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If you have been dealing with dandruff and an itchy scalp lately and looking for the best shampoo for your dandruff and scalp infection then you might come across Selsun Blue, Nizoral as well as Head and Shoulders shampoo. It can be quite confusing which one to pick among all these good ones. 

Let me elaborate and compare the pros and cons of each shampoo so you can decide who wins in Selsun Blue vs Nizoral vs Head and Shoulders shampoo battle.

Let us discuss this. 

Selsun Blue vs Nizoral vs Head and Shoulders

I know it gets overwhelming to choose between these three best medicated anti-dandruff shampoos on the market. But that’s what I am here for. Your virtual sister to make your life a little easier. Let me give you a clear and concise answer to your Selsun Blue vs Nizoral vs Head and Shoulders dilemma and then I will explain in detail the reasons behind it.

In Selsun Blue vs Nizoral vs Head and Shoulders battle:

• Opt for Head and Shoulders if you have mild dandruff, itchy scalp, and minimal flakes
• Choose Selsun Blue if you have an irritated scalp, flaky scalp, mild scalp infections, or mild seborrhoeic dermatitis
• And go for Nizoral if you have severe dandruff, seborrhoeic dermatitis, or extremely stubborn flakes on your scalp.

Now let me explain why?

About Selsun Blue Shampoo

Selsun Blue shampoo contains selenium sulfide as its active ingredient. It is an ingredient that helps combat fungal growth on the skin. It has been found effective on dandruff. You can read more about its effect on dandruff in this scientific study.

The Selsun blue shampoo helps to combat dandruff, flaky scalp, itchy scalp, and even mild seborrhoeic dermatitis with regular use for a month. It also helps to soothe your itchy scalp so you don’t feel the urge to scratch your scalp. With regular usage, it does help get rid of dandruff effectively. 

The shampoo lathers well and effectively cleans your hair and scalp while soothing your itchy and irritated scalp in one go.

However, this shampoo does contain some allergens like Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, and Fragrance that might trigger scalp irritation or dry out the scalp more in some cases. Selsun blue also contains a controversial ingredient in its formulation called DMDM Hydantoin.

It also has a very strong medicated fragrance to it which might not be something you adore.

Pros 

• Contains selenium sulfide which is a proven ingredient for dandruff
• Works well on dandruff, flaky scalp, itchy scalp, and even mild seborrhoeic dermatitis
• Lathers well
• Easily available

Cons

• Contains allergens and DMDM hydantoin
• Has too strong medicated fragrance

Last update on 2024-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

About Nizoral Shampoo

Nizoral shampoo is formulated using 2% ketoconazole, an ingredient that you can only find at the moment in this shampoo at this concentration level. Ketoconazole was initially used as an oral medication rather than its topical use. But after different studies, it was found that ketoconazole worked well for combating dandruff and severe scalp infections as well as inflammations including seborrhoeic dermatitis.

A study conducted in 2018, concluded that when ketoconazole shampoo was used on people suffering from dandruff for a month, it has positive results. While in another study conducted long back in 1995, it was found that using ketoconazole shampoo once a week provided relief to people suffering from dandruff or seborrhoeic dermatitis and it also prevented the symptoms from recurrence. 

If you have seborrhoeic dermatitis or severe dandruff combined with redness and extremely itchy scalp then hands down you should go for Nizoral shampoo. Its antifungal properties and fragrance-free formula will soothe your scalp and you will see a noticeable improvement in a month. 

Pros 

• Antidandruff shampoo with ketaconazole
• Combats severe dandruff, scalp inflammation, redness, and itchiness along with seborrhoeic dermatitis
• Eliminates even the stubborn flakes from the scalp
• Fragrance-free formula
• Provides relief from itchiness

Cons

• Lathers moderately
• In some countries, you might need a prescription to buy this shampoo

Last update on 2024-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

About Head And Shoulders Shampoo

Head and Shoulders is a very popular brand especially when you talk about anti-dandruff shampoos it’s hard to miss their name. Head and Shoulders is a shampoo with salicylic acid and pyrithione zinc which is an antibacterial agent that helps combat mild dandruff, mild symptoms of seborrhoeic dermatitis, scalp flakes, itchiness, redness, and dry scalp symptoms.

The best part about Head and Shoulders shampoos is you can find a lot of different variants to get your hands on. You can get an anti-dandruff shampoo to make your hair silky, an anti-dandruff shampoo for hair loss, an anti-dandruff shampoo for oily hair and the list goes. Which is not the case for Selsun Blue or Nizoral. 

And Head and Shoulders shampoo smells nice. Probably among a few anti-dandruff shampoos that smell nice and make your hair smell good after every wash. 

But I won’t recommend you opt for this one if you have severe dandruff or serious scalp infections as this shampoo has some allergens like SLS, SLES, Cocamidropopyl Betaine as well as an added fragrance which for people with sensitive scalp may cause irritation.

Also read: Does Head And Shoulders Cause Hair Loss?

Pros 

• Shampoo with zinc pyrithione
• Removes dandruff and flakes
• Soothes itchy scalp and provides relief from inflammation
• Smells nice
• Lathers well
• A lot of different shampoo options to consider
• Easily available

Cons

• Contains allergens
• Has added fragrance
• Does not work well for severe dandruff or seborrhoeic dermatitis

Last update on 2024-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Selsun Blue vs Nizoral

Both of these shampoos are very effective anti-dandruff shampoos. If you don’t mind the strong medicated fragrance of Selsun Blue you can opt for any one of the above. 

In the Selsun Blue vs Nizoral battle, both work equally well in getting rid of dandruff, treating severe scalp infections, and soothing your itchy scalp. However, in a study in 1993, it was found that shampoo with ketoconazole was more tolerable for people compared to shampoo with selenium sulfide. 

If you have seborrhoeic dermatitis, it is a better option to go for Nizoral than Selsun Blue. But if you just have severe dandruff, stubborn flakes combined with redness of the scalp, and itchiness then both will work just fine. 

Another thing to keep in mind is that Selsun Blue has some allergens which Nizoral doesn’t. So make your pick wisely and always do a patch test before you use any shampoo.

Last update on 2024-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2024-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Nizoral vs Head and Shoulders

When we talk about Nizoral vs Head and Shoulders shampoo to treat dandruff both are effective in treating your regular dandruff and are dermatologically tested. 

Opt for Head and Shoulders for your regular dandruff, minimal flakes, and dry scalp but go for Nizoral if you have severe dandruff or stubborn flakes or dermatitis. This is because as per a study in 2002, it was found that shampoo with ketoconazole is more effective on severe dandruff, scalp infections, or dermatitis compared to shampoo with zinc pyrithione.

Last update on 2024-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2024-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Selsun Blue vs Head and Shoulders

If you are confused between Selsun Blue or Head and Shoulders shampoo and which one should you pick then both work equally well for treating dandruff and soothing your itchy scalp. But Selsun Blue works better if you have severe dandruff or scalp infection and Head and Shoulders work better for regular dandruff, minimal flakes, and dry scalp problems. 

Plus with head and shoulders, you get a lot of different variants of shampoos to pick from, an option which you don’t get when you lean towards Selsun blue. Head and shoulders has a better fragrance compared to Selsun blue which has a very strong medicated fragrance. 

Another thing you need to keep in mind to choose a clear winner between Selsun Blue vs Head and Shoulders shampoo is that both of these shampoos have added fragrance and allergens. However, Selsun Blue has ALS and ALES as cleansing agents which are gentle compared to SLS and SLES in head and shoulders shampoo. 

Last update on 2024-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2024-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Over To You: Selsun Blue vs Nizoral vs Head and Shoulders

To sum up, in selsun blue vs nizoral vs head and shoulders battle,

Choose Nizoral if you have severe dandruff or seborrhoeic dermatitis, go for Selsun Blue if you have mild dermatitis or severe dandruff and you can opt for any of the above for dandruff as they all work well for regular dandruff, itchy scalp, and minimal flakes. 

Apart from the shampoo, to soothe your scalp, you can

• Try the lemon hair rinse or ACV hair rinse
• Do regular hot oil treatment using camphor tablets or tea tree oil mixed with neem oil
• Do hair detox once every two months and incorporate home remedies for dandruff in your hair care routine.
• And use a wooden comb, so that the natural oils from your scalp travel to your entire hair length.

That’s it for today guys.

I hope this post helps you pick your ideal shampoo and you get good relief for your scalp issues. I am glad you guys are loving these comparison articles like T Sal vs T Gel, Pantene v/s Tresemme. Let me know if you have any other comparison post requests for me. 

Before you leave don’t forget to check out:

• How I Got Rid Of My Dandruff Naturally In A Month: Hair Care Routine & Tips!
• Best Sulfate Free Dandruff Shampoos To Soothe Your Scalp
• Best Coal Tar Shampoos For Psoriasis And Dermatitis

Have a lovely day.