If you’ve come looking for the best shampoo for scalp acne, then we’ve got some great and relieving news – and, we promise not to disappoint!
We understand your plight and a plight it is! It’s not enough that you may struggle with pimples and zits elsewhere on your body, but come on! – on your hairline and even on your scalp too?
Well, be distraught no more! We’re here to help show you how to get rid of the zits for good with our line-up of the the best shampoos for scalp acne and acne prone skin!
And, don’t forget… to get rid of it for good, you’ll need to brush up on your spotty know-hows – something we specialize in!
Our scalp acne shampoo buying guide will tell you exactly what kind of acne you’re dealing with, if you need a medicated or a natural poo, and how to create new habits to kick those spots off where they don’t belong!
Top 6 Best Shampoos For Scalp Acne
Free & Clear Hair Shampoo for Sensitive Skin Review
Making the switch between shampoos can be very scary, especially if you deal with scalp acne. But, with the Free & Clear Hair Shampoo for Sensitive Skin, a breakout is far down on the list of your worries. In fact, they will worry you no more!
If you not only deal with blitzy zits that seem to garner attention even under a bed of hair, but you also have sensitive skin, the Free & Clear Shampoo was made for you!
You won’t have to deal with chemical irritants because this product is free of fragrances, lanolin, dyes, proteins, parabens, formaldehyde, and other sneaky preservatives. It’s also Sulfate-free, Gluten-free, and Betaine-free!
And, beating acne starts with a clean head, something the Free & Clear Shampoo promises! It effectively removes scales and dandruff, build-up from other hair products, and controls excess oil.
The oil control especially helps the acne prone to achieve a clean head of hair – an environment bacteria can’t live and feed in. And, if you have facial and back acne too, let the suds run down your body for a simultaneous acne rinse! It’s a win-win!
Main Benefits:
- Preservative free
- Sulfate free
- Betaine free
- For sensitive skin
- Oil control
Main Drawbacks:
- Allergy reaction
Customer Reviews
Many users love Free & Clear for Sensitive Skin for omitting harmful chemicals from their shampoo. Sensitive, acne prone, and dandruff sufferers have praised this product for being affordable and extremely effective for their conditions.
However, there have been users who have reacted badly to the shampoo or have had worsening, itchy side effects. But, for the majority, it’s not just been a good option, it’s been a lifesaver to help that breakout!
Popular Questions (and Answers)
Free & Clear for Sensitive Skin Features:
- For all hair types
- Safe on color and perms
- 12 oz
- Unscented
- Dermatologist Recommended
Maple Holistics Tea Tree Oil Shampoo Review
If getting healthy, shiny, long, and strong hair sounds just as seductive as fighting off scalp acne, then the Maple Holistics Tea Tree Oil Shampoo is worth falling into temptation for.
It’s specifically an anti-dandruff shampoo for dry, itchy, and flaky scalps with anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and hair strengthening properties.
But, what makes it especially attractive is its all-natural compounds that includes Botanical Keratin, Rosemary, Lavender, and Tea Tree Oils! Known for their cleansing powers, this is the key to an acne-free scalp!
While the Maple Holistics product doesn’t specifically market for acne prone skin, it does cleanse and expurgate hair efficiently to remove acne-causing elements. Bacteria and excess oil will be washed away and swollen pores will be calmed and relieved to reduce breakouts.
With its natural ingredients, it cleanses and eradicates buildup, dandruff, and flakes and ultimately relieves itching.
And, not only do you get an itch-free and disinfected mop of hair, the natural shampoo also strengthens, nourishes, and hydrates hair from the inside out to encourage volume, growth, and strength.
The 8 ounce bottle has no fragrances and perfumes, yet it radiates a wonderful, natural scent thanks to the plant oils.
Main Benefits:
- All-natural
- Contains oils
- Paraben free
- Sulfate Free
- Anti-bacterial
Main Drawbacks:
- Can worsen dandruff
- Price
Customer Reviews
Maple Holistics Tea Tree Oil Shampoo is a fave among the acne prone! They swear to its cleansing effects and credit it to the Tea Tree Oil!
However, for only 8 ounces it’s quite pricey. And, for those few who experienced even worse dandruff than before, it wasn’t worth buying.
But, for every one who had a negative aspect, there are 13X more positive reviews about how effective the 100 percent all natural product is!
Popular Questions (and Answers)
Maple Holistics Tea Tree Oil Features:
- Cruelty free
- For all types of hair
- Safe on sensitive skin
- American-made
- 100% pure
Healthy Hair Plus ANTI-b Antibacterial Shampoo Review
Get rid of bacteria and release sebum to give your hair its natural shine without the glistening glimmer of an unwashed do! The Healthy Hair Plus ANTI-b Antibacterial Shampoo will fight alongside you in winning the war against bacteria and the bad kind of shine!
To start the battle, it’s equipped with anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory properties! Blocked pores will be gently dug out to release sebum without being allowed to go rogue on hair.
Bacteria growth will be subdued with the Healthy Hair Plus ANTI-b Formula that consists of war-hardened Aloe Vera, Lemon Oil, Witch Hazel, and Cutipure CLR! But, they’re not just fighters, they’re healers too as they soothe and seal off pores after eradication.
So, if you suffer from scalp sores, itchiness, inflammation, irritation, ringworm, flaking, seborrhea, and acne prone skin, you’re going to need the 12 ounce Anti-b army ready and waiting at your behest!
And, while it’s not new to the fight, it’s seen a resurgence in 2016, and it’s quickly winning over acne prone users. Some even claiming it to be the best shampoo for scalp acne.
Main Benefits:
- Anti-bacterial
- Sulfate free
- Natural ingredients
- Treats common scalp conditions
- Anti-b Formula
Main Drawbacks:
- No noticeable difference
Customer Reviews
While the reviewer base is still under construction, as it’s seen a rebirth in 2016, the Healthy Hair Plus ANTI-b Antibacterial Shampoo is proving to be a hit for those with scalp acne. And, they’re seeing the results fast!
But, there is a naysayer here and there who haven’t yet experienced any noticeable results. Perhaps, continued use might prove to be money well spent! It certainly has for the majority!
Popular Questions (and Answers)
Healthy Hair Plus ANTI-b Antibacterial Features:
- Body wash
- Treats ringworm
- For all types of hair
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Can use on children
Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo Review
While many anti-acne shampoos tout eliminating acne for good, they’re a rarity. So, many sufferers are looking for something to reduce and manage the symptoms slowly but surely. And, if this sounds like you, the Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo will be a welcome relief!
The T/Gel specifically targets seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff, and psoriasis, which in turn, also aids in fighting off acne. No build up, bacteria, and itchiness means no breeding grounds, excess oil, and no more acne!
The attractive, amber formula contains Coal Tar to aid in treating scalp conditions. Neutrogena has used it to play a part in their sophisticated formula with other unique and refined components. And, they’ve called this formula Neutar – clever!
They credit this formula with instant abilities – they claim after just one use you’ll notice the relieving benefits that don’t just work while you’re in the shower but for hours after it’s been rinsed out!
The 4.4 ounce bottle is very affordable for effective use twice weekly, and the benefits are long-lasting. Instead of resisting the urge to itch, squeeze, or pop, wash with T/Gel and watch as those blocked pores dissipate away!
Main Benefits:
- Neutar Formula
- Instant relief
- Long-lasting
- Complete scalp therapy
- Price
Main Drawbacks:
- Unpleasant smell
Customer Reviews
The number one benefit reviewers of the Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo repeat over and over again is the fast-acting relief! Users are saying they love the product because it works to reduce dandruff almost completely, and the acne-prone are saying it works wonders even if it doesn’t completely eliminate it.
Users still love the shampoo even if it does smell horrid. A bad whiff of the stuff is the compromise for flake-free, itch-free, and zit-free hair!
Popular Questions (and Answers)
Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Features:
- Larger bottle sizes
- Very affordable
- Fast results
- Leaves hair soft and shiny
- Medicinal tar
Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo Review
If you’re looking to add the best shampoo for scalp acne to your shower routine to aid other acne-fighting products, the Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo will be the perfect addition to your grooming family!
It’s an anti-residue shampoo that you only need to use once a week to get the benefits of a clean, bacteria-free head!
With just one wash, it will instantly remove 90 percent of buildup in your hair from everything else you’ve slathered on during the week. This is good news for the acne prone who don’t want to give up their favored hair gels and mousses, or even those who can’t live without their beloved poos and conditioners!
After your once-a-week wash with the stuff, you’ll also notice that your other shampoo will be much more effective. Even severely damaged, processed, and dry hair types can benefit from the cleansing powers of the Anti-Residue Shampoo!
Dullness, be gone! Shine, restored!
No artificial dyes, colorants, and parabens are allowed, keeping you sensitive and acne-prone skin types in mind!
And, if you have zits, bumps, and blackheads that not only prowl on your hairline and face, but on your shoulders, back, and anywhere else, feel free to slather a dab or two on those areas for a disinfecting body wash.
Main Benefits:
- Instant benefits
- Removes dullness and buildup
- Restores shine
- Aids other shampoos
- Price
Main Drawbacks:
- Unpleasant smell
- Contains sulfates
Customer Reviews
Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo allows users to still slather on their favorite hair products, but still benefit from a clarifying and cleansing wash during the week. And, the best part about it – it works like a pro!
If you’re picky about certain ingredients in your hair products, this mightn’t be for you. It also smells medicinal to some users.
But, if you want something that works far superior to others, than you might want to put your au natural lifestyle aside to try at least one wash… the bottle is small and affordable enough.
Popular Questions (and Answers)
Neutrogena Anti-Residue Features:
- Very affordable
- Available in bulk packs
- Effective and instant
- For all hair types
- Once-a-week treatment
Amara Organics Aloe Vera Gel Review
The Amara Organics Aloe Vera Gel isn’t a shampoo per se, but it’s an excellent addition to your shampoo or even as a pre-poo treatment. While aloe vera has been long known as a skin and sunburn treatment, it has excellent benefits for your scalp, including reducing scalp acne!
As a poo, just slather this stuff in with your current shampoo while in the shower and go for it! The miracle healing ingredient will cool, calm, soothe, and relieve your scalp from itchiness, scalp sores, and irritated bumps… do any of these ailments sound familiar to you acne-ridden types?
If you want to give your scalp even more concentrated aloe vera power then use it after you shampoo and leave it in for a few minutes before rinsing out! Hey, how about not rinsing it out? It can work miracles when used as a leave-in treatment too.
The Amara Gel contains 99.75 percent pure, cold-pressed aloe vera from plants grown organically in the USA.
No chemicals help to make the Aloe Vera Gel great, and that includes alcohol, fragrance, and added colors!
Main Benefits:
- 100% natural
- Cold-pressed
- Great for acne
- Absorbs quickly
- For all hair types
Main Drawbacks:
- Price
- Technically not a shampoo
Customer Reviews
The Amara Organics Aloe Vera Gel is an extremely popular product that’s being used by people like you to treat scalp acne and acne prone skin. It’s the best natural and most versatile treatment for head acne!
There are no rules saying you can’t use it as a poo treatment, but it does have a hefty price for 8 ounces.
But, when you can use the Amara Gel however you want to rid your scalp of acne, who cares? Your scalp won’t – it will thank you with flake-free and grease-free hair!
Popular Questions (and Answers)
Amara Organics Aloe Vera Gel Features:
- Versatile
- Soothes and heals
- Cleanses and hydrates
- Safe for colored hair
- Reduces and prevents acne
Which is the Best Scalp Acne Shampoo For You?
Our line-up of the best shampoos for scalp acne have been scrutinized and tested by real buyers and users who have weighed in on the debate. And, the verdict is in!
We’ll reveal the best poos to rid you of head acne for good!
Best Shampoo For Anti-Bacterial Benefits...
There’s no doubt that the Healthy Hair Plus ANTI-b Antibacterial Shampoo is the best-equipped poo to aid you in your scalp acne treatment journey.
It’s already winning the popular vote as it fights off breakouts by not allowing a single organism to live if its going to rise up an acne rebellion!
Best Shampoo For the Sensitive...
Having sensitive skin doesn’t always mean prone to allergy and reactions. It can also mean having acne prone skin. And, the best product in the line-up that takes all sensitivities into consideration is the Free & Clear Hair Shampoo for Sensitive Skin.
If you’re super sensitive in any way, this is your best bet.
Best Shampoo For Preventing Breakouts...
Preventing breakouts means having a mop of hair that bacteria can’t stand to inhibit. And, the Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo is the best treatment for spraying down the grounds, disinfecting the soil (your scalp), and digging up the weeds (your pore-laden follicles).
Don’t let bacteria and bugs take advantage of your healthy head of a garden – prevent the onslaught of a breakout by bringing in the hose!
Best Shampoo For the Lazy...
If you’re looking for low maintenance acne work, but you want extremely effective results when you do get the time to do it, then you want the Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo!
A once-a-week treatment is sometimes all you need to beat the bumps and dispel the excess oil!
Best Shampoo For the Unconventional...
If you’re not a fool for labels, then you’ll appreciate the versatility of Amara Organics Aloe Vera Gel.
Your bumps and zits will bother you no longer because you braved the unconventional approach of dodging the marketing tactics of the hair and skin industry and went with your gut!
Use the gel to create a concoction or use it on its own to holistically treat your head acne and prevent breakouts!
Our Top Pick...
Our top pick, the Maple Holistics Tea Tree Oil Shampoo, is extremely popular because it degreases hair, encourages healthy hair growth, and it’s also the best dandruff shampoo for acne!
It uses all-natural oils to set up an acne-free, excess oil-free, and dandruff-free zone! Because it helps not only the scalp but the hair too, it gets our most-coveted top pick spot!
Scalp Acne Shampoo Buying Guide
What is Scalp Acne?
If you’ve ever dealt with a pimple on your face, back, or shoulder, imagine having one on your scalp. A bristle of a brush would scratch it, the excess goo and sebum could destroy your whole coiffure, and if you have thinning hair… well, there’s no trying to hide it!
Scalp acne is also known as Scalp Folliculitis. Small pimples will form on your head, most commonly around the hairline, but they can also appear anywhere over your scalp. They are itchy, sore, swollen, and can crust.
So, while many shampoos may not be directly marketed to acne, if they’re made to treat many of the symptoms associated with acne, you should be good to go. But, what is acne?
While sebum is needed to lubricate the skin, yes even the skin and hair follicles on your scalp, pores that produce excess sebum can get blocked with everything there is in the surrounding area like bacteria.
This blockage is quickly recognized by the body as an infection, and with an infection comes swelling, tenderness, itchiness, and redness. And, then you have the tell-tale pimple and zit.
And, while scalp acne can be treated with hair and skin products, you could also have a medical condition that’s been caused by internal and/or hormonal disorders.
So, if you’re dealing with a case that’s more complicated than just a moderate breakout or a seasonal bout, you should see a dermatologist for consultation, recommended products, and supervision.
Causes of Scalp Acne and Relationship to Shampoo
Scalp acne is a not fully understood condition. So, while one shampoo might work for you, another might work for someone else. But, experts have narrowed down the primary causes of head acne: bacteria, yeasts, and mites.
The most effective shampoos to treat head acne should contain anti-fungal properties. These are often found in dandruff formulas. The theory is, if the shampoo is effective against bacteria, dandruff, buildup, and excess oils, it should be effective against acne & pustules.
Medicated vs Natural Shampoos
Don’t be so closed-minded that you only swing one way. Sometimes beating head acne or learning how to treat acne means leaving the natural products behind and using a medicated shampoo. And, other times it means taking a break from the meds (over the counter)and embracing the witchy-poo, holistic products!
Pros & Cons of Medicated Acne Shampoos:
- Readily available
- Extremely effective
- Dermatologist recommended
- Often requires long term use
- May experience side effects to ingredients
- Requires research of unknown ingredients
Pros & Cons of Natural Acne Shampoos:
- Readily available
- Versatile use
- Safe for all hair types
- Contains all-natural ingredients
- Expensive
Tips for Beating Scalp Acne
Ditch the Conditioner
Many store conditioners have a high-oil content that can contribute to clogged pores, exacerbating scalp acne. Try giving your scalp a break by going without a conditioner treatment every once in a while. The exception to the rule is those with dry hair types.
Seems kind of ironic right? Well, to bust the myth, you can have dry hair but still have an oily and acne prone scalp or hairline, just like a T-zone or combination skin on your face.
Try using a gentle shampoo or if you can’t go without conditioner, don’t apply it to the roots. Use the conditioner ears down to the tips.
The Workout Rinse
If you’re a pretty active person, then I’m talking to you! Did you know that when you sweat, you’re oozing out a mixture of water and minerals? If you were to go all Einstein on these electrolytes lost through sweat, you’d see that magnesium, sodium, and potassium have rough edges and are solid.
When sweat mixes with sebum, these electrolytes are prone to clumping together, as well bringing everyone else for the joy ride – bacteria included. And, guess where it goes? Right back into your pores – clogged. Guess what happens next? A zit or two, or even worse, a breakout!
Rinse your hair after your workout! Even if you workout daily, you could get away with not doing the whole poo and conditioner routine every day. If you find that plain water isn’t doing the trick, a DIY 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water can breakdown sweat molecules and buildup. Done!
Tea Tree Oil
How many times have you picked up a poo bottle to find added fragrances, chemicals, and even “substances” that you can’t pronounce? Finding an effective acne shampoo can easily start with limiting the ingredients list. But, what’s with the hype of tea tree oil?
It has anti-septic properties and is revered for killing off and preventing the growth of those common causes of scalp acne – bacteria, viruses, and fungi!
But, even more to the point, it’s also known to beat antibiotic-resistant bacteria! It’s a win-win miracle oil!
Rethink Hair Products
Do you love your hair wax, gel, and mousse? So much so that you can’t bear the thought of giving them up? Well, sorry to inform you, it might be the cause of your acne!
Hair products, especially greasy, oily, and heavy ones, aren’t easily absorbed by the hair. So, where does it go? It migrates, not to the North for heat or to the South to cool down. It migrates to the luscious and easily absorbent scalp. A layer of film rests on the scalp helping to block and clog pores.
The result is a lack of circulation with unreleased sweat and sebum – the makings of a breakout!
Try going without any additional hair products to give your scalp a break and some breathing room. You can get away with using them if you have long hair and you’re only applying further down the strand and closer to the ends.
And while you are rethinking your hair products, you might also like to rethink the products you use on your face, choosing face washes, moisturizers and toners specifically for acne prone skin will go a long way towards gaining control of your outbreaks.
Get Blitzy & Blingy in all the Right Ways!
Just one, visible zit can ruin your whole day, week, or month! And, if you really love your scalp and hair, you won’t let it get blitzy, glitzy, and blingy in all the wrong ways!
Buying the best shampoo for scalp acne might mean a little experimenting, but when you find it, keep at it. The only things will be blitzy and glitzy are the bling-bling earrings you’ll be rocking!
Related Articles:
- Best Sulfate Free Shampoos: Good for Dandruff, Colored, Curly, Fine & Keratin Treated Hair
- Best Sulfate Free Shampoos for Curly & Frizzy Hair (Top 3 Products Reviewed)
- Best Sulfate Free Shampoos for Color-Treated Hair (Whatever the Color!)
- Best Sulfate Free Dandruff Shampoo (Top 3 Choices for Color-Treated Hair)
Making the switch between shampoos can be very scary, especially if you deal with scalp acne. But, with the Free & Clear Hair Shampoo for Sensitive Skin, a breakout is far down on the list of your worries. In fact, they will worry you no more!
If you not only deal with blitzy zits that seem to garner attention even under a bed of hair, but you also have sensitive skin, the Free & Clear Shampoo was made for you!
You won’t have to deal with chemical irritants because this product is free of fragrances, lanolin, dyes, proteins, parabens, formaldehyde, and other sneaky preservatives. It’s also Sulfate-free, Gluten-free, and Betaine-free!
And, beating acne starts with a clean head, something the Free & Clear Shampoo promises! It effectively removes scales and dandruff, build-up from other hair products, and controls excess oil.
The oil control especially helps the acne prone to achieve a clean head of hair – an environment bacteria can’t live and feed in. And, if you have facial and back acne too, let the suds run down your body for a simultaneous acne rinse! It’s a win-win!
Main Benefits:
- Preservative free
- Sulfate free
- Betaine free
- For sensitive skin
- Oil control
Main Drawbacks:
- Allergy reaction
Customer Reviews
Many users love Free & Clear for Sensitive Skin for omitting harmful chemicals from their shampoo. Sensitive, acne prone, and dandruff sufferers have praised this product for being affordable and extremely effective for their conditions.
However, there have been users who have reacted badly to the shampoo or have had worsening, itchy side effects. But, for the majority, it’s not just been a good option, it’s been a lifesaver to help that breakout!
Popular Questions (and Answers)
Free & Clear for Sensitive Skin Features:
- For all hair types
- Safe on color and perms
- 12 oz
- Unscented
- Dermatologist Recommended
If getting healthy, shiny, long, and strong hair sounds just as seductive as fighting off scalp acne, then the Maple Holistics Tea Tree Oil Shampoo is worth falling into temptation for.
It’s specifically an anti-dandruff shampoo for dry, itchy, and flaky scalps with anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and hair strengthening properties.
But, what makes it especially attractive is its all-natural compounds that includes Botanical Keratin, Rosemary, Lavender, and Tea Tree Oils! Known for their cleansing powers, this is the key to an acne-free scalp!
While the Maple Holistics product doesn’t specifically market for acne prone skin, it does cleanse and expurgate hair efficiently to remove acne-causing elements. Bacteria and excess oil will be washed away and swollen pores will be calmed and relieved to reduce breakouts.
With its natural ingredients, it cleanses and eradicates buildup, dandruff, and flakes and ultimately relieves itching.
And, not only do you get an itch-free and disinfected mop of hair, the natural shampoo also strengthens, nourishes, and hydrates hair from the inside out to encourage volume, growth, and strength.
The 8 ounce bottle has no fragrances and perfumes, yet it radiates a wonderful, natural scent thanks to the plant oils.
Main Benefits:
- All-natural
- Contains oils
- Paraben free
- Sulfate Free
- Anti-bacterial
Main Drawbacks:
- Can worsen dandruff
- Price
Customer Reviews
Maple Holistics Tea Tree Oil Shampoo is a fave among the acne prone! They swear to its cleansing effects and credit it to the Tea Tree Oil!
However, for only 8 ounces it’s quite pricey. And, for those few who experienced even worse dandruff than before, it wasn’t worth buying.
But, for every one who had a negative aspect, there are 13X more positive reviews about how effective the 100 percent all natural product is!
Popular Questions (and Answers)
Maple Holistics Tea Tree Oil Features:
- Cruelty free
- For all types of hair
- Safe on sensitive skin
- American-made
- 100% pure
Healthy Hair Plus ANTI-b Antibacterial Shampoo Review
Get rid of bacteria and release sebum to give your hair its natural shine without the glistening glimmer of an unwashed do! The Healthy Hair Plus ANTI-b Antibacterial Shampoo will fight alongside you in winning the war against bacteria and the bad kind of shine!
To start the battle, it’s equipped with anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory properties! Blocked pores will be gently dug out to release sebum without being allowed to go rogue on hair.
Bacteria growth will be subdued with the Healthy Hair Plus ANTI-b Formula that consists of war-hardened Aloe Vera, Lemon Oil, Witch Hazel, and Cutipure CLR! But, they’re not just fighters, they’re healers too as they soothe and seal off pores after eradication.
So, if you suffer from scalp sores, itchiness, inflammation, irritation, ringworm, flaking, seborrhea, and acne prone skin, you’re going to need the 12 ounce Anti-b army ready and waiting at your behest!
And, while it’s not new to the fight, it’s seen a resurgence in 2016, and it’s quickly winning over acne prone users. Some even claiming it to be the best shampoo for scalp acne.
Main Benefits:
- Anti-bacterial
- Sulfate free
- Natural ingredients
- Treats common scalp conditions
- Anti-b Formula
Main Drawbacks:
- No noticeable difference
Customer Reviews
While the reviewer base is still under construction, as it’s seen a rebirth in 2016, the Healthy Hair Plus ANTI-b Antibacterial Shampoo is proving to be a hit for those with scalp acne. And, they’re seeing the results fast!
But, there is a naysayer here and there who haven’t yet experienced any noticeable results. Perhaps, continued use might prove to be money well spent! It certainly has for the majority!
Popular Questions (and Answers)
Healthy Hair Plus ANTI-b Antibacterial Features:
- Body wash
- Treats ringworm
- For all types of hair
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Can use on children
Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo Review
While many anti-acne shampoos tout eliminating acne for good, they’re a rarity. So, many sufferers are looking for something to reduce and manage the symptoms slowly but surely. And, if this sounds like you, the Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo will be a welcome relief!
The T/Gel specifically targets seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff, and psoriasis, which in turn, also aids in fighting off acne. No build up, bacteria, and itchiness means no breeding grounds, excess oil, and no more acne!
The attractive, amber formula contains Coal Tar to aid in treating scalp conditions. Neutrogena has used it to play a part in their sophisticated formula with other unique and refined components. And, they’ve called this formula Neutar – clever!
They credit this formula with instant abilities – they claim after just one use you’ll notice the relieving benefits that don’t just work while you’re in the shower but for hours after it’s been rinsed out!
The 4.4 ounce bottle is very affordable for effective use twice weekly, and the benefits are long-lasting. Instead of resisting the urge to itch, squeeze, or pop, wash with T/Gel and watch as those blocked pores dissipate away!
Main Benefits:
- Neutar Formula
- Instant relief
- Long-lasting
- Complete scalp therapy
- Price
Main Drawbacks:
- Unpleasant smell
Customer Reviews
The number one benefit reviewers of the Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo repeat over and over again is the fast-acting relief! Users are saying they love the product because it works to reduce dandruff almost completely, and the acne-prone are saying it works wonders even if it doesn’t completely eliminate it.
Users still love the shampoo even if it does smell horrid. A bad whiff of the stuff is the compromise for flake-free, itch-free, and zit-free hair!
Popular Questions (and Answers)
Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Features:
- Larger bottle sizes
- Very affordable
- Fast results
- Leaves hair soft and shiny
- Medicinal tar
Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo Review
If you’re looking to add the best shampoo for scalp acne to your shower routine to aid other acne-fighting products, the Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo will be the perfect addition to your grooming family!
It’s an anti-residue shampoo that you only need to use once a week to get the benefits of a clean, bacteria-free head!
With just one wash, it will instantly remove 90 percent of buildup in your hair from everything else you’ve slathered on during the week. This is good news for the acne prone who don’t want to give up their favored hair gels and mousses, or even those who can’t live without their beloved poos and conditioners!
After your once-a-week wash with the stuff, you’ll also notice that your other shampoo will be much more effective. Even severely damaged, processed, and dry hair types can benefit from the cleansing powers of the Anti-Residue Shampoo!
Dullness, be gone! Shine, restored!
No artificial dyes, colorants, and parabens are allowed, keeping you sensitive and acne-prone skin types in mind!
And, if you have zits, bumps, and blackheads that not only prowl on your hairline and face, but on your shoulders, back, and anywhere else, feel free to slather a dab or two on those areas for a disinfecting body wash.
Main Benefits:
- Instant benefits
- Removes dullness and buildup
- Restores shine
- Aids other shampoos
- Price
Main Drawbacks:
- Unpleasant smell
- Contains sulfates
Customer Reviews
Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo allows users to still slather on their favorite hair products, but still benefit from a clarifying and cleansing wash during the week. And, the best part about it – it works like a pro!
If you’re picky about certain ingredients in your hair products, this mightn’t be for you. It also smells medicinal to some users.
But, if you want something that works far superior to others, than you might want to put your au natural lifestyle aside to try at least one wash… the bottle is small and affordable enough.
Popular Questions (and Answers)
Neutrogena Anti-Residue Features:
- Very affordable
- Available in bulk packs
- Effective and instant
- For all hair types
- Once-a-week treatment
Amara Organics Aloe Vera Gel Review
The Amara Organics Aloe Vera Gel isn’t a shampoo per se, but it’s an excellent addition to your shampoo or even as a pre-poo treatment. While aloe vera has been long known as a skin and sunburn treatment, it has excellent benefits for your scalp, including reducing scalp acne!
As a poo, just slather this stuff in with your current shampoo while in the shower and go for it! The miracle healing ingredient will cool, calm, soothe, and relieve your scalp from itchiness, scalp sores, and irritated bumps… do any of these ailments sound familiar to you acne-ridden types?
If you want to give your scalp even more concentrated aloe vera power then use it after you shampoo and leave it in for a few minutes before rinsing out! Hey, how about not rinsing it out? It can work miracles when used as a leave-in treatment too.
The Amara Gel contains 99.75 percent pure, cold-pressed aloe vera from plants grown organically in the USA.
No chemicals help to make the Aloe Vera Gel great, and that includes alcohol, fragrance, and added colors!
Main Benefits:
- 100% natural
- Cold-pressed
- Great for acne
- Absorbs quickly
- For all hair types
Main Drawbacks:
- Price
- Technically not a shampoo
Customer Reviews
The Amara Organics Aloe Vera Gel is an extremely popular product that’s being used by people like you to treat scalp acne and acne prone skin. It’s the best natural and most versatile treatment for head acne!
There are no rules saying you can’t use it as a poo treatment, but it does have a hefty price for 8 ounces.
But, when you can use the Amara Gel however you want to rid your scalp of acne, who cares? Your scalp won’t – it will thank you with flake-free and grease-free hair!
Popular Questions (and Answers)
Amara Organics Aloe Vera Gel Features:
- Versatile
- Soothes and heals
- Cleanses and hydrates
- Safe for colored hair
- Reduces and prevents acne
Which is the Best Scalp Acne Shampoo For You?
Our line-up of the best shampoos for scalp acne have been scrutinized and tested by real buyers and users who have weighed in on the debate. And, the verdict is in!
We’ll reveal the best poos to rid you of head acne for good!
Best Shampoo For Anti-Bacterial Benefits...
There’s no doubt that the Healthy Hair Plus ANTI-b Antibacterial Shampoo is the best-equipped poo to aid you in your scalp acne treatment journey.
It’s already winning the popular vote as it fights off breakouts by not allowing a single organism to live if its going to rise up an acne rebellion!
Best Shampoo For the Sensitive...
Having sensitive skin doesn’t always mean prone to allergy and reactions. It can also mean having acne prone skin. And, the best product in the line-up that takes all sensitivities into consideration is the Free & Clear Hair Shampoo for Sensitive Skin.
If you’re super sensitive in any way, this is your best bet.
Best Shampoo For Preventing Breakouts...
Preventing breakouts means having a mop of hair that bacteria can’t stand to inhibit. And, the Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo is the best treatment for spraying down the grounds, disinfecting the soil (your scalp), and digging up the weeds (your pore-laden follicles).
Don’t let bacteria and bugs take advantage of your healthy head of a garden – prevent the onslaught of a breakout by bringing in the hose!
Best Shampoo For the Lazy...
If you’re looking for low maintenance acne work, but you want extremely effective results when you do get the time to do it, then you want the Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo!
A once-a-week treatment is sometimes all you need to beat the bumps and dispel the excess oil!
Best Shampoo For the Unconventional...
If you’re not a fool for labels, then you’ll appreciate the versatility of Amara Organics Aloe Vera Gel.
Your bumps and zits will bother you no longer because you braved the unconventional approach of dodging the marketing tactics of the hair and skin industry and went with your gut!
Use the gel to create a concoction or use it on its own to holistically treat your head acne and prevent breakouts!
Our Top Pick...
Our top pick, the Maple Holistics Tea Tree Oil Shampoo, is extremely popular because it degreases hair, encourages healthy hair growth, and it’s also the best dandruff shampoo for acne!
It uses all-natural oils to set up an acne-free, excess oil-free, and dandruff-free zone! Because it helps not only the scalp but the hair too, it gets our most-coveted top pick spot!
Scalp Acne Shampoo Buying Guide
What is Scalp Acne?
If you’ve ever dealt with a pimple on your face, back, or shoulder, imagine having one on your scalp. A bristle of a brush would scratch it, the excess goo and sebum could destroy your whole coiffure, and if you have thinning hair… well, there’s no trying to hide it!
Scalp acne is also known as Scalp Folliculitis. Small pimples will form on your head, most commonly around the hairline, but they can also appear anywhere over your scalp. They are itchy, sore, swollen, and can crust.
So, while many shampoos may not be directly marketed to acne, if they’re made to treat many of the symptoms associated with acne, you should be good to go. But, what is acne?
While sebum is needed to lubricate the skin, yes even the skin and hair follicles on your scalp, pores that produce excess sebum can get blocked with everything there is in the surrounding area like bacteria.
This blockage is quickly recognized by the body as an infection, and with an infection comes swelling, tenderness, itchiness, and redness. And, then you have the tell-tale pimple and zit.
And, while scalp acne can be treated with hair and skin products, you could also have a medical condition that’s been caused by internal and/or hormonal disorders.
So, if you’re dealing with a case that’s more complicated than just a moderate breakout or a seasonal bout, you should see a dermatologist for consultation, recommended products, and supervision.
Causes of Scalp Acne and Relationship to Shampoo
Scalp acne is a not fully understood condition. So, while one shampoo might work for you, another might work for someone else. But, experts have narrowed down the primary causes of head acne: bacteria, yeasts, and mites.
The most effective shampoos to treat head acne should contain anti-fungal properties. These are often found in dandruff formulas. The theory is, if the shampoo is effective against bacteria, dandruff, buildup, and excess oils, it should be effective against acne & pustules.
Medicated vs Natural Shampoos
Don’t be so closed-minded that you only swing one way. Sometimes beating head acne or learning how to treat acne means leaving the natural products behind and using a medicated shampoo. And, other times it means taking a break from the meds (over the counter)and embracing the witchy-poo, holistic products!
Pros & Cons of Medicated Acne Shampoos:
- Readily available
- Extremely effective
- Dermatologist recommended
- Often requires long term use
- May experience side effects to ingredients
- Requires research of unknown ingredients
Pros & Cons of Natural Acne Shampoos:
- Readily available
- Versatile use
- Safe for all hair types
- Contains all-natural ingredients
- Expensive
Tips for Beating Scalp Acne
Ditch the Conditioner
Many store conditioners have a high-oil content that can contribute to clogged pores, exacerbating scalp acne. Try giving your scalp a break by going without a conditioner treatment every once in a while. The exception to the rule is those with dry hair types.
Seems kind of ironic right? Well, to bust the myth, you can have dry hair but still have an oily and acne prone scalp or hairline, just like a T-zone or combination skin on your face.
Try using a gentle shampoo or if you can’t go without conditioner, don’t apply it to the roots. Use the conditioner ears down to the tips.
The Workout Rinse
If you’re a pretty active person, then I’m talking to you! Did you know that when you sweat, you’re oozing out a mixture of water and minerals? If you were to go all Einstein on these electrolytes lost through sweat, you’d see that magnesium, sodium, and potassium have rough edges and are solid.
When sweat mixes with sebum, these electrolytes are prone to clumping together, as well bringing everyone else for the joy ride – bacteria included. And, guess where it goes? Right back into your pores – clogged. Guess what happens next? A zit or two, or even worse, a breakout!
Rinse your hair after your workout! Even if you workout daily, you could get away with not doing the whole poo and conditioner routine every day. If you find that plain water isn’t doing the trick, a DIY 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water can breakdown sweat molecules and buildup. Done!
Tea Tree Oil
How many times have you picked up a poo bottle to find added fragrances, chemicals, and even “substances” that you can’t pronounce? Finding an effective acne shampoo can easily start with limiting the ingredients list. But, what’s with the hype of tea tree oil?
It has anti-septic properties and is revered for killing off and preventing the growth of those common causes of scalp acne – bacteria, viruses, and fungi!
But, even more to the point, it’s also known to beat antibiotic-resistant bacteria! It’s a win-win miracle oil!
Rethink Hair Products
Do you love your hair wax, gel, and mousse? So much so that you can’t bear the thought of giving them up? Well, sorry to inform you, it might be the cause of your acne!
Hair products, especially greasy, oily, and heavy ones, aren’t easily absorbed by the hair. So, where does it go? It migrates, not to the North for heat or to the South to cool down. It migrates to the luscious and easily absorbent scalp. A layer of film rests on the scalp helping to block and clog pores.
The result is a lack of circulation with unreleased sweat and sebum – the makings of a breakout!
Try going without any additional hair products to give your scalp a break and some breathing room. You can get away with using them if you have long hair and you’re only applying further down the strand and closer to the ends.
And while you are rethinking your hair products, you might also like to rethink the products you use on your face, choosing face washes, moisturizers and toners specifically for acne prone skin will go a long way towards gaining control of your outbreaks.
Get Blitzy & Blingy in all the Right Ways!
Just one, visible zit can ruin your whole day, week, or month! And, if you really love your scalp and hair, you won’t let it get blitzy, glitzy, and blingy in all the wrong ways!
Buying the best shampoo for scalp acne might mean a little experimenting, but when you find it, keep at it. The only things will be blitzy and glitzy are the bling-bling earrings you’ll be rocking!
Related Articles:
- Best Sulfate Free Shampoos: Good for Dandruff, Colored, Curly, Fine & Keratin Treated Hair
- Best Sulfate Free Shampoos for Curly & Frizzy Hair (Top 3 Products Reviewed)
- Best Sulfate Free Shampoos for Color-Treated Hair (Whatever the Color!)
- Best Sulfate Free Dandruff Shampoo (Top 3 Choices for Color-Treated Hair)
Get rid of bacteria and release sebum to give your hair its natural shine without the glistening glimmer of an unwashed do! The Healthy Hair Plus ANTI-b Antibacterial Shampoo will fight alongside you in winning the war against bacteria and the bad kind of shine!
To start the battle, it’s equipped with anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory properties! Blocked pores will be gently dug out to release sebum without being allowed to go rogue on hair.
Bacteria growth will be subdued with the Healthy Hair Plus ANTI-b Formula that consists of war-hardened Aloe Vera, Lemon Oil, Witch Hazel, and Cutipure CLR! But, they’re not just fighters, they’re healers too as they soothe and seal off pores after eradication.
So, if you suffer from scalp sores, itchiness, inflammation, irritation, ringworm, flaking, seborrhea, and acne prone skin, you’re going to need the 12 ounce Anti-b army ready and waiting at your behest!
And, while it’s not new to the fight, it’s seen a resurgence in 2016, and it’s quickly winning over acne prone users. Some even claiming it to be the best shampoo for scalp acne.
Main Benefits:
- Anti-bacterial
- Sulfate free
- Natural ingredients
- Treats common scalp conditions
- Anti-b Formula
Main Drawbacks:
- No noticeable difference
Customer Reviews
While the reviewer base is still under construction, as it’s seen a rebirth in 2016, the Healthy Hair Plus ANTI-b Antibacterial Shampoo is proving to be a hit for those with scalp acne. And, they’re seeing the results fast!
But, there is a naysayer here and there who haven’t yet experienced any noticeable results. Perhaps, continued use might prove to be money well spent! It certainly has for the majority!
Popular Questions (and Answers)
Healthy Hair Plus ANTI-b Antibacterial Features:
- Body wash
- Treats ringworm
- For all types of hair
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Can use on children
While many anti-acne shampoos tout eliminating acne for good, they’re a rarity. So, many sufferers are looking for something to reduce and manage the symptoms slowly but surely. And, if this sounds like you, the Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo will be a welcome relief!
The T/Gel specifically targets seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff, and psoriasis, which in turn, also aids in fighting off acne. No build up, bacteria, and itchiness means no breeding grounds, excess oil, and no more acne!
The attractive, amber formula contains Coal Tar to aid in treating scalp conditions. Neutrogena has used it to play a part in their sophisticated formula with other unique and refined components. And, they’ve called this formula Neutar – clever!
They credit this formula with instant abilities – they claim after just one use you’ll notice the relieving benefits that don’t just work while you’re in the shower but for hours after it’s been rinsed out!
The 4.4 ounce bottle is very affordable for effective use twice weekly, and the benefits are long-lasting. Instead of resisting the urge to itch, squeeze, or pop, wash with T/Gel and watch as those blocked pores dissipate away!
Main Benefits:
- Neutar Formula
- Instant relief
- Long-lasting
- Complete scalp therapy
- Price
Main Drawbacks:
- Unpleasant smell
Customer Reviews
The number one benefit reviewers of the Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo repeat over and over again is the fast-acting relief! Users are saying they love the product because it works to reduce dandruff almost completely, and the acne-prone are saying it works wonders even if it doesn’t completely eliminate it.
Users still love the shampoo even if it does smell horrid. A bad whiff of the stuff is the compromise for flake-free, itch-free, and zit-free hair!
Popular Questions (and Answers)
Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Features:
- Larger bottle sizes
- Very affordable
- Fast results
- Leaves hair soft and shiny
- Medicinal tar
Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo Review
If you’re looking to add the best shampoo for scalp acne to your shower routine to aid other acne-fighting products, the Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo will be the perfect addition to your grooming family!
It’s an anti-residue shampoo that you only need to use once a week to get the benefits of a clean, bacteria-free head!
With just one wash, it will instantly remove 90 percent of buildup in your hair from everything else you’ve slathered on during the week. This is good news for the acne prone who don’t want to give up their favored hair gels and mousses, or even those who can’t live without their beloved poos and conditioners!
After your once-a-week wash with the stuff, you’ll also notice that your other shampoo will be much more effective. Even severely damaged, processed, and dry hair types can benefit from the cleansing powers of the Anti-Residue Shampoo!
Dullness, be gone! Shine, restored!
No artificial dyes, colorants, and parabens are allowed, keeping you sensitive and acne-prone skin types in mind!
And, if you have zits, bumps, and blackheads that not only prowl on your hairline and face, but on your shoulders, back, and anywhere else, feel free to slather a dab or two on those areas for a disinfecting body wash.
Main Benefits:
- Instant benefits
- Removes dullness and buildup
- Restores shine
- Aids other shampoos
- Price
Main Drawbacks:
- Unpleasant smell
- Contains sulfates
Customer Reviews
Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo allows users to still slather on their favorite hair products, but still benefit from a clarifying and cleansing wash during the week. And, the best part about it – it works like a pro!
If you’re picky about certain ingredients in your hair products, this mightn’t be for you. It also smells medicinal to some users.
But, if you want something that works far superior to others, than you might want to put your au natural lifestyle aside to try at least one wash… the bottle is small and affordable enough.
Popular Questions (and Answers)
Neutrogena Anti-Residue Features:
- Very affordable
- Available in bulk packs
- Effective and instant
- For all hair types
- Once-a-week treatment
Amara Organics Aloe Vera Gel Review
The Amara Organics Aloe Vera Gel isn’t a shampoo per se, but it’s an excellent addition to your shampoo or even as a pre-poo treatment. While aloe vera has been long known as a skin and sunburn treatment, it has excellent benefits for your scalp, including reducing scalp acne!
As a poo, just slather this stuff in with your current shampoo while in the shower and go for it! The miracle healing ingredient will cool, calm, soothe, and relieve your scalp from itchiness, scalp sores, and irritated bumps… do any of these ailments sound familiar to you acne-ridden types?
If you want to give your scalp even more concentrated aloe vera power then use it after you shampoo and leave it in for a few minutes before rinsing out! Hey, how about not rinsing it out? It can work miracles when used as a leave-in treatment too.
The Amara Gel contains 99.75 percent pure, cold-pressed aloe vera from plants grown organically in the USA.
No chemicals help to make the Aloe Vera Gel great, and that includes alcohol, fragrance, and added colors!
Main Benefits:
- 100% natural
- Cold-pressed
- Great for acne
- Absorbs quickly
- For all hair types
Main Drawbacks:
- Price
- Technically not a shampoo
Customer Reviews
The Amara Organics Aloe Vera Gel is an extremely popular product that’s being used by people like you to treat scalp acne and acne prone skin. It’s the best natural and most versatile treatment for head acne!
There are no rules saying you can’t use it as a poo treatment, but it does have a hefty price for 8 ounces.
But, when you can use the Amara Gel however you want to rid your scalp of acne, who cares? Your scalp won’t – it will thank you with flake-free and grease-free hair!
Popular Questions (and Answers)
Amara Organics Aloe Vera Gel Features:
- Versatile
- Soothes and heals
- Cleanses and hydrates
- Safe for colored hair
- Reduces and prevents acne
Which is the Best Scalp Acne Shampoo For You?
Our line-up of the best shampoos for scalp acne have been scrutinized and tested by real buyers and users who have weighed in on the debate. And, the verdict is in!
We’ll reveal the best poos to rid you of head acne for good!
Best Shampoo For Anti-Bacterial Benefits...
There’s no doubt that the Healthy Hair Plus ANTI-b Antibacterial Shampoo is the best-equipped poo to aid you in your scalp acne treatment journey.
It’s already winning the popular vote as it fights off breakouts by not allowing a single organism to live if its going to rise up an acne rebellion!
Best Shampoo For the Sensitive...
Having sensitive skin doesn’t always mean prone to allergy and reactions. It can also mean having acne prone skin. And, the best product in the line-up that takes all sensitivities into consideration is the Free & Clear Hair Shampoo for Sensitive Skin.
If you’re super sensitive in any way, this is your best bet.
Best Shampoo For Preventing Breakouts...
Preventing breakouts means having a mop of hair that bacteria can’t stand to inhibit. And, the Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo is the best treatment for spraying down the grounds, disinfecting the soil (your scalp), and digging up the weeds (your pore-laden follicles).
Don’t let bacteria and bugs take advantage of your healthy head of a garden – prevent the onslaught of a breakout by bringing in the hose!
Best Shampoo For the Lazy...
If you’re looking for low maintenance acne work, but you want extremely effective results when you do get the time to do it, then you want the Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo!
A once-a-week treatment is sometimes all you need to beat the bumps and dispel the excess oil!
Best Shampoo For the Unconventional...
If you’re not a fool for labels, then you’ll appreciate the versatility of Amara Organics Aloe Vera Gel.
Your bumps and zits will bother you no longer because you braved the unconventional approach of dodging the marketing tactics of the hair and skin industry and went with your gut!
Use the gel to create a concoction or use it on its own to holistically treat your head acne and prevent breakouts!
Our Top Pick...
Our top pick, the Maple Holistics Tea Tree Oil Shampoo, is extremely popular because it degreases hair, encourages healthy hair growth, and it’s also the best dandruff shampoo for acne!
It uses all-natural oils to set up an acne-free, excess oil-free, and dandruff-free zone! Because it helps not only the scalp but the hair too, it gets our most-coveted top pick spot!
Scalp Acne Shampoo Buying Guide
What is Scalp Acne?
If you’ve ever dealt with a pimple on your face, back, or shoulder, imagine having one on your scalp. A bristle of a brush would scratch it, the excess goo and sebum could destroy your whole coiffure, and if you have thinning hair… well, there’s no trying to hide it!
Scalp acne is also known as Scalp Folliculitis. Small pimples will form on your head, most commonly around the hairline, but they can also appear anywhere over your scalp. They are itchy, sore, swollen, and can crust.
So, while many shampoos may not be directly marketed to acne, if they’re made to treat many of the symptoms associated with acne, you should be good to go. But, what is acne?
While sebum is needed to lubricate the skin, yes even the skin and hair follicles on your scalp, pores that produce excess sebum can get blocked with everything there is in the surrounding area like bacteria.
This blockage is quickly recognized by the body as an infection, and with an infection comes swelling, tenderness, itchiness, and redness. And, then you have the tell-tale pimple and zit.
And, while scalp acne can be treated with hair and skin products, you could also have a medical condition that’s been caused by internal and/or hormonal disorders.
So, if you’re dealing with a case that’s more complicated than just a moderate breakout or a seasonal bout, you should see a dermatologist for consultation, recommended products, and supervision.
Causes of Scalp Acne and Relationship to Shampoo
Scalp acne is a not fully understood condition. So, while one shampoo might work for you, another might work for someone else. But, experts have narrowed down the primary causes of head acne: bacteria, yeasts, and mites.
The most effective shampoos to treat head acne should contain anti-fungal properties. These are often found in dandruff formulas. The theory is, if the shampoo is effective against bacteria, dandruff, buildup, and excess oils, it should be effective against acne & pustules.
Medicated vs Natural Shampoos
Don’t be so closed-minded that you only swing one way. Sometimes beating head acne or learning how to treat acne means leaving the natural products behind and using a medicated shampoo. And, other times it means taking a break from the meds (over the counter)and embracing the witchy-poo, holistic products!
Pros & Cons of Medicated Acne Shampoos:
- Readily available
- Extremely effective
- Dermatologist recommended
- Often requires long term use
- May experience side effects to ingredients
- Requires research of unknown ingredients
Pros & Cons of Natural Acne Shampoos:
- Readily available
- Versatile use
- Safe for all hair types
- Contains all-natural ingredients
- Expensive
Tips for Beating Scalp Acne
Ditch the Conditioner
Many store conditioners have a high-oil content that can contribute to clogged pores, exacerbating scalp acne. Try giving your scalp a break by going without a conditioner treatment every once in a while. The exception to the rule is those with dry hair types.
Seems kind of ironic right? Well, to bust the myth, you can have dry hair but still have an oily and acne prone scalp or hairline, just like a T-zone or combination skin on your face.
Try using a gentle shampoo or if you can’t go without conditioner, don’t apply it to the roots. Use the conditioner ears down to the tips.
The Workout Rinse
If you’re a pretty active person, then I’m talking to you! Did you know that when you sweat, you’re oozing out a mixture of water and minerals? If you were to go all Einstein on these electrolytes lost through sweat, you’d see that magnesium, sodium, and potassium have rough edges and are solid.
When sweat mixes with sebum, these electrolytes are prone to clumping together, as well bringing everyone else for the joy ride – bacteria included. And, guess where it goes? Right back into your pores – clogged. Guess what happens next? A zit or two, or even worse, a breakout!
Rinse your hair after your workout! Even if you workout daily, you could get away with not doing the whole poo and conditioner routine every day. If you find that plain water isn’t doing the trick, a DIY 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water can breakdown sweat molecules and buildup. Done!
Tea Tree Oil
How many times have you picked up a poo bottle to find added fragrances, chemicals, and even “substances” that you can’t pronounce? Finding an effective acne shampoo can easily start with limiting the ingredients list. But, what’s with the hype of tea tree oil?
It has anti-septic properties and is revered for killing off and preventing the growth of those common causes of scalp acne – bacteria, viruses, and fungi!
But, even more to the point, it’s also known to beat antibiotic-resistant bacteria! It’s a win-win miracle oil!
Rethink Hair Products
Do you love your hair wax, gel, and mousse? So much so that you can’t bear the thought of giving them up? Well, sorry to inform you, it might be the cause of your acne!
Hair products, especially greasy, oily, and heavy ones, aren’t easily absorbed by the hair. So, where does it go? It migrates, not to the North for heat or to the South to cool down. It migrates to the luscious and easily absorbent scalp. A layer of film rests on the scalp helping to block and clog pores.
The result is a lack of circulation with unreleased sweat and sebum – the makings of a breakout!
Try going without any additional hair products to give your scalp a break and some breathing room. You can get away with using them if you have long hair and you’re only applying further down the strand and closer to the ends.
And while you are rethinking your hair products, you might also like to rethink the products you use on your face, choosing face washes, moisturizers and toners specifically for acne prone skin will go a long way towards gaining control of your outbreaks.
Get Blitzy & Blingy in all the Right Ways!
Just one, visible zit can ruin your whole day, week, or month! And, if you really love your scalp and hair, you won’t let it get blitzy, glitzy, and blingy in all the wrong ways!
Buying the best shampoo for scalp acne might mean a little experimenting, but when you find it, keep at it. The only things will be blitzy and glitzy are the bling-bling earrings you’ll be rocking!
Related Articles:
- Best Sulfate Free Shampoos: Good for Dandruff, Colored, Curly, Fine & Keratin Treated Hair
- Best Sulfate Free Shampoos for Curly & Frizzy Hair (Top 3 Products Reviewed)
- Best Sulfate Free Shampoos for Color-Treated Hair (Whatever the Color!)
- Best Sulfate Free Dandruff Shampoo (Top 3 Choices for Color-Treated Hair)
If you’re looking to add the best shampoo for scalp acne to your shower routine to aid other acne-fighting products, the Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo will be the perfect addition to your grooming family!
It’s an anti-residue shampoo that you only need to use once a week to get the benefits of a clean, bacteria-free head!
With just one wash, it will instantly remove 90 percent of buildup in your hair from everything else you’ve slathered on during the week. This is good news for the acne prone who don’t want to give up their favored hair gels and mousses, or even those who can’t live without their beloved poos and conditioners!
After your once-a-week wash with the stuff, you’ll also notice that your other shampoo will be much more effective. Even severely damaged, processed, and dry hair types can benefit from the cleansing powers of the Anti-Residue Shampoo!
Dullness, be gone! Shine, restored!
No artificial dyes, colorants, and parabens are allowed, keeping you sensitive and acne-prone skin types in mind!
And, if you have zits, bumps, and blackheads that not only prowl on your hairline and face, but on your shoulders, back, and anywhere else, feel free to slather a dab or two on those areas for a disinfecting body wash.
Main Benefits:
- Instant benefits
- Removes dullness and buildup
- Restores shine
- Aids other shampoos
- Price
Main Drawbacks:
- Unpleasant smell
- Contains sulfates
Customer Reviews
Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo allows users to still slather on their favorite hair products, but still benefit from a clarifying and cleansing wash during the week. And, the best part about it – it works like a pro!
If you’re picky about certain ingredients in your hair products, this mightn’t be for you. It also smells medicinal to some users.
But, if you want something that works far superior to others, than you might want to put your au natural lifestyle aside to try at least one wash… the bottle is small and affordable enough.
Popular Questions (and Answers)
Neutrogena Anti-Residue Features:
- Very affordable
- Available in bulk packs
- Effective and instant
- For all hair types
- Once-a-week treatment
The Amara Organics Aloe Vera Gel isn’t a shampoo per se, but it’s an excellent addition to your shampoo or even as a pre-poo treatment. While aloe vera has been long known as a skin and sunburn treatment, it has excellent benefits for your scalp, including reducing scalp acne!
As a poo, just slather this stuff in with your current shampoo while in the shower and go for it! The miracle healing ingredient will cool, calm, soothe, and relieve your scalp from itchiness, scalp sores, and irritated bumps… do any of these ailments sound familiar to you acne-ridden types?
If you want to give your scalp even more concentrated aloe vera power then use it after you shampoo and leave it in for a few minutes before rinsing out! Hey, how about not rinsing it out? It can work miracles when used as a leave-in treatment too.
The Amara Gel contains 99.75 percent pure, cold-pressed aloe vera from plants grown organically in the USA.
No chemicals help to make the Aloe Vera Gel great, and that includes alcohol, fragrance, and added colors!
Main Benefits:
- 100% natural
- Cold-pressed
- Great for acne
- Absorbs quickly
- For all hair types
Main Drawbacks:
- Price
- Technically not a shampoo
Customer Reviews
The Amara Organics Aloe Vera Gel is an extremely popular product that’s being used by people like you to treat scalp acne and acne prone skin. It’s the best natural and most versatile treatment for head acne!
There are no rules saying you can’t use it as a poo treatment, but it does have a hefty price for 8 ounces.
But, when you can use the Amara Gel however you want to rid your scalp of acne, who cares? Your scalp won’t – it will thank you with flake-free and grease-free hair!
Popular Questions (and Answers)
Amara Organics Aloe Vera Gel Features:
- Versatile
- Soothes and heals
- Cleanses and hydrates
- Safe for colored hair
- Reduces and prevents acne
Which is the Best Scalp Acne Shampoo For You?
Our line-up of the best shampoos for scalp acne have been scrutinized and tested by real buyers and users who have weighed in on the debate. And, the verdict is in!
We’ll reveal the best poos to rid you of head acne for good!
Best Shampoo For Anti-Bacterial Benefits...
There’s no doubt that the Healthy Hair Plus ANTI-b Antibacterial Shampoo is the best-equipped poo to aid you in your scalp acne treatment journey.
It’s already winning the popular vote as it fights off breakouts by not allowing a single organism to live if its going to rise up an acne rebellion!
Best Shampoo For the Sensitive...
Having sensitive skin doesn’t always mean prone to allergy and reactions. It can also mean having acne prone skin. And, the best product in the line-up that takes all sensitivities into consideration is the Free & Clear Hair Shampoo for Sensitive Skin.
If you’re super sensitive in any way, this is your best bet.
Best Shampoo For Preventing Breakouts...
Preventing breakouts means having a mop of hair that bacteria can’t stand to inhibit. And, the Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo is the best treatment for spraying down the grounds, disinfecting the soil (your scalp), and digging up the weeds (your pore-laden follicles).
Don’t let bacteria and bugs take advantage of your healthy head of a garden – prevent the onslaught of a breakout by bringing in the hose!
Best Shampoo For the Lazy...
If you’re looking for low maintenance acne work, but you want extremely effective results when you do get the time to do it, then you want the Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo!
A once-a-week treatment is sometimes all you need to beat the bumps and dispel the excess oil!
Best Shampoo For the Unconventional...
If you’re not a fool for labels, then you’ll appreciate the versatility of Amara Organics Aloe Vera Gel.
Your bumps and zits will bother you no longer because you braved the unconventional approach of dodging the marketing tactics of the hair and skin industry and went with your gut!
Use the gel to create a concoction or use it on its own to holistically treat your head acne and prevent breakouts!
Our Top Pick...
Our top pick, the Maple Holistics Tea Tree Oil Shampoo, is extremely popular because it degreases hair, encourages healthy hair growth, and it’s also the best dandruff shampoo for acne!
It uses all-natural oils to set up an acne-free, excess oil-free, and dandruff-free zone! Because it helps not only the scalp but the hair too, it gets our most-coveted top pick spot!
Scalp Acne Shampoo Buying Guide
What is Scalp Acne?
If you’ve ever dealt with a pimple on your face, back, or shoulder, imagine having one on your scalp. A bristle of a brush would scratch it, the excess goo and sebum could destroy your whole coiffure, and if you have thinning hair… well, there’s no trying to hide it!
Scalp acne is also known as Scalp Folliculitis. Small pimples will form on your head, most commonly around the hairline, but they can also appear anywhere over your scalp. They are itchy, sore, swollen, and can crust.
So, while many shampoos may not be directly marketed to acne, if they’re made to treat many of the symptoms associated with acne, you should be good to go. But, what is acne?
While sebum is needed to lubricate the skin, yes even the skin and hair follicles on your scalp, pores that produce excess sebum can get blocked with everything there is in the surrounding area like bacteria.
This blockage is quickly recognized by the body as an infection, and with an infection comes swelling, tenderness, itchiness, and redness. And, then you have the tell-tale pimple and zit.
And, while scalp acne can be treated with hair and skin products, you could also have a medical condition that’s been caused by internal and/or hormonal disorders.
So, if you’re dealing with a case that’s more complicated than just a moderate breakout or a seasonal bout, you should see a dermatologist for consultation, recommended products, and supervision.
Causes of Scalp Acne and Relationship to Shampoo
Scalp acne is a not fully understood condition. So, while one shampoo might work for you, another might work for someone else. But, experts have narrowed down the primary causes of head acne: bacteria, yeasts, and mites.
The most effective shampoos to treat head acne should contain anti-fungal properties. These are often found in dandruff formulas. The theory is, if the shampoo is effective against bacteria, dandruff, buildup, and excess oils, it should be effective against acne & pustules.
Medicated vs Natural Shampoos
Don’t be so closed-minded that you only swing one way. Sometimes beating head acne or learning how to treat acne means leaving the natural products behind and using a medicated shampoo. And, other times it means taking a break from the meds (over the counter)and embracing the witchy-poo, holistic products!
Pros & Cons of Medicated Acne Shampoos:
- Readily available
- Extremely effective
- Dermatologist recommended
- Often requires long term use
- May experience side effects to ingredients
- Requires research of unknown ingredients
Pros & Cons of Natural Acne Shampoos:
- Readily available
- Versatile use
- Safe for all hair types
- Contains all-natural ingredients
- Expensive
Tips for Beating Scalp Acne
Ditch the Conditioner
Many store conditioners have a high-oil content that can contribute to clogged pores, exacerbating scalp acne. Try giving your scalp a break by going without a conditioner treatment every once in a while. The exception to the rule is those with dry hair types.
Seems kind of ironic right? Well, to bust the myth, you can have dry hair but still have an oily and acne prone scalp or hairline, just like a T-zone or combination skin on your face.
Try using a gentle shampoo or if you can’t go without conditioner, don’t apply it to the roots. Use the conditioner ears down to the tips.
The Workout Rinse
If you’re a pretty active person, then I’m talking to you! Did you know that when you sweat, you’re oozing out a mixture of water and minerals? If you were to go all Einstein on these electrolytes lost through sweat, you’d see that magnesium, sodium, and potassium have rough edges and are solid.
When sweat mixes with sebum, these electrolytes are prone to clumping together, as well bringing everyone else for the joy ride – bacteria included. And, guess where it goes? Right back into your pores – clogged. Guess what happens next? A zit or two, or even worse, a breakout!
Rinse your hair after your workout! Even if you workout daily, you could get away with not doing the whole poo and conditioner routine every day. If you find that plain water isn’t doing the trick, a DIY 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water can breakdown sweat molecules and buildup. Done!
Tea Tree Oil
How many times have you picked up a poo bottle to find added fragrances, chemicals, and even “substances” that you can’t pronounce? Finding an effective acne shampoo can easily start with limiting the ingredients list. But, what’s with the hype of tea tree oil?
It has anti-septic properties and is revered for killing off and preventing the growth of those common causes of scalp acne – bacteria, viruses, and fungi!
But, even more to the point, it’s also known to beat antibiotic-resistant bacteria! It’s a win-win miracle oil!
Rethink Hair Products
Do you love your hair wax, gel, and mousse? So much so that you can’t bear the thought of giving them up? Well, sorry to inform you, it might be the cause of your acne!
Hair products, especially greasy, oily, and heavy ones, aren’t easily absorbed by the hair. So, where does it go? It migrates, not to the North for heat or to the South to cool down. It migrates to the luscious and easily absorbent scalp. A layer of film rests on the scalp helping to block and clog pores.
The result is a lack of circulation with unreleased sweat and sebum – the makings of a breakout!
Try going without any additional hair products to give your scalp a break and some breathing room. You can get away with using them if you have long hair and you’re only applying further down the strand and closer to the ends.
And while you are rethinking your hair products, you might also like to rethink the products you use on your face, choosing face washes, moisturizers and toners specifically for acne prone skin will go a long way towards gaining control of your outbreaks.
Get Blitzy & Blingy in all the Right Ways!
Just one, visible zit can ruin your whole day, week, or month! And, if you really love your scalp and hair, you won’t let it get blitzy, glitzy, and blingy in all the wrong ways!
Buying the best shampoo for scalp acne might mean a little experimenting, but when you find it, keep at it. The only things will be blitzy and glitzy are the bling-bling earrings you’ll be rocking!
Related Articles:
- Best Sulfate Free Shampoos: Good for Dandruff, Colored, Curly, Fine & Keratin Treated Hair
- Best Sulfate Free Shampoos for Curly & Frizzy Hair (Top 3 Products Reviewed)
- Best Sulfate Free Shampoos for Color-Treated Hair (Whatever the Color!)
- Best Sulfate Free Dandruff Shampoo (Top 3 Choices for Color-Treated Hair)
There’s no doubt that the Healthy Hair Plus ANTI-b Antibacterial Shampoo is the best-equipped poo to aid you in your scalp acne treatment journey.
It’s already winning the popular vote as it fights off breakouts by not allowing a single organism to live if its going to rise up an acne rebellion!
Having sensitive skin doesn’t always mean prone to allergy and reactions. It can also mean having acne prone skin. And, the best product in the line-up that takes all sensitivities into consideration is the Free & Clear Hair Shampoo for Sensitive Skin.
If you’re super sensitive in any way, this is your best bet.
Best Shampoo For Preventing Breakouts...
Preventing breakouts means having a mop of hair that bacteria can’t stand to inhibit. And, the Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo is the best treatment for spraying down the grounds, disinfecting the soil (your scalp), and digging up the weeds (your pore-laden follicles).
Don’t let bacteria and bugs take advantage of your healthy head of a garden – prevent the onslaught of a breakout by bringing in the hose!
Best Shampoo For the Lazy...
If you’re looking for low maintenance acne work, but you want extremely effective results when you do get the time to do it, then you want the Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo!
A once-a-week treatment is sometimes all you need to beat the bumps and dispel the excess oil!
Best Shampoo For the Unconventional...
If you’re not a fool for labels, then you’ll appreciate the versatility of Amara Organics Aloe Vera Gel.
Your bumps and zits will bother you no longer because you braved the unconventional approach of dodging the marketing tactics of the hair and skin industry and went with your gut!
Use the gel to create a concoction or use it on its own to holistically treat your head acne and prevent breakouts!
Our Top Pick...
Our top pick, the Maple Holistics Tea Tree Oil Shampoo, is extremely popular because it degreases hair, encourages healthy hair growth, and it’s also the best dandruff shampoo for acne!
It uses all-natural oils to set up an acne-free, excess oil-free, and dandruff-free zone! Because it helps not only the scalp but the hair too, it gets our most-coveted top pick spot!
Scalp Acne Shampoo Buying Guide
What is Scalp Acne?
If you’ve ever dealt with a pimple on your face, back, or shoulder, imagine having one on your scalp. A bristle of a brush would scratch it, the excess goo and sebum could destroy your whole coiffure, and if you have thinning hair… well, there’s no trying to hide it!
Scalp acne is also known as Scalp Folliculitis. Small pimples will form on your head, most commonly around the hairline, but they can also appear anywhere over your scalp. They are itchy, sore, swollen, and can crust.
So, while many shampoos may not be directly marketed to acne, if they’re made to treat many of the symptoms associated with acne, you should be good to go. But, what is acne?
While sebum is needed to lubricate the skin, yes even the skin and hair follicles on your scalp, pores that produce excess sebum can get blocked with everything there is in the surrounding area like bacteria.
This blockage is quickly recognized by the body as an infection, and with an infection comes swelling, tenderness, itchiness, and redness. And, then you have the tell-tale pimple and zit.
And, while scalp acne can be treated with hair and skin products, you could also have a medical condition that’s been caused by internal and/or hormonal disorders.
So, if you’re dealing with a case that’s more complicated than just a moderate breakout or a seasonal bout, you should see a dermatologist for consultation, recommended products, and supervision.
Causes of Scalp Acne and Relationship to Shampoo
Scalp acne is a not fully understood condition. So, while one shampoo might work for you, another might work for someone else. But, experts have narrowed down the primary causes of head acne: bacteria, yeasts, and mites.
The most effective shampoos to treat head acne should contain anti-fungal properties. These are often found in dandruff formulas. The theory is, if the shampoo is effective against bacteria, dandruff, buildup, and excess oils, it should be effective against acne & pustules.
Medicated vs Natural Shampoos
Don’t be so closed-minded that you only swing one way. Sometimes beating head acne or learning how to treat acne means leaving the natural products behind and using a medicated shampoo. And, other times it means taking a break from the meds (over the counter)and embracing the witchy-poo, holistic products!
Pros & Cons of Medicated Acne Shampoos:
- Readily available
- Extremely effective
- Dermatologist recommended
- Often requires long term use
- May experience side effects to ingredients
- Requires research of unknown ingredients
Pros & Cons of Natural Acne Shampoos:
- Readily available
- Versatile use
- Safe for all hair types
- Contains all-natural ingredients
- Expensive
Tips for Beating Scalp Acne
Ditch the Conditioner
Many store conditioners have a high-oil content that can contribute to clogged pores, exacerbating scalp acne. Try giving your scalp a break by going without a conditioner treatment every once in a while. The exception to the rule is those with dry hair types.
Seems kind of ironic right? Well, to bust the myth, you can have dry hair but still have an oily and acne prone scalp or hairline, just like a T-zone or combination skin on your face.
Try using a gentle shampoo or if you can’t go without conditioner, don’t apply it to the roots. Use the conditioner ears down to the tips.
The Workout Rinse
If you’re a pretty active person, then I’m talking to you! Did you know that when you sweat, you’re oozing out a mixture of water and minerals? If you were to go all Einstein on these electrolytes lost through sweat, you’d see that magnesium, sodium, and potassium have rough edges and are solid.
When sweat mixes with sebum, these electrolytes are prone to clumping together, as well bringing everyone else for the joy ride – bacteria included. And, guess where it goes? Right back into your pores – clogged. Guess what happens next? A zit or two, or even worse, a breakout!
Rinse your hair after your workout! Even if you workout daily, you could get away with not doing the whole poo and conditioner routine every day. If you find that plain water isn’t doing the trick, a DIY 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water can breakdown sweat molecules and buildup. Done!
Tea Tree Oil
How many times have you picked up a poo bottle to find added fragrances, chemicals, and even “substances” that you can’t pronounce? Finding an effective acne shampoo can easily start with limiting the ingredients list. But, what’s with the hype of tea tree oil?
It has anti-septic properties and is revered for killing off and preventing the growth of those common causes of scalp acne – bacteria, viruses, and fungi!
But, even more to the point, it’s also known to beat antibiotic-resistant bacteria! It’s a win-win miracle oil!
Rethink Hair Products
Do you love your hair wax, gel, and mousse? So much so that you can’t bear the thought of giving them up? Well, sorry to inform you, it might be the cause of your acne!
Hair products, especially greasy, oily, and heavy ones, aren’t easily absorbed by the hair. So, where does it go? It migrates, not to the North for heat or to the South to cool down. It migrates to the luscious and easily absorbent scalp. A layer of film rests on the scalp helping to block and clog pores.
The result is a lack of circulation with unreleased sweat and sebum – the makings of a breakout!
Try going without any additional hair products to give your scalp a break and some breathing room. You can get away with using them if you have long hair and you’re only applying further down the strand and closer to the ends.
And while you are rethinking your hair products, you might also like to rethink the products you use on your face, choosing face washes, moisturizers and toners specifically for acne prone skin will go a long way towards gaining control of your outbreaks.
Get Blitzy & Blingy in all the Right Ways!
Just one, visible zit can ruin your whole day, week, or month! And, if you really love your scalp and hair, you won’t let it get blitzy, glitzy, and blingy in all the wrong ways!
Buying the best shampoo for scalp acne might mean a little experimenting, but when you find it, keep at it. The only things will be blitzy and glitzy are the bling-bling earrings you’ll be rocking!
Related Articles:
- Best Sulfate Free Shampoos: Good for Dandruff, Colored, Curly, Fine & Keratin Treated Hair
- Best Sulfate Free Shampoos for Curly & Frizzy Hair (Top 3 Products Reviewed)
- Best Sulfate Free Shampoos for Color-Treated Hair (Whatever the Color!)
- Best Sulfate Free Dandruff Shampoo (Top 3 Choices for Color-Treated Hair)
Preventing breakouts means having a mop of hair that bacteria can’t stand to inhibit. And, the Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo is the best treatment for spraying down the grounds, disinfecting the soil (your scalp), and digging up the weeds (your pore-laden follicles).
Don’t let bacteria and bugs take advantage of your healthy head of a garden – prevent the onslaught of a breakout by bringing in the hose!
If you’re looking for low maintenance acne work, but you want extremely effective results when you do get the time to do it, then you want the Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo!
A once-a-week treatment is sometimes all you need to beat the bumps and dispel the excess oil!
Best Shampoo For the Unconventional...
If you’re not a fool for labels, then you’ll appreciate the versatility of Amara Organics Aloe Vera Gel.
Your bumps and zits will bother you no longer because you braved the unconventional approach of dodging the marketing tactics of the hair and skin industry and went with your gut!
Use the gel to create a concoction or use it on its own to holistically treat your head acne and prevent breakouts!
Our Top Pick...
Our top pick, the Maple Holistics Tea Tree Oil Shampoo, is extremely popular because it degreases hair, encourages healthy hair growth, and it’s also the best dandruff shampoo for acne!
It uses all-natural oils to set up an acne-free, excess oil-free, and dandruff-free zone! Because it helps not only the scalp but the hair too, it gets our most-coveted top pick spot!
Scalp Acne Shampoo Buying Guide
What is Scalp Acne?
If you’ve ever dealt with a pimple on your face, back, or shoulder, imagine having one on your scalp. A bristle of a brush would scratch it, the excess goo and sebum could destroy your whole coiffure, and if you have thinning hair… well, there’s no trying to hide it!
Scalp acne is also known as Scalp Folliculitis. Small pimples will form on your head, most commonly around the hairline, but they can also appear anywhere over your scalp. They are itchy, sore, swollen, and can crust.
So, while many shampoos may not be directly marketed to acne, if they’re made to treat many of the symptoms associated with acne, you should be good to go. But, what is acne?
While sebum is needed to lubricate the skin, yes even the skin and hair follicles on your scalp, pores that produce excess sebum can get blocked with everything there is in the surrounding area like bacteria.
This blockage is quickly recognized by the body as an infection, and with an infection comes swelling, tenderness, itchiness, and redness. And, then you have the tell-tale pimple and zit.
And, while scalp acne can be treated with hair and skin products, you could also have a medical condition that’s been caused by internal and/or hormonal disorders.
So, if you’re dealing with a case that’s more complicated than just a moderate breakout or a seasonal bout, you should see a dermatologist for consultation, recommended products, and supervision.
Causes of Scalp Acne and Relationship to Shampoo
Scalp acne is a not fully understood condition. So, while one shampoo might work for you, another might work for someone else. But, experts have narrowed down the primary causes of head acne: bacteria, yeasts, and mites.
The most effective shampoos to treat head acne should contain anti-fungal properties. These are often found in dandruff formulas. The theory is, if the shampoo is effective against bacteria, dandruff, buildup, and excess oils, it should be effective against acne & pustules.
Medicated vs Natural Shampoos
Don’t be so closed-minded that you only swing one way. Sometimes beating head acne or learning how to treat acne means leaving the natural products behind and using a medicated shampoo. And, other times it means taking a break from the meds (over the counter)and embracing the witchy-poo, holistic products!
Pros & Cons of Medicated Acne Shampoos:
- Readily available
- Extremely effective
- Dermatologist recommended
- Often requires long term use
- May experience side effects to ingredients
- Requires research of unknown ingredients
Pros & Cons of Natural Acne Shampoos:
- Readily available
- Versatile use
- Safe for all hair types
- Contains all-natural ingredients
- Expensive
Tips for Beating Scalp Acne
Ditch the Conditioner
Many store conditioners have a high-oil content that can contribute to clogged pores, exacerbating scalp acne. Try giving your scalp a break by going without a conditioner treatment every once in a while. The exception to the rule is those with dry hair types.
Seems kind of ironic right? Well, to bust the myth, you can have dry hair but still have an oily and acne prone scalp or hairline, just like a T-zone or combination skin on your face.
Try using a gentle shampoo or if you can’t go without conditioner, don’t apply it to the roots. Use the conditioner ears down to the tips.
The Workout Rinse
If you’re a pretty active person, then I’m talking to you! Did you know that when you sweat, you’re oozing out a mixture of water and minerals? If you were to go all Einstein on these electrolytes lost through sweat, you’d see that magnesium, sodium, and potassium have rough edges and are solid.
When sweat mixes with sebum, these electrolytes are prone to clumping together, as well bringing everyone else for the joy ride – bacteria included. And, guess where it goes? Right back into your pores – clogged. Guess what happens next? A zit or two, or even worse, a breakout!
Rinse your hair after your workout! Even if you workout daily, you could get away with not doing the whole poo and conditioner routine every day. If you find that plain water isn’t doing the trick, a DIY 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water can breakdown sweat molecules and buildup. Done!
Tea Tree Oil
How many times have you picked up a poo bottle to find added fragrances, chemicals, and even “substances” that you can’t pronounce? Finding an effective acne shampoo can easily start with limiting the ingredients list. But, what’s with the hype of tea tree oil?
It has anti-septic properties and is revered for killing off and preventing the growth of those common causes of scalp acne – bacteria, viruses, and fungi!
But, even more to the point, it’s also known to beat antibiotic-resistant bacteria! It’s a win-win miracle oil!
Rethink Hair Products
Do you love your hair wax, gel, and mousse? So much so that you can’t bear the thought of giving them up? Well, sorry to inform you, it might be the cause of your acne!
Hair products, especially greasy, oily, and heavy ones, aren’t easily absorbed by the hair. So, where does it go? It migrates, not to the North for heat or to the South to cool down. It migrates to the luscious and easily absorbent scalp. A layer of film rests on the scalp helping to block and clog pores.
The result is a lack of circulation with unreleased sweat and sebum – the makings of a breakout!
Try going without any additional hair products to give your scalp a break and some breathing room. You can get away with using them if you have long hair and you’re only applying further down the strand and closer to the ends.
And while you are rethinking your hair products, you might also like to rethink the products you use on your face, choosing face washes, moisturizers and toners specifically for acne prone skin will go a long way towards gaining control of your outbreaks.
Get Blitzy & Blingy in all the Right Ways!
Just one, visible zit can ruin your whole day, week, or month! And, if you really love your scalp and hair, you won’t let it get blitzy, glitzy, and blingy in all the wrong ways!
Buying the best shampoo for scalp acne might mean a little experimenting, but when you find it, keep at it. The only things will be blitzy and glitzy are the bling-bling earrings you’ll be rocking!
Related Articles:
- Best Sulfate Free Shampoos: Good for Dandruff, Colored, Curly, Fine & Keratin Treated Hair
- Best Sulfate Free Shampoos for Curly & Frizzy Hair (Top 3 Products Reviewed)
- Best Sulfate Free Shampoos for Color-Treated Hair (Whatever the Color!)
- Best Sulfate Free Dandruff Shampoo (Top 3 Choices for Color-Treated Hair)
If you’re not a fool for labels, then you’ll appreciate the versatility of Amara Organics Aloe Vera Gel.
Your bumps and zits will bother you no longer because you braved the unconventional approach of dodging the marketing tactics of the hair and skin industry and went with your gut!
Use the gel to create a concoction or use it on its own to holistically treat your head acne and prevent breakouts!
Our top pick, the Maple Holistics Tea Tree Oil Shampoo, is extremely popular because it degreases hair, encourages healthy hair growth, and it’s also the best dandruff shampoo for acne!
It uses all-natural oils to set up an acne-free, excess oil-free, and dandruff-free zone! Because it helps not only the scalp but the hair too, it gets our most-coveted top pick spot!
Scalp Acne Shampoo Buying Guide
What is Scalp Acne?
If you’ve ever dealt with a pimple on your face, back, or shoulder, imagine having one on your scalp. A bristle of a brush would scratch it, the excess goo and sebum could destroy your whole coiffure, and if you have thinning hair… well, there’s no trying to hide it!
Scalp acne is also known as Scalp Folliculitis. Small pimples will form on your head, most commonly around the hairline, but they can also appear anywhere over your scalp. They are itchy, sore, swollen, and can crust.
So, while many shampoos may not be directly marketed to acne, if they’re made to treat many of the symptoms associated with acne, you should be good to go. But, what is acne?
While sebum is needed to lubricate the skin, yes even the skin and hair follicles on your scalp, pores that produce excess sebum can get blocked with everything there is in the surrounding area like bacteria.
This blockage is quickly recognized by the body as an infection, and with an infection comes swelling, tenderness, itchiness, and redness. And, then you have the tell-tale pimple and zit.
And, while scalp acne can be treated with hair and skin products, you could also have a medical condition that’s been caused by internal and/or hormonal disorders.
So, if you’re dealing with a case that’s more complicated than just a moderate breakout or a seasonal bout, you should see a dermatologist for consultation, recommended products, and supervision.
Causes of Scalp Acne and Relationship to Shampoo
Scalp acne is a not fully understood condition. So, while one shampoo might work for you, another might work for someone else. But, experts have narrowed down the primary causes of head acne: bacteria, yeasts, and mites.
The most effective shampoos to treat head acne should contain anti-fungal properties. These are often found in dandruff formulas. The theory is, if the shampoo is effective against bacteria, dandruff, buildup, and excess oils, it should be effective against acne & pustules.
Medicated vs Natural Shampoos
Don’t be so closed-minded that you only swing one way. Sometimes beating head acne or learning how to treat acne means leaving the natural products behind and using a medicated shampoo. And, other times it means taking a break from the meds (over the counter)and embracing the witchy-poo, holistic products!
Pros & Cons of Medicated Acne Shampoos:
- Readily available
- Extremely effective
- Dermatologist recommended
- Often requires long term use
- May experience side effects to ingredients
- Requires research of unknown ingredients
Pros & Cons of Natural Acne Shampoos:
- Readily available
- Versatile use
- Safe for all hair types
- Contains all-natural ingredients
- Expensive
Tips for Beating Scalp Acne
Ditch the Conditioner
Many store conditioners have a high-oil content that can contribute to clogged pores, exacerbating scalp acne. Try giving your scalp a break by going without a conditioner treatment every once in a while. The exception to the rule is those with dry hair types.
Seems kind of ironic right? Well, to bust the myth, you can have dry hair but still have an oily and acne prone scalp or hairline, just like a T-zone or combination skin on your face.
Try using a gentle shampoo or if you can’t go without conditioner, don’t apply it to the roots. Use the conditioner ears down to the tips.
The Workout Rinse
If you’re a pretty active person, then I’m talking to you! Did you know that when you sweat, you’re oozing out a mixture of water and minerals? If you were to go all Einstein on these electrolytes lost through sweat, you’d see that magnesium, sodium, and potassium have rough edges and are solid.
When sweat mixes with sebum, these electrolytes are prone to clumping together, as well bringing everyone else for the joy ride – bacteria included. And, guess where it goes? Right back into your pores – clogged. Guess what happens next? A zit or two, or even worse, a breakout!
Rinse your hair after your workout! Even if you workout daily, you could get away with not doing the whole poo and conditioner routine every day. If you find that plain water isn’t doing the trick, a DIY 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water can breakdown sweat molecules and buildup. Done!
Tea Tree Oil
How many times have you picked up a poo bottle to find added fragrances, chemicals, and even “substances” that you can’t pronounce? Finding an effective acne shampoo can easily start with limiting the ingredients list. But, what’s with the hype of tea tree oil?
It has anti-septic properties and is revered for killing off and preventing the growth of those common causes of scalp acne – bacteria, viruses, and fungi!
But, even more to the point, it’s also known to beat antibiotic-resistant bacteria! It’s a win-win miracle oil!
Rethink Hair Products
Do you love your hair wax, gel, and mousse? So much so that you can’t bear the thought of giving them up? Well, sorry to inform you, it might be the cause of your acne!
Hair products, especially greasy, oily, and heavy ones, aren’t easily absorbed by the hair. So, where does it go? It migrates, not to the North for heat or to the South to cool down. It migrates to the luscious and easily absorbent scalp. A layer of film rests on the scalp helping to block and clog pores.
The result is a lack of circulation with unreleased sweat and sebum – the makings of a breakout!
Try going without any additional hair products to give your scalp a break and some breathing room. You can get away with using them if you have long hair and you’re only applying further down the strand and closer to the ends.
And while you are rethinking your hair products, you might also like to rethink the products you use on your face, choosing face washes, moisturizers and toners specifically for acne prone skin will go a long way towards gaining control of your outbreaks.
Get Blitzy & Blingy in all the Right Ways!
Just one, visible zit can ruin your whole day, week, or month! And, if you really love your scalp and hair, you won’t let it get blitzy, glitzy, and blingy in all the wrong ways!
Buying the best shampoo for scalp acne might mean a little experimenting, but when you find it, keep at it. The only things will be blitzy and glitzy are the bling-bling earrings you’ll be rocking!
Related Articles:
- Best Sulfate Free Shampoos: Good for Dandruff, Colored, Curly, Fine & Keratin Treated Hair
- Best Sulfate Free Shampoos for Curly & Frizzy Hair (Top 3 Products Reviewed)
- Best Sulfate Free Shampoos for Color-Treated Hair (Whatever the Color!)
- Best Sulfate Free Dandruff Shampoo (Top 3 Choices for Color-Treated Hair)
Many store conditioners have a high-oil content that can contribute to clogged pores, exacerbating scalp acne. Try giving your scalp a break by going without a conditioner treatment every once in a while. The exception to the rule is those with dry hair types.
Seems kind of ironic right? Well, to bust the myth, you can have dry hair but still have an oily and acne prone scalp or hairline, just like a T-zone or combination skin on your face.
Try using a gentle shampoo or if you can’t go without conditioner, don’t apply it to the roots. Use the conditioner ears down to the tips.
If you’re a pretty active person, then I’m talking to you! Did you know that when you sweat, you’re oozing out a mixture of water and minerals? If you were to go all Einstein on these electrolytes lost through sweat, you’d see that magnesium, sodium, and potassium have rough edges and are solid.
When sweat mixes with sebum, these electrolytes are prone to clumping together, as well bringing everyone else for the joy ride – bacteria included. And, guess where it goes? Right back into your pores – clogged. Guess what happens next? A zit or two, or even worse, a breakout!
Rinse your hair after your workout! Even if you workout daily, you could get away with not doing the whole poo and conditioner routine every day. If you find that plain water isn’t doing the trick, a DIY 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water can breakdown sweat molecules and buildup. Done!
Tea Tree Oil
How many times have you picked up a poo bottle to find added fragrances, chemicals, and even “substances” that you can’t pronounce? Finding an effective acne shampoo can easily start with limiting the ingredients list. But, what’s with the hype of tea tree oil?
It has anti-septic properties and is revered for killing off and preventing the growth of those common causes of scalp acne – bacteria, viruses, and fungi!
But, even more to the point, it’s also known to beat antibiotic-resistant bacteria! It’s a win-win miracle oil!
Rethink Hair Products
Do you love your hair wax, gel, and mousse? So much so that you can’t bear the thought of giving them up? Well, sorry to inform you, it might be the cause of your acne!
Hair products, especially greasy, oily, and heavy ones, aren’t easily absorbed by the hair. So, where does it go? It migrates, not to the North for heat or to the South to cool down. It migrates to the luscious and easily absorbent scalp. A layer of film rests on the scalp helping to block and clog pores.
The result is a lack of circulation with unreleased sweat and sebum – the makings of a breakout!
Try going without any additional hair products to give your scalp a break and some breathing room. You can get away with using them if you have long hair and you’re only applying further down the strand and closer to the ends.
And while you are rethinking your hair products, you might also like to rethink the products you use on your face, choosing face washes, moisturizers and toners specifically for acne prone skin will go a long way towards gaining control of your outbreaks.
Get Blitzy & Blingy in all the Right Ways!
Just one, visible zit can ruin your whole day, week, or month! And, if you really love your scalp and hair, you won’t let it get blitzy, glitzy, and blingy in all the wrong ways!
Buying the best shampoo for scalp acne might mean a little experimenting, but when you find it, keep at it. The only things will be blitzy and glitzy are the bling-bling earrings you’ll be rocking!
Related Articles:
- Best Sulfate Free Shampoos: Good for Dandruff, Colored, Curly, Fine & Keratin Treated Hair
- Best Sulfate Free Shampoos for Curly & Frizzy Hair (Top 3 Products Reviewed)
- Best Sulfate Free Shampoos for Color-Treated Hair (Whatever the Color!)
- Best Sulfate Free Dandruff Shampoo (Top 3 Choices for Color-Treated Hair)
How many times have you picked up a poo bottle to find added fragrances, chemicals, and even “substances” that you can’t pronounce? Finding an effective acne shampoo can easily start with limiting the ingredients list. But, what’s with the hype of tea tree oil?
It has anti-septic properties and is revered for killing off and preventing the growth of those common causes of scalp acne – bacteria, viruses, and fungi!
But, even more to the point, it’s also known to beat antibiotic-resistant bacteria! It’s a win-win miracle oil!
Do you love your hair wax, gel, and mousse? So much so that you can’t bear the thought of giving them up? Well, sorry to inform you, it might be the cause of your acne!
Hair products, especially greasy, oily, and heavy ones, aren’t easily absorbed by the hair. So, where does it go? It migrates, not to the North for heat or to the South to cool down. It migrates to the luscious and easily absorbent scalp. A layer of film rests on the scalp helping to block and clog pores.
The result is a lack of circulation with unreleased sweat and sebum – the makings of a breakout!
Try going without any additional hair products to give your scalp a break and some breathing room. You can get away with using them if you have long hair and you’re only applying further down the strand and closer to the ends.
And while you are rethinking your hair products, you might also like to rethink the products you use on your face, choosing face washes, moisturizers and toners specifically for acne prone skin will go a long way towards gaining control of your outbreaks.
Get Blitzy & Blingy in all the Right Ways!
Just one, visible zit can ruin your whole day, week, or month! And, if you really love your scalp and hair, you won’t let it get blitzy, glitzy, and blingy in all the wrong ways!
Buying the best shampoo for scalp acne might mean a little experimenting, but when you find it, keep at it. The only things will be blitzy and glitzy are the bling-bling earrings you’ll be rocking!
Related Articles:
- Best Sulfate Free Shampoos: Good for Dandruff, Colored, Curly, Fine & Keratin Treated Hair
- Best Sulfate Free Shampoos for Curly & Frizzy Hair (Top 3 Products Reviewed)
- Best Sulfate Free Shampoos for Color-Treated Hair (Whatever the Color!)
- Best Sulfate Free Dandruff Shampoo (Top 3 Choices for Color-Treated Hair)