Flakes, itchiness, and irritation on the scalp are a sure sign of fungal infection and possibly, recurring dandruff. This means no wearing black, embarrassing fits of itching in public, and possible hair loss over a period of time. An effective antifungal shampoo can be a remedy to your hair woes. However, before you grab the most advertised antifungal shampoo, hear us out.
The best antifungal shampoo is one that addresses several concerns at once. Try buying a shampoo that works on fungal infections without damaging your hair. You might also want to purchase a shampoo that addresses your hair concern specifically.
There are specific important considerations that you need to keep in mind to choose the best antifungal shampoo for yourself.
- Composition: Ingredients like selenium sulfide, emu oil, and zinc pyrithione are some of the best antifungal agents. You might want to avoid harsh chemicals while picking a shampoo.
- Hair Type: If you have a dry scalp, purchase shampoos that have a good blend of oils. If you have an oily scalp, then shampoos that lather more are better for you.
- Dermatologically Tested: Safety should be your first concern while picking up a product for your skin. Only use shampoos that are approved by dermatologists.
We have elaborated more on the points mentioned above. To understand what suits your scalp, take a look at our “Buying Guide” that follows our review of the 10 best antifungal shampoos. Take a look.
Best Antifungal Shampoo in 2023
| Antifungal Shampoo | Quantity | Hair Type | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo | 7 Oz | All hair types | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo | 16 Oz | Dandruff prone hair | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Maple Holistics Tea Tree Oil Shampoo | 8 Oz | All hair types | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| ProBliva Fungus Shampoo | 8 Oz | Oily hair | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| DHS Zinc Shampoo | 16 Oz | All hair types | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Bellisso Shampoo and Conditioner Set | 16.9 Oz | Normal to oily hair | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Healthy Hair Plus Antifungal Shampoo | 12 Oz | All hair types | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| PHat Sulfate Free Shampoo Shampoo | 16 Oz | All hair types | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Head and Shoulders Shampoo | 23.7 x 2 Oz | All hair types | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Neem Scalp Shampoo | 8 Oz | All hair types | CHECK ON AMAZON |
Best Antifungal Shampoo Reviews
1. Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Looking to treat that stubborn dandruff that keeps returning? You can try the best antifungal shampoo, Nirozal. It is widely used as a treatment for several scalp problems like itchiness, flaking, and even ringworm. It kills that fungus which is the root cause of dandruff.
The major fungus-killing ingredient in this shampoo is 1% ketoconazole, which controls flaking, scaling, and itching, and boils on the scalp. However, if you have broken skin on your scalp, then it is better to heal your skin before using this shampoo.
You can use Nizoral shampoo on any type of hair. It is even suitable for color-treated hair, grey hair, and chemically styled hair. Its solution is 10X more effective than your ordinary dandruff-fighting shampoo. You have to apply it twice a week for alleviating dandruff. It smells fresh and leaves your hair soft and bouncy.
Product Details:
- Quantity: 7 Oz
- Active ingredient: 1% Ketoconazole
- Suitable for:All hair types
- Best for:Fighting dandruff
- Fragrance: Fresh
Pros:
- Suitable for all hair types
- Keeps color-treated hair intact
- It helps control dandruff and flakiness
- Prevents hair loss
Cons:
- Not suitable for broken skin
2. Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo
Many people who suffer from conditions like seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis often have scaly and flaky scalps with severe dandruff issues. A one-step solution to all these scalp conditions is the Neutrogena T-Gel Therapeutic Shampoo. Neutrogena is a top-class, internationally recognized brand for skin and hair solutions. It is a gel-based formula that gives long-lasting relief to several scalp problems.
Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo contains 0.5% coal tar and 2% neuter solubilized coal tar extract. Dermatological research shows that coal tar works for a longer time on scalp problems, and hence fewer washes suffice for combating fungus growth and overproduction of dead cells on the scalp.
The brand promises results from the very first use. You will have to use it just once a week and rinse it off thoroughly. A single application will keep dandruff under check for the entire week. Take care while storing this shampoo. It is best to store it away from sunlight.
Product Details:
- Quantity: 16 fl.Oz
- Active ingredient:2% Neutar
- Suitable for:Dandruff prone scalp
- Best for:Dandruff, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis
- Fragrance: Floral
Pros:
- Quantity is good
- Requires just a single wash per week
- Prevents dead cell production
- Treats multiple scalp issues
Cons:
- It might cause discoloration of hair in rare cases
3. Maple Holistics Tea Tree Oil Shampoo
This Shampoo by Maple Holistics is infused with the goodness of tea tree oil. It is a natural ingredient that clears dandruff off your scalp. It is best for treating dandruff and dry hair. Also, if you have stubborn dandruff, then this is probably one of your best shots.
It has a sulfate-free formula that rinses your scalp off dandruff without stripping it of the essential moisture that is required for healthy hair growth. It is also free from parabens. It also contains rosemary and lavender, which are great for treating head lice.
The shampoo also contains jojoba oil for keeping your hair moisturized. You can modulate the frequency of wash according to your hair type. If you have a severe case of dandruff, you might need to wash your hair thrice or four times a week.
Product Details:
- Quantity:8 fl. Oz
- Key ingredient: Tea tree oil
- Suitable for: Normal hair, dry hair
- Best for:Dandruff prone scalp
- Fragrance: Mild, earthy
Pros:
- Restores oil balance on the scalp
- Hair smells fresh and fragrant.
- Promotes hair growth
- Keeps hair voluminous
- Paraben and sulfate-free
Cons:
- Might tangle hair
4. ProBliva Fungus Shampoo
This shampoo is specially formulated for fungus-infected scalps that are prone to redness, dryness, and have itchy dandruff. You can rely on this product to relieve your head of the fungus infection. This antifungal shampoo is an expert in reducing inflammation.
The key fungus alleviating ingredient in this shampoo is emu oil, which is one of the most potent anti-inflammatory agents. It also has a blend of coconut oil, jojoba oil, and grape seed extract for skin recovery. Although this shampoo contains a blend of several oils, still, you can expect your hair to be thoroughly clean. On top of that, this shampoo works to stop excess sebum production while maintaining a healthy skin balance on the scalp.
The shampoo is best for an oily scalp. The best thing about this shampoo is its skin-healing properties, which enables a user to apply it to irritated and damaged skin. You can use this shampoo twice or thrice a week for the best results.
Product Details:
- Quantity: 8 fl. Oz
- Active ingredient: Emu oil
- Suitable for:Oily hair, irritated scalp
- Best for: Controlling sebum production, restoring scalp balance
- Fragrance: floral, mild
Pros:
- Controls sebum production
- Restores skin balance
- Maintains beautiful hair
- Minimizes skin irritation
- Reduces inflammation significantly
Cons:
- It does not work for hair fall issues
5. DHS Zinc Shampoo
The DHS Zinc Shampoo is infused with Zinc which is known as a mighty antifungal component, effective for scalp issues like ringworm, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. The formula has high conditioning and healing properties.
The formula contains 2% Zinc pyrithione, which calms irritated and itchy skin. It stops flaking and improves the feel of the scalp. It is perhaps best for itchy and flaky scalp with recurring occurrences of dandruff.
This shampoo is suitable for all hair types. Even if you have the driest kind of hair, you can expect this to work wonders in keeping your mane soft and manageable. Using this shampoo twice or thrice a week along with a conditioner should suffice.
Product Details:
- Quantity: 16 fl. Oz
- Active ingredient: 2% Zinc pyrithione
- Suitable for:All hair types
- Best for: Dandruff and Seborrheic dermatitis
- Fragrance: Fresh
Pros:
- Suitable for all hair types
- Moisturizes scalp well
- Works on dandruff and Seborrheic dermatitis
- The quantity suffices for more than a month
Cons:
- Not suitable for color-treated hair
6. Bellisso Shampoo and Conditioner Set
Apple cider vinegar is rich in minerals and vitamins, which is intensely good for hair. It is also a thorough cleansing agent that leaves your hair smooth and manageable. Apple cider is high in vitamin B and C, which are required for healthy hair follicles. The Bellisso Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo and Conditioner set is distinctively formulated to remove daily grime, restore your scalp health and reduce irritation.
The shampoo is infused with enhanced collagen, vitamin B5, and keratin for adding strength to your hair. The Bellisso conditioner is infused with avocado, argan, and coconut oil for soothing the scalp along with maintaining the moisture level.
It is ideal for normal to oily type hair. The shampoo cleanses your scalp, and the conditioner adds shine to your mane, leaving it super-manageable. Using it twice a week maintains your scalp’s pH balance and is free from nasties from sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, and paraben.
Product Details:
- Quantity of Shampoo: 9 fl. Oz
- Quantity of Conditioner: 9 fl. Oz
- Active ingredient: Apple cider vinegar
- Suitable for:Normal to oily hair
- Effects: Soothes scalp, maintains pH balance
- Fragrance: Fresh
Pros:
- Removes impurities
- Maintains pH balance
- It comes in a set of shampoo and conditioner
- Free from parabens and sulfates
- Cruelty-free product
Cons:
- It might not work for heavy dandruff
7. Healthy Hair Plus Antifungal Shampoo
The Healthy Hair Plus shampoo and conditioner blend nature’s best to eliminate hair problems. It has antifungal and antimicrobial properties for eliminating skin rashes, redness, inflammation, dandruff, itchiness, and product build-up. The shampoo is infused with extra virgin emu oil, which delivers results from the very first application.
It is effective on both fungal and bacterial infections. The shampoo is highly praised for its balanced formula. Not only does it clean infections and dirt, but it also promotes hair growth as the formula packs organic coconut oil, jojoba seed oil, grape seed extracts, and wheat germ oil.
It is completely a paraben-free product. The shampoo and the conditioner also do not contain ethanolamine like DEA or TEA. It is suitable for all types of hair. You can apply this shampoo on color-treated hair as well. It fights fungus and bacteria growth on the scalp. Using it twice or thrice a week with a leave-in time of 3 to 5 minutes helps controlling hair problems to a considerable extent.
Product Details:
- Quantity of Shampoo: 12 fl. Oz
- Quantity of Conditioner: 12 fl. Oz
- Active ingredient:Emu oil
- Suitable for:All hair types
- Best for:Treating fungal and bacterial infections
- Fragrance: Tea tree
Pros:
- Made from natural ingredients
- Fights multiple scalp conditions
- It comes in a set of shampoo and conditioner
- Paraben, DEA, and TEA free product
Cons:
- Contains sulfate
8. PHat Sulfate Free Shampoo Shampoo
pHat 5.5 is gentle on your hair but tough on hair problems. It contains coconut oil, manuka honey, aloe vera, all of which have anti-microbial properties. These soothe the scalp while healing damaged skin. There is Australian Cehami in the formula for regenerating and repairing damaged hair follicles. Manuka honey has strong healing properties. It treats eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, seborrheic keratosis, dandruff, and inflammation.
The shampoo is enriched in anti-inflammatory properties because of the aloe infusion. Coconut extract is a natural antiseptic which prevents hair breakage. Post using this shampoo; you will notice a clearer scalp, better hair growth, healthier follicles, and stronger hair strands.
Sulfate is a major skin irritant, so pHat 5.5 Shampoo is formulated without any sulfate content to prevent skin corrosion. It prevents flare-ups by getting into the root of your hair trouble. pHat 5.5 is ideal for oily, dry as well as normal hair.
Product Details:
- Quantity: 16 oz
- Active ingredient: Manuka honey, aloe vera, orange peel extract
- Suitable for: Normal hair, dry hair, and oily hair type
- Effects: Treats dermatitis, seborrheic keratosis,
- Fragrance: Honey
Pros:
- Reduces irritation, inflammation, itchiness,
- Gentle on scalp
- Sulfate-free formula
- Maintains moisture levels
- Suitable for all hair types
Cons:
- Does not lather well
9. Head and Shoulders Shampoo
Head & Shoulders is an internationally recognized brand for treating fungal and bacterial infections. It is a clinical strength formula specially made for treating stubborn dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis as it is packed with the antimicrobial properties of 1% selenium sulfide.
The shampoo promises to deliver seven benefits. It removes flakes, calms itching, reduces redness, relieves irritation, fights dryness, leaves hair beautiful, and has a great scent. However, if you are using the Head and Shoulder Shampoo on grey, bleached or colored hair, then you might want to wash it thoroughly for five minutes straight.
Massaging your hair and rinsing it twice a week with this shampoo will ease dandruff problems. It is a dermatologically recommended shampoo. Overall, it is an excellent shampoo for those who are searching for a remedy for recurring dandruff. It will ease the irritation without drying your hair. However, you might want to follow it up with a conditioner from the same range for a more lustrous mane.
Product Details:
- Quantity: 7 x 2 fl. Oz
- Active ingredient: 1% selenium sulfide
- Suitable for: All hair types
- Effects: dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis
- Fragrance:Fresh
Pros:
- Maximum dandruff control
- Keeps scalp fresh
- Dermatologically recommended
- Highly effective from very first use
Cons:
- Requires loner duration of rinsing on grey or bleached hair
10. Neem Scalp Shampoo
Neem is considered to contain a high level of oxygen, which effectively removes high levels of toxins. It helps regenerate damaged hair follicles due to free radicals. The Naked Neem Therapeutic Shampoo is enriched with the goodness of neem, a natural ingredient used in Ayurveda to promote healthy hair and skin.
It is a non-GMO, SLS free and vegan product. The shampoo contains several fatty acids like linoleic, oleic, stearic acids for inducing moisture into dry scalps. The shampoo also has anti-inflammatory properties and gets rid of head lice.
It is a daily use shampoo for all hair types. If you have hair fall issues because of weak hair follicles, then you can certainly bank on this product to restore your hair volume.
Product Details:
- Quantity:8 oz
- Active ingredient:neem extract
- Suitable for:All hair types
- Effects: Removes fungal and bacterial infections
- Fragrance:Unscented
Pros:
- Regenerates damaged hair follicles
- Strong antifungal properties
- Non-GMO and SLS free
- Suitable for daily use
- The unscented shampoo is suitable for all
- Promotes hair regrowth
Cons:
- Effective for mild to moderate scalp problems
Buying Guide for the Best Antifungal Shampoo
Having a scalp issue can seem trivial, but it can become a significant problem if you do not treat it soon. Addressing fungal infection with shampoo should be your first go-to option if you want a quick and effective remedy. Some of the pointers you need to check before buying the product are mentioned below:
Hair Concern
Fungus can be the root of a wide variety of hair problems. Your hair trouble may range from mild occurrences of dandruff to severe inflammation of roots, leading to massive hair fall. Instances of seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis can also happen due to scalp fungus. Hence, analyzing the hair concern should be your first step for treatment before choosing the shampoo.
Scalp Type
Checking the type of your scalp is the first thing you should do while buying a hair product. To know the best kind of antifungal shampoo formula that would work for your skin without damaging your hair, picking a product per your scalp type is essential.
- Dry Scalp: Choosing an antifungal shampoo that has a blend of several oils is the best choice. Pick a product with emu oil, jojoba oil, wheat germ oil, tea tree oil, coconut oil, etc.
- Normal Scalp: Shampoos with fungus-fighting ingredients like aloe vera, neem extracts, coal tar, etc., are better for normal scalps.
- Oily Scalps: Fungal infections are tougher to eliminate if you have an oily scalp. So, try buying a shampoo with key ingredients like selenium sulfide, apple cider vinegar, ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione.
Ingredient List
It is perhaps best to avoid a shampoo that is laced with strong chemicals. However, there is no denying that some chemicals like ketoconazole and zinc pyrithione help eliminate microbial infections for restoring hair health. But we suggest you stay away from shampoos that have parabens, SLS, and other such corrosive chemicals. Choosing shampoos with natural ingredients like neem extracts, aloe, emu oil, wheatgerm oil would be a wiser choice in this aspect.
Fragrance
Many people base their choice of skin and hair care products on the fragrance of it. This is an essential consideration as it would regulate your wish to use a particular product in the long run. We suggest you not buy any hair product that has a fragrance you are particularly averse to.
Quantity
People shampoo their hair frequently, if not regularly. Hence, buying a shampoo that will last you through the month is recommended. If you have shorter hair, then a bottle of 8 ounces should suffice. If you have a longer mane, then buying a bigger bottle is a better idea.
Price Point
Checking the price point is another important consideration while buying an antifungal shampoo. While considering this pointer, always take into consideration the quantity of the shampoo you are getting for a particular price instead of looking at the cost singularly.
Customer Reviews
What people say should always be another important consideration before you go ahead with a hair care product. Always do check out what people have to say about a particular product. Checking out the customer review will prevent you from buying products that don’t work for you. If you consider this, you can be sure that you are picking one of the highest-rated products in the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans: The frequency of using an antifungal shampoo depends on the key fungus-fighting ingredient your shampoo contains. For instance, if you purchase a ketoconazole or zinc pyrithione infused shampoo, then the frequency should be once every three to four days. But if you are using a more natural way like neem extract or aloe infuse shampoo, then you can use it every day.
Ans: Some of the best shampoos for scalp fungus are;
* Nizoral
* Neutrogena T/Gel shampoo
* Maple Holistics
* Probliva
* DHS Zinc shampoo
Ans: If you are developing a scalp condition, then some of the primary conditions you will notice are itchiness, swelling of hair follicles, damaged skin on the scalp, excessive grime buildup, dandruff, and flakes. If you have one or more than one symptom, then it is time you take caution and treat your hair with a shampoo with antimicrobial properties
Ans: Fungus infects humans’ nails, skin, and scalp. Ringworm, dandruff, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis is some of the most common effects of fungus infection on the human scalp. The causes behind fungal infections are;
* Stress
* Dirt and grime buildup
* Unhealthy diet
* Use of harsh chemicals
* Side effects of the medicine
Ans: While choosing an antifungal shampoo, these are some of the best antifungal ingredients to look for;
* Ketoconazole
* Nectar
* Tea tree oil
* Emu oil
* Zinc pyrithione
* Apple cider vinegar
* Manuka honey
* Aloe vera
* Selenium sulfide
* Neem oil
Final Words
Treating scalp infection might not be easy because recurrence of the problem is common. You will have to be persistent over several weeks to get lasting results.
However, you have to make sure that you choose a product that suits your hair and scalp type. It should not be damaging to your hair either. Pick a product that eliminates fungus while maintaining the lustre of your hair.
We have listed some of the best-rated antifungal shampoos available in the USA. All the products here are highly rated by their users and are effective in fetching results. You can choose any product from the above list, depending on your hair type. If you have any query, do not hesitate to write to us. Use the comment section to let us know your concern.