Dandruff
Overview
Dandruff is a common scalp condition characterised by the shedding of dead skin cells, often accompanied by itching, visible white or yellowish flakes in hair and on shoulders, and occasional scalp irritation affecting confidence and comfort. This prevalent dermatological concern impacts roughly half of the adult population at some point in life,[11] with causes including overgrowth of scalp yeast, seborrheic dermatitis, dry skin, sensitivity to hair products, and various underlying health factors[11]. While not medically serious, dandruff can be socially distressing and persistent. Conventional dermatology offers medicated shampoos containing active ingredients like zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, or selenium sulfide to control symptoms[1]. Many individuals benefit from complementary approaches addressing scalp health from multiple angles, including scalp microbiome balance, inflammation reduction, and natural antimicrobial treatments. Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Health (TCIH) modalities provide valuable strategies for managing dandruff through herbal remedies, nutritional support, stress management, and gentle scalp care practices that promote long-term scalp health without harsh chemicals.
Common Causes and Contributing Factors
- Malassezia yeast overgrowth - Naturally occurring scalp fungus proliferates excessively in some individuals, triggering inflammation and accelerated skin cell turnover
- Seborrheic dermatitis - Inflammatory skin condition causing redness, greasy scales, and dandruff, particularly where oil glands are abundant
- Insufficient shampooing - Inadequate cleansing allows oil and skin cell accumulation on the scalp, contributing to flaking and itching
- Dry skin - Environmental factors like cold weather, indoor heating, and low humidity cause scalp dryness, leading to smaller, less oily flakes
- Contact dermatitis - Sensitivity or allergic reaction to ingredients in hair care products, dyes, or styling products irritates the scalp, causing flaking
- Medical conditions - Psoriasis, eczema, Parkinson's disease, and compromised immune function increase dandruff susceptibility
- Hormonal fluctuations - Changes during puberty, pregnancy, or due to hormonal imbalances affect oil production, influencing dandruff development
- Stress - Psychological stress weakens immune function and may trigger or worsen dandruff and other inflammatory skin conditions
- Dietary factors - Deficiencies in B vitamins, zinc, or essential fatty acids may contribute to scalp health problems and dandruff
- Excessive product use - Heavy styling products, dry shampoo overuse, or buildup from infrequent clarifying creates residue, fostering dandruff
Signs and Symptoms
- Visible white or yellow flakes - Skin cells shed from scalp appearing in hair, on shoulders, and clothing, especially noticeable on dark fabrics
- Scalp itching - Mild to moderate itching that may worsen when skin is dry or stressed, with scratching potentially increasing flaking
- Dry scalp sensation - Feeling of tightness or dryness on the scalp, though some dandruff types involve oily rather than dry skin
- Scalp redness - Mild inflammation or pink patches on the scalp, more prominent in seborrheic dermatitis-related dandruff
- Greasy scales - Yellowish, oily-appearing flakes that stick to hair and scalp rather than falling freely, characteristic of seborrheic dermatitis
- Eyebrow or facial flaking - Extension of dandruff to eyebrows, sides of nose, behind ears, or chest in seborrheic dermatitis cases[10]
- Seasonal variation - Symptoms often worsen during winter months due to dry indoor air and cold weather, affecting scalp moisture
- Scalp tightness - Sensation of tension or discomfort across the scalp, particularly after washing or in dry conditions
- Hair appearance changes - Dull-looking hair or appearance of product buildup even when recently washed, due to flake accumulation
- Self-consciousness - Psychological impact, including embarrassment, reduced confidence in social situations, and clothing choices to hide flakes
Holistic and TCIH Approaches
Holistic and Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Healthcare (TCIH) care supports scalp health, skin barrier function, and the overall well-being of individuals experiencing dandruff, alongside appropriate dermatological care when needed.
- Naturopathy addresses dandruff through a comprehensive assessment of potential underlying causes, including food sensitivities, nutritional deficiencies, and hormonal imbalances, recommending targeted supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins, natural antimicrobial treatments, and gentle scalp care protocols that restore health without disrupting the scalp's natural protective barrier.
- Herbal Medicine provides effective botanical solutions, including tea tree oil for its antifungal and antibacterial properties, neem oil for scalp inflammation, rosemary for stimulating circulation and reducing flakes,⁴ and aloe vera for soothing an irritated scalp, often formulated into natural shampoos, rinses, or direct scalp treatments [4,9].
- Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine view dandruff as related to internal heat, dampness, or blood deficiency, utilising acupuncture to regulate qi flow to the scalp, improve circulation, and support liver and kidney function, combined with herbal formulas that clear heat and nourish blood for scalp health[5].
- Ayurveda treats dandruff based on dosha imbalances, using neem and coconut oil for pitta-type dandruff with inflammation, warm sesame oil massage for vata-type dry dandruff, and triphala and herbs that reduce kapha for oily dandruff, emphasising scalp massage and detoxification practices[⁶]
- Nutritional Therapy emphasises anti-inflammatory dietary patterns rich in omega-3 fatty acids from fish and flaxseed, adequate zinc from pumpkin seeds and lean meats, B vitamins supporting skin health, probiotic foods to support overall microbiome health, potentially influencing scalp flora, and reduced sugar intake that may fuel yeast growth [2,8].
- Aromatherapy utilises essential oils with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, including tea tree, lavender, peppermint, and cedarwood blended in carrier oils or added to natural shampoos, providing therapeutic benefits while creating enjoyable self-care scalp treatment rituals that support both physical and emotional wellbeing [10].
Self-Care and Lifestyle Practices
- Shampoo regularly - Wash hair frequently enough to control oil buildup without over-drying, adjusting frequency based on hair type and scalp condition
- Use gentle, natural products - Choose sulfate-free shampoos without harsh detergents, artificial fragrances, or irritating ingredients that may worsen scalp sensitivity
- Try diluted apple cider vinegar rinse - Apply diluted ACV once weekly to restore scalp pH balance and reduce yeast growth naturally
- Massage your scalp - Gently massage scalp during shampooing to loosen flakes, improve circulation, and distribute natural oils
- Manage stress levels - Practice stress-reduction techniques, as stress can trigger or worsen dandruff through immune and inflammatory pathways
- Get adequate sun exposure - Moderate sunlight may help reduce dandruff, though protect skin from excessive UV damage with appropriate precautions
- Avoid excessive styling products - Minimise hairsprays, gels, and other products that create buildup on the scalp, contributing to flaking
- Eat a balanced diet - Include foods rich in zinc, B vitamins, and healthy fats to support skin and scalp health from within
- Stay hydrated - Drink adequate water to maintain skin hydration, supporting healthy scalp moisture from the inside out
- Rinse thoroughly - Ensure complete removal of shampoo and conditioner, as residue can contribute to flaking and scalp irritation
When to Seek Professional Support
Conventional medical practitioners, including dermatologists, should be consulted when dandruff doesn't improve with over-the-counter treatments after several weeks, if severe itching or pain develops, if the scalp becomes inflamed or forms crusts, or if flaking extends significantly beyond the scalp to the face or body, suggesting more serious conditions like psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis requiring prescription treatments. Medical evaluation is important if hair loss accompanies dandruff, if signs of infection develop, including swelling or oozing, or if dandruff significantly impacts quality of life despite self-care efforts.
A verified SoulAdvisor practitioner can work collaboratively with dermatologists to provide natural antifungal protocols[4,9], identify dietary triggers or sensitivities contributing to inflammation, recommend stress-management techniques supporting skin health, create personalised herbal scalp treatment plans [4,5,6] and offer nutritional guidance addressing underlying deficiencies [2]. This integrative approach recognises that scalp health reflects overall wellness—influenced by nutrition, stress, immune function, and microbiome balance[7,8] —and empowers individuals to address dandruff through multi-faceted care combining conventional treatments when necessary with gentle, natural approaches supporting long-term scalp health, comfort, and confidence through sustainable, holistic practices
Therapies that may assist dandruff:
References
1. Limtanyakul, Piyakan, et al. Comparison of Green‐Synthesized Silver Nanoparticle Shampoo Created by Moringa and Bergamot Extraction Versus 2% Ketoconazole Shampoo for Scalp Seborrheic Dermatitis: A Prospective, Randomized, Double‐Blinded, Controlled Trial. Dermatologic Therapy; 2025.
2. Bhatia, Neal, et al. A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of a Nutraceutical Supplement With Standardized Botanicals in Males With Thinning Hair. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology; 2025.
3. Fithian, Eirene, et al. Natural Topical Treatment Contributes to a Reduction of Dry Scalp Symptoms in Children. Clinical Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology; 2023.
4. Hashem, Mona M., et al. Rosemary and Neem: An Insight Into Their Combined Anti-dandruff and Anti-hair Loss Efficacy. Scientific Reports; 2024.
5. Zhang, Fan, et al. Clinical Efficacy of a Combination Treatment of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Scalp Seborrheic Dermatitis. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology; 2023.
6. Panchaxarimath, None Manasa, and None Sanjay M. Kadlimatti. A Comparative Clinical Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of Malatyadi Taila Shiro Abhyanga Over Dhurdhuradi Taila Shiro Abhyanga in the Management of Darunaka (Dandruff). Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences; 2023.
7. Saxena, Rituja, et al. Longitudinal Study of the Scalp Microbiome Suggests Coconut Oil to Enrich Healthy Scalp Commensals. Scientific Reports; 2021.
8. Wang, Yue, et al. Effects of a Postbiotic Saccharomyces and Lactobacillus Ferment Complex on the Scalp Microbiome of Chinese Women With Sensitive Scalp Syndrome. Clinical Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology; 2023.
9. Patel, None Shweta, et al. Formulation and Evaluation of Polyherbal Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and Its Marketed Comparison. Journal for Research in Applied Sciences and Biotechnology; 2022.
10. Arora, Poonam, et al. Essential Oils as Potential Source of Anti-dandruff Agents: A Review. Combinatorial Chemistry & High Throughput Screening; 2021.
11. Dandruff. Wikipedia; [cited on 2025 Nov 14].