The 8 Best Dandruff Shampoos For African-American Hair 2022

Features	Our Ratings
Infusion of natural ingredients	4.6/5
Value for money	4.9/5
Eliminating Dandruff	4.9/5
Scent	4.8/5
Moisture	4.8/5

The Formulation?

Head & Shoulders Royal Oils Moisture Boost Shampoo is especially formulated by black scientists and is infused with Zinc Pyrithione 1% which is a multifold ingredient committed to treating dandruff pretty effectively. In my opinion, dandruff shampoos should include a dandruff fighting chemical instead of just relying on essential oils.

Zinc Pyrithione possesses antimicrobial, antifungal, and antibacterial properties which facilitate in eradicating yeast, excessive oil, and fungal growth on the scalp as well as reducing dandruff and itchiness caused by overproduction of dead skin cells.

So whether you have oil accumulated in your scalp due to seborrheic dermatitis or dry skin cells due to eczema, it tends to work both ways i.e. for the both oily and dry scalp! And I totally loved this fact! 

Other ingredients such as sulfates and salts in the shampoo work to clean build-ups and dirt from the scalp, leaving it refreshingly clean.

The formulation is further balanced by a light-weight moisture boost of fresh and natural coconut oil that helps restore natural oil and moisture levels of the scalp while continuously enriching the tresses with softness and immaculate shine! 

Pros:

• Imparts balanced moisture and does not strip the hair

The blend of including a dandruff fighting ingredient with moisturizing natural coconut oil together works well to fight dandruff causing inflammation from the scalp. It also hydrates the hair strands without over-drying them and imparts a good moisture level that does not weigh the hair down.

As for proper validation, the whole expertly designed formula is also strongly endorsed by MY BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL for its thoughtful design.

• Lathers amazingly well

Head & Shoulders Royal Oils Moisture Boost Shampoo creates a rich lather that thoroughly cleanses grime, oil, and dirt from the scalp.

• Free from Parabens and Dyes

This shampoo is 100% paraben and dye-free for gentle treatment for your scalp.

• Impressively inexpensive

A full 13.5 Fl. Oz bottle costs only $6.97. With this shockingly amazing low price point, getting a shampoo with an expert formula seems impossible but Head & Shoulders Royal Oils has proved us wrong. It is indeed amazing to witness them maintaining the same quality within a fair and affordable budget.

• Suitable for daily use

Being free from parabens and dyes and having coconut oil as its key ingredient for a healthy moisture level, makes it perfectly suitable to use daily. 

I, however, will not recommend using it every day. It is better to use this shampoo twice a week since no matter how much moisture is imparted by this product, there is always a chance that overuse of chemicals will damage the hair.

• Lasts for a long time

Due to its thick consistency and the ability to form a good lather, a bottle lasts for longer which is amazing when its price is considered.

Cons:

• Contains Sulfates, Salt and Silicones

The three S’s I absolutely abhor, this shampoo, unfortunately, contains sulfates, sodium chloride, and silicones. Although added for a purpose of cleansing the hair and compensating it with coconut oil for extra moisture is a good step but it may not be as gentle for the scalps as the brand claims it to be.

It would have been much better if these harsh chemicals were altogether eliminated at the expense of a bit higher price.

• Not for sensitive scalps

Due to so many chemicals, some people have reported burning and watery eyes and similar allergic reactions. For the same reason, I do not recommend it for people who have sensitive skin and scalps.

The Packaging?

This product comes in an opaque, long bottle with a flip-top cap which is a standard packaging style of Head & Shoulders 13.5 Fl. Oz bottles from the very beginning. 

I absolutely loved the color combination of royal blue and gold which looks very appealing and royal in a true sense and this was the first reason I got my hands on it. 

The flip-top caps are always a turn-off for me because they are a hassle to open. However, the caps of Head & Shoulders products are at least sturdy. Due to the opaqueness of the bottle (like most of the shampoos), you can not see how much product is left. 

The bottle is also not travel friendly and I am wondering why Head & Shoulders has not launched this range line in 8 Fl. Oz bottles so that it could be carried around easily.

The Scent?

The fragrance is of raw coconut oil which smells luxuriously good. It would be unjust if I didn’t mention how much I enjoyed my shampooing session because of the rich and fresh smell.  

Usually, dandruff shampoos are either unscented or the smell of chemicals but H & S Royal Oils has prioritized keeping this experience natural and fun. 

How does it feel on the scalp?

The consistency is thick and creamy so for my average hair length one big plump was enough to be put all over the hair, covering them completely.

Just take out a little quantity as per your hair length. Rub it on your palms and spread it all over the damp scalp and wet hair. Begin massaging the product gently onto the scalp going towards the tips. Leave it for a minute or two. Rinse well with cold or lukewarm water. Repeat if required. Follow up with Head & Shoulders Royal Oils Moisture Boost Conditioner for a more hydrating experience.

When I first applied the product, it felt tingly on the scalp which made me think if I am getting some sort of skin allergy from any of the ingredients but thankfully after a minute the uncomfortable tingling was gone. A rich and creamy lather formed immediately as I massaged the product deep into the scalp which felt really good since it sort of gave a satisfactory feeling that the hair is being cleaned properly. 

I did feel the softness and moisture imparted by coconut oil getting right into the scalp. I let it sit for around 3 minutes because I was loving the creamy lather and bubbles on my hair with a luscious scent and then washed it off.

The shampoo was very easy to wash. After a quick rinsing, the hair felt squeaky clean with no traces of residues or clumps. After being dried, the hair felt amazingly soft, nourished, and hydrated especially from the ends. The moisture was not a greasy type but really felt light-weight on the scalp, just as the brand claims so the scalp also felt hydrated, clean, and fresh.

Note: Since it is thick in texture shampoo, ensure taking out little quantity and do not go overboard. For average hair length, one plump and for thicker hair, two squeezes were fine to cover the entire head. 

Results after using it for 2 weeks

I did a 15 days test in which I washed my hair around 7 times and here is what I have observed so far:

• Right after the first wash, I literally felt like it had eliminated my white flakes to some extent. After each wash, I would check and find less dandruff on the scalp. After 7 washes, my dandruff is 80% removed. I would say it impressed me a lot when it comes to its performance as a dandruff eliminator.
• The hair felt thoroughly moisturized but in a light and fresh way. Even after including coconut oil, the hair did not feel greasy. I went three days without washing my head once yet there was no grease and no itching.
• The tingly feeling is still there. It just comes for a couple of seconds when the shampoo is put directly on the scalp and then vanishes. But so far, it has not harmed me in any other way. Upon my research, I found out that tingling is actually good because it kind of tells you that the product is going deep beyond the follicles and cleaning them properly.
• The hair also felt detangled and there were negligible to no tangles after drying the hair.
• The amazing scent lingered on for two days.

Now let us look at some personal reviews closely from full-time customers and bloggers. 

“The Head & Shoulders Royal Oils Shampoo is very hydrating and not stripping at all. I used it in combination with a conditioner and a co-wash and absolutely love all these products. Also, my scalp tends to itch a lot usually but after using this shampoo, even on day 3 without any hair wash, I did not feel any itchiness. Kudos to Head & Shoulders for coming up with this line.” Rayna – blogger at happycurlhappygirl

“It really works. I can see my flakes literally disappearing between the washes. However, it tends to dry out my hair a little bit so I definitely need to condition my hair afterward. But overall, amazing results! I am impressed.” – Charlotte Hyde. 

“What a lovely scent it has. Raw and refreshing! I have oily hair and at first, I thought, no this is not the right shampoo for me because it has coconut oil in it. It would probably make my hair super greasy. But, because of such a low price, I thought to give it a shot and I must say I am glad I did. The moisture is super perfect and does not weigh the hair down. The only problem is that it has too many chemicals which I am afraid might strip my hair in the long run. I am not sure though. For now, I am not going back from this shampoo to any other product!” – Nancy Ethan.

Best for Dreads and Dandruff – Laurel Essentials Organic African Black Soap Shampoo

Infused with the richness of raw and organic African Black Soap and packed with top-notch essential oils like Jojoba, Haitian Black Castor, Vitamin E, Neem, Rosemary, Lavender, Tea Tree, and Peppermint Oil, it works like a miracle for dandruff prone African-American hair.

The glycerin, jojoba oil, and Haitian black castor oil work together to reduce eczema, psoriasis, and itchy rash without over-drying the natural oils of the scalp.

On the other hand, a blend of essential oils ensures regulating the right sebum production so that the scalp does not get greasy and slimy yet the curly coils stay nourished and hydrated.

Pros:

• Sulfates and Paraben free. Color-safe formula.
• Lovely natural scent of lavender and rosemary.
• Vegan; cruelty-free.
• A little goes a long way; a bit of shampoo is enough to cover the hair.
• Gentle and thus suitable for all hair types.

Cons: 

• Maybe a bit greasy for oily hair types because of the infusion of so many essential oils. 
• Very expensive. An 8 Fl. Oz bottle cost is more than double the quantity i.e. $2.27 per ounce.

Best For Severe Dandruff – Selsun Blue Medicated Maximum Strength Shampoo

This drugstore brand has all our praises when it comes to clarifying dandruff effectively. Especially formulated for dandruff-prone hair, Selsun Blue has Selenium Sulfide 1% as its active ingredient which works its magic to not only eliminate dandruff creating fungus but also treats the roughness and handles the dryness of afro-textured hair efficiently. 

Furthermore, Menthol present within the shampoo helps soothe and refresh the scalp with its tingly, minty, and cooling properties. Due to its special medicated formula, it provides maximum strength to fight tough dandruff symptoms.

Pros:

• Relieves scalp from seborrheic dermatitis, itching, dry flakes, and very serious dandruff. Especially effective for Tinea Versicolour.
• Ideal for dry and rough hair. Makes hair soft and manageable.
• Very affordable

Cons:

• Reported reviews of rebound effect; works extremely good for dandruff but on quitting the use, dandruff tends to come back.
• Artificial soapy scent.
• Menthol may cause headaches for some people.

Best For Gentle Treatment – The Roots Naturelle Virgin Hair Fertilizer Shampoo

Exclusively designed for African-American hair, this amazing product works really well for over-processed or damaged hair. Tea Tree Oil alleviates inflammation caused by dandruff and itchiness from the scalp whereas Jojoba Oil, loaded with vitamins helps in promoting hair thickness by reducing hair breakage.

The added benefits of Honey Extract and Aloe Vera Extract together to heal and moisturize the follicles to lend strength, shine, and softness to your locks.

Pros:

• Sulfates and Paraben free. Has great natural and virgin ingredients to soothe the dandruff-prone scalp.
• Additional benefit of lessening hair breakage. Ideal for dry African-American, brittle, thinning, and damaged hair.
• Natural and fresh fragrance of Honey makes the hair wash session soothing and refreshing.

Cons: 

• Very runny consistency which tends to waste a lot of product and does not last very long.
• A bit on the pricier side.

Best Medicated Shampoo – CLn Healthy Scalp Shampoo 

Since dandruff is an issue that sometimes requires special medical attention, going for a clinically approved shampoo is a good idea to treat dandruff, dermatitis, and itching properly.

We all know how Afro-American hair tends to accumulate much oil to the roots giving rise to seborrheic dermatitis and folliculitis. CLn is such high performance, physician-developed shampoo that is specially designed for oily African-American scalps prone to folliculitis, dermatitis, dandruff, itch, and flakes.

Salicylic acid and sodium hypochlorite in this product remove unwanted oils, dead skin cells, and dulling residue and debris from pores, helping to relieve irritated follicles. This helps achieve immaculate, clean, and healthy-looking hair with balanced and fresh scalps.

Pros: 

• Hypoallergenic. Safe to use thrice a week.
• Contains no antibiotics, triclosans, or parabens. Free from any artificial fragrance.
• Unisex. Suitable for both men and women. 
• Effectively cleanses dandruff from beards as well.

Cons:

• Very expensive. Not affordable for regular and long-term use.

Best For Daily Use – Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo

Neutrogena is everyone’s favorite choice when it comes to gentle treatment for the skin. Now it has massively impressed us by launching products related to hair care featuring the same gentle treatment for scalps and hair. 

The therapeutic formula of this product contains Coal Tar which is known for shedding the dry skin from the epidermis to alleviate dandruff. Furthermore, Citric acid creates a thin layer over the hair strands to prevent the loss of moisture, resulting in shiny, glossy, soft, and moisturized hair. In a nutshell, this product works well to not only treat seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and itchy flakes but also leaves hair feeling clean and manageable.

For best results, apply to the scalp, form a lather, and let it sit for several minutes before rinsing the shampoo off.

Pros:

• Dermatologically tested. Contains original therapeutic formula to effectively control chronic itchy and flaky scalp.
• Promotes growth of new skin cells.
• Provides immediate results. Starts working after just one use.
• Suitable for daily use. Gentle on the scalp due to being free from harsh chemicals.

Cons:

• Overpowering smell.
• Reported reviews of causing itchiness and burning of the eyes during the shower.

Best For Seborrheic Dermatitis – Honey Dew Zinc Pyrithione Shampoo

What can be greater than a perfect blend of natural and synthetic ingredients in an anti-dandruff shampoo for African-American hair?

Honey Dew Zinc Pyrithione Shampoo is one product that has mingled Zinc Pyrithione 1%, dandruff fighting ingredient crucial to inhibit the growth of yeast from the scalp, and a wholesome package of several essential oils like Coconut Oil, Mulberry Root Extract, Olive Oil, Rosemary Extract, Jojoba Oil, Biotin, Citric Acid, Evening Primrose and Argan Oil. 

Where Coconut Oil aids in repairing damaged hair by lending moisture to the locks, the other essential oils infused in this product ensure the protection of that moisture and lock the softness inside to keep the hair nourished and hydrated. This is because dandruff-prone scalps do not only need to get dandruff out but also need to strike a healthy moisture level to prevent further damage and recurrent dry itchy flakes.

Argan Oil also works wonders to moisturize the scalp and reduce split ends and breakage of the hair. Furthermore, it has Biotin which is effective to stimulate keratin production in the hair while increasing follicle growth to repair the scalp from dandruff-generated inflammation. 

All of this makes up one of the best drugstore options for African-American hair with dandruff problems so that those dry, dandruff-prone locks stay shiny, strong, and healthy.

Pros:

• Promotes thickness and volume of the hair because of olive, evening primrose, and jojoba oil.
• Infusion of many top-notch ingredients at an affordable price. Color-safe formula.
• Effectively fights against seborrheic dermatitis.
• Suitable for most hair types.
• Cruelty-free.
• Unisex. Suitable for men and women alike. 

Cons:

• Fragrance is not long-lasting.
• Very less and limited quantity. Only available in 8 Fl. Oz bottles.
• Formulation contains many ingredients and oils derived from food and nuts giving rise to the possibility of multiple allergies. May be sensitive and irritating for people with a history of allergies. 

Best For Colored and Chemically Treated Hair: Shea Moisture African Black Soap Bamboo Charcoal Shampoo

This amazing shampoo has Shea Butter, Bamboo Charcoal, Willow Bark, and Tea Tree Oil as its key ingredients that, when combined together, help in gently yet effectively eliminating dandruff from the roots while leaving your scalp and hair comfortably healthy.

In addition, its formula is very friendly, safe for dyed and chemically treated hair. Thanks to its thoughtful formulation!

Bamboo charcoal absorbs all the dirt, pre-wash treatments, grease, toxins, and pollutants from the hair and scalp without stripping the hair of its natural oils and in turn leaving them deeply cleansed.

On the other hand, Willow bark works with its miraculous exfoliating properties to scrub dead skin cells off the scalp while also removing excess sebum from the roots.

Tea Tree Oil and Shea butter ensure soothing dandruff-prone inflammation by alleviating itching and imparting a healthy moisture level to revitalize those dry African-American hair curly textured hair in a very smooth way.

Pros:

• Sulfates, parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol, mineral oil, petroleum, and cruelty-free.
• Very balanced formulation with top-notch ingredients. Deep cleanses itchy flakes yet moisturizes effectively.  
• Perfect for those who regularly perm, heat and straighten curly, kinky, and wavy hair since it is very gentle on the scalp.
• Formulated for both dry and oily scalp.
• Good for its price.

Cons:

• Very thin consistency. You need to be careful while tipping it out.
• Includes glycerin which tends to darken naturally blonde hair.
• New formula does not have a peppermint essential oil scent. It now smells of panthenol just like any other ordinary shampoo. 

FAQs

Is Head & Shoulders Royal Oils Moisture Boost a great choice for color-treated hair?

No, we would not call it the best choice for color and chemically treated hair. This is because it has sulfates and silicones. They can be overdrying if you have undergone a chemical or color treatment. 

Look for color-safe formulas with all-natural ingredients in our list. Shea Moisture African Black Soap Shampoo, The Roots Naturelle Virgin, and Laurel Essentials African Black Soap Shampoo are such examples that are ideal to be used for color and chemically treated dandruff prone African-American hair.

See also:

• The Best Sulfate-Free Shampoos Reviews
• The Best Drugstore Shampoos and Conditioners for Color Treated Hair Reviews

Besides using a suitable shampoo, what can be done to prevent dandruff in Afro-American hair?

• Wash your hair with a good moisturizing shampoo regularly. Twice to thrice a week is recommended. Lather more on the scalp and massage it gently to shed dry flakes off. 
• Just do not let grease, grime, and product build-up take over the scalp so rinse thoroughly and yet try moistening the hair and the scalp as much as possible.
• Use leave-in treatments like leave-in conditioner, hair serum, and hydrating hair masks between washes, at least once a week. (See also: Can You Use Leave-in Conditioner Without Washing Your Hair?)
• Do not scratch your head. It would make scalp inflammation worse.
• Blow-dry your hair with a distance of about 5-6 inches.
• Oiling once a week also works wonders to moist those kinky tresses. Try oils like coconut, jojoba, argan, and tea tree to keep dandruff at bay.

Conclusion

While dandruff is a universal problem and can mess around with anyone regardless of any hair type or ethnicity, getting rid of it and choosing the best products according to each hair type is the key to eliminating it completely.

What works for oily scalp may not work for dry scalp and what works for curly, kinky, wavy hair may not work with other textures. We hope that through this detailed guide you now have an idea about which product would combat dandruff from your Afro-American locks effectively. 

We wish you beautiful and shiny curls and coils, free from dandruff! Happy shampooing!