Coal tar is the dark viscous by-product from coal that is used as a medicine on the skin and scalp to treat dry patches, itching, and irritation. Our findings show that the best coal tar shampoo, when used in the right amount, can work wonders in curing various scalp issues. It has antifungal properties, and thus, doctors often recommend shampoos infused with coal tar as prescription or over-the-counter products. You'll mostly find coal tar in shampoos, but it also comes in scalp lotions and ointments. These shampoos, as per our knowledge, are great for treating skin and scalp problems like psoriasis, eczema, dandruff, and seborrheic dermatitis (1). 

Applying them helps remove dead skin cells, making way for new ones and reducing itchiness caused by dry skin. However, it's often not suitable for kids below 2 years, and its effects on pregnant women are still unclear. So, it’s best to take advice from a doctor before incorporating these shampoos into your hair care regimen.

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  Best for Daily Use

  Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo

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This Neutrogena product gives quick relief from itchy and flaky scalp and is a favorite among dermatologists. This shampoo contains coal tar extract and special Neutar technology that fights skin conditions like psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. It not only cleanses your scalp but also gives you a therapeutic experience, leaving your hair extra strong and healthy after just a couple of washes. Though it is formulated for daily use, it’s best to take your doctor’s advice before using it on a daily basis.

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Best Multipurpose Solution

MG217 Psoriasis Medicated Conditioning 3% Coal Tar Shampoo

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MG217 is a great solution for problems like psoriasis, dandruff, and eczema. It has 3% coal tar that helps reduce flaking and eliminates scalp buildup to keep your locks healthy. It's like a shampoo and conditioner in one bottle. Some may feel its coal smell to be overpowering, even after you wash it out. But the results are totally worth it. After testing the product, we found that it works even better when left on the scalp for a minute before rinsing.

3

Best Antibacterial Properties

DHS Tar Shampoo

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DHS tar shampoo is recommended by most physicians for treating chronic skin and scalp conditions like itchiness and flakiness. It is packed with powerful ingredients such as citric acid and 0.5% coal tar, which helps fight conditions like psoriasis and seborrhoeic dermatitis. The citric acid also assists in breaking down excess oil and buildup on the scalp. This powerful scalp treatment not only effectively addresses scalp issues but also prevents dryness and maintains the scalp’s pH. Thus, it promotes a healthy and nourished scalp environment.

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Best Budget-friendly Shampoo

Tarsum Relief Shampoo

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Tarsum is a special kind of coal shampoo that stays on your scalp and strengthens your hair. It contains 10% LCD (liquor carbonis distillate), which is equivalent to 2% coal tar. It's great for redness, itchiness, and inflammation. Whether you have really bad dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, or eczema, this shampoo can help give relief from all the conditions. Just apply it to your scalp, leave it for 5 minutes, and watch the severity of symptoms reduce. Even if you have a bit of itchiness and flakiness, give it a try. Though it's expensive, the product's effectiveness surpasses even prescribed solutions for scalp issues.

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Best Budget-friendly Shampoo

True+Real Therapeutic Plus Tar Gel Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

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The True+Real coal tar shampoo for dandruff has special solubilized coal tar extract (2.5%), which begins its work faster once applied. The potent formula of this coal tar shampoo boosts cell turnover and eliminates scalp build-up to help you get a clean and healthy scalp. When we tested the product, we found that it works excellently on dandruff and psoriasis, helping you flaunt gorgeous tresses every day. It's suitable for teens, adults, men, and women, and it works just as well as the pricier options out there. For the best results, use it at least twice a week or as advised by your doctor.

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Best for Fine Hair

Pura D’or M.D. Maximum Defense Anti-Hair Thinning Shampoo

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This product is like a magical potion for your hair and scalp. It's packed with 19 different herbal extracts, including red Korean seaweed and biotin, along with 0.5% Coal Tar. A nourishing blend of these ingredients soothes the scalp, treats redness, and makes the scalp healthier than before. It also claims to be a clinical solution for thinning hair. Plus, the ingredients keep your hair super moisturized from the roots to the tips, preventing irritation caused by dryness.

7

Best Vegan Shampoo

ArtNaturals Scalp 18 Shampoo

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The ArtNaturals shampoo infused with coal tar gives you a fresh-smelling and flake-free scalp. What makes it different from other shampoos is that it is crafted with the goodness of natural and organic ingredients, making it a perfect choice to lock moisture into the hair and replenish hair strands. This product is filled with natural ingredients like aloe, tea tree, and borage oil to heal and nourish your scalp. Tea tree cleanses, borage oil promotes healing, and aloe leaf extracts soothe and hydrate. Plus, it's a planet-friendly choice to consider.

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MG217 Dandruff Therapeutic Shampoo

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This MG217 dandruff shampoo with 3% coal tar helps when your scalp itches and flakes. It is like a medicine for scalp conditions like psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and dandruff. Furthermore, it makes sure these problems don't return. It also makes your hair healthy, prevents buildup or cell overgrowth on your scalp, and comes with a nice smell. There's also an unscented version that comes with a conditioner.

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Best for Itchy Scalp

Major Thera-gel Therapeutic Shampoo

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This shampoo with coal tar helps with multiple conditions like dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. If your itchy and flaky scalp has been bothering you a lot, try this shampoo, as its 0.5% coal tar formulation provides long-lasting relief from itchiness. The best part is it won't cost you a fortune. You can get the benefits of a fancy therapeutic shampoo without spending too much. Many might feel the smell to be overbearing, but given the benefits of the product, it's totally worth it.

10

Best Combo Set

Pete & Pedro Control And Condition Set

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This product from Pete & Pedro even got featured on Shark Tank. If your hair care routine has been on hold due to skin problems, then this anti-itch dandruff shampoo may become your solution. It is infused with peppermint oil, glycerin, tea tree oil, coal tar, and menthol, all of which work synergistically to boost hair growth, strengthen hair follicles, nourish the scalp, prevent infections, and rejuvenate your scalp. The shampoo comes with a conditioner, making it easier for you to pair the right products without any guesswork.

11

Best Anti-dandruff Solution

Medicasp Coal Tar Gel Dandruff Shampoo

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One of the best solutions for a flaky scalp is Medicasp’s amazing coal tar gel anti-dandruff shampoo. With its special 0.5% coal tar extract, it's carefully made to tackle issues like scalp psoriasis, dandruff, and seborrheic dermatitis, preventing them from coming back. It also quickly soothes redness, itching, and burning sensations with its fast-acting formula. Plus, it has a long-lasting effect on keeping the scalp healthy. After just one use, your scalp will feel refreshed and clean.

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Sebcur T Coal Tar Shampoo

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Sebcur-T stands out from other shampoos meant for seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis. It's strong and effective, not just for mild cases but also for stubborn ones. This special shampoo contains potent 10% coal tar with salicylic acid (4%). These ingredients help calm itching, reduce redness, and control scaling linked with tough cases of seborrhea or psoriasis on the scalp. Even better, it leaves your hair shiny while keeping those stubborn scalp issues in check. Plus, it's designed to minimize the strong smell and staining often associated with coal tar products.

When you're on the hunt for the perfect coal tar shampoo, here's what you need to consider:

1. Ingredients: Coal tar can be quite drying on the scalp. Hence, look for added moisturizing agents designed for dry hair, like aloe vera and vitamin E. You may also look for essential botanical oils such as argan, tea tree, lemon, coconut, and rosemary that restore moisture and luster to damaged hair.

2. Active Ingredients: Coal tar, along with active ingredients like salicylic acid, deeply cleanses pores, removes dirt and dead skin cells, and reduces acne and redness. Likewise, sulfur effectively eliminates flakes and scales caused by psoriasis.

3. Concentration: Usually, coal tar is used in a 1-5% concentration. But in the case of severe cases of scalp psoriasis, even 10% can be used (2). 

Talking about the right usage of coal tar shampoo, our contributor Gwenda Harmon, Expert Hair Dresser & Curly Hair Specialist says, “There are recommended concentrations of coal tar on the shampoo label or dermatologist. If you dilute the formula, it won't cover the scalp properly and it is mostly used for eczema for the scalp. So, one must use it accordingly, depending on the scalp condition.”

4. Dermatologist's Approval: Opt for coal tar shampoos approved or recommended by dermatologists for safety. Don't choose shampoos with over 5% coal tar concentration unless recommended by your doctor. 

5. Be Aware of Side Effects: Be mindful of potential side effects, like staining of light-colored hair, tar acne with prolonged use, occasional burning sensation, sun sensitivity, and rare allergic reactions. Our contributor Gwenda Harmon, says, “Use of coal tar shampoo would mostly discolor colored hair temporarily. If you have light-colored hair, the coal tar shampoo will stain it and maybe turn it darker. So, watch out for that.”

6. Affordability: Find a shampoo that fits your budget. There are options available at different price ranges.  

Coal tar shampoos can be used just like any other shampoos in the following easy steps.

• Wet your hair completely.
• Use enough coal tar shampoo to cover your hair and scalp.
• Massage and lather it in with your fingers, especially on the affected areas with scalp infections. 
• Let the shampoo stay on your scalp for 5 to 10 minutes as per instructions in the shampoo. 
• Rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water.
• If you don’t like the smell, use your regular shampoo and conditioner after the coal tar.
• Do this once or twice a week, or as your doctor suggests.

Contributor: Gwenda Harmon, Hair Dresser & Curly Hair Specialist - Click for blog