Dandruff Treatment in Ayurveda

Introduction

Healthy, well-nourished hair enhances beauty and confidence, making us feel best. On the other hand, dull, damaged, or unhealthy hair can be frustrating and impact self-esteem. 

Are you suffering from itching and flaking on your scalp? Do you notice white or yellowish flakes on your shoulders and hair? Does your scalp feel dry and irritated, or excessively oily? 

Among the many hair concerns, dandruff stands out as a persistent and bothersome issue. It causes itching, flaking, and discomfort. Dandruff not only affects scalp health but also creates social embarrassment, making people self-conscious. 

The common scalp disorder is characterized by excessive shedding of dead skin cells, often accompanied by irritation and itching. It is primarily linked to fungal overgrowth of Malassezia, scalp sensitivity, and excessive oil production, which trigger flaking and inflammation on the scalp.

Poor scalp hygiene, harsh hair products, and stress can worsen the condition of the dandruff. In Ayurvedic classical texts, dandruff is described as Darunak, which is mainly caused by an imbalance of Vata and Kapha Doshas in the body. Dryness (Rukshta), itching (Kandu), and flaking are attributed to Vata, while excessive oiliness (Snigdhta) and stickiness (Picchilita) result from Kapha dominance.

Ayurveda focuses on holistic healing with herbal remedies, scalp nourishment, and lifestyle, dietary corrections for long-term relief like use of various herbs like Neem, Bhringraj, etc which are infused with oil, detoxification therapy like Virechana (Purgative therapy) and Nasya (Nasal oil instillation therapy), etc.

Have you tried multiple shampoos but still struggle with dandruff? Are you looking for a natural and long-lasting solution to dandruff?

Here, We provide insights into dandruff from both modern and Ayurvedic perspectives. If you’re looking for a holistic and natural approach to treating dandruff, Dr, Sahil Gupta and the entire IAFA team will guide you completely with Ayurvedic treatments, and personalized dietary and lifestyle modifications to help you achieve a dandruff-free scalp permanently.

What is Dandruff?

The excessive shedding of dead skin cells, often leading to white flakes or yellowish flakes on the scalp, hair, and shoulders, is known as Dandruff. Dandruff is mainly caused by overgrowth of Malassezia fungus, excessive oil secretion, and scalp sensitivity.

Dandruff is usually accompanied by itching, irritation, and dryness in the scalp but can also be associated with excessive oil production in a few cases. Dandruff is not a contagious disease, but it can be persistent and socially embarrassing. Factors like poor diet, improper hair care, stress, etc. can worsen the condition.

Dandruff – As Per Ayurveda

In Ayurvedic classical texts, dandruff is referred to as Darunaka, a condition caused by an imbalance of Vata and Kapha Doshas. Some Acharya are considered minor skin diseases (Kshudra Roga) and some are considered under Kapala Gata Vyadhi.

When Vata Dosha is dominant then it contributes to dryness (Rukshta), roughness (Kharta), and flakiness of the scalp and leads to dry dandruff whereas Kapha Dosha contributes to excessive oiliness (Snigdhta), stickiness (Picchilta), and scalp irritation leads to wet dandruff. Pitta Dosha also contributes to the genesis of dandruff (Darunaka). This imbalance leads to itching, scalp scaling, and dryness. 

Who Gets Affected by Dandruff?

Dandruff (Draunaka) can affect anyone, but certain individuals are more prone to have these diseases. Due to hormonal changes that influence oil production, teenagers and young adults are more prone to dandruff.

As excessive oil in the scalp creates an ideal environment for fungal growth, individuals with oily scalp are more likely to have dandruff. Along with this individuals with dry skin, and those with weakened immunity due to conditions like HIV, chronic illness, etc. are more affected by dandruff.

Irregular hair washing, i.e. poor scalp hygiene can lead to dirt accumulation and microbial growth in the scalp and may make individuals more prone to dandruff. Individuals with a history of eczema, or psoriasis are more affected by dandruff diseases.

How Common is Dandruff?

An extremely common scalp condition affecting people worldwide is dandruff and recent studies suggest that approximately 50% of the worldwide population experiences dandruff at some point in their lives.

A recent survey revealed that approximately 50 million people in the US suffer from Dandruff and approximately spend 300 million dollars on OTC treatment of dandruff. As per a survey, 70% of Indians suffer from dandruff.

It is more prevalent in individuals living in excessively dry climates or humid regions or due to hormonal fluctuation more prevalent in teenagers and young adults. 

Types of Dandruff

Dandruff can be classified into different types based on scalp conditions, causes, and severity. Understanding specific types of dandruff is very important to choosing the right treatment for dandruff. The types of dandruff are as follows:-

1) Dry Scalp Dandruff

Dry scalp dandruff is the Vata Dominant Dandruff which is characterized by white, small, and powdery flakes that fall easily. Due to lack of moisture, use of harsh shampoo, excessive washing, nutritional deficiencies, and overuse of styling tools like dryers, this type of dandruff makes the individual scalp feel very dry, and rough and they also feel itching and irritation very commonly.

The dry scalp worsens with dry or cold weather. Staying hydrated, using nourishing Ayurvedic oils infused with Bhringraj, etc. consuming healthy fats, and practicing Abhyanga (massage) helps to balance Vata Dosha and ultimately in the treatment of dry scalp dandruff.

2) Oily Scalp Dandruff 

Oily scalp dandruff is Kapha Dominant Dandruff which is characterized by greasy, yellowish flakes that stick to the scalp and hair. This type of dandruff occurs due to the accumulation of dead skin cells in the scalp due to excessive sebum or oil production, infrequent washing of hairs, consumption of Kapha aggravating food, hormonal imbalance, etc. due to which the scalp appears excessively oily and may have a foul odor with mild to severe itching (Kandu).

This type of dandruff may result in acne or forehead breakouts. Using kapha pacifying hair packs, regular scalp exfoliation, avoiding oily (Snigdha) food, etc. helps in the treatment of oily scalp dandruff.

3) Malassezia-Induced Dandruff (Fungal Dandruff)

This type of dandruff is characterized by white or yellow flakes with severe itching and irritation. Poor immune system function, high stress, overgrowth of Malassezia fungus, and use of harsh chemical-based shampoos result in this dandruff which may spread behind ears, eyebrows, or neck and may result in redness and inflammation on the scalp. Regular scalp cleansing, use of anti-fungal herbs, practicing Yoga, meditation, and use of rejuvenators to strengthen the immune system will help in treatment of this dandruff.

4) Severe Dandruff with Inflammation (Seborrheic Dermatitis) 

This type of dandruff is characterized by thick, greasy, yellowish flakes with redness and inflammation which not only affects scalp but nose, eyebrows, back, chest, etc. with intense itching and in severe cases may lead to hair loss.

This seborrheic dandruff occurs genetically or due to excess oil production or stress or may occur due to harsh weather conditions and immune system dysfunction. Detoxification therapy, anti-fungal hair oils, and cold potency Ayurvedic herbs are very beneficial in this dandruff.

5) Psoriasis-Related Dandruff (Scalp Psoriasis)

The dandruff is associated with psoriasis in which silvery-white scales appear which are thick and dry. This dandruff is associated with a burning sensation, and severe itching and may extend beyond the scalp in the back of the neck, or ears. Stress, anxiety, and genetic factors play an important role in this dandruff, and detoxification therapies, Ayurvedic oils, Pitta- pacifying diet, Yoga, and meditation help in this dandruff.