Dandruff + Curly Hair = Are you struggling with this miserable predicament?
When you have dandruff in your curly hair, it can be so hard to get it under control!
First, you go crazy with the non-stop itching, and then you spend the rest of your time feeling self-conscious and looking for flakes.
It's time to imagine just strolling out the door all styled up! Your curls are shiny and bouncy, your head is cool and calm, and not a flake to be found!
Yes, this can be you!
We've found 5 amazing products that can make this happen! In a minute you will learn how we picked our favorite dandruff shampoos!
Before we get to the details, this is a fantastic video that answers one of our most common questions:
What's the difference between dandruff and scalp psoriasis? Are dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis the same thing?
How We Choose Our Favorites
Curly hair is so beautiful but very challenging!
Why? Curly hair prevents scalp moisture from drying out quickly. When you combine this moisture with the extra styling products you use to contain your lovely locks, the build-up begins. Pretty soon you've got dandruff, itching, and flaking.
Trying to figure this out on your own would be a nightmare!
That's why our team does it for you!
So for us to choose the best product for your hair, we have to consider quite a few factors.
Curly hair needs lots of moisturizing and nourishing ingredients along with vitamins, amino acids, and more.
The product needs to be strong enough to clean your hair and scalp, but gentle enough that it doesn't strip the natural oils from your hair. Gentle products cannot contain toxic ingredients like sulfates and parabens.
Controlling dandruff adds another level of difficulty and requires some stronger ingredients which make a gentle formula and additional moisturizing properties even more important.
Depending on the severity level of dandruff, different ingredients are used. You want to use the least amount of harsher ingredients to get the job done.
We're looking for active ingredients like zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid, and ketoconazole, as well as tea tree, peppermint, and rosemary oils with anti-fungal properties.
Based on our research along with tons of customer feedback, we think we've found a selection of the best dandruff shampoos that will work for your curly hair type!
Scroll through our winners below and see what will work best for you!
Our Top FeedbackFinds
A Bonus Accessory Product Suggestion - We Love This!
No matter which dandruff shampoo you choose, these exfoliating scalp massagers help you get the job done more effectively and without ruining your nails!
Honestly, this one is my favorite because I love pink! So knowing that it's ergonomic, vegan, and cruelty-free, made me feel better about choosing it!
The truth is that if you look this one up, you'll find a whole bunch of great scalp massagers at pretty cheap prices!
These are actually great for everyone - no dandruff needed! The inexpensive multi-packs are great for the whole family.
Be sure to add one to your cart to go with your new shampoo!
Why It's A Winner
If you're looking for a dandruff shampoo that's gentle enough for daily use, look no further than Royal Oils Dandruff Shampoo.
This product provides long-lasting relief with its balanced and moisturizing formula. This formula is free from parabens and dyes to relieve itchy, dry scalp. It's the perfect choice for those with natural, curly, and coily hair types.
The coconut oil and apple cider vinegar give hair the hydration it needs to look and feel its best.
Know A Little Bit More
This conditioner with apple cider vinegar and coconut oil is designed to help balance essential scalp moisture, giving you long-lasting protection from dandruff.
Because the formula is also paraben and dye-free, it's safe for color-treated, curly, and textured hair types. You will love the nourishment boost and the protection provided to your scalp.
View Up-To-Date Verified Purchase Reviews
Visit the Head and Shoulders Store
Why It's A Winner
Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is the #1 Selling of all hair shampoos on Amazon. At least as of today! But with over 71,000 reviews that average 4.6 out of 5 stars, it's not going to lose its top spot anytime soon.
This just goes to show that dandruff is impacting a huge percentage of the population.
Nizoral's popularity is based on the powerful ingredient Ketoconazole. This 1% formula has clinical data to suggest it is 10X more effective at fighting fungal growth. Details of the referenced studies can be found at the link above.
Know A Little Bit More
This dandruff shampoo is designed to be used twice a week, allowing you to use your other favorites as needed in between washings.
Many customers like the fresh scent in comparison to other dandruff shampoos available.
By controlling dandruff, this active ingredient also helps control the 2-3 times more hair loss per day that is caused by dandruff.
Because moisture is so important, we recommend that you pair this shampoo with a super-moisturizing hair mask. We love this one! We also recommend some other maks in this article!
View Up-To-Date Verified Purchase Reviews
Why It's A Winner
Looking for a dandruff shampoo that actually works?
Say goodbye to flakes and itchiness with MIZANI Scalp Care Dandruff Shampoo. We love that this product is formulated for coily hair which is the most difficult.
With pyrithione zinc as the active ingredient, this shampoo thoroughly cleanses the hair and scalp, removing the bacteria that cause flaking and scaling. It's ideal for curly and textured hair, and won't dry out your strands like other dandruff shampoos.
Plus, the menthol, peppermint oil, and cucumber extract refresh your scalp and leave your hair smelling great.
Say goodbye to dandruff and hello to healthy, happy hair with MIZANI Scalp Care Dandruff Shampoo.
Know A Little Bit More
Introducing MIZANI Scalp Care Dandruff Conditioner, a pyrithione zinc conditioner that not only moisturizes your hair and scalp but also helps fight dandruff!
This conditioner is ideal for people with curly or textured hair, as it relieves itchiness, flakes, scaling, and dandruff. In addition, it moisturizes and purifies strands, leaving your scalp with a refreshing tingling sensation.
So if you're looking for a dandruff conditioner that works for all textures and curl patterns, try MIZANI Scalp Care Dandruff Conditioner today!
View Up-To-Date Verified Purchase Reviews
Why It's A Winner
Is your scalp feeling itchy and dry? Do you have dandruff or a flaky scalp?
Introducing BIOLAGE Scalp Sync Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, formulated with Pyrithione Zinc to control flaky scalp and dandruff.
This refreshing shampoo is inspired by the anti-bacterial and calming properties of the mint leaf to help soothe an irritated and dry, flaky scalp.
It's also vegan and paraben free. It leaves hair and scalp clean with a refreshed feeling for both men and women.
Know A Little Bit More
This conditioner is specifically designed to soothe and nourish the scalp, promoting healthy-looking hair in the process.
The anti-bacterial and calming properties of the mint leaf are perfect for those with sensitive scalps. This conditioner is also suitable for all hair types, so no matter what your hair type is, you can use this product with confidence.
Best of all, it can be used every day if needed to keep your scalp healthy and free of dandruff.
View Up-To-Date Verified Purchase Reviews
Why It's A Winner
If you're looking for a clarifying shampoo that will leave your hair feeling refreshed and squeaky-clean, look no further than Curlsmith's Wash & Scrub Detox Shampoo!
This vegan exfoliating shampoo is packed with fine scrub particles that penetrate deep into the roots to remove any buildup, without leaving any residue behind.
It's also supercharged with pro-biotics and apple cider vinegar to help strengthen the scalp's protective barrier and promote healthy hair growth.
So if you're looking for a clarifying shampoo that will leave your hair looking and feeling its best, look no further than Curlsmith's Wash & Scrub Detox Shampoo!
Know A Little Bit More
This clarifying exfoliating shampoo is suitable for all hair types and will gently cleanse your scalp from dirt and product buildup, leaving your hair super clean and detoxed.
Plus, it contains no sulfates, silicones, mineral oils, or phtalates. This curl-friendly shampoo is 100% vegan and cruelty-free.
This shampoo doesn't come in a combo set, but you really need to follow it up with one of their moisturizing and conditioning products.
Depending on your preference, we recommend this traditional conditioner and this leave-in conditioner.
Your hair will love these Curlsmith products!
View Up-To-Date Verified Purchase Reviews
Best Dandruff Shampoo for Curly Hair FAQs
We know that you are looking for the best solution for you, and you may still need some more information!
These are a few of our most frequently asked questions.
What is a good shampoo for curly hair with dandruff?
There are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a shampoo specifically for curly hair with dandruff.
First, look for something that is sulfate-free and anti-inflammatory. Curly hair is already prone to dryness and frizz, so you want to make sure your shampoo won’t further strip away natural oils or irritate the scalp.
Secondly, choose a formula that contains ingredients that can help soothe both itchiness and flakes.
Here is a brief summary of active ingredients and their benefits:
Two common ingredients, Zinc pyrithione and salicylic acid, will help remove stubborn dandruff and flakes
More severe dandruff will require stronger ingredients such as pyrithione zinc, ketoconazole, or even coal tar.
If you would like a more natural product or have a light or moderate amount of dandruff, you can use products with tea tree oil, peppermint oil, or rosemary oil.
These oils have some antifungal properties that can help control dandruff and excess oil when used regularly. They are also more gentle than a medicated dandruff solution and can be used daily if needed.
We've chosen our five favorite best dandruff shampoo for curly hair above based on the criteria we discussed above. Click to read about how we choose our favorites!
Can you use dandruff shampoo on curly hair?
Absolutely! Just follow best practices!
These are often the best dandruff shampoo for mixed hair as well. Anyone with an oily scalp or scalp dermatitis that is in need of anti dandruff shampoos will also find these shampoos very effective.
You will need to use a quality dandruff shampoo that is sulfate-free and gentle enough that it won't strip natural oils from your strands. You will also need to combine the shampoo with a quality moisturizing conditioner.
Is curly hair more prone to dandruff?
There is no evidence that curly hair is more prone to dandruff than straight hair. However, the sebum (natural oils) that is produced by the scalp can be more difficult to distribute through curly hair, which can make it more likely for cells on the scalp to become dry and flaky.
Dandruff may also be more noticeable in people with darker hair because of the contrast between light-colored flakes and dark hair.
How do you get rid of dandruff with curly hair?
In addition to the above advice, you need to have a consistent routine using the best dandruff shampoos and products you can find.
How often should you wash curly hair with dandruff?
With both curly hair and dandruff, the usual recommendation will be anywhere from twice per week, to once a week, and even once every two weeks. This will depend a lot on your actual hair type and the severity and amount of dandruff.
If you have lighter or more moderate dandruff and normally wash your hair daily, that is still ok. It may be best to use the dandruff products every 2-3 washings in place of your regular shampoo.
Refer to your product packaging information and instructions for recommended use.
How do I know if I have dry scalp or dandruff?
Take a quick look at the video we've included at the beginning of this article which will answer a lot of your questions. You can jump straight there!
Is Head and Shoulders OK for curly hair?
Our first recommendation above is for a product made by Head and Shoulders specifically for curly hair with dandruff. They also have a great non-dandruff option for curly hair as well.
Can curly hair products cause dandruff?
Any hair product can cause dandruff for any hair type due to product build-up, upsetting the natural oil balance, and scalp irritation.
If styling products are not regularly or effectively washed out build-up starts to occur on the scalp and the hair starts to dry out. The same thing can happen with over-washing.
Curly hair tends to have more issues with dandruff because the curls and coils retain more moisture on the scalp and make it more difficult for products, dirt, and oils to wash out quickly.
How do you get rid of dandruff without ruining curls?
You will need to use a quality dandruff control shampoo and conditioner. A moisturizing conditioner is an absolute must!
You can also use hair masks and deep conditioners to make sure your hair stays properly hydrated to prevent dryness, frizz, and breakage.
Should you comb out dandruff?
Yes, No, and Not Too Much!
Our best advice is to use a high-quality shampoo and conditioner that are going to correct the imbalance on your itchy scalp without drying out your hair. This will naturally reduce and finally eliminate dandruff flakes.
We've included a great, gentle exfoliating shampoo brush to use while washing your hair. This will help to gently dislodge and wash out any build-up.
You need to use regular combs and brushes carefully because they can quickly scratch and irritate the scalp which will cause an overreaction that can cause even more severe dandruff and lead to infection
Depending on the severity of the flakes while you are waiting for results from the shampoo and conditioner products, there are dandruff removal combs with thin, closely placed wire "teeth" that you can use to carefully comb through to remove flakes.
Removing flakes will help the scalp and hair follicles breathe and heal. This is a popular brand here: zYoung 4-piece Dandruff Removal Hair Comb Set.
Check out our short article on How to Use a Dandruff Remover Comb: Super Easy Method!
The Bottom Line for Curly Hair with Dandruff
Wow, that's a lot to learn about dandruff and curly hair all in one article!
So which is the Best Dandruff Shampoo for Curly Hair?
We hope we've been able to provide you with the information you need to make a good decision about which products are best for you.
If you already know what you want, then go for it!
If you still have questions, simply scroll back through above or click on the quick links below to get more information and current pricing.
Summary of Our FeedbackFinds:
Bonus Products:
Pacifica Beauty Clarifying Shampoo Brush
zYoung 4-piece Dandruff Removal Hair Comb Set
Best Highly Rated Value Set, Light to Moderate Dandruff
Royal Oils Dandruff Shampoo & Conditioner
Visit the Head and Shoulders Store
Best #1 Seller, Medicated for Severe Dandruff
Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Umberto Giannini Curl Magic Hair Mask
Visit the Nizoral Store
Best Premium Medicated for All Curl and Coil Types
MIZANI Scalp Care Dandruff Shampoo and Conditioner
Visit the Mizani Store
Best Antibacterial, Medicated, Everyday Use
BIOLAGE Scalp Sync Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and Conditioner
Visit the Biolage Store
Best Scalp Balancing, Clarifying, Exfoliating
Curlsmith-Wash & Scrub Detox Shampoo-Exfoliating and Clarifying
Curlsmith - Post-Wash Calming Conditioner- Vegan Cooling Rinse-Out
Curlsmith - Weightless Air Dry Cream - Vegan Leave-In Conditioner
Visit the Curlsmith Store
We would love for you to share any feedback with us on these or any other products!
Thanks for spending some time with us today!
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