What’s the Best Seborrheic Dermatitis Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair?

Seborrheic dermatitis is a fairly common scalp condition. But, just because it’s common doesn’t make it easy to deal with all the time. If you experience a trigger or flare-up, you could be dealing with bouts of this condition for years to come. When you have color-treated hair, treating the condition can be even harder.

One of the main symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis is flaking. Most people call it dandruff, but it’s more problematic. No one wants to deal with the embarrassment of dandruff, so they turn to products that can make the problem go away.

Over-the-counter products like anti-dandruff shampoos are one of the best ways to combat some of the effects of seborrheic dermatitis. But, to really manage the condition, shampoos containing ketoconazole or coal tar should be used.

Keep in mind that this scalp condition cannot be cured. But, with the right treatment and prevention methods, it can be managed. Most people who have it don’t dwell on it every day of their lives. When you know how to manage the condition, it becomes easier to live with, even if you have color-treated hair.

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Will Treating Seborrheic Dermatitis Strip My Hair of its Color?

If you choose to use a shampoo or another over-the-counter product to treat seborrheic dermatitis, you have to pay attention to the ingredients. Color-treated hair is affected differently by different products. The important thing is to look for products that are sulfate-free and contain as few chemicals as possible.

Sometimes, it can seem like a losing situation. You want to use a shampoo that is powerful enough to get rid of the scalp condition, but one that won’t strip your hair of its color. Thankfully, there are solutions out there!

This guide will go over some of the best options for seborrheic dermatitis shampoo that’s safe for color-treated hair. By using these products, you can manage this itchy scalp condition and the symptoms that go with it. At the same time, you won’t lose the vibrancy of your colored hair.

Chemical Sensitivities in Shampoos

Treating seborrheic dermatitis with shampoo is one of the easiest ways to keep the condition managed. But, not all shampoos are created equally. Traditional shampoos are full of skin irritants. They affect some people more than others. But, if you already have seborrheic dermatitis, you don’t want to risk using anything that could cause more harm to your scalp. If a shampoo irritates your scalp, it can cause an increase in itching.

There are a few things you should avoid when looking for a shampoo for seborrheic dermatitis. They include:

  • Sulfates (sulfates give shampoo its foaming power)
  • Parabens (parabens work as preservatives in the shampoo formula)
  • Fragrances (fragrances are often developed from alcohol, which can irritate the scalp)

Some people simply have allergies to certain ingredients. Knowing which sensitivities you have can really help you when it comes to choosing the right shampoo. The side effects of the wrong shampoo can make your seborrheic dermatitis even worse. It could increase some of the negative symptoms, like:

  • Itchiness
  • Red patches on the scalp
  • Flaking
  • Inflammation

Best Seborrheic Dermatitis Shampoo for Colored Hair

One of the best ways to end some of these issues is to choose a shampoo that is free of these problems. All-natural shampoos are usually safe for people struggling with this condition and who also have color-treated hair. Sometimes, though, you can count on a medicated shampoo to manage your scalp condition and not strip your hair color. Let’s go over the best of both of these options.

1) Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo isn’t an all-natural formula. But, it’s one of the best over-the-counter medicated shampoos available. While it is marketed only as a dandruff shampoo, it works well for seborrheic dermatitis and its other symptoms.

The main ingredient in this shampoo is ketoconazole. Ketoconazole is one of the best ways to fight back against the effects of seborrheic dermatitis. It is an antifungal agent that works really well in topical solutions like shampoo.

In this case, the ketoconazole in this formula will actually bind to the natural proteins in your hair. This makes it possible to use the shampoo infrequently and still get strong results. You don’t have to use it every day in order for it to be effective. The ketoconazole will also help to reduce any buildup of dead skin cells that may eventually flake off and cause dandruff.

Yes, Nizoral A-D contains chemicals. But, it is relatively safe for color-treated hair because you don’t have to use it every day. Some medicated shampoos need daily use. Some, you even have to leave in for several minutes before rinsing away.

Because you don’t need to use this shampoo each day, it can help to protect your hair color and make it last longer. The formula is strong enough to fight seborrheic dermatitis, but gentle enough that it won’t strip color-treated hair.

This gentle formula also makes side effects rare. Because it is a chemical-based solution, some people may be irritated by it. If you notice side effects like itching or redness, or if the condition doesn’t get better, stop using the product immediately.

2) Head and Shoulders Clinical Strength

Head and Shoulders is one of the most recognized brands for an anti-dandruff shampoo. The Head and Shoulders Clinical Strength product is designed to treat the effects of dandruff while dealing with seborrheic dermatitis.

Even though this is a clinical strength formula, it’s gentle enough for everyday use, even on color-treated or chemically-treated hair. When you choose a shampoo that is sulfate-free, you can use it every day without worrying about damaging your color.

This is a great option if you’re looking for a trustworthy brand that focuses both on symptoms and the root problem itself. This product claims to help with side effects associated with seborrheic dermatitis. Some of these include:

  • Itching
  • Flaking
  • Inflammation
  • Redness
  • Irritation

It’s an everyday shampoo you can feel confident and safe using because it won’t further damage your hair or take away the color. If you have your hair chemically-treated, you can feel safe with this shampoo, too. People with perms or weaves can use it freely without experiencing problems.

3) Era Organics Moisturizing Shampoo

If you’re looking for a shampoo that contains all-natural ingredients, try the Era Organics Moisturizing Shampoo. An organic shampoo is usually a safe bet when it comes to color-treated hair. It’s also one of the best ways of treating seborrheic dermatitis with shampoo.

There are many advantages to using an all-natural formula like this. The biggest, though, is that side effects are extremely rare. And, if you have color-treated hair, the formula doesn’t contain chemicals that will strip it.

So, what makes Era Organics a great shampoo for treating seborrheic dermatitis? The ingredients themselves. The ingredients in this shampoo are designed to heal and repair.

They include things like:

  • Manuka honey
  • Aloe leaf juice
  • Argan oil

It is a balanced pH formula that will restore your scalp to its healthiest state, no matter what type of skin condition you may have. Not only does it work with seborrheic dermatitis, but it helps with things like eczema and psoriasis, too.

One of the best things this shampoo does is to restore moisture and hydration to your hair and scalp. Ingredients like aloe leaf juice will also provide much-needed relief. Seborrheic dermatitis usually goes hand-in-hand with an itchy scalp. Itching is one of the most dangerous side effects, because the more you itch, the more problems you can create.

If you constantly itch your scalp because of the condition, you could potentially cut yourself and put yourself at risk for infection. Excessive itching can also lead to hair loss. This shampoo will help to strengthen your hair and provide itching relief. All these benefits rest on top of the fact that it won’t strip your hair of its color.

Which shampoo should I used with hair coloring?

Is Shampoo the Best Way to Treat Seborrheic Dermatitis?

There are several practical reasons to use shampoo to treat seborrheic dermatitis. First, it’s already a part of your regular routine. Whenever you shampoo your hair, just use a treatment shampoo instead. In some cases, like with the Nizoral A-D, you don’t even have to use it every day. It’s a cheap solution that treats your scalp in the process.

Another reason shampoo is such a good treatment choice is that it penetrates the scalp quickly. When you wash your hair, you’re working the medicated properties right into the skin. This can help to promote faster healing and reduce the symptoms of the condition quickly.

But, some people prefer other topical agents beyond their regular shampoo. There are many options for this. One of the best is Paul Mitchell’s Tea Tree Hair and Scalp Treatment. This isn’t meant to be a replacement for your shampoo. Rather, you should use it with your conditioner as a supplement for best results.

The main ingredients in Paul Mitchell’s shampoo are natural. As you might expect, it contains tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is a natural antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic agent. It will help to soothe the skin of your scalp while fighting back against seborrheic dermatitis.

If you’re worried about using shampoo frequently, you might want to consider another topical solution. Shampooing requires you to wash your hair, which can dry it out. By using another topical solution, you’re adding moisture back in. Some people simply prefer to go this route.

It’s mostly a matter of preference. If you do, though, make sure to look at the ingredients just the same. Any formula that causes your scalp to itch or burn should be avoided.

Can I Treat Seborrheic Dermatitis at Home?

If you don’t want to use an over-the-counter shampoo, there are home remedies for seborrheic dermatitis to consider. If you have dyed hair, using a home remedy can sometimes be a safer method of treating the condition. Most home remedies contain natural, chemical-free ingredients.

Many times, home solutions will use ingredients you may already have in your home. The fewer chemicals involved in treating this condition, the less likely it is for the color to be stripped from your hair. Sometimes, even lifestyle changes can help to make a big difference.

While the shampoos listed in this guide are safe for color-treated hair, there are some home remedies you can use right away. Let’s take a look at a few of the popular solutions for treating seborrheic dermatitis that won’t damage color-treated hair.

1) Use Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has natural antiviral and antifungal properties. It has been shown to reduce irritation on the skin caused either by too much dryness or too much oil. So, no matter the condition you may have, this natural solution can help to get rid of itching and flaking.

Coconut oil is mild enough to apply directly to the skin. You can massage it directly into your scalp and let it sit for 20-30 minutes (or even overnight) before rinsing away. It will help to reduce the annoying symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis. It will also add healthy moisture to your scalp and hair.

2) Choose Better Beauty Products

The shampoos (above) are not only safe for color-treated hair, but they’re better for your skin and scalp anyway. Many times, the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis flare up because we’re using the wrong products.

Using hair care products that are filled with chemicals can damage your skin and cause a lot of irritation. Plus, the more chemicals in a shampoo or conditioner the quicker your hair color will probably start to fade. Obviously, it’s more important to treat your scalp condition than your hair color. But, if you can manage to save both by using a safe shampoo, why not take advantage of it?

3) Boost Your Immune System

There are many different triggers for a seborrheic dermatitis flare-up. One of them is a lower immune system function. When your system is compromised, it’s easier for the condition to sneak up and wreak havoc on your scalp.

It’s not always possible to have an extremely strong immune system. You can’t always avoid getting sick or feeling weaker. But, there are things you can do to give your immunity a boost. The more preventative measures you take, the less likely it is for your next flare-up to be so severe.

Boosting your immune system doesn’t take any huge changes. Small lifestyle changes can make a big difference.

Try the following tips:

  • Get enough sleep each night
  • Exercise regularly
  • Eat a healthy diet with inflammatory-reducing foods
  • Take vitamins and supplements if needed
  • Reduce stress levels as much as possible

colored hair and seborrheic dermatitis

4) Try Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is one of the most versatile and powerful solutions for treating seborrheic dermatitis naturally. It is a natural antiseptic, antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial agent. It also works as an anti-inflammatory.

Tea tree oil is a natural option that can help to heal your scalp quickly. It can also get rid of irritating symptoms like itching and flaking. It will help to treat seborrheic dermatitis without damaging your hair color in the slightest.

You can use tea tree oil in a lot of different ways. You can apply it directly to your scalp using a carrier oil (like olive oil). Simply massage the oils into your hair and scalp. There is no need to rinse it away.

Since we’re focusing on shampoos for seborrheic dermatitis, you can also add a few drops of all-natural tea tree oil to your current shampoo. If you’ve found a brand or product that works for you and won’t strip your hair color, adding tea tree oil to it will add in a healing component. It can turn almost any shampoo into a treatment solution.

You may think that adding oil to your scalp when it’s already producing too much oil would be harmful. But, your scalp still needs moisture. The overproduction of sebum is a problem for those with seborrheic dermatitis. Adding tea tree oil as a solution can actually help to keep that production under control.

Will Treating Seborrheic Dermatitis Damage My Hair Color?

You don’t need to use a shampoo or hair product that is full of chemicals to treat seborrheic dermatitis. In fact, you’ll probably find that more natural solutions will work better and be gentler on your scalp. If you have color-treated hair, that’s good news. The fewer chemicals in a hair product, the less likely it is to strip your hair of its color.

You can even use natural solutions found in your own home to treat seborrheic dermatitis safely. But, if nothing seems to be working, you don’t have to hesitate to buy an over-the-counter shampoo. Just keep in mind that they aren’t all created equally. Choosing the right product is important.

We hope this guide has given you a few ideas on which shampoos you can use to safely treat seborrheic dermatitis. Even if you have color-treated hair, you can find an effective solution for this irritating scalp condition. Just because you want your hair to keep its color doesn’t mean you have to live with symptoms like itching, flaking, and redness.

And remember that the ammonia in colorings can damage your hair and scalp.

Copyright 2018 by DryScalpGone.