dandruff shampoo. On the other hand, Selsun Blue Medicated shampoo is another hyped product in our country for severe dandruff. So if you are looking for an intense shampoo to fight off your dandruff problem, I recommend this one. This Selsun blue washes away dandruff as well as prevents seborrheic dermatitis of your scalp. You will feel a minty sensation of menthols which soothes the itchy scalp. But if you do not like the menthol scent and that cooling sensation, you might want to think twice.
Converting from Head and Shoulders to Selsun became many people’s scalp saving story. Selsun Blue is a sulfur-based product containing 1% Selenium Sulfide. Dermatologists look for this active ingredient in shampoos to stop the fungal growth of the scalp.
It deep cleans your hair, coating with foam, and leaves your scalp moisturized. I recommend using another mild shampoo to wash the hair part if you are skeptical about the scent. But I would suggest avoiding using conditioner the day of applying this shampoo and just letting it work. For the best result, it is important to keep the shampoo on your scalp for at least five minutes, lather, give a nice massage and let it soak. After rinsing apply it again and repeat. Since it has many strong ingredients you should limit applying the shampoo.
What we liked:
- It clears away serious dandruff and prevents fungal growth
- It creates food foam and cleans well
- It contains moisturizer for dry skin
What we did not like:
- It gives a cooling sensation
- It has a strong smell
3. SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Shampoo
If your eyes are searching for the words ‘free of paraben, mineral oil, sulfur or paraffin”, here you go! It is always recommended to use a mild shampoo like Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Shampoo to treat dry scalp. I always prefer mild shampoos with natural and herbal ingredients. It does not irritate your skin and you do not have to see your hair getting damaged by harsh chemicals. Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Shampoo is a sweetheart that understands dry scalp and nourishes the scalp.
This product is not tested on animals which is another big ‘Yes’ from all of us. This shampoo contains manuka honey and Mafura oil, organic shea butter, essential oils, African Rock Fig, and other hydrating ingredients. Manuka honey is rich with anti-inflammatory properties that get rid of the scalp’s itchiness, creating a moisturizing barrier. Mafura Oil contains oleic acid which helps replenish the loss of natural oils of our hair. The organic Mafura oil is blended with organic Baobab Oil. Shea butter and essential oils leave your hair soft, shiny, and non-frizzy. African Rock fig which is rich in antioxidants, makes hair lively and gorgeous. Curly-haired women especially love this product, but it works for all hair types equally.
This shampoo does not create a massive lather that you could call foam, but it cleanses hair and gives a refreshing wash. The shampoo moisturizes and hydrates the scalp so well that you will have no itchiness or flakes. I must add that it has a pretty sweet essential oil fragrance. So if you are searching for a fragrance-free shampoo, this one is not the one. But yeah, for a purely natural shampoo, I love to repurchase this budget-friendly shampoo!
What we like:
- This product is cruelty-free
- This shampoo is paraben, mineral oil, sulfur, and paraffin-free
- It comes with organic ingredients that restore the scalp and locks with proper hydration
What we did not like:
- It does not make plenty of foam
4. Tea Tree Lemon Sage Thickening Shampoo
If you are looking for a sophisticated shampoo I would love to introduce you to Tea Tree Lemon. The shampoo is packed with ingredients that treat your irritated scalp and damaged hair together. You need these ingredients for a balanced performance to rejuvenate your hair for your sensitive scalp with dandruff. This shampoo is a bit stronger than the previous (SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Shampoo). It helps heal your scalp from fungus, plums up fine strands, and increases volumes to your damaged lock. For those looking for shampoo to bring life back to your colored hair, this one could be your holy grail.
Tea tree oil is a natural ingredient rich in antioxidants that kills fungus. According to a study, any shampoo with 5% tea tree oil can reduce dandruff caused by Malassezia. In addition, peppermint, lemon sage and other ingredients infuse your scalp with reviving energy. The refreshing minty, lemony fragrance simply wakes you up for the day. It has a minty note of white sage to uplift your soul. Yeah, that does not just sound good; it feels spectacular.
This shampoo contains no paraben and gluten. If you are looking for a vegan shampoo, this shampoo is perfect for you.
So if you are ready to invest in your hair, not allergic to tea tree oil or can stand fragrance go straight for this shampoo and thank me later!
What we like:
- This shampoo is free of gluten and paraben
- It is a vegan product
- The shampoo contains anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients that soothe the scalp
- The shampoo rejuvenates the lock of hair by thickening and strengthening
What we did not like:
- The shampoo is a little bit on the expensive side
5. American Crew Daily Moisturizing Shampoo
Now it’s time for a Gents’ Shampoo. American Crew Daily Moisturizing Shampoo is perfect when you feel your dandruff-prone oily scalp and hair needs daily dozes of deep moisturizing. The good part of using this shampoo is that it cleanses your hair without over-moisturizing and balances the excess oil in your scalp. Its extraordinary cleansing quality helps your dandruff disappear, yet it nourishes the scalp pretty well. But it has a bizarre scent. So my curious mind asks, ‘’why can’t a men’s shampoo smell nice?’’
This shampoo is a vegan product, and it does not contain silicon. The active ingredients are sage leaf extract, Citric Acid, Dimethicone, and sodium chloride. Sage leaf extract contains ursolic acid, which helps heal dandruff and scalp irritation, stimulates blood flow, and protects hair from UV rays. Sodium chloride softens the skin, and Dimethicone brings shine to the hair by conditioning.
The shampoo makes enough foam for satisfying your cleansing demand. You get the best result if you use a conditioner after using this shampoo. If you have dry hair, this shampoo is not a good choice.
What we liked:
- This shampoo does not contain silicon
- It does not make your hair greasy
- Protects hair from UV rays
What we did not like:
- It has an unpleasant scent
6. Jason Dandruff Relief Treatment Shampoo
Many of us like to staple Salicylic acid in our skincare product. Especially acne-prone skins get healed with this magic solution. So for those who are looking for an effective anti-dandruff shampoo for your oily scalp, you must try this Jason dandruff relief shampoo. This shampoo is free from harsh ingredients like paraben, sulfate and contains salicylic acid. Besides, it is vegan and not tested on animals. And it is always a big yes for cruelty-free products.
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid. In beta, two carbon atoms separate the hydroxy molecules from the acid. For this structure, salicylic acid is more oil-soluble and can penetrate through the clogged pores. In scalps with dandruff, the outer layer of the skin sticks together in larger flakes or scales.
Salicylic acid can break the attachment between cells of our skin’s outer layer also can reduce sebum production.
Depending on the condition of your scalp it takes time to work on reducing dandruff. But it gives a real refreshing feeling to your scalp. It prevents seborrheic dermatitis and soothes itching, flaking, scaling on your scalp. Besides, the shampoo is not very harsh for your hair. I particularly am not a fan of the thick consistency of the new version, it does not make heavy lather, but you need to give an excellent massage to your scalp, let it soak the shampoo, and yeah, it works! The woody scent may disappoint some, but it does not actually bother much once you are done with rinsing your hair.
What we liked:
- This shampoo contains salicylic acid
- It is cruelty-free, sulfate and paraben-free
- It does not damage hair while working on the scalp issues
What we did not like:
- It does not work faster to relieve dandruff completely
7. Shea Moisture African Black Soap Bamboo Charcoal Deep Cleansing Shampoo
Here is another ‘kind to skin’ product for dryness-prone scalp. This Shea Moisture African Black Soap Bamboo Charcoal shampoo is a deep cleansing and nourishing shampoo.
This shampoo has natural ingredients that are friendly for skin and hair. It does not contain any paraben, sulfate, or phthalates. It also has no mineral oil, propylene glycol, and petroleum in it. Moreover, it is a cruelty-free product. So you can rest assured and proceed to pamper your hair.
It works tremendously on brittle hair. Your curls will be shining with the care of shea butter. It has anti-bacterial tea tree oil to soothe your itchy, irritated, dandruff-prone scalp. Bamboo charcoal accomplishes the cleansing with perfect detoxification. African black soap, another main ingredient is anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial. It cleanses hair and lets the hair follicle cells grow hair. If you are losing hair, this anti-dandruff line will tackle this problem. Black soap is especially very helpful to soothe your eczema or itchy scalp. I find it more effective to pair up with a conditioner.
Being a sulfate-free formula, it will surprise you with vibrant foaming for a refreshing cleansing. In addition, it clarifies hair nicely even when you have heavy oil applied to your hair.
What we liked:
- This shampoo is an outstanding clarifying shampoo
- It has no paraben, sulfate, and other harmful properties
- It solves scalp issues pretty fast and stimulates hair growth
What we did not like:
- It has a strong scent
8. Jason Shampoo, Fragrance-Free
Finally, a fragrance-free shampoo! I know many of us are allergic to fragrances and always searching for a fragrance-free product. This Jason Shampoo is completely fragrance-free, and it is true. Most products tend to label ‘fragrance-free but end up having some smell which is a pain for those who cannot stand the scent.
This line is a gentle healer for your sensitive scalp enriched with natural ingredients like aloe vera, vitamin B5, and others. It doesn’t contain any SLS, parabens, or phthalates. So you can rely on it for your sensitive scalp and hair.
This hydrating shampoo doesn’t strip oil yet clarifies your scalp thoroughly. However, it is exceptionally nourishing, even for colored hair.
If you look at its effectiveness on dandruff or itchy scalp, this product helps treat dandruff and scalp inflammation. Aloe vera is an effective ingredient to fight off your seborrheic dermatitis while using other lines with harsh elements for your sensitive skin. This shampoo has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial properties, and it helps to keep the cells healthy.
As expected, it doesn’t lather much, but it sure is able to clean hair. It does not leave your hair feeling greasy or dry.
And yeah, it is also a cruelty-free product.
What we liked:
- It is a cruelty-free product
- It is sulfate-free, paraben-free
- It is a fragrance-free shampoo
What we did not like:
- It does not make massive lather
9. Virgin Hair Fertilizer Shampoo. African American Hair Shampoo
Though other lines like Shea Moisture African Black Soap Bamboo Charcoal or Jason Fragrance-free work great for detangling your hair but here I would like to mention one shampoo particularly. Your beautiful curly hair demands special treatment. This Virgin Hair Fertilizer Shampoo was recommended by my friend, who regained her curls in their actual shape after using this shampoo. She tried many other fancy shampoos for dandruff and dry scalp, which resulted in hair damage. Besides, she used to straighten her hair excessively. Luckily she tried this Virgin shampoo and stopped complaining about her brittle and dry hair. So after I used this shampoo, I found it quite helpful in removing dandruff. Moreover, it helped to boost my hair growth as well as made my hair manageable.
So it doesn’t matter if you are African or not; if you have any type of curly hair and want to get your hair’s natural beauty back while treating scalp conditions, join the group of Virgin Hair Fertilizer users.
It contains Tea tree oil, aloe vera, jojoba oil, and another amazing natural healer: honey. It deeply cleanses hair and makes it easy to work on your tangles. It brings life back to the damaged hair due to overuse of hair products, hair coloring or straightening.
Most interestingly, it doesn’t take much time to see the result. It has a kind of strong scent, but its benefits in hair care outweigh the scent. Don’t forget to pair it up with the conditioner for complete hair treatment.
What we liked:
- This shampoo works faster to remove dandruff
- It replenishes hair
What we did not like:
- It has scent
10. ArtNaturals Black Castor-Oil Shampoo and Conditioner
Castor oil is vastly known as the hair growth master. But you cannot ignore its magic in treating dandruff, psoriasis, acne, and other inflammations. This Artnatural Black Castor oil Shampoo is a gem in treating your dry hair with scalp issues. They use organic cold-pressed black castor oil pairing up with aloe extract, rosehip oil, and carrot oil. All these natural ingredients help to clean your scalp and soak in moisture. Besides healing the scalp, it strengthens the roots of the hair, prevents hair falls, and thickens your hair. You might, at a point, want to stop using this shampoo because of your hair thickening. I loved the pair of shampoo and the conditioner, especially in winter when nothing works; try this product.
I know this is a bit on the pricier side, but you might want to choose it nonetheless to save your hair. It doesn’t leave your hair greasy, but the scent is not very pleasing. It will not be wise to expect good foaming from a sulfate-free product. It is entirely sulfate-free and paraben-free. Try this shampoo and conditioner duo and enjoy your hair playing.
What we liked:
- The black castor oil is cold-pressed
- It helps in hair thickening
- It is the best go-to product for winter
What we did not like:
- It is not fragrance-free
The End
How ironic it is, we look for an anti-dandruff shampoo after we get affected by dandruff! But the trial time of searching for ‘the one’ for your scalp is annoying. To make your research easier I tried to talk about the best ten super dandruff fighters for natural, Afro-textured, or curly hair types, whatever you call it.
I hope that helps, and remember, do not let your dandruff define your confidence!!!