5 Best Anti-Dandruff Shampoos For Kids That Actually Work – 2023

Do not let sensitive, itchy scalp issues come in your little explorer's way.

Reviewed by Yvey ValcinYvey Valcin, Hairstylist
By Shiboli ChakrabortiShiboli Chakraborti, Certified Skin Care Coach  • 
All products recommended on StyleCraze are independently selected by our editorial team. If you make a purchase through any of these links, we may receive a commission. Learn more about our product selection process here.

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-fromulated 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 for your kids can calm their scalp with ease.

Top Picks
CHECK PRICE
Best For Lice:Honeydew Dandruff Shampoo For Kids
Price on Amazon
Best Gentle Formula:Sulfur8 Kid's Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Price on Amazon
Best For Daily Use:TRISWIM Kids Shampoo
Price on Amazon
Best For Sensitive Scalp:Dr. Eddie’s Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo & Body Wash
Price on Amazon
Best For Frizz Control:Plantoria Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo
Price on Amazon

5 Best And Safe Anti-Dandruff Shampoos For Kids

Best For Lice:Honeydew Dandruff Shampoo For Kids

4.4
Honeydew Dandruff Shampoo For Kids Image: Honeydew

This anti-dandruff shampoo for kids from Honeydew helps combat flakiness, dryness, and itching. The irritation-free formula contains emollient oils that keep dryness at bay. Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties that help eliminate dandruff and prevent lice. This shampoo 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. It makes your child’s scalp dandruff-free and hair smooth and silky. If you want to know more about this product, check out this video on YouTube.


Pros
  • Gentle
  • Sulfate-free
  • Dye-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Money-back guarantee

Cons

  • Not tear-free

protip_icon Pro Tip
For best results, massage the shampoo into the scalp and let it remain for 5 minutes before washing.

Why It’s Worth Buying: More than 822 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
Price at the time of publication: $14.95

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 hair while reducing dandruff, itching, and dryness. This shampoo softens and smoothens the strands and works for all hair types.


Pros
  • Softens the hair
  • Imparts shine
  • Gentle
  • Lathers well

Cons

  • Unpleasant smell
  • Not tear-free

Price at the time of publication: $7.2

Best For Daily Use:TRISWIM Kids Shampoo

This 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, which relieve itching and the symptoms of dandruff. Aloe vera moisturizes, soothes, and calms the scalp, while vitamin A and pro-vitamin B5 hydrate and volumize the hair. This anti-dandruff shampoo for kids has a blossomy lime-mango scented fragrance.


Pros
  • Strengthens the hair
  • Suitable for everyday use
  • Smells great
  • Paraben-free
  • Gluten-free

Cons

  • Burns the eyes.

protip_icon Quick Tip
Brush the hair gently before shampooing to loosen the dandruff flakes.

Price at the time of publication: $14.98

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 that provides an effective and safe solution to treat dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. It also contains licorice root extract to soothe and calm redness. This two-in-one product can also be used on the body and helps in preventing skin sensitivity.


Pros
  • 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 It’s Worth Buying: The extensive 6,929 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.
Price at the time of publication: $12.98

Best For Frizz Control:Plantoria Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo

4
plantoriapure Image: 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 oils such as avocado, green tea, jojoba, lavender, and coconut that cleanses the scalp and hair gently to keep it dandruff-free. 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.


Pros
  • Plant-based
  • Gluten-free
  • Cruelty-free
  • Vegan
  • Dye-free
  • Phenoxyethanol-free
  • Formaldehyde-free
  • Vegan

Cons

None

protip_icon Pro Tip
After each shampoo session, wash your pillowcase in hot water to get rid of the impurities that may have settled in the material from your tresses.

Price at the time of publication: $11.99

Now 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. This can help prevent rashes and irritation in the scalp.

  • 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 ingredients like zinc pyrithione, which is gentle and helps soothe irritation in the scalp and get rid of flakes.

Say goodbye to those pesky flakes! Try any of the anti-dandruff shampoos for kids listed above that can help you tackle dry scalp, itching, and dandruff with ease. If the problem persists, contact your pediatrician.

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 flakes, and inhibit bacterial buildup.

Tips To Treat Dandruff In Kids (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Save the high-quality PDF version on your device now.

Download Infographic in PDF version Download Infographic
Download Infographic in PDF version

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.

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 scalp and tames frizz.


Was this article helpful?
thumbsupthumbsdown
The following two tabs change content below.

LATEST ARTICLES