Remedies for Dandruff: 10 Ayurvedic Solutions

Dandruff is common, but persistent flakes and itching can be frustrating. Below are 10 practical remedies for Dandruff rooted in Ayurveda — gentle, evidence-informed, and easy to add to your routine. Use them consistently, patch-test new topicals, and combine topical care with digestive and lifestyle support for best results.

Why Ayurveda helps with dandruff

In Ayurveda, dandruff usually reflects an imbalance of Kapha (oiliness, congestion) and Pitta (inflammation). Treatments therefore focus on calming heat, reducing excess oil, improving digestion (Agni), and clearing Ama (toxins). These remedies treat the scalp surface and the internal root causes together.

List of Remedies for Dandruff

1. Neem hair wash (antimicrobial cleanse)

Neem clears microbes and soothes the scalp. Boil fresh neem leaves or use neem powder, strain the water and rinse hair after shampooing. Repeat 1–2 times weekly for oily, flaky scalps.

2. Bhringraj oil massage (Abhyanga)

Warm bhringraj or sesame oil lightly and massage the scalp for 5–7 minutes. Leave 30–60 minutes and then wash gently. This improves circulation and nourishes follicles — a classic Ayurvedic remedy for dandruff.

3. Multani mitti (Fuller’s earth) pack

Multani mitti absorbs excess sebum and draws out impurities. Mix with rose water to make a paste, apply to the scalp for 10–12 minutes, then rinse. Use once a week for oily, congested scalps.

4. Fenugreek (methi) soak and mask

Soak fenugreek seeds overnight, grind to a paste and apply to the scalp for 20–30 minutes. Fenugreek reduces itching, calms inflammation, and balances oil production. Use weekly.

5. Triphala rinse (gentle toner)

Brew a mild Triphala decoction, cool it, and use as a final rinse after shampoo. Triphala supports skin renewal and, when taken internally under guidance, improves digestion — an important internal remedy for dandruff.

6. Amla + Shikakai cleansing combo

Amla (Indian gooseberry) and shikakai make a gentle, pH-balanced wash. It provides antioxidants and shikakai cleanses without stripping natural oils. Use this as a weekly or biweekly hair wash.

7. Apple cider vinegar (mild acidity) — brief use

A diluted ACV rinse (1 part ACV to 3–4 parts water) can restore scalp pH and reduce flakiness. Apply briefly and rinse off. Avoid if you have very sensitive or broken skin and always patch-test.

8. Yogurt & turmeric soothing mask

Plain yogurt soothes and provides probiotics for the scalp; a pinch of turmeric calms inflammation. Apply for 10–15 minutes, then rinse. Use for irritated, inflamed dandruff — avoid if dairy worsens your skin.

9. Dietary & digestive supports

Eat warm, light foods and reduce heavy, fried, sugary items that aggravate Kapha/Pitta. Sip ginger or fennel tea after meals to boost Agni. Consider short supervised use of Triphala or digestive herbs to clear internal Ama.

10. Lifestyle: sleep, stress control & scalp hygiene

Manage stress with pranayama and short meditation sessions. Sleep regularly and avoid heavy hair products. Keep hair and scalp clean but avoid over-washing — both extremes can worsen flakes.

Safety tips and reminders

Patch-test any new topical for 24 hours.
Avoid forceful scratching or picking.
Don’t mix many strong actives at once (e.g., ACV + strong acids).
If flakes are oozing, inflamed, or causing hair loss, seek professional care.

When to consult an Ayurvedic expert

If your dandruff persists despite these remedies for dandruff, becomes painful, or is accompanied by hair thinning, get a tailored plan. Vedic Upchar’s Ayurvedic doctors assess your Prakriti (constitution) and Vikriti (imbalance) to recommend medicated oils, internal herbs, dietary adjustments, and therapies like medicated steaming or mild detox.

👉 Book a personalized Ayurvedic consultation at Vedic Upchar: https://vedicupchar.com/doctor-consultation/