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

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.

5 Best And Safe Anti-Dandruff Shampoos For Kids

1. Best For Lice:Honeydew Dandruff Shampoo For Kids

4.4

Image: Honeydew

BUY ON AMAZON | $14.95

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

Pro Tip

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

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

There are more than 822 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.

2. Best Gentle Formula:Sulfur8 Kid’s Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

4.3

Image: Sulfur8

BUY ON AMAZON | $7.2

Buy on Walmart

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

3. Best For Daily Use:TRISWIM Kids Shampoo

4.3

Image: Triathlete

BUY ON AMAZON | $14.98

Buy on Walmart

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.

Quick Tip

Brush the hair gently before shampooing to loosen the dandruff flakes.

	Honeydew Dandruff Shampoo For Kids Best For Lice	Sulfur8 Kid's Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Best Gentle Formula	TRISWIM Kids Shampoo Best For Daily Use
	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now
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

4.4

Image: Happy Cappy

BUY ON AMAZON | $12.98

Buy on Walmart

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

With over 6,929 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.

5. Best For Frizz Control:Plantoria Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo

4

Image: Plantoria Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo

BUY ON AMAZON | $11.99

Buy on Walmart

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 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.

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, 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.

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Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

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

Download Infographic

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 skin and scalp and tames frizz.

Recommended Articles

• Drugstore Dandruff Shampoos That Will Make Your Dandruff Problems Vanish
• Shampoos And Conditioners For Kids
• Shampoos For Kids That Cleanse The Hair And Scalp 

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Yvey ValcinHairstylist

 

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. His insights have been featured in InStyle, Martha...more

Shiboli ChakrabortiCommerce Editor

 

Shiboli 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. She loves reviewing skin care and hair care products and constantly endeavors to provide...more

Aditi NaskarAssociate Commerce Editor

Aditi 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. She has previously worked as a scriptwriter for an educational technology company and...more

Arshiya SyedaSenior Editor

Arshiya Syeda is a senior editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer and combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She holds a bachelor's degree in literature and psychology from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and a post-graduate diploma in psychological...more