The Best Shampoos For Folliculitis, According To A Dermatologist

Folliculitis, an inflammatory skin condition of the scalp, is usually caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. That said, symptoms can typically be managed at home by using the right shampoo. According to a dermatologist, the best shampoos for folliculitis all come down to the ingredients.

The Expert

Macrene Alexiades, MD PhD FAAD, is a double-board certified dermatologist who has ample discoveries and publications in the field. Dr. Alexiades is also the founder and director of a Manhattan-based dermatology and laser surgery research center, as well as the founder of the skin care research company NY Derm LLC.

What To Look For In A Folliculitis Shampoo

The best shampoos for folliculitis contain medicated ingredients like salicylic acid, ketoconazole and tar, or natural antifungals like apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil, grapeseed extract, or rosemary, neem, and geranium oils, Dr. Alexiades explains to Bustle.

Dr. Alexiades says to avoid “any and all” hair products that contain fruit extracts, pectin, or sugars if you have folliculitis. “These are the nutrients that yeast and fungal organisms feast upon. Such carbohydrates have no business on your scalp or hair. Stick with hair products with herbal extracts, mint, tea tree, or biotin.”

Minor symptoms of folliculitis, such as small red bumps and pimples at the hair follicles, or an itchy, burning scalp, generally resolve quickly with an over-the-counter shampoo, and putting a warm compress on the affected area can also help. But if you find that your scalp is feeling worse and the symptoms aren’t clearing up, speak with your doctor to see if you need a prescription.

Shop The Best Scalp Folliculitis Shampoos

In a hurry? These are the best shampoos for folliculitis, including a few picks from the dermatologist.

1. The Doctor’s Top Pick: CLn Healthy Scalp Shampoo
2. The Runner-Up: A Less Expensive Doctor-Approved Pick: Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
3. The Best Non-Medicated Shampoo For Folliculitis: Ingreendients Daily Shampoo

• Also Consider: Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (2-Pack)

1. The Doctor’s Top Pick

• Also available on Walmart, $33

CLn Healthy Scalp Shampoo is the expert’s top pick for the best shampoo for folliculitis. The fragrance-free formula uses sodium hypochlorite and salicylic acid to kill bacteria, shed dead skin cells, and help with itching on the scalp. Reviewers on Amazon with folliculitis report that it works incredibly well, even when other topical treatments haven’t. Use this one to three times per week, then follow up with a moisturizing conditioner (on your hair, not your scalp) as it can be a bit drying.

Relevant review: “Finally something that helps. I have tried everything and battled folliculitis for 10+ years. It’s a constant battle. One use of this, allow to sit for 5 min and it made a huge difference over night. I always wash at night, letting it sit in my scalp, and when I wake up the next morning, my scalp feels much better with no new spots and I can feel that the existing spots have done quite a bit of healing through the night.”

2. The Runner-Up: A Less Expensive Doctor-Approved Pick

• Also available on Walmart, $15

“For scalp folliculitis and dandruff due to yeast, Nizoral A-D shampoo, which contains ketoconazole, is like a prescription-level product that works well,” says Dr. Alexiades. It’s a number-one best-seller on Amazon and a popular product with both derms and consumers for all sorts of scalp conditions. The antifungal formula creates a rich lather and leaves your scalp feeling clean and refreshed, while helping to reduce symptoms like itching, flaking, and scaling. At $15 for a 7-ounce bottle, it’s a pretty great value, too.

One reviewer wrote: “I was diagnosed with folliculitis and my derm put me on Ketoconazole Shampoo 2% but I used this instead. This cleared up all the patches I had in my scalp that were itchy. It worked within a matter of a couple weeks. You could also use this as a body wash. The scent is strong but pleasant!”

3. The Best Non-Medicated Shampoo For Folliculitis

• Also available on Walmart, $30

This shampoo contains two botanicals Dr. Alexiades suggests for alleviating the symptoms of folliculitis: apple cider vinegar and tea tree oil. “Vinegar, especially apple cider vinegar, kills both fungus and pseudomonas [infections],” she says, and, “tea tree oil has antiseptic and antibacterial properties.” The formula has the added benefit of being made without silicones, sulfates, parabens, or synthetic fragrances, so it’s a gentle choice for those with sensitive skin or scalps.

One reviewer wrote: “I got this shampoo because every other ‘chemical’ loaded product did nothing for my folliculitis. One bottle of shampoo and it’s gone. My hair feels great and is so shiny. I saw my dermatologist last week and she’s going to start recommending it.”

Also Consider:

• Also available on Bragg, $22

A homemade remedy suggested by the dermatologist is to mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar per cup of water and apply it to the scalp. “There is some evidence suggesting it may help rid the scalp of pathogens and reset the microbiome,” she says. With this purchase, you get two giant bottles of Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, so you can use it on your scalp and for all the other beauty-related purposes people swear by.

One reviewer wrote: “I use this for my hair rinse and it is great for sensitive scalps. I mix 1 part to 5 parts water and add a few drops of argan oil.”

Expert:

Dr. Macrene Alexiades, M.D., Ph.D., FAAD, New York City-based Dermatologist, and Founder of MACRENE actives