Redken Scalp Relief Dandruff Control Shampoo is a salon-brand anti-dandruff shampoo that uses 1% pyrithione zinc to control flaking and itch. It comes in a black tube with a flip-top cap and sells in 8.5 fl oz (250 ml) and 10.1 fl oz (300 ml) sizes.
Shoppers rate it highly across retailers. SalonCentric shows a 4.6 average across 193 ratings. LovelySkin lists 15 of 16 reviews at five stars. Common praise covers fast flake control and a cool peppermint feel. Common complaints cover dryness and flat, weighed-down fine hair.
Shampoo only treats the scalp surface. Our team at Optimal Weight Plan looks at the habits behind a flaky, irritated scalp too. Keep reading for the ingredient breakdown, real user feedback, side effect notes, and a clear verdict on whether this tube earns a spot in your shower.
What Is Redken Scalp Relief Dandruff Control Shampoo?
Redken Scalp Relief Dandruff Control Shampoo is a medicated dandruff shampoo built around 1% pyrithione zinc. Redken markets it for relief from dandruff symptoms, with a pH-balanced formula that cleanses the scalp and leaves hair with a soft finish.
The product targets people with visible white flakes and an itchy scalp. It sits in the professional salon category rather than the drugstore aisle, so availability differs from mass-market brands. That matters. Some shoppers say it is hard to find and stock up when it goes on sale.
Who Is Redken Scalp Relief Made For?
Mild to moderate dandruff sufferers are the core audience. Reviewers also mention teenagers with flaking, men with persistent itch, and people with dry, flaky scalps who want a shampoo that still leaves hair soft.
How Does Redken Scalp Relief Shampoo Work?
Pyrithione zinc reduces the yeast-like fungus that feeds on scalp oils and triggers flaking. Dandruff shampoos in this class work only while they touch the scalp, so contact time and regular use decide the result.
Redken's directions are simple. Apply to wet or dry hair and massage into the scalp. Leave it on for 5 minutes. Rinse, lather again, and rinse out. The brand says you can use it daily.
Redken Usage Steps:
- Apply the shampoo to wet or dry hair and massage it into the scalp.
- Leave it on the scalp for 5 minutes.
- Rinse the hair thoroughly with water.
- Lather again and rinse once more.
How Fast Does It Work?
Speed varies. One reviewer saw flakes clear within three uses. Another parent said it took about two weeks before a teenager's heavy dandruff mostly disappeared. Expect results over several washes, not a single use.
What Ingredients Are in Redken Scalp Relief Shampoo?
The formula pairs zinc pyrithione with gentle-to-moderate surfactants and a cooling agent. The listed base includes water, sodium laureth sulfate, cocamidopropyl betaine, and glycerin, followed by zinc pyrithione as the active.
Menthoxypropanediol supplies the cooling tingle that reviewers describe as peppermint-like. Wheat amino acids and hydrolyzed soy protein add conditioning. Lavender oil and fragrance components round out the scent.
Notable Ingredients:
- Zinc pyrithione, the 1% anti-dandruff active
- Sodium laureth sulfate, the main cleanser
- Glycerin, a humectant for moisture
- Menthoxypropanediol, the cooling sensation
- Wheat amino acids and hydrolyzed soy protein, conditioning agents
- Parabens and phenoxyethanol, the preservatives
Are There Any Ingredient Red Flags?
Yes, for some shoppers. The formula lists several parabens, sulfate cleansers, and fragrance allergens such as linalool, limonene, and eugenol. People who avoid parabens or have fragrance sensitivity should read the label before buying.
What Are the Benefits of Redken Scalp Relief Shampoo?
The main benefit is visible flake control paired with a soft, clean hair feel. Many reviewers say it cleans the scalp without the harsh, stripped feeling they get from medicated drugstore options.
Main Benefits:
- Controls flaking and itch with 1% pyrithione zinc
- Leaves hair soft after rinsing
- Cooling peppermint-style tingle on the scalp
- Safe for daily use per the brand directions
- Does not strip hair color, according to long-term users
Does Redken Scalp Relief Actually Control Dandruff?
Yes, for most users. Fifteen of sixteen LovelySkin reviewers gave five stars, and SalonCentric shoppers average 4.6. One dissatisfied reviewer saw little difference. Results depend on your cause of flaking, so expect strong odds, not a guarantee.
Does It Calm an Itchy Scalp?
Yes. A long-term user says her son's scalp itches if he skips it. The menthol-type cooling ingredient gives instant relief while the active works on the cause. Severe itch with redness needs a doctor, not only a shampoo.
What Do Redken Scalp Relief Shampoo Reviews Say?
Reviews lean strongly positive, with loyal long-term buyers and a few complaints about dryness and volume. Praise centers on flake control, scent, and color safety. Complaints center on fine hair going flat.
Positive Experiences
One reviewer cleared dandruff in three uses and loved the peppermint scent. A parent said a teenage son with seborrhea saw a big difference, with fewer flakes on his shirt. Another buyer called it the only shampoo that helped a flaky scalp condition.
Others use it for years and say it does not harm hair color. One shopper stocks up on sale because her husband refuses any other brand. Loyalty is the loudest signal in the review pool.
Common Complaints
The bad news? Fine hair can go limp. One LovelySkin reviewer says it weighs hair down and cuts volume. A TikTok reviewer found it removed dandruff but left hair very dry. A 2024 reviewer saw no real change versus other shampoos.
Redken Scalp Relief vs Head & Shoulders, Nizoral, and Selsun Blue: Which Is Better?
Redken Scalp Relief competes on feel and salon-grade finish, while rivals compete on price and active strength. Each shampoo relies on a different active, so the right pick depends on what your scalp responds to.
Dandruff Shampoo Comparison:
| Shampoo | Main Active | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Redken Scalp Relief | Pyrithione zinc 1% | Soft finish, daily use |
| Head & Shoulders | Pyrithione zinc | Budget, wide availability |
| Nizoral | Ketoconazole | Stubborn, recurring flakes |
| Selsun Blue | Selenium sulfide | Heavier flaking and oily scalp |
Which Dandruff Shampoo Should You Pick?
Choose Redken if you want zinc pyrithione with a nicer cosmetic feel. If zinc pyrithione stops working, rotating to a different active such as ketoconazole or selenium sulfide is a common next step. Ask a dermatologist if flaking persists.
What Are the Side Effects of Redken Scalp Relief Shampoo?
Side effects are usually mild and tied to dryness, fragrance sensitivity, or scalp irritation. Reviewers report dry hair most often. Some fine-haired users report reduced volume. Few report burning or rash.
Possible Side Effects:
- Dry or brittle hair lengths
- Flat, weighed-down fine hair
- Scalp irritation from fragrance allergens
- Temporary tingling from the cooling agent
Who Should Avoid Redken Scalp Relief Shampoo?
Anyone allergic to zinc pyrithione, fragrance, or parabens should skip it. Keep it out of the eyes. Stop use and see a doctor if irritation, redness, or sores appear. Persistent flaking may signal seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis that needs medical care.
Is Redken Scalp Relief Shampoo Worth the Price?
Yes, for buyers who value a salon-brand feel. It costs more than drugstore dandruff shampoos, so the value comes from how your hair and scalp respond. Loyal users who repurchase for years suggest the premium holds up for them.
How Much Does It Cost?
Prices vary by retailer and size. Check current listings at Ulta, SalonCentric, and Redken.com for the 8.5 fl oz tube and the 10.1 fl oz size, since promotions and stock change often. Larger tubes usually lower the cost per ounce.
Where Can You Buy Redken Scalp Relief Shampoo?
Redken Scalp Relief sells through Redken.com, Ulta Beauty, SalonCentric, and beauty retailers such as LovelySkin. Salon stylists often stock Redken too. Buy from authorized sellers to avoid counterfeits and expired stock from marketplace resellers.
Why Should You Try Optimal Weight Plan?
A shampoo clears flakes on the surface. It does not fix stress, diet, or sleep habits that make a scalp flare up. So what does that mean for you? Our team at Optimal Weight Plan builds whole-body routines that support skin and scalp health from the inside out.
How Does Optimal Weight Plan Help?
Our coaches combine nutrition guidance, movement, and habit tracking into one plan. Better routines support healthier skin, steadier energy, and less inflammation. Book a free call with our coaches and start building a plan that works for you.
