How to reduce flaky dandruff of my scalp and increase hair volume? - #31458
Gender - Female, Age - 29, Weight - 70 kg, Height - 5 feet I have oily and sweaty scalp (my skin as well). I also have dandruff in the form of flakes (both large and small) and powder which decorate my clothes and pillows. The scalp also smells bad and often itchy. Sometimes when the itching continues, smelly fluid comes out from those areas. Sometimes, over itching results in redness and inflamed scalp especially towards front forehead. In addition to the above issue, the texture of my hair is not good. Hair has been thinning and volume reducing. Hair seems damaged and rough, not shiny or soft. Overall, the hair seems dry and damaged. I have digestion issues, I don't have a clear bowel. I am using Nathabit Hibiscus shampoo. Before a day of hair wash,I oil my hair with a concoction of coconut oil (with herbs in it), neem oil, rosemary, tea tree and lavender essential oil. Please help me to figure what else I should do for hair growth, hair and scalp health improvement?


Doctors’ responses
Hello Samanvita, You might be suffering from scalp psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis.Don’t worry, the following treatment plan will help you-
Treatment - 1. Panchtikta ghrit guggul 2-0-2 after meals. Crush these tablets into 2-3 parts for better absorption. 2. Psorogrit -2-0-2 after meals 3. Kayakalp oil - For local application over affected area of skin BUT DON’T USE THIS ON SCALP. 4. For dandruff - Tankan bhasma -5gms - Mix it with coconut oil and apply on hair ,leave for 2-3 hours and then wash off.
Diet- . Avoid fried food, spicy food,food that are soury. . Avoid curd, pickle, brinjal, banana.
Yoga- Sheetali, sheetkari, anulom vilom, bhastrika. Lifestyle modifications - Psoriasis not only affects the body, it also affect the confidence and self esteem.So these steps will help with this - . Stress management -Through meditation walking journaling gardening.
Follow this treatment plan and you will get results. Take care Regards, Dr. Anupriya
The symptoms you’re experiencing suggest an imbalance primarily in the Kapha and Pitta doshas, affecting both your scalp and overall gastrointestinal health. Addressing these imbalances through dietary, lifestyle, and simple Ayurvedic remedies could be beneficial.
First, pay attention to your diet. Avoid oily, spicy and very sour foods as they can aggravate Pitta and Kapha. Instead, emphasize fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Incorporate bitter and astringent tastes like bitter gourd, neem leaves, and green leafy vegetables. Hydrating herbs like coriander water can help cleanse and reduce Pitta. Steep coriander seeds in warm water overnight and consume in the morning.
For the scalp, your current oiling practice with neem, tea tree, and rosemary oils is strong, but might be too heavy or stimulating. Try using them in moderation or consider simplifying by using neem oil mixed with coconut oil. Once a week, apply this oil gently to your scalp before washing. Consider washing your scalp twice a week to not overstrip natural oils but keep it clean. Beware of hot water during rinsing as it may exacerbate your scalp issues.
Digestive health influences hair and skin conditions significantly. Daily warm water with a pinch of ginger or a cup of herbal tea (fennel, ginger) can improve digestion and encourage regular bowel movements. Trikatu churna – a mix of pippali, ginger, and black pepper – can enhance digestive fire if used moderately (under supervision if severe).
Avoid stress and excessive sweating by practicing calming activities such as yoga, focusing on poses that help regulate mood and stress like Shavasana or a simple daily meditation routine.
Hair damage might also attribute to external factors like hard water. Consider using filtered water if that’s the case. When hair washing, ensure products match your hair type, possibly consider natural aloe vera extract instead of synthetic conditioners post-shampooing.
These simple, natural interventions can gradually harmonize your balance over several weeks. If severe itching, inflammation, or discomfort persists, consult an Ayurveda specialist or dermatologist who may provide more specific treatment based on a detailed in-person assessment.
Your symptoms suggest an imbalance in both Pitta and Kapha doshas, often triggered by dietary, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Addressing your digestion and scalp issues can significantly improve your symptoms. Here’s a tailored approach for you:
For your oily, itchy, and flaky scalp, first, change hair oiling routine to ensure it isn’t exacerbating the oiliness. Limit oil application to once a week and focus on neem and tea tree oil as these are highly effective against scalp inflammation and dandruff. After oiling, gently massage for about 10 minutes to improve circulation but don’t leave it on for more than 30 minutes before washing off with a mild herbal shampoo, like the Nathabit Hibiscus if it suits you. Keep away from hot water, use lukewarm to avoid Pitta aggravation.
In terms of improving scalp health, consider using amla (Indian gooseberry) powder. Create a hair mask by mixing it with water to form a paste, and apply it to the scalp once a week. Its properties help cool the scalp and strengthen the roots, boosting hair volume.
Your digestive issues need addressing too, as they can impact scalp health. Incorporate triphala churna—half a teaspoon with warm water before bed acts as a natural digestive aid. Including digestive spices like cumin, coriander, and fennel in meals may also increase Agni (digestive fire) and can help cleanse the bowel.
Your lifestyle should support these efforts. Avoid heavy, oily, spicy, and junk foods; instead, focus on fresh, cooked, and easy-to-digest meals to balance aggravating Pitta and Kapha. Hydrate sufficiently with warm water throughout the day to flush toxins.
Lastly, consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner if symptoms like redness and fluid persist, as it could indicate infection needing professional care.

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