16 Best Dandruff Shampoos for African Hair And Itchy Scalp

Written by Neha Tiwari Updated on Feb 15, 2024  |  917.7K
A woman using the Best Dandruff Shampoos for African Hair And Itchy Scalp
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Managing thick, curly African hair can be tough, especially with severe issues like dandruff, scalp dermatitis, or psoriasis. Lack of nourishment, greasy scalp, dryness, and bacterial and fungal organisms thriving on the scalp can be held responsible for stubborn dandruff. With the best dandruff shampoos designed for thick African hair, these issues can be tackled timely and hair and scalp care can be made easier. These dandruff shampoos contain effective ingredients like coal tar, salicylic acid, ketoconazole, etc. which tackle the overgrowth of fungal infections, reduce cell buildup and scaling and thus, reduce dandruff, itching, and other scalp issues.

Choosing the best dandruff shampoos from the wide variety available online can be a little confusing, so here we are with some of the best dandruff shampoos for your type 3 and 4 hair. 

Get ready to flaunt your gorgeous curly, coily, and kinky African hair because dandruff will no longer be a problem with these shampoos in your cleansing routine. Scroll on to browse!

16 Best Dandruff Shampoos for African Hair

Bid adieu to all worries of the recurrence of visible flakes, embarrassing itchiness, and messy tangles with the Briorego dandruff shampoo for African hair. For all those who wished for a hair care product with the invigorating exfoliating powers of scrub and the build-up eradicating superpowers of shampoo, this product is a savior choice. Besides, the product helps to soothe redness, and hydrate dry scalp patches. Addedly, it contains a powerful blend of natural ingredients like charcoal that is known for absorbing excess sebum, dead cells, oil, and grime, along with peppermint oil and tea tree oil.

Pros
  • Restores scalp health
  • Combats visible flakes
  • Combats scalp dry patches
  • Improves hair texture
Cons
  • Smell is slightly overpowering.
  • Best for Dry Scalp

    Briogeo Scalp Revival™ Dandruff Relief Charcoal Shampoo

     Briogeo Scalp Revival™ Dandruff Relief Charcoal Shampoo
  • Embrace the best version of your hair with the Briogeo dandruff relief shampoo. The product addresses numerous scalp concerns like irritation, flaking, redness, and release of excess sebum. Moreover, it has remarkable antibacterial and antifungal super dirt suctioning powers that effortlessly draws out deep ingrained dirt without leaving behind any residue. Adding more to that, this shampoo is recommended by dermatologists because it helps to eliminate frizz, and promote elongation of the hair shafts. Lastly, It has a gentle non-greasy texture and is hence suited for all types of hair — wavy, thick, coily, curly, or straight.

    Pros
    • Strengthens hair follicles
    • Elevates hydration levels of the scalp
    • Reduces itchiness
    • Calms irritated scalp
    Cons
    • Takes time to show results
  • Best for Scalp Dryness

    Biolage Professional Scalp Sync Anti-dandruff Shampoo

    Biolage Professional Scalp Sync Anti-dandruff Shampoo
  • Biolage Professional Scalp Sync Anti-dandruff Shampoo is hands down one of the best dandruff shampoos for African hair. The shampoo has a nourishing formula and is laden with mint leaf and pyrithione zinc that deliver moisture onto the locks and tame frizzy hair. The powerful blend of these ingredients strengthens hair follicles, treats flakiness, and relieves scalp irritation to spruce the appearance of your locks. It lathers nicely and balances the scalp to make your hair feel revitalized. Besides, it is vegan and cruelty-free making it the best choice for environment lovers. 

    Pros
    • Lathers nicely
    • Gentle cleansing properties
    • Vegan
    • Cruelty-free
    • Recyclable bottle
    Cons
    • Contains parabens & sulfates
  • Best for Instant Results

    OUAI Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

    OUAI Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
  • An instant magical fix for those pesky visible flakes is now available in a bottle and is just a click away. Yes, we are talking about the OUAI dandruff shampoo. The product has a soothing effect on inflamed and infected scalps and remarkably smoothens coarse and brittle hair. To top it off, it helps to strengthen brittle hair, revive limp hair, and combat dullness. It also helps to facilitate better absorption of nutrients at the hair root level by eliminating build-up. To top it all off, the product enhances hair elasticity, making it best suited for all types of hair. 

    Pros
    • Balances scalp PH
    • Prevents overdrying
    • Instills an unmatched bounce
    • Accentuates hair volume
    Cons
    • Runny texture
  • Best Vegan

    Maria Nila Head & Hair Heal Shampoo And Conditioner

     Maria Nila Head & Hair Heal Shampoo And Conditioner
  • The powerful blend of aloe vera extract and piroctone olamine makes this a remarkable shampoo and conditioner set. This duo’s anti-inflammatory properties help get rid of scalp build-up, leaving you with a clean and itch-free scalp. Aloe vera is a powerhouse of vitamins and nutrients that control sebum production, strengthen hair roots, and treat scaly patches. Piroctone olamine, on the other hand, controls the growth of bacteria that cause dandruff. If stubborn white flakes are something that’s stopping you from wearing your favorite black outfit, give this set a try and flaunt gorgeous hair everywhere you go!

    Pros
    • Paraben-free
    • Soothes the scalp
    • Gentle formula
    • Suitable for sensitive scalp
    • Vegan
    Cons
    • Leaves a residue behind
  • Best Overall

    Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

    Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
  • Be it mild or severe dandruff, trust Nizoral  Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for the desired relief! It is a fast-acting shampoo and contains 1 percent Ketoconazole, a powerful dandruff-fighting ingredient. It lathers up thick and quickly to eliminate dandruff not just from the strands but also roots, making your scalp fresh and clear. For an itchy, scaly, or flaky scalp, consider it taken care of with this dandruff shampoo for black hair. Besides, it’s suitable for color-treated, gray, and chemically-processed hair.

    Pros
    • Gentle
    • Fresh scent
    • Clinically proven
    • 10X more effective
    • Controls hair loss
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Slightly drying
  • Best For Sensitive Scalp

    Wow Skin Science Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo & Conditioner Set

    Wow Skin Science Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo & Conditioner Set
  • Just the detox your scalp and curls need, this clarifying formula contains Himalayan raw apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, argan oil, vitamin E, coconut oil, and avocado oil to fight dandruff and restore your scalp health. Since it comes with a conditioner, it’s an ideal package for your cleansing and nourishing benefits. They are infused with botanical ingredients to unclog hair follicles, eliminate itchy buildups, and restore shine and hair elasticity. It also fights flakes, eliminates greasy sebum, and tames frizziness. A chemical-free formula, it’s free from gluten, parabens, mineral oils, silicones, and sulfates. Transform your dull and lifeless curls with this anti-dandruff combo.

    Pros
    • Vegan
    • Cruelty-free
    • pH balanced
    • Clarifying formula
    • Dermatologist-tested
    • Sweet apple fragrance
    Cons
    • Tangles hair
    • Slightly drying
  • Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo

    Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo
  • Not just common dandruff, this therapeutic shampoo by Neutrogena also relieves scalp psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. Infused with coal tar extract, which is scientifically proven to work even after rinsing the shampoo, you can say goodbye to an itchy and flaky scalp with this anti-dandruff shampoo for black hair. Leaving your curls clean and manageable, the formula is also pH balanced, making it a great choice for dry and damaged hair.

    Pros
    • Thick lather
    • Intense cleanse
    • Clinically proven
    • Long-lasting relief
    Cons
    • Strong medicated fragrance
  • Best For Dryness and Dandruff

    Selsun Blue Anti-dandruff Shampoo

    Selsun Blue Anti-dandruff Shampoo
  • If dandruff and dryness are a problem, Selsun Blue Anti-dandruff Shampoo is the one you are looking for! It contains 1 percent selenium sulfide, an active ingredient that prevents and helps with an itchy scalp. And for moisturizing your dry-brittle curls and intense nourishment, it has aloe vera content. And if you want another reason to love this shampoo, it lathers quickly! A medicated shampoo with conditioning benefits, it’s a combo you wouldn’t want to miss!

    Pros
    • Volumizer
    • Intense cleanse
    • Lightly scented
    • Tough on dandruff
    • Leaves hair manageable
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • Best For Athletes And Gym Enthusiasts

    Kick Active Shampoo

    Kick Active Shampoo
  • It’s not just a regular dandruff shampoo for men and is perfect for active souls such as athletes and gym enthusiasts who are prone to have a greasy, sweaty scalp. It contains 11 botanical ingredients to restore scalp health, reduce itch, and make hair manageable and healthy. The primary ingredients of this formula are aloe vera, tea tree leaf, eucalyptus, peppermint, rosemary, sage leaf, lavender, witch hazel, and lemongrass. Besides fighting dandruff, it also counters dryness, tames frizziness, and promotes hair growth. And the best part— it’s free from toxic ingredients such as SLS and parabens.

    Pros
    • Color-safe
    • Cruelty-free
    • No heaviness
    • Deep cleansing
    • Minty-cool effect
    Cons
    • Doesn’t lather easily
  • Jason Anti-dandruff Scalp Care Shampoo

    Jason Anti-dandruff Scalp Care Shampoo
  • With the goodness of science and nature in one, this medicated shampoo targets common dandruff, mild psoriasis, and even scalp dermatitis. It contains salicylic acid and sulfur to reduce flakiness and itchiness. And after some intense cleansing, it soothes, heals, and moisturizes the scalp with jojoba oil, olive oil, and rosemary oil. A great option for those looking for a chemical-free shampoo, this one is free from GMOs, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, petrolatum, and artificial colors.

    Pros
    • Gentle
    • Softens hair
    • Cruelty-free
    • Intense nourishment
    • Environment-friendly
    Cons
    • Not for oily scalp
    • Doesn’t lather easily
  • First Botany Peppermint Rosemary Hair Growth Shampoo and Conditioner Set

    First Botany Peppermint Rosemary Hair Growth Shampoo and Conditioner Set
  • Let this mix of rosemary and peppermint revive your gorgeous bouncy curls! Free from harsh chemicals such as parabens and sulfates, this clarifying shampoo deep cleans, relieves itchiness, and nourishes the scalp and hair with essential nutrients. It contains peppermint oil, rosemary oil, argan oil, and keratin to restore your hair and scalp health optimally. It also targets dryness and promotes hair growth. And if you have split ends or frizzy hair, this shampoo-conditioner combo will work on relinking the broken bonds and restoring healthy curls.

    Pros
    • Color-safe
    • Cruelty-free
    • Shiny finish
    • Moisturizing
    • pH balanced
    • Strengthening formula
    Cons
    • May tangle hair
    • Strong scent
  • The Roots Naturelle Virgin Hair Fertilizer Shampoo

    The Roots Naturelle Virgin Hair Fertilizer Shampoo
  • You can call The Roots Naturelle Virgin Hair Fertilizer Shampoo the best dandruff shampoo for African American hair, all thanks to its all-rounder benefits. It deep cleans and conditions dry, damaged, and over-processed hair while alleviating dandruff and promoting regrowth. Packed with natural ingredients, its formula contains jojoba oil, aloe vera extract, honey extract, and tea tree oil. Suitable for all types of African American hair, it leaves your tresses soft, manageable, and with a flaunt-worthy sheen, all day.

    Pros
    • Anti-tangle
    • No heaviness
    • Strengthens hair
    • Tingly-cool effect
    • Prevents hair loss
    Cons
    • Not for severe dandruff
  • Best For Quick Relief

    Alevai Stem Cell Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

    Alevai Stem Cell Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
  • This vegan anti-dandruff shampoo by Alevai guarantees a noticeable difference in just 24 hours! Infused with 2 percent pyrithione zinc for fast relief from dandruff, it also has stem cells from the argania plant for intense root-to-tip nourishment. Yep, just the pamper your African curls need! A dual-action shampoo for a clean and healthy scalp, its formula is also free from toxic ingredients such as gluten, paraben, SLS, phthalates, and sulfates.

    Pros
    • Color-safe
    • Cruelty-free
    • Prevents itchiness
    • Eliminates flakiness
    Cons
    • Small
    • Doesn’t lather easily
  • SheaMoisture African Black Soap Dandruff Control Shampoo

    SheaMoisture African Black Soap Dandruff Control Shampoo
  • SheaMoisture’s Dandruff Control Shampoo contains African Black Soap, a traditional recipe made of shea tree bark, willow tree back, and cocoa pods, and has antibacterial properties to clarify and heal the scalp. It also contains aloe vera, oats, tamarind extract, and tea tree oil to exfoliate, purify, soothe, and moisturize your scalp. Refreshing and nourishing at the same time, it’s also safe for your curls because it’s free from parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.

    Pros
    • Color-safe
    • Deep cleans
    • Removes flakes
    • Relieves itchiness
    • Homeopathic remedy
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • First Aid Beauty FAB Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

    First Aid Beauty FAB Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
  • Do you have a dry-sensitive scalp or skin? This anti-dandruff shampoo would be a “FAB” choice. It’s dermatologist-tested and free from all harmful chemicals such as alcohol, mineral oils, lanolin, phthalates, parabens, petrolatum, sulfates, talc, gluten, ethanol, coal tar, propylene glycol, formaldehyde, and more. It’s even free from artificial fragrances, making it a great choice if you are sensitive to scents. The formula contains 1 percent zinc pyrithione to fight dandruff, itchiness, and scalp irritation. And it moisturizes, soothes, and restores silky-smooth hair with calendula, silk peptides, and vitamin E. So, if you are looking for the best dandruff shampoo for African hair, this could be the one.

    Pros
    • Vegan
    • Color-safe
    • Nourishing
    • Fights flakes
    • Clinically proven
    • Environment-friendly
    Cons
    • Slightly pricey

    That pesky dandruff stands no chance! There you go, those are the 11 best dandruff shampoos for African hair. Let not the flakes ruin the sheen of your curly crown! We hope these shampoos make curl care easy and help keep that pesky dandruff at bay. But don't forget to choose an option that best suits your hair and scalp type to see the desired results. Let's get browsing!

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Our certified hair expert, Neha Tiwari, is someone whom we rely on when it comes to hair care products. Being a straight-haired beauty, Neha didn't try out the products on herself and rather depended on her research skills to round off the best dandruff shampoos for African hair that is one of the difficult hair types to take care of! Plus point? These shampoos also work as an elixir if you have severe scalp issues like dandruff, fungus, itchiness, and scaling.

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

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    Neha Tiwari, a certified Haircare coach, an experienced writer, educator, translator, and editor, has been catering t More