Last Updated on: January 17, 2023
You’re probably familiar with folliculitis if you’ve had those red bumps or white-headed pimples on your head.
Although this isn’t life-threatening, it sure is irritating and embarrassing. It’s best to resolve it before it gets worse.
That’s why…
We’re here to help you find the best shampoo for folliculitis by reviewing products with various ingredients and price points.
Overall, the CLn Healthy Scalp Shampoo is our favorite. Read on to find out why!
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. CLn Healthy Scalp Shampoo |  Editor's Choice | Hypoallergenic
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| 2. Maple Holistics Tea Tree Shampoo |  Most Affordable | Vegan
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| 3. Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo |  Most Available | Kills Dandruff
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| 4. ProBliva Healthy Scalp Shampoo |  Very Soothing | Deep Penetrating
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| 5. Ovante Folliculit Solution |  Best For Fungal Infection | Contains Sulfur
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| 6. BIOLAGE Scalp Sync |  Best Vegan Option | All Hair Types
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The 7 Best Shampoos For Folliculitis Reviewed
1. CLn Healthy Scalp Shampoo – Best Overall
The CLn Healthy Scalp Shampoo is a physician-developed liquid shampoo that cleanses normal-oily hair and itchy, flaky scalps.
It’s formulated with sodium hypochlorite, a disinfectant for bacteria that causes various skin conditions, such as eczema, folliculitis, atopic dermatitis, and scalp and beard dandruff.
Yes, this ingredient is bleach. However, it can cleanse the scalp without stripping its natural oils in the right concentration. That said, you might smell a faint bleach odor upon usage.
Furthermore, this medicated shampoo contains salicylic acid that removes clogs in your hair follicles, such as dead skin cells, residue from hair products, unwanted oils, and other debris.
This product is also great for sensitive skin because it’s hypoallergenic and contains no fragrances, parabens, triclosan, or steroids.
However, the CLn shampoo can be a bit drying. We recommend following the instructions and conditioning your hair after every use. You can use your regular shampoo on days you won’t use CLn.
This product is also pretty expensive, considering that the bottle only comes in 8 fl oz. If you have long hair, you may need multiple bottles for regular usage.
Pros
- Sodium hypochlorite and salicylic acid can effectively remove excess debris
- Developed by physicians
- Can be used for beards
- Hypoallergenic and contains no parabens and triclosan
- No artificial fragrances
Cons
- Expensive for its size
- Too drying if used excessively
- Not recommended for color-treated hair
Takeaway
The CLn Shampoo is excellent for efficiently treating folliculitis and whatever scalp condition you may have. So long as you can get past the price and bleach scent, this shampoo will serve you well.
2. Maple Holistics Tea Tree Shampoo – Affordable Pick
As the name suggests, the Maple Holistics Tea Tree Shampoo contains tea tree oil. It also has other natural, hydrating ingredients, such as rosemary, lavender, jojoba, and argan oil.
These ingredients help deep cleanse and exfoliate the scalp and keep the hair shiny without stripping its beneficial oils.
Furthermore, this tea tree oil shampoo has a mild formula, which means you may use this shampoo on a dry or oily scalp. It’s also appropriate for all hair types, including color-treated ones.
However, this mild formula may not be strong enough for severe scalp folliculitis. On the other hand, this is a safe option if you’re reluctant about strong shampoos, considering that this one is affordable and has a 60-day money-back guarantee.
This shampoo is also vegan and contains no parabens and artificial fragrances. Although there’s lavender and tea tree oil, the scent is not too overpowering. Your hair will have a refreshing scent that isn’t too flowery or medicinal.
Pros
- Best for mild scalp folliculitis
- Can be used for color-treated hair
- No artificial fragrances and parabens
- Vegan
- Affordable and comes in multiple size options
Cons
- It may not be potent enough for severe folliculitis
Takeaway
If you’re still testing out the waters, we recommend the Maple Holistics Shampoo. The natural oil ingredients can help you treat mild folliculitis at an affordable price.
3. Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo – Best Accessibility
You may be wondering what an A-D shampoo is doing on this list. That’s because dandruff and folliculitis have something in common – fungal infection is one of their possible causes.
Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is a clinically proven liquid shampoo that controls the flaking and itching associated with dandruff.
It contains a powerful ingredient called ketoconazole, which binds to your hair’s natural proteins to kill the dandruff-causing fungus.
Because of its strength, Nizoral can be very drying. That’s why it’s recommended only to use this shampoo twice a week. You can use your regular shampoo and conditioner on days you won’t use Nizoral.
Additionally, the formula contains sulfates, making it a bit harsh for color-treated hair.
However, what’s best is that you won’t struggle to find this product. Nizoral is available in most drug stores, groceries, and other mass merchandising outlets.
Pros
- Accessible
- Inexpensive
- Efficiently controls scalp fungus
- Has a clean and fresh scent
Cons
- Too drying if used excessively
- Contains sulfates
Takeaway
Nizoral A-D Shampoo is a product you can quickly grab from the store to eliminate scalp fungus quickly. Remember to beware of its potent formula, though.
4. ProBliva Healthy Scalp Shampoo and Body Wash – Best Soothing Shampoo
The ProBliva Healthy Scalp Shampoo and Body Wash is a liquid shampoo that excels in treating flaky scalps and soothing the irritation and itching from folliculitis.
It contains many natural ingredients, such as lemon essential oil, witch hazel, calendula, and aloe vera. These components help fight infection and reduce inflammation.
Additionally, the ProBliva shampoo has panthenol, which improves your hair’s fullness while locking in moisture.
The product is also DEA, TEA, and paraben-free, which reduces the risk of irritation.
However, one of the downsides is that it contains a preservative called Diazolidinyl Urea, which is also a formaldehyde releaser. Although this sounds scary, it’s safe to use if the concentration is below 0.5%.
The most this could do is possibly cause an allergic reaction. We recommend doing a patch test first on your body before using it on your hair.
Meanwhile, you can use the shampoo as a body wash. Folliculitis can also affect other body parts, such as the chest, armpits, and back. So, a 2-in-1 product is a great deal if your folliculitis isn’t limited to your scalp.
Pros
- Can be used for the scalp and body
- Can treat folliculitis with flaky build-up
- It contains many soothing ingredients
- DEA, TEA, and paraben-free
- Has a natural citrus scent from the essential oil
Cons
- It may take a while to see results
- It may cause allergic reactions
Takeaway
The itchiness and inflammation can be extremely annoying to deal with. In that case, the ProBliva Shampoo And Body Wash is the way to go.
5. Ovante Folliculit Solution Shampoo – Best For Fungal Infections
The Ovante Folliculit Solution Shampoo is a liquid shampoo with Vitamin C and Lactic Acid as its active ingredients.
Moreover, it features various oils like patchouli, cedarwood, lemongrass, and tea tree oil. The formula cleanses and moisturizes your scalp, eliminating itch and fungal infections.
It also has sulfur, which is an anti-inflammatory ingredient. However, the shampoo smells like a weird combination of lemongrass and sulfur, which can be unpleasant to some. We recommend using a nicer-smelling conditioner after each usage.
There are no parabens and harsh sulfates, so you don’t have to worry about the shampoo stripping your scalp too much. You can also use it for all hair types, including color-treated hair.
Unfortunately, the formula contains Cocamide DEA and Diazolidinyl Urea. As we mentioned earlier, these may cause irritation and allergic responses. We recommend doing a test batch before usage.
It’s also pretty expensive for a 6 fl oz bottle. People with longer hair may need multiple bottles for regular usage.
The shampoo has a thinner consistency and less foam than others, so 1-2 tablespoons of shampoo should be enough for every wash.
Pros
- Can treat folliculitis with flaky build-up
- Has many vitamins and natural ingredients
- Sulfur helps with inflammation
- No parabens and sulfates
- Can be used for color-treated hair
Cons
- Expensive for its size
- Has DEAs and Diazolidinyl Urea
- The scent isn’t for everyone
Takeaway
If you want a product containing various natural components for fungal infections apart from scalp folliculitis, the Ovante Folliculit Shampoo is for you.
6. BIOLAGE Scalp Sync Anti-Dandruff Shampoo – Excellent Vegan Option
We have another A-D shampoo on this list: the BIOLAGE Scalp Sync.
This creamy shampoo’s key ingredients are zinc pyrithione and mint, which helps with fungal infections while providing a cooling and calming sensation. These two are great if you have a scalp prone to flaking.
Along with various plant extracts, the formula also contains salicylic acid. This ingredient helps exfoliate excess debris on your scalp
Unfortunately, the product has sulfates and fragrances. These can potentially irritate you if you have sensitive skin.
If you’re living a vegan lifestyle, you can use this shampoo because it contains no animal ingredients or by-products.
This product can serve as a daily shampoo. Still, we recommend using a conditioner afterward to avoid drying your hair.
Pros
- Can treat folliculitis with flaky build-up
- Mint gives a cooling sensation
- Vegan and paraben-free
- Comes in multiple size options
Cons
- It may become drying if used daily
- Contains sulfates and fragrances
Takeaway
If you’re looking for an excellent vegan product, we recommend the BIOLAGE Shampoo. Its ingredients will help with fungal infections while keeping your scalp cool.
7. Healthy Hair Plus Antifungal Shampoo and Conditioner – Combo Value
The Healthy Hair Plus Antifungal Shampoo and Conditioner is a combo set that will clean your scalp and hydrate it afterward.
The creamy formula uses natural ingredients like Extra Virgin-Certified coconut oil, A-Grade emu oil, jojoba oil, and grapeseed extract.
These can help kill fungal and bacterial infections, soothe inflammation, prevent dry scalp, regulate your sebaceous glands, promote hair growth, and more.
It’s also DEA, TEA, and paraben-free. However, it contains sulfates, fragrances, and Diazolidinyl Urea. The concentrations are generally safe, but we recommend practicing caution regardless.
Pros
- High-quality natural ingredients
- Cleanses and hydrates
- DEA, TEA, and paraben-free
- Affordable, considering that you get two products
Cons
- Contains potential irritants
- Poor packaging
Takeaway
The Healthy Hair Plus Combo is an excellent deal since the products complement each other. The ingredients are also certified to be of high quality.
What Is Folliculitis?
Folliculitis is a skin condition where your hair follicles are inflamed due to bacterial or fungal infection.
Initially, this may look like small red bumps or white-headed pimples on your follicles that cause itching and redness.
If left untreated, recurring and severe folliculitis can cause non-healing, crusty sores that may lead to permanent hair loss and scarring.
Anyone can develop folliculitis, but some are more prone than others. You can watch this video below to get a more in-depth description of folliculitis:
That said, it’s best to treat this condition as early as possible. Luckily, mild symptoms can be treated with shampoos.
What Shampoos Should You Look For?
With all the shampoos out in the market, what works for others may not work for you. It would help if you considered different factors to get the best results, such as:
1. Unclogging Ability
Various shampoo ingredients remove fungal and bacterial infections and dirt build-up in the follicles.
Medicated ingredients like ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, and zinc pyrithione are commonly used in shampoos against dandruff. They help reduce the fungi that contribute to the excess shedding of skin.
There are also natural antifungals like apple cider vinegar and herbal extracts. Essential oils, such as rosemary neem, geranium, and tea tree oil, have antimicrobial properties that can help treat folliculitis.
Meanwhile, salicylic acid can remove the crusty build-up in your follicles. You may have already heard of this ingredient if you’re familiar with skincare.
Salicylic acid is a chemical exfoliant that helps treat various skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis.
2. Soothing Sensation
Meanwhile, you could also consider anti-inflammatory ingredients that can soothe the itching and burning sensation of your scalp.
For example, panthenol can protect your hair from damage by locking in scalp moisture. It can also improve your hair’s shine, softness, and strength.
Meanwhile, coal tar can improve the composure of your hair and reduce itching due to dead skin cells.
However, coal tar shampoo is typically used for medication, so we recommend consulting a doctor first.
You can also look for shampoos with menthol ingredients like peppermint, giving your scalp a cooling and calming sensation. Menthol also promotes hair growth by stimulating blood circulation in the scalp.
3. Gentleness
Some shampoos may contain harsh chemicals like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES). They generally cause skin irritation, so it’s better to look for a sulfate-free shampoo.
If you have color-treated hair, it’s crucial to look for a gentle formula that isn’t too stripping. Depending on your hair color, you may look for ingredients with UV protection and repairing and moisturizing qualities to ensure your hair color won’t fade away quickly.
What Shampoos Should You Avoid?
Apart from sulfates, we recommend avoiding hair products containing fruit extracts, pectins, and sugars. These are carbohydrates that fungal organisms consume to get energy, which will help them survive on your scalp longer.
We also recommend avoiding parabens, such as methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, iso-butylparaben, and ethylparaben.
Parabens are preservatives that can irritate your scalp. Studies also state that they can interact with your endocrine system, which could influence many body functions.
Other studies also say the same for triclosan – another ingredient in personal care products. However, most of these studies are conducted on animals, and it isn’t clear whether triclosan will have the same effects on humans.
You shouldn’t necessarily avoid preservatives, as they are still crucial for shelf life. We’re saying that it’s better to look for safer options, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Trim Talk: Better be safer than safe! Apply hair moisturizer to keep your mane more manageable and supple all day. View our top products here: Best Hair Moisturizers For Black Men and Best Shampoos for Black Men.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use home remedies to cure folliculitis?
Yes, but we don’t recommend doing so. Ingredients like apple cider vinegar and essential oils can irritate your skin if used undiluted. Your safest option is using a clinically tested shampoo to ensure that the concentration of ingredients doesn’t harm your scalp.
Can I use shampoo for folliculitis without seeing a doctor?
Yes, minor symptoms should eventually be remedied by an over-the-counter product. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to get an expert’s opinion. However, suppose these symptoms persist and eventually worsen. In that case, you must consult your doctor to determine if you need any prescription.
Does a folliculitis shampoo ease the itchiness & burning sensation?
Yes, soothing ingredients like menthol and panthenol could help with a burning and itchy scalp. You could even put a hot compress on the affected area to help with these symptoms.
Conclusion
As we stated, the best shampoo for folliculitis is the CLn Healthy Scalp Shampoo. If you have some money to spare, then you can efficiently resolve various scalp conditions with the help of its medicated ingredients. Additionally, its hypoallergenic formula and lack of parabens and artificial scents are perfect for those with sensitive skin.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a mild and budget-friendly alternative, then you can’t go wrong with the Maple Holistics Tea Tree Shampoo.
We hope this article helped you find the right product for your hair care routine!