10 Best Medicated Shampoos Of 2024, Recommended By A Certified Hairstylist
Combat dandruff and fungal scalp problems to flaunt healthy hair with every wash.
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: 2 yearsPooja is a Mass Communications and Psychology graduate from St. Francis College for Women, Hyderabad, and has two years of experience as a content writer. Her education has helped her develop the perfect balance between what the reader wants to know and what the reader has to know.
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Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.
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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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We’re bombarded with shampoo options every day. However, they might not be equipped to deal with conditions like scalp itches and psoriasis. If you require a solution for such problems along with one that firmly removes impurities, it may be time to swap your current shampoo with the best medicated shampoo available in the market. These shampoos include healing and effective ingredients that cleanse your scalp while soothing scalp conditions. They also leave tresses smooth and silky. To find the perfect one for your hair, please skim through our list of the top medicated shampoos below.
*The shampoos listed below are unlike normal hair cleansers. They need to be tested before using. It is recommended that you consult a dermatologist before using any of these products and find out how to use them exactly.
In This Article
Top 10 Medicated Shampoos
1. Best For All Hair Types: Nizoral A-D Ketoconazole Shampoo 1%
Ketoconazole is an antifungal medication that fights dandruff effectively. This powerful medicated shampoo kills the fungus that causes dandruff without any adverse effect. It simultaneously imparts natural proteins to your hair to keep it strong and healthy. It contains a blend of wheat proteins and wheat germ oil that keeps your hair soft and shiny and helps with scalp sensitivity. It is clinically proven to alleviate itchiness, scaling, and flakiness on the scalp. The recommended usage of this shampoo is only twice a week. This video detailing a tester’s experience will give you more information about the product.
Pros
- True to its claims
- Suitable for all hair types
- Rich lather
- Safe for color-treated and chemically-processed hair.
Cons
- Can dry out your hair
"This medicated shampoo has reduced dandruff and scalp irritation. It tackles both fungal conditions and general dryness and provides much-needed moisture to my hair and scalp. I like its scent because it is not overpowering. It has improved flakiness and itchiness on my mother’s irritated scalp."
Rating
4.7/5
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 9,552 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
2. Best Anti-Inflammation:Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo
This dermatologist-recommended shampoo treats all types of scalp conditions. It contains salicylic acid that breaks down the flakes on your scalp and prevents new flakes from appearing. It eliminates severe dandruff, hair breakage, and soothes your scalp. It clears the dead skin buildup on your scalp and keeps it clean and hydrated. This clinically-proven shampoo claims to treat seborrheic dermatitis while removing product buildup on oily hair and scalp. This shampoo is recommended to be used only once a week. Have a look at this video to learn about the tester’s experience of using the product.
Pros
- Reduces scalp inflammation
- Quick results
- A little product goes a long way
- Affordable
Cons
- Extremely strong fragrance
Rating
4.6/5
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 3,106 great reviews on Amazon.
3. Best For Sensitive Scalp: Selsun Blue Dandruff Shampoo
This highly acclaimed medicated shampoo contains an active ingredient called selenium sulfide that instantly treats dandruff and scalp infection. This shampoo is formulated with menthol that treats inflammation and prevents redness. It removes the outer layers of the infected scalp skin and creates a rich lather that softens your hair. Besides disinfecting, this shampoo keeps your hair silky and shiny. It is ideal for treating mild seborrheic dermatitis, which works well with exfoliation.
Pros
- Ideal for sensitive scalp
- Quick results
- A little product goes a long way
- Suitable for all hair types
Cons
- Extremely blue pigmented color
Rating
4.5/5
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 1,207 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
| Nizoral A-D Ketoconazole Shampoo 1% Best For All Hair Types | Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo Best Anti-Inflammation | Selsun Blue Dandruff Shampoo Best For Sensitive Scalp | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | All | Dry, Damaged | Dry |
| Dimensions | 1.54 x 2.99 x 7.17 inches | 9.06 x 2.13 x 9.06 inches | 3.5 x 1.63 x 7.38 inches |
| Weight | 6.98 Ounces | 1.23 Pounds | 12.6 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 9,552 | 3,106 | 1,207 |
| Price | $13.99 | $33.99 | $7.48 |
4. Best For Dry Hair:Tarsum Professional Medicated Shampoo/Gel
This therapeutic shampoo treats dermatitis, psoriasis, and dandruff. It also reduces itching, flaking, and redness on the scalp. This luxurious foaming shampoo contains 10% LCD, an active ingredient that heals infected scalp quickly, and it can reduce moderate symptoms of dandruff and psoriasis. Unlike other medicated shampoos, this dermatologist-recommended product has to be applied before bathing on the affected areas of the scalp for 5 to 10 minutes, or as suggested by the doctor. Then, rinse away the solution thoroughly. This gives you a clean and healthy scalp within minutes. Many reviewers have highly recommended this product for granting them instant relief from flaking and itching on the scalp.
Pros
- Lathers well
- A little product goes a long way
- Suitable for all hair types
- Comes with an applicator
Cons
- Expensive
"This dandruff shampoo controls flakiness and soothes my itchy scalp. It also helps improve psoriasis and eczema symptoms. It does not overdry my hair or weigh it down. The strong, tar-like odor is off-putting; but it fades after a while. The product is good if you have severe, persistent scalp issues or seborrheic dermatitis, as it might offer relief."
Rating
4.5/5
Caution5. Best Purifying:Avalon Organics Therapy Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
The Avalon Organics Therapy Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo contains 2% salicylic acid that gently eliminates dandruff and leaves your itchy scalp feeling clean and healthy. Its organic ingredients help with reducing flaking and scaliness and prevent seborrheic dermatitis. The formula offers instant relief from redness, scaling, flaking, and itchy skin symptoms that are related to dandruff.
Pros
- Sodium Lauryl-free
- Laureth Sulfate-free
- GMO-free
- Fragrance-free
- Synthetic colors-free
- No animal testing
Cons
- May not be suitable for sensitive scalp
Rating
4.3/5
6. Best For Hair Growth:Sulfur8 Deep Cleaning Shampoo
Sulfur8 Deep Cleaning Shampoo is for those people who suffer from mild seborrheic dermatitis and lice infestation. It is a rich lathering shampoo that is suitable for thorough deep cleansing. It improves your hair dull and lifeless hair and makes them soft and manageable while clearing the dead skin cells off your scalp. It strengthens the roots and conditions your hair. It also alleviates symptoms of psoriasis and cleanses your scalp instantly without stripping natural oils. It helps with the severely infected scalp as it contains triclosan, an active ingredient that prevents and clears bacterial contamination. Here is an informative video that tells you about the reviewer’s experience of using this product.
Pros
- Suitable for all hair types
- Ideal for all age groups
- Promotes hair growth
- Affordable
Cons
- Availability issues
"This product has reduced severe dandruff and provided much-needed relief to my scalp. It has removed itchiness and flakiness without breaking any of my locks. It has also helped in hair regrowth. The scent may be overpowering, but it fades quickly."
Rating
4.4/5
7. Best Cruelty-Free:TriDerma Soothing Shampoo For Dry & Scaly Scalp
This highly concentrated TriDerma Soothing shampoo is formulated with nourishing ingredients such as Aloe Vera Complex, vitamin B5, and vitamin E that act as a conditioner to your hair, and when blended with an array of essential botanicals soothes a dry and scaly scalp. It gently cleanses your hair and scalp while promoting shine and body and also better manageability. This shampoo also promotes healthy hair growth. It can also be used as a body wash to soothe and heal irritated skin.
Pros
- Free of parabens
- Does not weigh your hair down
- Mild fragrance
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Delayed results
"I like this shampoo as it effectively helps tackle psoriasis, eczema, and tricky scalp conditions. It gives me much-needed relief from dryness and itchiness. It lathers well and removes dirt and gunk without stripping moisture."
Rating
4.3/5
8. Best For Seborrheic Dermatitis:Vanicream Medicated Dandruff Shampoo
The Vanicream Medicated Dandruff Shampoo is a perfect anti-dandruff solution for sensitive scalp. It contains 2% zinc pyrithione (maximum OTC strength) that effectively treats dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis without irritating your scalp. There’s a slight chance that the shampoo tingles your scalp, but be assured it works amazingly. The dermatologist-tested shampoo soothes and heals irritated skin as it contains no preservatives, botanical extracts, proteins, or essential oils, making it apt for use on allergy-prone scalps. For best results, leave the product on for 5-7 minutes before rinsing it off and use it at least twice a week.
Pros
- Dye-free
- Fragrance-free
- Lanolin-free
- Paraben-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- Cocamidopropyl Betaine-free
- Botanical extract-free
- Sulfate-free
- Protein-free
- Gluten-free
- Dermatologist tested
Cons
- May cause dryness
Rating
4.5/ 5
9. Best Hypoallergenic:DHS Sal Shampoo
This shampoo is recommended by physicians to treat the crusty and flaky scalp. It is formulated with salicylic acid to break down scalp build-up caused by severe infections plus it also relieves itching. It is clinically proven to prevent the recurrence of scalp build-up and flaky skin. It also imparts extra strength to weak roots and promotes healthy hair growth. This pH-balanced formula gently cleanses your hair and scalp without stripping away its natural oils. Moreover, it is hypoallergenic and unscented.
Pros
- Treats inflamed scalp
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Adds volume to your hair
- Suitable for all hair types
Cons
- Takes time to show results
Rating
4.2/5
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received over 254 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
10. Best Anti-Itching:DermaZinc Shampoo
This shampoo is recommended for chronic scalp conditions only. It contains anti-itching, anti-flaking, and antifungal ingredients that quickly reduce discomfort. The recommended usage is for 14 days only. Beyond that, its usage is strictly prohibited. It contains micronized clobetasol propionate (MCP), an active ingredient that cleanses your scalp instantly.
Pros
- Lathers well
- Quick results
- True to its claims
- A little product goes a long way
Cons
- Highly concentrated formula
"The DermaZinc soothes my scalp and does not irritate my color-treated locks. It hydrates my hair and relieves me of seborrheic dermatitis symptoms. It has a light scent that does not overwhelm me. Its pleasant lather removes dirt and gunk without stripping moisture."
Rating
4.2/5
Washing our hair with shampoo is no longer only about cleansing. Nowadays, some shampoos also take care of hair and scalp health. For example, medicated shampoos can effectively control dandruff, dermatitis, and psoriasis. However, you must be careful before buying one. Therefore, we have curated a list of points to consider while purchasing a medicated shampoo so that your hair looks beautiful and remains healthy and safe.
Buying Guide For Medicated Shampoos
- Scalp Issues
Consider particular ingredients if you have specific scalp issues like flaking, dandruff, hair-thinning, frizz, flyaways, etc.
Dandruff/Psoriasis: Ingredients like ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, zinc, natural proteins, and salicylic acid are antifungal chemicals that help alleviate dandruff. Natural ingredients like aloe vera complex, natural oils, vitamin B5, and vitamin E keep the scalp moisturized and non-flaky.
Scalp infections: Salicylic acid is one of the best scalp treatment options to prevent new flakes and common skin conditions, while active ingredients like selenium sulfide and LCD heal infections rapidly.
Inflammations and redness: Menthol and aloe vera are cooling agents that instantly reduce redness and inflammation.
Bacterial contamination: Key ingredients like triclosan, sulfur, and MCP cleanse the hair effectively and avoid bacterial growth or the formation of scaly patches. They remove dead cells and accumulated dirt, open up the pores of the hair follicles and maintain the scalp’s pH balance.
Lifeless, dull hair: Natural moisturizers and botanical oils make the hair soft and lustrous, offering conditioning and life to dull hair.
- Hair and Scalp Type
Soft and silky, frizzy, rough, dry, limp, and thick are various types of hair. Similarly, the scalp may be dry, oily, or sensitive. Some medicated shampoos may be generic for reducing certain scalp conditions but may damage the hair and scalp follicles on some. As a result, hair may become brittle and dull, and you may suffer hair loss. Therefore, the medicated shampoo must suit your hair type while repairing your hair and scalp condition.
- OTC Or Doctor-recommended
There are many medicated shampoos available in the market as over-the-counter products. In addition, some botanical, ayurvedic, plant-based, or organic products may be mild and hypo-allergenic. These may be used for mild issues like frizzy or limp hair or extra cleansing and conditioning to improve issues like scalp odor and more. However, if you have medium to severe skin issues like dandruff, psoriasis, dermatitis, and other allergic or bacterial infections, refer to a dermatologist and use a medicated shampoo recommended by the doctor.
Infographic: Tips On Using A Medicated Shampoo
If you experience problems like scalp itchiness and psoriasis, switch to a medicated shampoo that caters to your hair needs. A medicated shampoo contains restorative and robust ingredients that cleanse and soothe your scalp. The infographic below will guide you through the tips for using medicated shampoo the right way. Take a peek!
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The best-medicated shampoos can treat problems like scalp itches, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, or fungal infections. These shampoos include effective ingredients that are highly beneficial in healing and repairing your scalp. They cleanse your scalp while soothing irritation and itchiness. The medicated shampoos produce a rich lather, reduce scalp inflammations, and are suitable for all hair types. It helps in dealing with scalp acne and cleans it gently while reducing flakiness and itchiness. However, some shampoos dry out hair and show delayed results. So, do read the reviews well before making a purchase and select your shampoo based on your scalp issue. Remember to conduct a patch test before application to check for allergic reactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a medicated shampoo do?
Medicated shampoos help keep your scalp free of dandruff and other underlying problems. They can prevent fungal and bacterial infections while keeping your tresses healthy.
Is medicated shampoo good for hair?
Yes, medicated shampoos often treat hair loss and strengthen your hair follicles. They also prevent itchiness on the scalp.
Can I use medicated shampoo every day?
It is recommended to use medicated shampoos two to three times a week. Sometimes, washing your hair regularly, even if it is with a medicated shampoo, can lead to scalp dryness due to the removal of sebum. This can make your oil glands compensate by producing more sebum, making your tresses turn too oily too fast. Thus, it can also result in an oily buildup on your scalp.
Can medicated shampoo cause hair loss?
No, medicated shampoos do not cause hair loss. Use them generously to keep your hair from falling off unnecessarily.
Can I use medicated shampoo while pregnant?
While there are no rules against using medicated shampoos during pregnancy, it’s better to consult your doctor before using them to rule out the risk of any ingredients hurting your or your baby’s health.
Does medicated shampoo kill lice?
Yes, medicated shampoos formulated to kill lice and other infestations on your hair can do so effectively. These shampoos are used to treat unpleasant scalp conditions as well.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Pooja Karkala, is passionate about hair care which drives her to craft articles consisting of high-quality products. She has searched through numerous product reviews from trusted sources to curate this list of the best-medicated shampoos for you. These shampoos are specifically formulated with ingredients to heal various scalp problems. To help you pick the right one, she has included details of each product along with a pros and cons list.
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