5 Best Anti-Dandruff Shampoos For Kids That Actually Work – 2024
Do not let sensitive, itchy scalp issues come in your little explorer's way.
Yvey Valcin is a celebrated master stylist based in Seattle, WA, and was one of the highest rated stylists at the flagship Gene Juarez salon in Seattle. He is known for his superior cutting technique and has styled for top editorial and fashion events, such as New York and Paris Fashion Week.
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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: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.
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Experience: 8 yearsArshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.
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When kids get dandruff, it is a real pain for mothers and the kid to deal with the itchiness. This calls for the best dandruff shampoo for kids that are well-formulated to deal with the sensitive scalps of your little ones. Many conditions like dry scalp or a very oily scalp, cold weather plus bad reactions to hair products can cause an unhealthy scalp, giving birth to dandruff. This problem might seem complicated to get rid of, but this compilation of the 5 best anti-dandruff shampoos with scalp-soothing ingredients for your kids can calm their scalp with ease.
In This Article
5 Best And Safe Anti-Dandruff Shampoos For Kids
1. Best For Lice:Honeydew Dandruff Shampoo For Kids
This anti-dandruff shampoo for kids from Honeydew helps combat flakiness, dryness, and itching. The irritation-free formula contains emollient oils that helps in conditioning the hair. Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties that help eliminate dandruff and prevent lice. This sulfate-free shampoo with an antibacterial formula also contains lavender oil that helps in calming and soothing the scalp, and jojoba oil that deeply hydrates the strands, activates hair growth, and promotes shine. Reviewers on Amazon have noted that it makes your child’s scalp dandruff-free and hair smooth and silky. If you want to know more about this hair care product, check out this video on YouTube.
Pros
- Gentle
- Sulfate-free
- Dye-free
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Money-back guarantee
Cons
- Not tear-free
"This shampoo has worked wonders for my kid’s hair. It eliminates flakes and reduces her dandruff problems. The formula is gentle and never irritates her scalp. I like that the product helps me detangle her knots easily which I found tough earlier."
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 822 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
2. Best Gentle Formula:Sulfur8 Kid’s Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
The Sulfur8 Kid’s Anti-Dandruff Shampoo helps treat dandruff in kids aged 2 to 12 years. The 1% pyrithione zinc formula gently cleanses and conditions the scalp and skin condition as well as dry hair while reducing dandruff, itching, and dryness. This shampoo softens and smoothens the strands with a gentle lather and works for all hair types.
Pros
- Softens the hair
- Imparts shine
- Gentle
- Lathers well
Cons
- Unpleasant smell
- Not tear-free
"My girl’s hair loves this formula. The shampoo lathers well and spreads evenly on her hair. Her hair feels soft, shiny, and healthy. The effects of the shampoo last for a long time. There is a significant reduction in flakes and resultant itchiness."
3. Best For Daily Use:TRISWIM Kids Shampoo
This pediatric dandruff shampoo from TRISWIM is a multipurpose shampoo that eliminates dandruff, hard water minerals, chlorine, salt, and chemical odor from the hair and scalp. It contains chamomile and watercress for itch relief and dealing with the symptoms of dandruff. Aloe vera is an organic ingredient that moisturizes, soothes, and , and calms the scalp, while vitamin A and pro-vitamin B5 hydrate and volumize the hair. This anti-dandruff shampoo for kids helps in smoothing and softening the locks and has a blossomy lime-mango-scented fragrance. Plus, it is not tested on animals, ensuring that your hair care is cruelty-free.
Pros
- Strengthens the hair
- Suitable for everyday use
- Smells great
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
Cons
- Burns the eyes.
"My kid goes to swim daily. I wash her hair with this shampoo after she is done with her swimming. It effectively removes chlorine residues and dirt from her hair. It also moisturizes her dry strands and reduces itchiness. She loves its mild scent as it is not overwhelming."
Quick TipHoneydew Dandruff Shampoo For Kids Best For Lice | Sulfur8 Kid's Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Best Gentle Formula | TRISWIM Kids Shampoo Best For Daily Use | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | Oily, Frizzy, Color Treated, Dry, Normal | Dandruff | Dry |
| Dimensions | 6 x 3 x 4 inches | 3 x 2 x 1 inches | 3 x 3 x 6 inches |
| Weight | 8 Ounces | 9.91 Ounces | 8.5 Ounces. |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 822 | 607 | 293 |
| Price | $14.95 | $7.2 | $14.98 |
4. Best For Sensitive Scalp:Dr. Eddie’s Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo & Body Wash
The Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo from Dr. Eddie’s soothes the sensitive scalp to treat dandruff and dermatitis. Its clinically proven formula fights scaling, itching, flakes, redness, and irritation in kids of all age groups. This over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoo for kids contains pyrithione zinc, an active ingredient, that provides an effective and safe solution to treat dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. This paraben-free shampoo also contains a natural ingredient, licorice root extract, to soothe and calm redness and make your hair soft. This two-in-one product can also be used on the body for mild cleansing and helps in preventing delicate skin sensitivity. Furthermore, it has not undergone animal testing, guaranteeing the cruelty-free nature of your hair care.
Pros
- Dermatologist tested
- Mild
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-irritating
- Can be used as a body wash
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Dye-free
- Alcohol-free
- Fragrance-free
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Expensive
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 6,929 reviews claiming its efficacy.
5. Best For Frizz Control:Plantoria Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo
This anti-dandruff shampoo has a plant-based formula infused with Moroccan argan oil and is a great option for frizz control. The shampoo has a powerful combination of organic and nourishing ingredients such as avocado, green tea, jojoba, lavender, and coconut that cleanses the scalp and hair gently to keep it dandruff-free. Reviewers on Amazon have claimed that it also adds a healthy shine to the hair and strengthens hair follicles, improving its overall appearance. It is free from harmful chemicals such as sulfates, parabens, and artificial fragrances, making it a safe choice for your kids’ healthy hair.
Pros
- Plant-based
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Dye-free
- Phenoxyethanol-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- Vegan
Cons
- None
Pro TipNow that you have checked out the best and safe anti-dandruff shampoos for kids, here are some important points to keep in mind before buying one.
Things To Consider Before Buying A Kid’s Dandruff Shampoo
- Hypoallergenic
If your child has sensitive skin, it is best to go for an anti-dandruff shampoo that has a hypoallergenic formula, is expert-recommended, or clinically tested. Choosing a moisturizing dandruff shampoo can not only clean hair well but also help prevent rashes and irritation for effective scalp hydration.
- No Harsh Chemicals
We might assume that all kids’ shampoos are safe and mild, but the reality is that many contain harsh chemicals, parabens, sulfates, and preservatives, which can harm your child’s skin. Therefore, always opt for anti-dandruff shampoos that are free of harsh additives.
- Tear-free Formula
Toddlers and younger kids do not always close their eyes while you are shampooing their hair. Hence, look for shampoos with tear-free formulas to prevent their eyes from burning and stinging.
- Ingredients
Look for moisturizing ingredients like zinc pyrithione, which is gentle and helps soothe irritation in the scalp and get rid of flakes.
Infographic: Tips To Treat Dandruff In Kids
Dandruff in kids can be controlled with a few lifestyle changes. Check out the infographic below to learn how to treat dandruff in your kid’s hair, eliminate pesky dry skin and flakes, and inhibit bacterial buildup.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Say goodbye to those pesky flakes and get itchy scalp relief! These shampoos can help accentuate hair shine and strip away excess sebum to make your scalp clean. The Honeydew Dandruff Shampoo For Kids is a great option to calm irritated scalp while Dr. Eddie’s Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo & Body Wash is perfect for those looking for a multipurpose product that can also be used on the body for gentle cleansing. But if you are looking for a shine-enhancing formula, go for the Plantoria Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo. These natural shampoos are effective on dandruff but gentle on the scalp. Try any of the anti-dandruff shampoos for kids listed above that can help you tackle dry scalp, itching, and severe dandruff with ease. If the problem persists, contact your pediatrician.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my kid have dandruff?
Some of the reasons contributing to your kid’s dandruff are dryness, cold weather, eczema, dermatitis, product buildup, and dead skin cells.
Can kids use dandruff shampoo?
Yes. Ensure you pick one specially meant for kids.
How can I help my 10-year-old with dandruff?
Brush your child’s hair to loosen up the dry flakes. Then, gently wash the hair with a mild anti-dandruff shampoo to eliminate pesky dandruff.
Why does my 3-year-old have dandruff?
Dandruff is very common in kids. It develops due to seborrhoeic dermatitis in oily and hairy places. In addition, the accumulation of hair products like shampoo and oil on the scalp causes dandruff in kids.
What is the main cause of dandruff in kids?
Improper shampooing causes dead skin cells and flake accumulation in kids’ scalps. Another common reason for dandruff is a dry and itchy scalp.
Which shampoo is the best for a 7 years old girl?
The Plantoria Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo is the best for 7-year-old girls. The organic formula eliminates dandruff, adds shine, and strengthens the hair. Also, this product is free of harsh chemicals.
Will dandruff go away by itself?
Yes. Specific lifestyle changes such as consuming nutritious foods and reducing caffeine intake can help control dandruff. However, the chronic condition tends to come back. So, prolonged use of anti-dandruff shampoo and consulting a dermatologist is imperative.
Can kids use Head and Shoulders dandruff shampoo?
Yes. The Head and Shoulders shampoo is safe for kids above two years of age. The gentle formula effectively reduces flaky skin and scalp and tames frizz.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach and has also reviewed multiple anti-dandruff products earlier. For this article, she has studied a range of anti-dandruff shampoos that are suitable for the sensitive scalps of kids and has gone through hundreds of reviews available online. The products listed above not only make their scalps dandruff-free but also make their strands strong and shiny.
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