Dandruff can be a persistent and difficult hair issue to remove from your natural hair. The flaky scalp, the itchiness and discomfort can become very uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are great shampoos made for resolving issues of black hair with dandruff. This post will go through the best anti dandruff shampoos for afro hair. They are great shampoos that are designed to solve dandruff issues on natural hair, preserving moisture and protecting from dryness and breakage. These shampoos will effectively cater to the specifics of natural hair.
How often to wash afro hair with dandruff?
Having dandruff does not mean that you need to wash your hair more than your regular schedule. More frequent wash days could result in dry scalp, brittle hair and therefore breakage. It is usually recommended to wash natural hair every 10 to 14 days depending on your lifestyle. Cleansing your hair on a regular schedule is important to keep your scalp clean and free of product buildup in addition to effectively remove dandruff.
Which shampoo is best for dandruff on black hair?
The best shampoos for dandruff on natural hair hair contain active ingredients which are proven to combat the root causes of dandruff such as an excess of oil production. These specialized shampoos are also carefully formulated to be gentle on the scalp and to not leave your natural hair feeling dry and brittle. On top of containing clarifying properties, the best anti dandruff shampoos for afro will include nourishing ingredients such as shea butter and coconut oil to keep your coils soft and hydrated.
This is our recommendation for the best anti dandruff shampoos for afro hair that are will gently cleanse your scalp of irritation and discomfort:
1. As I am Dry and Itchy Scalp Care Olive and Tea Tree Oil Shampoo
This shampoo enriched with olive oil and tea tree will banish dandruff while hydrating your curls. The clarifying formula will help to remove dandruff as well as preventing it from occurring again. Infused with zinc pyrithione, this active ingredient will eliminate the growth of bacteria and issues related to itchy scalp. Its nourishing formula will soothe your scalp and aid with smoother detangling.
Customer Review: “After using 4 different anti-dandruff shampoos, I finally found one that doesn’t dry out my scalp. My curls didn’t feel weighed down and dandruff was under control after two washes. I love all the As I Am products I’ve tried because my curls are shiny, soft and bouncy. Even my hairdresser has noticed how healthy my hair is.”
2. Taliah Waajid Stimulating Herbal Cleanser
This shampoo will help you to stop itching as well as scalp irritations. This cleanser can be used as a pre-poo to remove product build up from your hair and soothe your scalp. Your scalp will feel clean and refreshed before applying your regular shampoo, this method might help to effective remove dandruff from your scalp.
Customer Review: “After getting my hair washed my scalp would always still be itchy. Well I decided to try out this cleanser and I must say it’s the best decision I ever made”
3. Cantu Guava & Ginger Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Cantu Guava & Ginger Shampoo clarifies the scalp to eliminate scalp irritation and dandruff. The unique blend of guava, ginger, apple cider vinegar and tea tree oil will have your scalp free of product build up. This shampoo also includes salicylic acid to provide long term relief to itchy irritated scalp and dandruff.
Customer Review: ” I’m loving this new @Cantu Guava & Ginger Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, that clarifies the scalp to eliminate dandruff and dry scalp irritation. I tend to have dry scalp, and this came right on time. When I used it left my scalp feeling clean with a slight tingle which to me meant it was working. The shampoo also moisturized my hair without stripping it and leaving it dry.”
4. Shea Moisture African Black Soap Bamboo Charcoal Deep Cleansing Shampoo
The Shea Moisture deep cleansing shampoo will relieve your scalp of the irritation caused by dandruff. The formula will lift away pre-wash treatments, dirt, and oil to soothe your scalp. The African black soap will vigorously clean and soothe your itching while revitalizing your hair.
Customer Review: “My go to shampoo. Super mild to my hair, really cleans my scalp. I have fine, porous, curly hair, with an oily scalp. I don’t need conditioner after using this shampoo. A little goes a long way . I love this product!”
5. Eden Body Works Peppermint Tea Tree Clarifying Shampoo
This scalp tingling shampoo will clarify, cleanse and leave your scalp feeling refreshed. The blend of peppermint and tea tree oils will assist in treating and preventing dandruff along with the itchiness. This shampoo increases scalp circulation as well which is key to promote a healthy environment for hair growth.
Customer Review: “I love how this shampoo is clarifying yet it does not strip the hair of its natural properties. As a person with low porosity hair this product does everything I need to do. It cleans my scalp, but keeps my strands moisturized. The smell is also nice and gives me a spa like feeling. I highly recommend this shampoo to add to your stash.”
“My hair feels so clean after clarifying with the peppermint tea tree shampoo. The tingling mint sensation feels SO good on the scalp. Doesn’t dry out my hair and really helps sooth itchy scalp. This is personally my number 1 clarifying shampoo. Highly recommend.”
6. Melanin Haircare African Black Reviving Shampoo
The clarifying formula of the Melanin Haircare shampoo will instantly clean and calm your scalp. The revitalizing tea tree, peppermint and turmeric root will restore your scalp and hair back to health.
Customer Review: “This shampoo is amazing, I tried it for the very first time on today this is what my hair & scalp has been missing. The smell wasn’t too strong, the lather was excellent & the cleaning of the scalp & hair is exactly what the descriptions entailed. Happy customer will be making a purchase again & more of this particular hair care line.”
7. Alaffia Authentic African Black Soap Scalp Care Shampoo, Cleansing Tea Tree & Mint
The authentic black soap shampoo from Alaffia is made with handcrafted unrefined shea butter and neem oil to deeply cleanse the scalp without stripping away natural oils or drying out your scalp. The activated charcoal and black soap will cleanse and detoxify making it a fair alternative to scalp products. This shampoo is made with no artificial color, synthetic fragrance or mineral oil.
Customer Review: “I had some very bad dandruff that started to build up after years of using Mane n’ Tail shampoo. This cured it within a few uses!! I love the tingly feeling, absorbing excess oil, etc. I love this shampoo WAY more than the charcoal water mint from Shea Moisture. Honestly, this needs more stars.”
“As someone with family members with dry and itchy scalps, I knew the great properties that could be found in a black soap shampoo with tea tree. I love that washing twice gets my daughter’s hair squeaky clean. She also suffers from skin issues on her scalp, the tea tree relieves the itch and soothes her scalp. Since she has 4C hair, I like to use products that will be great for high porosity and works well with a leave in..this shampoo did just that.”
Bonus Tips for dandruff on afro hair types
• Consistency is key
When you are experiencing dandruff, it’s important to incorporate your anti dandruff shampoo at every wash day. Clearing your scalp of any issues might take more than one wash session therefore it’s important to remain consistent with your wash schedule to promote healthy hair.
• Focus on your scalp while applying the shampoo
Apply a generous amount of the anti-dandruff shampoo to your scalp and hair, focusing on your scalp. Gently massage your scalp in circular motions for 2-3 minutes to ensure proper cleansing and distribution of the product.
• Use a curl friendly scalp massage brush
A scalp massage brush can help to remove build-up and gently exfoliate your scalp. This product is made of extra long teeth to attain your scalp and support in providing a deep cleanse. The scrub feeling on the scalp is amazing and it will be a great help to detoxify your scalp if you still experience product residue even after your wash day.
• Speak with a dermatologist
If your dandruff persists after using a new shampoo and exfoliating your scalp on a consistent schedule, it’s best to talk with a dermatologist. A medical professional can provide the best advice to treat your issues and ensure that you are not further damaging your hair.
Invest in a high-quality shampoo is key to combat dandruff issues on afro hair. Remember that consistency is key when using dandruff shampoos. Additionally, consider incorporating a moisturizing conditioner or deep conditioner into your hair care routine to maintain your natural hair’s health and hydration level.
