Dandruff is white or yellowish flakes from the scalp, often with itching. It is extremely common, not contagious, and not caused by poor hygiene. It tends to come and go and is controlled — rather than cured — with the right shampoo used the right way. Ayurveda describes it as Darunaka, one of the minor diseases of the scalp.
A yeast called Malassezia lives on everyone's scalp and feeds on skin oils. In some people, the scalp reacts to it with mild inflammation and faster shedding of skin cells, producing flakes. When there is also redness and greasy scaling — on the scalp, eyebrows, sides of the nose or behind the ears — it is called seborrhoeic dermatitis. Dandruff often worsens in winter, with stress, and in humid weather, and usually starts after puberty.
| Condition | Clues |
|---|---|
| Scalp psoriasis | Thick, silvery, well-defined plaques extending beyond the hairline; psoriasis elsewhere (elbows, knees, nails) |
| Scalp ringworm (tinea capitis) | Mainly in children: scaly patches with broken hairs or bald spots, sometimes swollen glands — needs antifungal tablets, not shampoo alone. See tinea |
| Hair-dye allergy | Itching, redness, oozing or swelling after dyeing — often from PPD in black hair dyes, including some “herbal” henna mixes |
| Head lice | Itching, visible lice or eggs (nits) stuck firmly to hairs; common in school children |
| Dry scalp | Small, fine, dry flakes without greasiness or redness; worse in winter |
Oiling is a cherished tradition, and a gentle oil massage relaxes the scalp and reduces dryness. But the dandruff yeast feeds on oils, and heavy oil left on the scalp overnight or for days can make flaking and itching worse in some people with dandruff. If you oil, use a small amount, and wash it out within a few hours with your shampoo. People with seborrhoeic dermatitis often do better with less oil on the scalp.
Darunaka is listed among the minor diseases (Kshudra roga) of the head, described as a hard, rough, itchy scalp with flaking skin, due to Kapha and Vata. Treatment includes cleansing the scalp with herbal washes, medicated oils in measured amounts, and herbal pastes, along with attention to diet and digestion.
A cooled decoction of neem leaves or Triphala as a final rinse after shampooing.
Soaked, ground fenugreek seeds with curd, applied for 20 minutes and washed off — a popular traditional pack.
Use sparingly and wash out within a few hours if you have dandruff.
Patch-test any new paste or oil on the inner arm for 24 hours. Avoid lemon juice, camphor and raw onion juice on an inflamed scalp, and “herbal” black hair colours that may contain PPD. Evidence for herbal dandruff remedies is limited compared with medicated shampoos.
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Reviewed against NHS: Dandruff, NHS: Ringworm, NCCIH: Ayurvedic Medicine, and Ministry of Ayush pharmacovigilance. These links support education and do not replace individual medical advice.