Last updated on October 17th, 2023 at 09:49 am
Due to the harsh nature of the chemicals in hair dyes, chances are you are going to end up getting dandruff or, at the very least, a dry scalp after dyeing your hair. This is because some of the compounds in the hair dye are acidic and will mess up your scalp’s pH level. Thus, causing it to get irritated and flake.
If not treated, a dry scalp can ultimately lead to dandruff formation, which forces you to start treating dandruff while trying to preserve the newly acquired hair color.
For this reason, you need a dandruff shampoo that will not cause your hair color to bleed or fade. And while using shampoo on color-treated hair is frowned upon, it is necessary when dealing with dandruff.
Top 5 Dandruff Shampoos for Color Treated Hair
- Head and Shoulders Shampoo
- Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo Original Formula
- Shea Moisture African Black Soap Cleansing Shampoo
- Selsun Blue Moisturizing with Aloe Dandruff Shampoo
- L’Oréal Paris EverFresh Antidandruff Sulfate Free Shampoo
Can you use dandruff shampoo on colored hair?
Yes. But you need to be cautious about the ingredient list as some of them may fade or wash out your hair color. Instead, look for gentler shampoos that specifically indicate that they are color-safe. This means they have been specially formulated for use on color-treated hair.
How do you treat dandruff with color-treated hair?
Aside from using dandruff shampoo for colored hair, there are other ways to remedy dandruff issues if you have dandruff;
- Adding dandruff-eliminating ingredients (such as tea tree oil, witch hazel, aloe Vera, or essential oils) to your already color-safe shampoo when cleaning color-treated hair. This will help to treat dandruff.
- Condition your hair with dandruff eliminating ingredients such as menthol after you shampoo your hair.
- You can also use shampoos and conditioners with moisturizing ingredients to reduce scalp dryness and flaking.
- You can also use a hair mask that contains ingredients that treat dandruff, such as coconut oil, aloe Vera, and other natural remedy ingredients.
- Use a hair cream with ingredients such as zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid, and ketoconazole.
Note: Always leave your hair products with healing ingredients on a scalp for a few minutes for the product to work before you rinse it off. This will ensure that you reap the benefits of the product. And unless you have oily scalp and hair, limit hair shampooing to every other day until your scalp is no longer dry and flakey.
How to treat the dry scalp with colored hair
Dry scalp is one of the causes of dandruff, and treating it may help you eliminate your dandruff issues. That said, here are some methods you can use to treat your dry scalp;
Moisturizing hair mask
Using a hair mask with moisturizing and anti-bacterial ingredients will go a long way in treating your scalp. Use ingredients such as avocado oil, honey, coconut milk, coconut oil, aloe Vera, apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil, yogurt, olive oil, and eggs to nourish your scalp. They will also nourish and moisturize your hair, leaving it silky.
Oil your scalp
Using oils such as jojoba oil and coconut oil on your scalp will help regulate sebum production and reduce instances of flaking. Coconut oil also has antimicrobial properties that will help prevent the formation of dandruff. You can also mix the oil with tea tree oil with antiseptic, antifungal, and antibiotic properties.
Rinse you scalp
Using a hair rinse made from beneficial ingredients such as witch hazel or apple cider vinegar to balance your scalp’s pH. You can also buy a commercially made scalp rinse. The rinse will help remedy any irritation brought about by using harsh chemicals on your scalp.
Scrub your scalp
Using a mildly abrasive scrub to scrub your scalp will also help remove dead skin build-up and leave your scalp feeling less itchy. Using ingredients such as baking soda and olive will also provide additional antifungal and anti-bacterial benefits. You can also use bentonite clay to make your scrub.
How to clean color-treated hair
Only use enough shampoo to cleanse your scalp and lather it up first before you massage your fingers into your scalp. Let the shampoo sit for a while, then let the lathered shampoo runoff through the rest of your hair. If your hair is too oily or has product build-up, shampoo it once before rinsing the shampoo off and conditioning your hair.
Is Head and Shoulders a color-safe shampoo?
Yes. Head & Shoulders shampoos are color-safe, and they contain moisturizing ingredients that will help restore moisture levels in your hair after coloring it. Additionally, they do not have any color stripping ingredients. Some Head & Shoulders shampoos even contain ingredients that protect your hair color from fading.
Top 5 Best Dandruff Shampoo for Color Treated Hair
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Head and Shoulders Shampoo
The Head & Shoulders Royal Oils Moisture Boost Shampoo is designed to balance and restore scalp health. The shampoo produces a rich, creamy lather that cleanses, hydrates hair, and relieves dry, itchy scalp. It is best suited for people with natural, relaxed, kinky, and coily hair.
The shampoo has a fresh coconut scent and offers long-lasting odor protection. It is free of parabens and dyes. It was developed for black hair by black scientists to provides scalp relief to textured hair.
Features
- Hair Type: Natural and curly hair
- Liquid Volume: 13.5 Fluid Ounces
- Item Weight: 0.88 Pounds
- Coconut scent
Pros
- Long-lasting odor protection
- Provides a moisture boost
- Paraben-free formula
Cons
- It has a strong scent
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Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo Original Formula
This Neutrogena Therapeutic and Anti-Dandruff Shampoo provides long-lasting relief from itching and flaking. It can help control scalp itching and flaking caused by chronic scalp psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and even common dandruff. It contains coal tar extract, which scientific tests have proven to work for hours after the shampoo is rinsed off.
The shampoo is rated a #1 dermatologist-recommended brand. It functions as a dandruff treatment shampoo that also helps moisturize your hair. for best results, massage the shampoo into your scalp, lather, leave it on your hair and scalp for several minutes then rinse. Use it at least twice weekly or as directed by a doctor.
Features
- Hair Type: Multicultural
- Liquid Volume: 4.4 Milliliters
- Item Weight: 3 Pounds
Pros
- Therapeutic formula
- Dermatologist recommended
- Moisture boosting
Cons
- Dries out the hair
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Shea Moisture African Black Soap Cleansing Shampoo
This sulfate-free shampoo treats your scalp and hair with this gentle yet effective deep cleansing formulation the lifts away pre-wash treatments, dirt, excess oil, and flaky build-up. It also contains ingredients that calm and soothes the scalp.
The shampoo is suitable for dryness-prone scalps. And it contains moisturizing ingredients such as African Black Soap, Bamboo Charcoal, willow bark extract, and Tea Tree Oil. That helps soothe itching while revitalizing hair.
Features
- Scent: Bamboo Charcoal
- Hair Type: Curly
- Liquid Volume: 13 Fluid Ounces
- Item Weight: 0.81 Pounds
Pros
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalates, propylene glycol, and mineral oil-free
Cons
- Powerful fragrance
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Selsun Blue Moisturizing with Aloe Dandruff Shampoo
Selsun Blue Moisturizing Anti-dandruff Shampoo with Aloe is a maximum-strength anti-dandruff shampoo with 1% selenium sulfide. It is made with aloe vera that helps nourish and moisturize dry hair.
The shampoo has a quick lather formula that makes it easy to use. Its powerful active ingredients help prevent and eliminate itchy scalp and visible flakes. In addition, the shampoo is gentle enough for daily use. It contains selenium sulfide, pyrithione zinc, and salicylic acid, all selected for dandruff control properties.
Features
- Hair Type: Dry
- Liquid Volume: 11 Fluid Ounces
- Item Weight: 0.85 Pounds
- 1% selenium sulfide
Pros
- Made with aloe vera
- Quick lather
- Fast-acting
Cons
- The blue color may tarnish your towels
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L’Oréal Paris EverFresh Antidandruff Sulfate Free Shampoo
The L’Oréal Paris EverFresh Antidandruff shampoo contains 1% pyrithione zinc that is clinically tested to stop scalp itching, irritation and flaking. It also helps to restores scalp balance.
The shampoo also contains Indian lilac botanicals and other antioxidants that help to nourish the hair. It is also free of sulfates, harsh salts, and parabens.
This means it won’t strip your hair of its natural oils or strip your hair of its color. lastly, its fragrance will leave our hair smelling fresh and clean for longer. And it will also not lead to any buildup due to its paraben free nature.
Features
- Hair Type: Dull/Damaged
- Liquid Volume: 8.5 Fluid Ounces
- Item Weight: 0.62 Pounds
- Actives: 1% pyrithione zinc
Pros
- Does not make hair color bleed
- Paraben Free
- Sulfate-Free
Cons
- Leaves the hair extremely dry
Conclusion
One of the best ways to avoid having dandruff or dry scalp after color treating your hair is to ensure your hair and scalp are in a condition to handle the hair dyeing process. But it may not always be enough, which is why investing in an excellent anti-dandruff shampoo is necessary.
Check this too: Does Blow Drying Kill Hair Lice?
The best dandruff shampoo for color-treated hair should be able to help treat your scalp without fading or stripping your hair color. It should also balance out the pH of your scalp, which is essential to stop the irritation causing your scalp to flake. Lastly, it should leave your hair feeling moisturized and soft.