Do you suspect a Fungal infection on your scalp? If you suffer from itchiness, flakes or bald patches, it may be wise to switch to some of these best antifungal shampoos to treat the problem. These medicated products contain active fungus-fighting ingredients, which reduce the severity of your symptoms.
Fungal infections are very common and affect people of all ages. They are caused by many types of fungi like the scalp ringworm, which can give you severe itching and superficial scaling. These infections can lead to hair loss and baldness when left untreated.
To do your job of finding the right shampoo for fungal infections, we have listed out all the popular products in the market. Explore them in detail and decide on one to take immediate action.
6 Best Anti-Fungal Shampoos For Men and Women:
These scalp fungus shampoos might be a bit pricey, but are nevertheless worth your money and ensure you get the best positive results. Check them out.
1. The Body Shop Ginger Anti-Dandruff Shampoo:
The Body Shop Ginger Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is a natural antifungal shampoo. It is enriched with powerful ingredients like Srilankan Ginger, Ethiopian Honey, Birch Bark extracts etc. to give you instant relief from the symptoms of infections. Along with these, the shampoo also contains Piroctone Olamine as the key fungus-fighting agent which inhibits fungal growth and treats your problem gently without harming the hair.
Key Ingredients: Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Piroctone Olamine, Limonene, Betula Alba Bark Extract, Sodium Acetate, Zingiber Officinale Root Oil, Citronellol, Citral, Citric Acid, Isopropyl Alcohol, Sodium Hydroxide, Benzyl Alcohol, Eucalyptol.
Pros:
- Contains Ethically sourced ingredients.
- Naturally derived SLS.
- Treats mild fungal infections.
- Works on visible flakes.
- Controls excess scalp sebum.
Cons:
- Makes hair very dry.
- Causes extreme frizz.
- Expensive.
Average User Ratings: 4.2/5
2. Neev Olive Neem Shampoo:
The Neev Olive Neem Shampoo is a gentle anti-fungal shampoo for adults. It leverages the power of nature to treat fungal infections without worrying about side effects. The main ingredient is Olive oil, a mild cleanser that also works in flakes. Neem oil is a potent fungus-fighting agent, while almond oil makes your mane glossy and strong.
Key Ingredients: Olive Oil, Neem Oil, Almond Oil, Lavender and Rosemary Extracts.
Pros:
- Paraben and Sulphate Free.
- Has a pH similar to that of water.
- Gentle formula.
- It can be used on kids and children (with a doctor’s advice).
Cons:
- Not easily available at all stores.
Average User Ratings: 5/5
3. Selsun Suspension Anti Dandruff Shampoo:
It is a topical medicated anti-dandruff shampoo with selenium sulphide (2.5%), which helps treat and control dandruff through its unique dual-action benefit. It targets the root cause of dandruff i.e. the fungi that cause dandruff as well as clears the build-up of dead skin cells, relieving from flaking and itching caused by dandruff.
See More: Latest Anti-Dandruff Shampoos
4. Neem Aloevera Shampoo:
This shampoo gives Hydration and Conditioning to your hair. Sparsham Neem & Aloe vera is a natural antifungal and antibacterial agent. It also nourishes hair and reduces impurities. It helps to fight against heavy dandruff and flaky scalp disease, cleanses dead cells to reduce dandruff and repairs damaged hairs. This shampoo contains a Trusted Natural Source of Vitamins A, C, and E. All three vitamins contribute to cell turnover, promoting healthy cell growth and shiny hair. Vitamin B-12 and folic acid are also contained in this shampoo gel.
5. Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Original Formula Shampoo:
The Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic formula is one of the best medicated antifungal shampoos that starts showing its effect right from the first use. It contains 2% Coal tar that works on many scalp disorders like Dandruff, Psoriasis and Seborrheic Dermatitis. This dermatologist-recommended original formulation is proven to control scalp itching and flaking effectively. The effect lasts even after the product is rinsed off.
Key Ingredients: 2% Neutar (Coal Tar 0.5%)
Pros:
- Relieves symptoms of itching and flaking.
- Medicated Formula.
- It Shows results right from the first use.
- Alcohol-Free Product.
Cons:
- It can dry out hair.
- Makes your mane frizzy.
- Not suitable for everyday use (although the product claims to be one).
Average User Ratings: 4.4/5.
6. Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength Dandruff Shampoo:
Head & shoulders is a popular drugstore antifungal shampoo in India that contains 1% selenium sulfide to offer instant relief from stubborn fungal infections like dandruff and Seborrhea Dermatitis. This is a maximum-strength formula that you can buy without the need for a doctor’s prescription. This tough-on-fungus formula is gentle on your hair and gently cleans the scalp.
Key Ingredients: Selenium Sulfide 1%
Pros:
- High potency formula.
- Provides relief from severe dandruff.
- Gives visible results instantly.
- Cleans your scalp well.
Cons:
- A strong product that can weaken the roots with regular use.
- Expensive in India.
- Availability issues in the Indian market.
Average User Ratings: 4.5/5.
See More: Best Anti-Dandruff Hair Oils
How to Use Anti-Fungal Shampoos:
Most antifungal shampoos have the same usage instructions as normal shampoos. However, you should go through the ‘steps to use’ on the label, especially for medicated products. Here is the recommended process for using shampoos for treating fungal infections:
- Wet your hair with water and apply a small amount of shampoo.
- Massage well to create some lather.
- Use your fingers to clean the scalp completely.
- Leave the product on your scalp for about 5 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with water and repeat if necessary.
Side Effects of Using Anti-Fungal Shampoo:
Antifungal shampoos contain many harsh ingredients that can damage your hair in the long run. Here are some of the common side effects you may experience with these products:
- These shampoos might make your hair extremely dry and frizzy.
- Itching, stinging, and eczema can develop on the scalp.
- It can lead to discolouration of hair.
- Allergic reactions like severe rash and burning sensation can be experienced. Discontinue the use of it instantly in such cases.
Those are some of the best antifungal shampoos in India, designed to free your scalp of infection-causing fungus. These products come in many price ranges to suit your budget. You can check out offers on online stores or try to get them from other countries at cheaper prices. Do let us know your experiences with any of these products.
Frequently Asked Questions & Answers:
Q1. What Causes Fungal Scalp Infections?
Ans: Fungus is a microscopic organism that infects human skin, scalp or nails. Among the many fungi which cause infections on the scalp, Tinea Capitis or Ringworm is the most common problem. Scalp ringworm lives on the human scalp and spreads from person to person via touching, sharing towels, etc. Fungi and their spores will remain alive on combs, brushes, unwashed towels, furniture and sheets for longer periods. This increases the risk of fungal scalp infections.
Q2. What Are The Symptoms of Fungal Infections on Scalp?
Ans: Although Fungal infections are a common problem, the symptoms may vary from person to person. Depending on the root cause, one may experience the following problems associated with fungal attacks on the scalp:
- Excessive itching.
- Round, bald patches.
- Brittleness of hair.
- White flakes.
- Redness and inflammation on scalp skin.
- Sensitivity and irritation on the scalp.
Q3. What Are Key Anti-fungal Ingredients to Look Out for in Shampoos?
Ans: When shopping for an antifungal shampoo or hair cleanser, you must look for any of these active ingredients on the label (unless it is a pure herbal or ayurvedic product):
- Ketoconazole.
- Clotrimazole.
- Econazole.
- Oxiconazole.
- Miconazole.
- Naftifine.
- Terbinafine.