9 Best Dandruff Shampoos For Teenagers, Recommended By Hairstylist (2024)
Complete hair care essentials that cater to various scalp and hair problems for healthy hair.
Jill Turnbull is an internationally acclaimed freelance hairstylist, colorist, and makeup artist with over 47 years of experience. She founded her own beauty brand and her work has been featured in editorial magazines worldwide.
Jill is also a highly sought-after educator, renowned for her direct, meticulous, and modern approach to hair, makeup, and styling for fashion shoots and advertising campaigns.
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Experience: 3 yearsKirtana has a postgraduate degree in mass communication and journalism from St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru, and 3 years of professional experience. She developed a deep passion for writing after reading the brilliant works of Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl and has chosen a career that is driven by creativity.
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Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
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Experience: 3 yearsSwathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach.
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Dandruff is a common scalp condition seen in adults and teens. It makes your hair dry and your scalp irritated. The best dandruff shampoo for teenagers soothe the scalp, hair and make them dandruff-free and flake-free.
Getting dandruff flake on your skin is nothing if not embarrassing. It is even worse if you have dermatitis or eczema. Severe dandruff on the scalp can also impact your confidence levels. So, we have these anti-dandruff shampoos to cleanse the scalp, remove dead skin cells, keep the scalp hydrated and healthy, and make the scalp itch-free. You need a dandruff shampoo that won’t make your scalp dry and result in flakes.
Addressing the dandruff issue is necessary to get a healthy scalp and hair. However, selecting the right product from all the brands available in the market is daunting. In this article, we have listed the 9 best dandruff shampoos for teenagers that also have extensive positive reviews online. Check them out below!
In This Article
9 Best Dandruff Shampoo For Teenagers To Get Rid Of Flakiness
1. Best Cruelty-Free Formula: Jason Anti-Dandruff Scalp Care Shampoo
Made with a combination of salicylic acid and sulfur, this dandruff shampoo for dry hair by Jason helps cleanse the scalp and remediate issues such as dermatitis and mild psoriasis. These ingredients work to control itchiness and flakiness while also healing and moisturizing the scalp with nourishing ingredients like jojoba, rosemary, and olive oils. This shampoo, which meets all the requisites for healthy and effective dandruff treatment, is free of animal byproducts and various questionable ingredients, making it completely suitable for teenagers. This moisturizing dandruff shampoo effectively removes the flaky layer on the scalp and provides relief from dandruff. Made with a bunch of organic and natural ingredients, this is definitely among some of the best shampoos for teenage dandruff if you’re looking for a healthy option for your hair. If you are still unsure about purchasing, you can check out a review of this tester’s experience with the product on YouTube.
Pros
- Free of artificial colors
- No animal byproducts
- Free of GMOs
- No parabens and phthalates
- Cruelty-free
- No sulfates
- Free of petrolatum
Cons
- Some may find the consistency too thick.
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 4,039 great reviews on Amazon.
2. Best Organic Formula: ArtNaturals Therapeutic Scalp 18 Shampoo
Bringing 2 of the most effective ingredients to remediate dandruff, the ArtNaturals Therapeutic Scalp 18 Shampoo comprises organic coal tar and Moroccan argan oil that not only clean your scalp of dandruff and grime but also nourish your hair. Say goodbye to scales and flakes with this soothing 2-in-1 dandruff shampoo for natural hair that also gets rid of dryness. Coal tar also helps with seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis. Other ingredients such as aloe help soothe the scalp of itchiness, ensuring your scalp stays hydrated enough to not feel dry or flaky. And for many, chemical-laden products worsen the dandruff and hair fall. However, being a natural shampoo that is devoid of questionable ingredients, you can trust this shampoo to work without causing any irritation.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Ethically sourced ingredients
- Paraben-free
- Phthalates-free
- Sulfate-free
- Organic ingredients
Cons
- May not be a long-term solution for dermatitis
3. Best For Color-Treated Hair: Nizoral A-D Ketoconazole Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
If you’re looking for the benefits of medicated shampoo in an over-the-counter product, you need a dandruff shampoo for eczema like this one from Nizoral. With potent ingredients such as ketoconazole in 1% strength, it offers almost immediate relief from dandruff. It works its magic as ketoconazole binds to the natural protein in the hair to kill dandruff, thus preventing flakiness. It works on all types of hair and delivers benefits to grey hair as well. And with that, you can also say goodbye to itchiness as a result of dandruff and dry scalp. The shampoo is a clinically-proven formula that can control dandruff symptoms like flaking, itching, and scaling. It is recommended that you use a soft shampoo between 2 hair washes with this shampoo. You can check out this YouTuber’s review of the product if you require more convincing.
Pros
- Has 1% ketoconazole
- Lathers adequately
- Controls itchiness
- Safe on color-treated hair
Cons
- Contains sulfate
"This anti-dandruff shampoo is perfect for those like me with oily scalps. It removes stubborn oil without causing irritation or drying out the scalp. It makes my hair clean and soft to the touch."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received over 1,671 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
4. Best Non-Comedogenic Formula: Teenology Vanilla Almond Shampoo
A brand that specifically caters to all the common concerns that teens face, this shampoo not only brings you an effective solution for acne, but also helps with dandruff. With natural and nourishing ingredients, such as aloe vera, sage, vitamin B5, vanilla bean, almonds, and comfrey, it helps take care of both skin and hair, meaning you won’t have to worry about forehead acne and bumps as you use this shampoo. While sage promotes follicle formation, almond delivers the goodness of fatty acids to the scalp to remove flakiness. In addition to that, comfrey helps moisturize both your tresses and scalp. If you intend to give your hair and scalp the nourishment that it needs, you should definitely pick this anti-dandruff shampoo for teenagers.
Pros
- Helps remediate acne
- Non-comedogenic
- No sulfates
- No parabens
- Suitable for color-treated hair
- Rich in antioxidants
- Dermatologist-recommended
Cons
- May not help with eczema
"This cleansing shampoo is great for getting rid of dandruff. It has been working well for keeping excess oiliness at bay. It is a good clarifying shampoo that also relieves itchiness. It rinses off easily."
Pro Tip5. Best Gentle Formula: Zincon Medicated Dandruff Shampoo
Easily one of the best medicated dandruff shampoos for teenage girls, the Zincon Medicated Dandruff Shampoo provides relief from flaking and itching that result from dandruff. What makes it a popular choice among moms of teen girls is that it is also extremely effective for those with seborrheic dermatitis. Despite having potent key ingredients such as 1% pyrithione zinc and citric acid, it is a gentle shampoo, which makes it a perfect choice among the many dandruff shampoos for curly hair and straight as well as wavy hair alike. So, pick this shampoo for dandruff with complete confidence if you’re looking for a regular shampoo that is as effective as it claims to be. If you want to find out more about this product and its usage, make sure to check out this reviewer’s experience with the product on YouTube.
Pros
- Makes hair manageable
- Gentle formula
- Contains 1% pyrithione zinc
- Can be used on a regular basis
Cons
- Contains fragrance
6. Best For Sensitive Scalp: Free & Clear Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
The Free & Clear Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is formulated with 2% pyrithione zinc that combats all your dandruff-related woes like itchiness. It also removes those pesky little dandruff particles on your shoulders and the never-ceasing flaky scalp layers. Say goodbye to dandruff and take all your black T-shirts, shirts, dresses, and tops out of the wardrobe without having to worry about the dandruff making a surprise appearance sprinkled like stars all over your clothes when you use this anti-dandruff shampoo for natural black hair. Being free of harsh chemical irritants, count on this one to be suitable for those with sensitive skin and scalp and for being gentle and mild on your hair without being so with dandruff.
Pros
- Gentle formulation
- Free of common chemical irritants
- Contains 2% pyrithione zinc
- Suits sensitive scalp
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- May have a slight peculiar odor
"This shampoo is excellent for cleansing the scalp. Within a few weeks of consistent use, it helped relieve the itchiness and dryness on my scalp. My dandruff has also reduced to a great extent. The best part is its scent."
7. Best Nourishing Formula: Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Daily Shampoo
One of the oldest and sought-after dermatologist-recommended brands when it comes to formulating products for dandruff, this Classic Clean Daily Shampoo from Head & Shoulders fights flakes to keep your scalp squeaky clean and dandruff under control. One formula fights 3 problems— flake, dry skin, and itchiness so that you spend more of your time focusing on everything else rather than having to run your fingers through your hair and reach your scalp for intense scratching. While it proves to be effective for dandruff-prone scalp, it has a very gentle scent that is pleasing to the senses, which means you can use this dandruff shampoo for hair fall on a daily basis. It is a clinically-proven formula that offers 100% protection against flakes on regular use.
Pros
- Lathers adequately
- Made for daily use
- Helps nourish hair
- Gets rid of oiliness
Cons
- Contains sulfate
"This shampoo is good for treating scalp dandruff and flakiness. It gives quick results in just a few washes. It rinses off well and does not leave any residue. It keeps my hair feeling fresh and grease-free for a long time."
8. Best Plant-Based Option: Plantoria Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo
Made from a blend of all-natural, plant-based ingredients, this shampoo for African American hair in addition to other hair types is the solution you need if you’re all about everything natural. Infused with jojoba oil, argan oil, coconut, deionized water, vitamin E, sweet almond, avocado, among other amazing ingredients, it not only fights dandruff but does so while breathing new life into your hair. With that, it also offers frizz control and restores the natural shine of your tresses. Great for hair and conscience as well, this shampoo has not been tested on animals and is made from vegan ingredients, giving you complete assurance that it is the perfect addition to your hair care basket if you follow a vegan lifestyle.
Pros
- Plant-based ingredients
- Free of animal-derived products
- Cruelty-free
- Free of parabens and phthalates
- Free of fillers
- Free of gluten and dyes
- Free from artificial fragrances
Cons
- May require conditioner after the wash
9. Best Hydrating Formula: Mizani Scalp Care Shampoo
If you are looking for dandruff shampoo for 4c hair that works on your spirals, this one from Mizani is the one you need. Made with pyrithione zinc that makes up the active ingredient in this shampoo, it cleanses the hair and the scalp while getting rid of residue, flake, and dandruff. And the peppermint in the shampoo leaves your scalp feeling refreshed with a tingling sensation. It further gets rid of the flake-causing bacteria so as to keep dandruff at bay. Furthermore, the antioxidants in this dandruff shampoo for thinning hair promote hair growth and keep your hair well-nourished.
Pros
- Free of sulfates
- Rich in antioxidants
- Effective cleansing
- Hydrating formula
- Suitable for all hair types
Cons
- May require more effort to rinse off
Pro TipThat was our list of the 9 best dandruff shampoos for teenagers that can help a great deal in not only controlling but also preventing the future occurrence of dandruff and flakiness. When buying a hair care product for dandruff, it is imperative that you keep certain factors in mind so that the shampoo works its magic without damaging your hair. And to make it easier for you make the choice, we’re here with some of the most important factors to keep in mind when buying a shampoo for dandruff for your teen daughter, or yourself when you’re dealing with dandruff in the teen years.
How To Choose A Dandruff Shampoo For Teenagers?
- Ingredients
When choosing a dandruff shampoo, you need to carefully go through the list of ingredients to see if the shampoo comprises those that help remediate dandruff and flakiness. And when you’re trying to get rid of teenage dandruff that is caused by conditions such as eczema and seborrheic dermatitis, ingredients like zinc and coal tar are extremely effective, so it will help if your shampoo has these listed as the active ingredients.
- Moisturizing
Since the active ingredients in dandruff shampoos can strip your tresses of moisture and make them dry after washing, it helps to look for moisturizing ingredients such as jojoba oil, coconut oil, vitamin E, and aloe vera. Not only do these ingredients provide your hair with the nourishment it needs, they also hydrate your hair and help control frizz. These restorative care ingredients are all the more important to look for when you have dry and curly hair.
- Mildness
To get rid of teenage dandruff, you might need to use the shampoo that you choose on a regular basis. And when that is what you do, it should be gentle enough on your hair so that using it on a daily basis does not make it dull, brittle, and lifeless. Most shampoo brands specify whether the shampoo is suited for daily use and is mild. If not, it is a good idea to use your regular, mild shampoo between 2 washes using the dandruff shampoo of your choice.
- Scalp-friendly
For a shampoo to be scalp-friendly, it should be mild and should be dermatologically tested. So, look for a shampoo that comes from a brand that tests dermatologically so as to make sure it does not cause any irritation or allergies. Also, consider the scalp and hair type- dry or oily hair as well as dry or oily scalp and then pick one with suitable ingredients. It also helps when you pick a shampoo that is free of ingredients such as parabens, phthalates, sulfates, silicones, and added fragrance coming from artificial ingredients that generally are harsh on the scalp.
There are various ways in which you can get rid of dandruff, which are given below.
How To Get Rid Of Dandruff?
When using a shampoo to get rid of teenage dandruff and flakiness, it is crucial that you are regular at using it. Make sure that you use the dandruff shampoo once every 2 days, or at least twice in a week to control dandruff and excess sebum production. While shampooing, apply on properly wet hair and gently massage for a couple of minutes before rinsing off. When you’re consistent at using the shampoo, the results will be evident and you will easily notice the decline in the amount of dandruff eventually. For dandruff that is caused by seborrheic dermatitis, it is important that you remember not to leave the oil on your hair for over 30 minutes. Strictly avoid leaving oil on your hair overnight as this may worsen the case.
Infographic: Dos & Don’ts Of Using Dandruff Shampoos For Teenagers
Dandruff is a common condition that affects people of all ages, including teenagers. Anti-dandruff shampoos are specifically formulated to combat the accumulation of dirt and bacteria that cause flakes. They can help reduce the symptoms of dandruff, such as a dry, itchy scalp, flaking, or redness. However, you need to be careful while using a dandruff shampoo. Check out the below infographic to know the dos and don’ts of using dandruff shampoos for teenagers the right way.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
The best dandruff shampoos in the market help prevent flakes, dandruff, and soothe your scalp. Some of these products also cater to controlling conditions like dermatitis or eczema. The anti-dandruff shampoos help cleanse the scalp, remove dead skin cells, and keep the scalp nourished and hydrated. If you are suffering from dandruff as a teenager, choose anti-dandruff shampoos that work to control itchiness while also catering to healing and moisturizing the scalp with natural ingredients, including jojoba, rosemary, and olive oils. For those seeking a cruelty-free and chemical-free option, the Jason Anti-Dandruff Scalp Care Shampoo is great, while the Nizoral A-D Ketoconazole Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is the best solution for colored hair. Additionally, the Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Daily Shampoo provides an effective solution to mild dandruff issues, prevents recurrence, and is good for daily use. Many of the shampoos listed in this article also help in treating seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis. However, you should steer clear of shampoos that only provide short-term solutions and look for the ones that aim to nourish your scalp to prevent the growth of dandruff once and for all.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes dandruff in teenagers?
In teenagers, the most common causes of dandruff are seborrheic dermatitis and scalp eczema.
Is dandruff more common in teens?
While it is debatable whether dandruff in teens is more common than that in adults, if you are prone to conditions such as eczema and seborrheic dermatitis, there is a higher chance of your scalp getting flaky, and as a result, causing dandruff.
How often do you use dandruff shampoo?
A dandruff shampoo should be either used once every 2 days or twice in a week for noticeable results.
Why buy dandruff shampoo for teenagers?
A dandruff shampoo has ingredients that specifically address the problem of flakiness and buildup so as to get rid of dandruff, which is why one should buy dandruff shampoo for teenagers.
How can teens prevent dandruff?
Brushing up dead skin flakes and washing hair frequently can help prevent dandruff in teens.
At what age can you use dandruff shampoo?
You can use dandruff shampoo for kids above the age of 3 years. However, avoid dandruff shampoos that contain salicylic acid for children below 10 years.
Is it normal for teenagers to have dandruff?
Dandruff is very common at any age. However, it can be high during puberty in some individuals because the sebaceous glands become more active at this age. Both boys and girls experience dandruff equally during their teens.
How long does it take a dandruff shampoo to work?
It takes at least 3 weeks for regular dandruff shampoo to show better results when used twice a week. However, it also depends on your hair type and the amount of dandruff you experience. If you are using a medicated shampoo or a highly concentrated formula you can see results faster.
Should I use dandruff shampoo every day?
If you are using a gentle, hydrating dandruff shampoo, you can use it every day. There is no limit or frequency to using dandruff shampoo.However, commonly, they are used twice a week.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Kirtana Divakar, the author of this article, is a haircare aficionado and likes to learn more and more about haircare products. With an intent to help her readers find the best dandruff shampoo for teenagers, she compiled a list of them with the help of thorough research. These items in the list can remove the dead skin cells and keep your scalp hydrated.
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