Excessive shedding of dead skin from the scalp is known as Dandruff. Usually, skin cells die and flake off in a month, so a small amount of flaking is considered normal. But only if it flakes off in a month, while in those suffering from Dandruff, this happens every 2-7 days. Apart from being a physical condition, dandruff is also associated with social and self-esteem issues in many individuals as it impacts appearance. Don’t worry! With proper care and Dandruff treatment, you can get permanent relief from the problem.
In minor cases, dandruff treatment at home can be effective; however, if there is an underlying cause behind it, then a root-cause treatment that is personalised for your body type and existing health conditions is the right way to go.
Flaking: The most telling sign when dandruff is present is the accumulation of white and yellow flakes on the scalp, in the hair and especially on the shoulders.
Itching: There may be some itching in the scalp, which may sometimes get worse in dry conditions.
Dry or Greasy Scalp: Depending upon the type, the scalp can be really flaky or really oily.
Redness: In certain areas, the scalp may become red or swollen.
Sensitivity: It may feel like that the affected areas are sensitive or tender.
There can be multiple varieties of dandruff, each with some unique characteristics like:
According to Ayurveda, dandruff is largely associated with Vata and Kapha dosha imbalance especially vitiated Kapha dosha. A bald patch with loose, flaky skin indicates excess Vata while greasy bald patches or sticky bald patches with yellow colored flakes suggest too much Kapha. Poor diet, improper hair care, and lack of hygiene can exacerbate these doshas, leading to dandruff and other hair issues.
Though dandruff itself is usually not harmful but if left untreated, can lead to complications:
In most cases dandruff is treatable with herbal or natural remedies for dandruff and proper maintenance of the hair. But you should consult an Ayurvedic practitioner if:
According to Ayurveda, dandruff, which stems from dosha imbalance is manageable in many ways. Here’s how:
The Ayurvedic herbs Amalaki, Bhringaraja, and Neem are frequently employed because of their antifungal and antibacterial properties. Neem oil in particular is used to treat fungi, while Amla nourishes the scalp and strengthens hair follicles.
Since Ayurveda focuses on regulating a balanced diet that is beneficial to the Vata and Kapha doshas. Including warm, moist foods, reducing the intake of processed and spicy foods, and drinking plenty of water can help. A regular hair care routine and practicing stress relieving exercises including yoga and meditation are strongly suggested as well.
With the use of warm herbal oils such as coconut or sesame which is mixed with medicinal herbs like aloe vera, the scalp is hydrated and prevented from excess dryness. A soothing massage of the scalp is beneficial in increasing blood circulation to that area thus facilitating hair growth as well as maintaining doshic balance.
Dandruff treatment in ayurveda involves basic detox procedures such as Shirodhara (which involves pouring warm oil on the forehead) and Nasya, (medicated oil is delivered through the nose) help in combating dandruff from the root cause.
The Ayurvedic shampoos containing herbal ingredients like Aloe Vera, Tea Tree oil, and Hibiscus are recommended for scalp health. A hair pack made of fenugreek seeds, yogurt and lemon juice is also beneficial.
Starting with Nadi Pariksha, Jiva's certified Ayurvedic doctors use this traditional pulse diagnosis to detect imbalances and assess organ health, which is crucial for diagnosing Dandruff accurately.
Understanding your unique physical and psychological pattern allows us to tailor a Dandruff treatment plan that not only addresses symptoms but aligns with your inherent constitution for lasting health.
Our practitioners investigate the progression of dandruff by examining dietary habits, lifestyle, and mental health factors. This thorough analysis helps identify specific triggers that need to be addressed for targeted, individualised treatment.
We then, create a detailed Dandruff treatment plan, which consists of diet modifications, lifestyle adjustments, herbal medications, and specific therapies that aim to restore dosha balance and enhance hair health.
Continuous tracking of treatment effectiveness allows us to make necessary adjustments, ensuring that you achieve the best results from your personalised and Ayurvedic Treatment for Dandruff with Jiva's ongoing support.
While it can be managed effectively with consistent care and lifestyle changes, factors like genetics and environmental triggers may cause it to reoccur.
Foods high in sugar, processed foods, and dairy can sometimes exacerbate dandruff. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals is advisable.
Yes, severe dandruff can weaken hair follicles, leading to hair fall over time.
No, dandruff is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person.
Stress can worsen dandruff by triggering or aggravating scalp conditions due to hormonal changes and weakened immunity.
Persistent dandruff can contribute to conditions like seborrheic dermatitis or even eczema on the scalp.
No, oiling with the right type of oils (like Neem or Coconut) can actually help in managing dandruff by keeping the scalp moisturized.
Washing hair 2-3 times a week with a mild herbal shampoo is recommended to keep the scalp clean and flake-free.
Maintaining a balanced diet, managing stress, keeping the scalp clean, and using gentle hair care products can significantly help in controlling dandruff.